Lexical Summary buzah: Contempt, scorn, disdain Original Word: בּוּזֶה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance despised Feminine passive participle of buwz; something scorned; an object of contempt -- despised. see HEBREW buwz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originpass. part. of buz Definition contempt NASB Translation despised (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בּוּזָה noun feminine contempt Nehemiah 3:36 ׳הָיִינוּ בּ we have become (an object of) contempt. Topical Lexicon Overview בּוּזֶה (Strong’s 939) conveys the idea of being treated with contempt or regarded as worthless. Its lone Old-Testament appearance (Nehemiah 4:4) crystallizes a moment when God’s covenant community is mocked for their obedience. Though the form occurs only once, the concept of contempt pervades Scripture, often marking the opposition that the righteous face and the sovereign reversal God brings. Historical Setting in Nehemiah 4 When Nehemiah led the returned exiles to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, nearby governors—Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites—ridiculed their efforts. Nehemiah’s prayer records the slur: “Hear, O our God, for we are despised” (Nehemiah 4:4). The term captures the scorn meant to demoralize the builders. Rather than answer in kind, Nehemiah turns immediately to prayer, modeling dependence upon God rather than fleshly retaliation (compare Romans 12:19). The Pattern of Scorn and Vindication 1. Old-Testament precedents In every case God ultimately vindicated His servants, turning contempt into honor. 2. Fulfillment in Christ Isaiah foresaw Messiah as “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). At the cross the bystanders “heaped abuse” (Mark 15:29), yet God exalted Him (Philippians 2:9). The experience of בּוּזֶה in Nehemiah thus foreshadows the Christ-pattern: suffering first, glory afterward (1 Peter 1:11). 3. New-Covenant application Believers are cautioned not to be surprised by contempt (John 15:18-20; 2 Timothy 3:12). Yet the same God who answered Nehemiah promises, “Whoever believes in Him will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11). Theological Themes • Covenant Faithfulness versus Worldly Derision—Opposition often intensifies when God’s people advance His purposes. Ministry and Pastoral Implications 1. Encouragement in Hostile Contexts Congregations laboring under ridicule—whether from secularism, persecution, or apathy—can draw strength from Nehemiah’s example: acknowledge the hurt, appeal to God, and continue the work. 2. Leadership Under Fire Nehemiah neither minimizes the contempt nor allows it to stall progress. Leaders today must likewise combine prayer, strategic planning, and steadfast resolve. 3. Guarding the Heart Contempt can breed bitterness. Scripture urges believers to entrust judgment to God and bless opponents (Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 3:9). 4. Gospel Witness Enduring disdain with grace testifies to a hope not rooted in human approval (1 Peter 3:15-16). Related Scriptures for Further Study Psalm 31:18; Proverbs 3:34; Isaiah 66:5; Luke 6:22-23; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 13:13. Conclusion בּוּזֶה is a single word in Nehemiah, yet it encapsulates the perennial clash between the people of God and a world that scorns holiness. Its placement in the narrative underscores the certainty that God hears, remembers, and ultimately vindicates those who trust Him. Forms and Transliterations בוּזָ֔ה בוזה ḇū·zāh ḇūzāh vuZahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 4:4 HEB: כִּֽי־ הָיִ֣ינוּ בוּזָ֔ה וְהָשֵׁ֥ב חֶרְפָּתָ֖ם NAS: how we are despised! Return KJV: O our God; for we are despised: and turn INT: how become are despised Return their reproach |
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