בּוּז (buz)
buz
to despise
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb buz means to treat someone or something with open contempt, regarding them as worthless or insignificant. It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, with a strong concentration in Proverbs where it describes the attitude of those who reject wisdom and moral instruction. Unlike simple disagreement, this word carries the weight of active disdain.
In Proverbs 1:7, for instance, the text contrasts the one who scorns wisdom with the fool who despises (buz) knowledge. This usage highlights a heart posture that refuses to acknowledge value where it clearly exists. The term is also found in Song of Solomon and Zechariah, often describing how individuals or nations are treated with disrespect by others.
Translators typically render buz as "despise" or "hold in contempt." The word implies a judgment that strips the object of its dignity. When Proverbs warns against those who despise instruction, it describes more than intellectual pride; it points to a relational rejection of guidance that leads to ruin.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word buz describes a heart posture that actively dismisses value as worthless. It is more than simple disagreement; it carries the weight of open contempt. When Proverbs warns against those who despise instruction, it points to a relational rejection of guidance that leads to ruin. This attitude strips dignity from both wisdom and the people offering it.
In our daily lives, this word invites us to examine how we treat counsel. Do we listen with humility, or do we quickly dismiss advice that challenges our preferences? The text reminds us that respecting instruction brings reward, while scorning it leads to loss. This is not about intellectual pride alone, but about honoring the relationships and truths that sustain us.
Even in moments of personal struggle, such as the thief stealing out of hunger, we are called to consider the deeper context of human failure rather than rushing to judgment. By choosing to listen and respect, we align ourselves with wisdom and avoid the isolation that comes from contempt.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [one who] despises3×
- people will despise2×
- you despise1×
- they despise1×
- so/ it may despise1×
- people despise1×
- he will despise1×
- has he despised1×
- certainly <to despise>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָב֥וּזוּ2×
- בָּז\־2×
- תָּ֝ב֗וּז1×
- יָב֣וּזוּ1×
- יָ֝ב֗וּז1×
- וְ/תָב֪וּז1×
- בָּֽזוּ\׃\ \פ1×
- בָּ֣ז1×
- בּ֖וֹז1×
- בַז֮1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
This verse establishes the foundational contrast between fearing Yahweh and the fool's active despising of wisdom, defining the word in its most critical theological context.
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Proverbs 13:13
Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
Here the word links the act of despising instruction directly to paying a price, showing the practical consequence of this attitude.
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Zechariah 4:10
Indeed, who despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are Yahweh’s eyes, which run back and forth through the whole earth.”
This occurrence challenges the reader to value small beginnings, asking who would dare despise the day of small things when God is actively working through them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word buz mean?
How is buz different from simple disagreement?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 3 books)
Proverbs 8 verses
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 6:30Men don’t despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry,
Proverbs 11:12One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
Proverbs 13:13Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
Proverbs 14:21He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.
Proverbs 23:9Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
Proverbs 23:22Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
Proverbs 30:17“The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the…