זֵד (zed)

The Hebrew noun zed describes a person who is arrogant, proud, or insolent. It refers to someone who acts with unchecked presumption, often disregarding social norms or divine authority. In the Old Testament, this word appears eleven times, primarily in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Psalms, where it characterizes those who reject correction.

Unlike simple pride, zed carries a sense of active defiance. The sources highlight its use as a collective noun for "the arrogant ones," depicting a group that operates outside the bounds of humility. This attitude is frequently contrasted with the wise or righteous person, suggesting that such insolence leads to isolation and folly rather than strength.

Translators typically render zed as "arrogant" or "haughty," capturing its negative moral weight. The term underscores a heart posture that refuses to yield to guidance, making it a key concept for understanding the biblical warning against self-exaltation. Its consistent placement in texts about wisdom highlights the danger of such an unteachable spirit.