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בִּזָּה (biz.zah)

biz.zah

plunder

H0961 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
8 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Definition

Definition

spoil, booty

Brown-Driver-Briggs

בִּזָּה n.f. spoil, booty (late)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

spoil, booty

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word for plunder reminds us that life can feel like a sudden loss of security. In ancient times, armies would strip cities bare, leaving families with nothing but their lives. This reality appears in Scripture when God’s people faced exile or violence, showing how deeply fear and instability can touch the human heart.

Yet even in these dark moments, the biblical narrative points to a deeper hope. When the Jews in Esther refused to take plunder, they chose integrity over greed, trusting that their safety came from God, not stolen goods. This choice reflects a faith that values character more than comfort.

We may not face armies at our gates, but we often fear losing what we have built. This word invites us to examine where we place our trust. Are we holding tightly to material security, or resting in the One who preserves our souls? Peace is found not in what we keep, but in Who keeps us.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ on the/ plunder3×
  • plunder2×
  • the/ plunder1×
  • and/ by/ plunder1×
  • and/ by <the>/ plunder1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • וּ/בַ֨/בִּזָּ֔ה3×
  • וּ/בַ/בִּזָּ֛ה1×
  • וּ/בְ/בִזָּ֖ה1×
  • הַ/בִּזָּ֔ה1×
  • בִּזָּ֧ה1×
  • בִּזָּ֥ה1×

Key Verses

  • Esther 9:10
    the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Jews’ enemy, but they didn’t lay their hand on the plunder.

    This verse highlights a deliberate choice to reject material gain, showing that spiritual integrity was valued more than wealth during the crisis.

  • Ezra 9:7
    Since the days of our fathers we have been exceedingly guilty to this day; and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

    Here plunder is listed alongside captivity and shame, illustrating the total devastation experienced by Israel due to their ancestors' disobedience.

  • Daniel 11:33
    “Those who are wise among the people will instruct many; yet they will fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder, many days.

    This prophecy connects the suffering of the wise with physical loss, showing that faithfulness often comes at a high personal cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word biz.zah mean?

It translates to plunder, referring to goods taken by force during war or raiding. In the Old Testament, it often describes the loss of property and wealth experienced by nations or individuals under judgment.

Why did the Jews in Esther not take the plunder?

In Esther 9, the Jews refused to take plunder from their enemies to demonstrate that their actions were for self-defense, not greed. This distinction was crucial to show their righteousness before the king and the people.

How is plunder connected to spiritual lessons in the Bible?

Plunder often serves as a consequence of sin or a test of character. It reminds readers that material security is fragile, and true safety comes from trusting God rather than accumulating wealth.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)