בּוּז
buz
to despise
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "בּוּז" (buz) is used to describe actions that evoke feelings of disdain and disrespect. Its short definition indicates that it has a strong negative connotation, conveying a sense of devaluation or dismissal. As a verb in the semantic domain of Emotion & Attitude, "buz" is not primarily about physical harm, but rather about negative emotional responses. The word "buz" occurs 12 times in the Bible, suggesting its significance in various contexts. Its range of usage spans multiple situations, such as disdaining God's words (Psalm 50:17) or mocking someone (Proverbs 9:7). This versatility implies that "buz" is an essential term for conveying negative emotions in Hebrew thought.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
12 total occurrences across the text
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 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 young eagles shall eat it.
Song of Solomon 8:1Oh that you were like my brother, who nursed from the breasts of my mother! If I found you outside, I would kiss you; yes, and no one would despise me.
Song of Solomon 8:7Many waters can’t quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned.
Song of Solomon 8:7Many waters can’t quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned.
Zechariah 4:10Indeed, 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.”
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.