זֻלּוּת
𐤆𐤋𐤅𐤕
zullûwth
H2149 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
State of being despised, treated as insignificant, or held in contempt; frequently denotes disgrace or ignominy, the loss of honor, or a manifestation of worthlessness or degradation in the social or moral sense. Often used to characterize the condition of a person, group, or entity that is held in low regard or scorned.
Semantic Range
contempt, disgrace, ignominy, vileness, worthlessness, abject state, being despised or scorned, the condition of being held in low social or moral regard
Root / Etymology
From the root ז-ל-ל (זָלַל), meaning 'to be light, to be of little worth, to be despised.' The noun זֻלּוּת is a feminine singular abstract noun form, indicating the quality or state conveyed by the verb, i.e., the state or condition of being despised or worthless.
Historical & Contextual Notes
זֻלּוּת appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible (notably in Psalm 12:9 [English v. 8]), where it refers to the prevalence or ascendancy of contemptible behavior or persons in society, highlighting a period when the esteemed order or value system is in decline. ‘Zullûwth’ contrasts with terms denoting honor (כָּבוֹד) or value; it focuses on humiliation rather than mere misfortune. English translations often render it as 'vileness' or 'contempt,' but the word denotes a social or moral debasement rather than simply evil or violent behavior. Not used to indicate physical tempests; the association with 'shaking' is figurative—denoting being shaken from a former position of honor or value. The sense does not evolve significantly from the early Israelite period into later use, but always carries a strong connotation of societal decline or loss of esteem.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from זָלַל; properly, a shaking, i.e. perhaps a tempest; vilest.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זלל (z-l-l) — to be light, to be of little worth, to treat as insignificant, to despise
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2149-01 |
זֻ֝לּ֗וּת | zulut | HNcfsa |
vileness | state of despised worthlessness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2149-01 |
Psalms 12:9 | זֻ֝לּ֗וּת | zulut | HNcfsa |
vileness | state of despised worthlessness |