זִיד (zud)
zud
to boil
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zid carries a vivid physical image: to boil or seethe. This literal sense of intense heat and agitation serves as a metaphor for human behavior, describing an attitude that is presumptuous, arrogant, or rebelliously proud. It captures a state of mind that is not merely mistaken, but actively defiant and self-assertive against authority.
In the Old Testament, this word often appears in legal or wisdom contexts to distinguish between accidental sin and deliberate rebellion. For instance, Numbers 15:30 uses it to describe someone who acts "high-handedly," showing a contempt that rejects divine instruction. The imagery suggests a person whose heart is boiling over with pride, refusing to submit to God’s order.
Translators frequently render zid as "presumptuous" or "defiant" to convey this specific kind of intentional insolence. It stands in contrast to sins committed in ignorance, highlighting a conscious choice to act arrogantly. The word reminds readers that some actions stem from a deep-seated refusal to acknowledge God’s sovereignty, much like water violently bubbling up against its container.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word zid paints a vivid picture of boiling water, seething under intense heat. In the Old Testament, this physical image becomes a metaphor for the human heart when it rebels against God. It describes more than a simple mistake or momentary lapse in judgment; it points to an attitude of arrogant defiance and presumptuous pride. This is the kind of sin where a person knowingly rejects divine authority, choosing their own way with deliberate insolence.
Understanding this distinction helps us examine our own hearts with honesty. We all make errors, but zid warns against the hardened spirit that refuses to listen to God’s correction. When we recognize the danger of prideful rebellion, we are invited to seek humility instead. This awareness encourages us to submit to God’s guidance rather than resisting it, fostering a life that honors His sovereignty.
In our daily walk, this word reminds us that true faith involves submission, not self-assertion. By acknowledging our dependence on God, we avoid the trap of presumptuous sin. May we approach Scripture with a teachable spirit, allowing God’s wisdom to calm any boiling pride in our hearts and lead us into peaceful obedience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they acted presumptuously2×
- he will act presumptuously2×
- they will act presumptuously/ !1×
- they have acted presumptuously1×
- they had acted presumptuously1×
- it has defied proudly1×
- and/ you acted presumptuously1×
- and/ he had cooked1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָזִיד֩1×
- יָזִ֥ד1×
- יְזִיד֖וּ/ן1×
- זָד֖וּ1×
- זָ֖דָה1×
- וַ/תָּזִ֖דוּ1×
- וַ/יָּ֥זֶד1×
- הֵזִ֜ידוּ1×
- הֵזִ֖ידוּ1×
- הֵזִ֑ידוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 21:14
If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
Here the term describes a premeditated scheme to kill, highlighting the malicious intent behind presumptuous violence.
-
Deuteronomy 17:13
All the people shall hear and fear, and do no more presumptuously.
This occurrence shows how witnessing severe judgment for zid was intended to instill reverence and prevent future arrogance among the people.