Original Word: בּוּז
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: buwz
Pronunciation: booz
Phonetic Spelling: (booz)
KJV: contempt(-uously), despised, shamed
NASB: contempt, despised, laughingstock
Word Origin: [from H936 (בּוּז - despise)]

1. disrespect

contempt, despised, shamed

From buwz; disrespect -- contempt(-uously), despised, shamed.

see HEBREW buwz

Word Origin
from buz
Definition
contempt
NASB Translation
contempt (9), despised (1), laughingstock (1).

II. בּוּז noun masculine^{Proverbs 18:3} contempt — ׳בּ absolute Genesis 38:23 9t.; construct Job 31:34; — (Wisdom Literature & poetry, except Genesis 38:23 J).

1 contempt springing from pride and wickedness Job 31:34; Psalm 123:3; Psalm 123:4 ("" לַעַג); joined in one adverb. phrase with גאוה Psalm 31:19 ׳וָב ׳בְּג; springing from prosperity and ease Job 12:5; = object of contempt Genesis 38:23; Proverbs 12:8; "" חֶרְמָּה Psalm 119:22; Proverbs 18:3.

2 judicial, poured out (שׁפך) by God, in judgment Job 12:21 = Psalm 107:40.

Overview

The Hebrew noun בּוּז (Strong’s 937) conveys the idea of contempt, scorn, or derision—an attitude that belittles its object and sets the speaker above it. Scripture portrays such disdain both as a sin committed by people and as a judgment God hands down on human pride.

Distribution and Settings

Occurrences span narrative (Genesis 38:23), wisdom literature (Job and Proverbs), psalms of lament and praise (Psalms 31; 107; 119; 123), and prophetic vision (Zechariah 4:10). The term therefore touches family honor, social justice, national leadership, worship, and eschatological hope, illustrating its breadth within Israel’s life and theology.

Contempt in the Patriarchal Narrative

In Genesis 38:23 Judah ends an illicit episode with Tamar saying, “Let her keep the things; otherwise we will be mocked”. Here contempt is a social force the patriarch dreads—a public shaming capable of tarnishing name and lineage. The verse shows how deeply honor and communal perception shaped familial decisions in early Israel.

Wisdom Literature: A Mirror on Human Pride

Job employs בּוּז to describe both the callousness of the prosperous (“The one at ease scorns misfortune,” Job 12:5) and the manner in which God humbles the mighty (“He pours contempt on nobles,” Job 12:21). Job 31:34 reveals how fear of clan contempt can pressure even a righteous man into silence. Proverbs generalizes the principle: “When wickedness comes, so does contempt” (Proverbs 18:3), marking scorn as an inevitable companion of sin, while Proverbs 12:8 notes that a “twisted mind is despised,” reminding readers that contempt, though sinful when rooted in pride, can also be society’s verdict on perversity.

Psalms: Lament and Hope amid Scorn

Psalms gives the most emotive portrayal. The faithful suffer verbal assault: “May lying lips be silenced… full of pride and contempt” (Psalm 31:18). Pilgrims heading to Jerusalem cry, “Have mercy on us, O LORD… we have endured much contempt” (Psalm 123:3–4). Yet they also confess that the contempt they endure does not define them; God does. Psalm 119:22 pleads, “Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies,” linking deliverance from derision to covenant obedience. Conversely, Psalm 107:40 shows the LORD turning contempt back on proud princes who abuse power, underscoring His defense of the oppressed.

Zechariah: Eschatological Reversal of Scorn

Zechariah 4:10 asks, “For who has despised the day of small things?” The remnant rebuilding the temple may appear insignificant, but divine perspective overturns human contempt. The sevenfold eyes of the LORD rejoice over what people belittle, promising that covenant purposes triumph over scorn.

Theological Themes

1. Sin of Contempt: Whether aimed at individuals, social outcasts, or God’s plans, scorn reveals pride and disbelief (Genesis 38:23; Proverbs 18:3).
2. Divine Contempt on Pride: God “pours contempt on nobles” (Job 12:21; Psalm 107:40), reversing human arrogance. His judgment is ethical and redemptive—He shames to save.
3. Redemptive Vindication: The righteous suffer contempt yet appeal to God for vindication (Psalms 31; 123), anticipating the ultimate reversal in messianic fulfillment.
4. Small Beginnings: Zechariah’s question shapes kingdom theology; the humble advent of God’s work often invites scorn, but faith perceives divine glory in seeming insignificance.

Ministry Implications

• Pastoral Care: Many believers face ridicule for faithfulness. The psalmists model lament that neither retaliates nor internalizes shame but brings it to God.
• Preaching against Pride: Scripture warns the powerful that God turns contempt back on the contemptuous. Sermons should expose pride and call for humility.
• Encouragement in Small Things: Church plants, discipleship efforts, or personal growth that appear minor are precious to the LORD; leaders should nurture, not despise, early stages.
• Community Ethics: Proverbs links contempt with wickedness; congregations must cultivate speech that honors rather than belittles.

Summary

בּוּז threads through Scripture as both the sin of scorning and the sentence upon pride. It underscores the moral gravity of speech, the perils of arrogance, and the certainty that God honors the humble while confounding those who despise His ways.

בַז֮ בּ֑וּז בּ֭וּז בֽוּז׃ בוז בוז׃ בז הַ֝בּ֗וּז הבוז וָב֑וּז וָבֽוּז׃ וּבוּז־ ובוז ובוז־ ובוז׃ לָב֑וּז לָבֽוּז׃ לבוז לבוז׃ ḇaz buz būz ḇūz hab·būz habBuz habbūz lā·ḇūz lāḇūz laVuz ū·ḇūz- ūḇūz- uvuz vaVuz vaz Vuz wā·ḇūz wāḇūzInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts