Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.

OBADIAH 1:2KJV
Know the Bible

Obadiah 1:2 (KJV)

What does Obadiah 1:2 mean?

Obadiah 1:2 says that God has made Edom insignificant and looked down upon by the surrounding nations. The verse is a declaration that Edom, once proud, is now considered unimportant and is widely despised by others.

In this verse, the prophet Obadiah is delivering a message from God to Edom, a nation related to Israel but often hostile toward it. God is speaking directly to Edom, warning them that their status among other nations ("the heathen") has been reduced and that they are now the object of scorn. This sets the stage for the rest of Obadiah’s prophecy, which explains why Edom faces this judgment.

The Hebrew behind Obadiah 1:2

  • "made" (נָתַן, natan): This word means "to give" or "to appoint." Here, it shows that Edom’s low position is not accidental but something God has actively brought about.
  • "small" (קָטֹן, qaton): This word means "insignificant" or "unimportant." God is emphasizing that Edom’s influence and reputation have been diminished.
  • "heathen" (גּוֹי, goy): This word refers to "nations" or "peoples," not just non-Israelites. The verse is saying Edom is small among all the surrounding peoples, not just in Israel’s eyes.
  • "greatly" (מְאֹד, me’od): This word intensifies the next word, showing that Edom is not just disliked, but deeply despised.
  • "despised" (בָּזָה, bazah): This word means "to be held in contempt" or "to be scorned." Edom’s reputation is not just low; it is actively looked down upon by others.

Why Obadiah 1:2 matters

  • Obadiah 1:2 clarifies that Edom’s downfall is not due to chance or military defeat alone, but is a direct result of God’s decision and action.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of Edom’s situation: they are not just politically weak, but also socially and morally rejected by other nations.
  • This opening sets the tone for the rest of Obadiah’s message, showing that God’s judgment is purposeful and that Edom’s pride has real consequences in the world.

Where else these words appear

“despised” Hebrew H959 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
  • Isaiah 37:22 This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

“small” Hebrew H6996 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • 1 Samuel 15:17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 31:15 And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small: