Introduction to Obadiah 1:2
Obadiah 1:2 is part of a divine declaration against Edom, emphasizing its diminished status among the nations. This verse contains notable grammatical features, including the passive participle בָּזוּי (bazui, “despised”), the Qal perfect נְתַתִּיךָ (netattikha, “I have made you”), and the emphatic use of מְאֹד (me’od, “very much”). These linguistic elements reinforce the judgmental tone and theological significance of divine retribution.
הִנֵּ֥ה קָטֹ֛ן נְתַתִּ֖יךָ בַּגֹּויִ֑ם בָּז֥וּי אַתָּ֖ה מְאֹֽד׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
1. הִנֵּ֥ה (hinneh) – “Behold” (attention marker)
2. קָטֹ֛ן נְתַתִּ֖יךָ (qaton netattikha) – “I have made you small”
3. בַּגֹּויִ֑ם (bagoyim) – “Among the nations”
4. בָּזוּי אַתָּה (bazui attah) – “You are despised”
5. מְאֹד (me’od) – “Very much”
Explanation of Grammatical Function
1. The Attention Marker הִנֵּ֥ה (Hinneh)
The word הִנֵּ֥ה (hinneh, “behold”) serves as an attention marker, drawing focus to the statement that follows.
– Often used to announce something significant.
– Adds emphasis to the divine declaration.
2. The Perfect Verb נְתַתִּ֖יךָ (Netattikha)
The verb נְתַתִּ֖יךָ (netattikha) is a Qal perfect 1st person singular of נָתַן (natan, “to give, place, make”), with a 2nd person masculine singular suffix.
– Meaning: “I have made you” or “I have set you.”
– Qal perfect expresses completed action, indicating that Edom’s diminished status is already decreed by God.
3. The Adjective קָטֹ֛ן (Qaton)
The word קָטֹ֛ן (qaton, “small”) is an adjective describing Edom’s status.
– Used as a predicate: “I have made you small.”
– Can imply insignificance, weakness, or low status.
4. The Passive Participle בָּזוּי (Bazui)
The word בָּזוּי (bazui, “despised”) is a passive participle of בָּזָה (bazah, “to despise, scorn”).
– Function: Describes Edom’s current condition.
– Passive meaning: “Being despised” or “held in contempt.”
– Predicate adjective: בָּזוּי אַתָּה (bazui attah, “You are despised”).
5. The Emphatic מְאֹד (Me’od)
The word מְאֹד (me’od, “very, exceedingly”) is used to intensify בָּזוּי (bazui), emphasizing the extent of Edom’s disgrace.
– Placed at the end of the sentence for added emphasis.
– Translation: “You are very despised.”
The Theological and Linguistic Impact of Passive and Perfect Constructions
Obadiah 1:2 employs the perfect verb נְתַתִּ֖יךָ to indicate that Edom’s judgment is already determined by God. The passive participle בָּזוּי highlights Edom’s humiliated state, while the emphatic מְאֹד reinforces the extent of divine condemnation. These grammatical structures intensify the prophetic warning, emphasizing God’s sovereign control over the fate of nations.
