שִׁמְצָה
𐤔𐤌𐤑𐤄
shimtsâh
H8103 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A term denoting an utterance of contempt, especially in the form of whispering or murmuring meant to deride or humiliate. Refers to an insulting remark or scoffing, often voiced quietly but intended to shame or dishonor its subject. Most frequently used for expressions of reproach or verbal abuse from onlookers, conveying public disgrace or ridicule.
Semantic Range
scornful whispering, derisive murmuring, whispered insult, a term of reproach, words of shame, public disgrace voiced as ridicule
Root / Etymology
The word derives from the root שׁמץ (sh-m-ts), which carries the idea of a 'whisper, muttering, low murmur,' especially one that is disparaging or scornful. שִׁמְצָה (shimtsâh) is a feminine noun formation, emphasizing the whispered or muttered quality of the insult or derision. The form marks an extension from the basic sense of 'a slight, hint, trace (of speech)' to a context of verbal mockery and shame.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שִׁמְצָה occurs in contexts describing the experience of being the object of public disgrace or ridicule, particularly as voiced by enemies or hostile witnesses. The word is employed in poetic and prophetic texts (e.g., Psalms, Lamentations) to convey how the suffering or humiliation of Israelites or Jerusalem is accompanied by the accruing of shame due to scornful speech from others. Though often rendered 'reproach,' 'scorn,' or 'contempt' in translations, the nuance includes the notion of 'whispered' or sotto voce ridicule rather than loud taunts. The associated social function is to deepen the sense of ostracism or public dishonor. The implications of shame and social alienation are stronger during periods when the collective standing of the Israelite or Judahite community was under threat, such as during exile or defeat. שִׁמְצָה is distinct from related terms like חֶרְפָּה (herpah, 'reproach, disgrace') in that it emphasizes the actual utterance or act of whispered derision, rather than the resultant state of shame alone. Later translations sometimes render it as 'shame' or 'insult,' but this can flatten the specifically verbal, derisive aspect inherent to its original use.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of שֶׁמֶץ; scornful whispering (of hostile spectators); shame.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׁמץ (sh-m-ts) — to whisper, murmur, speak quietly in scorn, hint
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H8102 | שֶׁמֶץ | a mere trace |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8103-01 |
לְ/שִׁמְצָ֖ה | leshimetsah | HR/Ncfsa |
for a derision | for a scornful whisper | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8103-01 |
Exodus 32:25 | לְ/שִׁמְצָ֖ה | leshimetsah | HR/Ncfsa |
for a derision | for a scornful whisper |