בִּזָּיוֹן (biz.za.von)
biz.za.von
contempt
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun bizyon means contempt, a deep feeling of disdain or disrespect toward someone or something. It describes an attitude that strips away honor and dignity, reducing a person to a state of worthlessness in the eyes of others.
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Esther 1:18. The context is critical: it is used by the Persian nobles to describe how Queen Vashti’s refusal to appear before King Ahasuerus would spread among all women, causing them to look down on their husbands. Here, bizyon captures a social and relational rupture, where respect for authority and marital order collapses into open scorn.
Its singular occurrence highlights the severity of the situation in Esther. The word is not about mild disagreement but a profound erosion of esteem that threatens the stability of the household and, by extension, the kingdom. Translators render it as "contempt" to convey this sharp, degrading rejection of honor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for contempt appears only once in the Old Testament, found in the book of Esther. In that story, it describes a deep social rupture where respect collapses into open scorn. This rare usage highlights how damaging disdain can be to relationships and community stability.
When we encounter contempt today, whether in our families or workplaces, it reminds us of the value of honor. It is not just about mild disagreement but a profound erosion of esteem that hurts everyone involved. Recognizing this helps us guard against words that tear down rather than build up.
Understanding this word encourages us to pursue dignity for ourselves and others. It invites reflection on how our actions might cause others to feel worthless. By choosing respect, we help maintain the peace and order that God desires in our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- contempt1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּזָּי֥וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 1:18
Today, the princesses of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen’s deed will tell all the king’s princes. This will cause much contempt and wrath.
This verse uses the word to describe the feared social chaos where wives would look down on their husbands, showing how contempt threatens family and societal order.