5240. nemibzah
Lexical Summary
nemibzah: Despised, contemptible

Original Word: נְמִבְזֶה
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: nmibzeh
Pronunciation: neh-meev-ZAH
Phonetic Spelling: (nem-ib-zeh')
Word Origin: [from H959 (בָּזָה - despised), despised]

1. vile

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
vile

From bazah, despised -- vile.

see HEBREW bazah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
another reading for bazah, q.v.

Brown-Driver-Briggs
נְמִבְזָה 1 Samuel 15:9 see בזה Niph`al

Topical Lexicon
Concept and Meaning

נְמִבְזֶה (Strong’s Hebrew 5240) conveys the idea of one held in contempt—someone considered vile, worthless, or insignificant. Though the exact form does not appear in the Old Testament text, it belongs to the בָּזָה (bāzāh) word-family, a cluster that regularly describes the human tendency to scorn God’s servants, God’s covenant, and ultimately God Himself (Genesis 25:34; 1 Samuel 2:30; Malachi 1:6).

Biblical Background

Scripture consistently testifies that what fallen humanity despises often receives special honor from God. Old Testament narratives record Yahweh exalting the slighted (David, the youngest son, 1 Samuel 16:11–13; the barren Hannah, 1 Samuel 1:5–20). Prophetic literature intensifies the theme: “He was despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). Even without this particular form, the semantic field of נְמִבְזֶה frames the Suffering Servant motif in Isaiah 42–53 and prepares readers for Messianic fulfillment.

Messianic Implications

1. Isaiah 49:7 portrays the Servant as “one abhorred by the nation,” yet promised worldwide homage.
2. Isaiah 53:3–5 links His being despised to redemptive suffering: “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.”
3. Psalm 118:22 anticipates the reversal: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Jesus explicitly applies this to Himself (Matthew 21:42).

Thus, נְמִבְזֶה resonates with the gospel paradox—rejection leading to exaltation.

Historical and Cultural Insights

In Ancient Near Eastern honor-shame culture, to label someone “despised” relegated him to the margins. God’s choice of the despised exposes human pride (Proverbs 3:34) and magnifies divine sovereignty. Early Christians, themselves maligned (Acts 24:5), identified with this pattern and found courage in the Servant’s example.

New Testament Affirmation

Mark 9:12 reminds the disciples: “Elijah does come first and restore all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?” Peter echoes Isaiah when describing Christ as “a stone of stumbling” yet “chosen and precious” (1 Peter 2:4–8). Paul underscores the divine logic: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise… the things despised” (1 Corinthians 1:27–28).

Theology and Ministry Application

• Salvation’s Pattern: God brings glory out of contempt, life out of death. Ministry that mirrors Christ will often meet disdain before fruitfulness (2 Corinthians 4:10–12).
• Pastoral Care: Believers who feel scorned can rest in the Servant’s empathy (Hebrews 4:15) and anticipate vindication (Revelation 3:9).
• Mission: Proclamation must resist the allure of worldly status, bearing reproach for the gospel’s sake (Hebrews 13:13).

Personal and Corporate Worship

Meditating on נְמִבְזֶה fosters humility and gratitude. It draws worshippers to the table of remembrance where the despised body of Christ becomes the bread of life (Luke 22:19). In song and prayer, the church confesses with Isaiah 53:3–4 that the One humanity rejected has borne its sorrows, and with Revelation 5:12 that the slain—but now exalted—Lamb is worthy of eternal praise.

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