בּוּשָׁה (bu.shah)
bu.shah
shame
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun bûshâ denotes the state or experience of shame, often arising from humiliation or disgrace. In the Hebrew Bible, it describes the painful feeling of being put to confusion or the public loss of honor that follows failure or judgment. The sources indicate this word carries a heavy emotional weight, marking a moment where dignity is stripped away.
Although rare in Scripture, appearing only twice in the provided data within Obadiah and Micah, its impact is significant. In these prophetic contexts, bûshâ often accompanies divine judgment against nations or leaders who have acted with arrogance. It serves as the direct counterpoint to honor, illustrating the consequence of turning away from justice.
Translators typically render this term simply as "shame," though the Hebrew concept implies a tangible social and spiritual reversal. The word highlights how pride leads to a fall that leaves one exposed and embarrassed before God and community. This usage underscores the biblical theme that true dignity comes from faithfulness, not self-exaltation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Shame often feels like a heavy weight, stripping away our dignity and leaving us exposed before others. In Obadiah and Micah, this Hebrew word describes a public reversal where pride leads to humiliation. It reminds us that true honor does not come from self-exaltation but from faithfulness to God.
When enemies mock or when we face the consequences of our actions, shame can feel overwhelming. Yet Scripture shows that God sees both the humiliation and the heart behind it. He offers a path where dignity is restored through repentance and trust in His justice rather than our own reputation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shame2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בוּשָׁ֔ה1×
- בוּשָׁ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Obadiah 1:10
For the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be cut off forever.
This verse links shame directly to violence against Jacob, showing it as a divine consequence for failing to show brotherly love.
-
Micah 7:10
Then my enemy will see it, and shame will cover her who said to me, “Where is Yahweh your God?” My eyes will see her. Now she will be trodden down like the mire of the streets.
Here shame covers the enemy who mocked God's presence, illustrating how public disgrace follows those who question His care.