זוּד (zud)
zud
be proud
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zud describes a posture of arrogant self-assertion, specifically appearing in the Hiphil stem to mean acting presumptuously or proudly. It captures the attitude of someone who elevates themselves above proper boundaries or authority, often with a sense of reckless confidence.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Daniel 5:20. Here it describes King Nebuchadnezzar’s heart before his restoration, noting that when he became proud (zud), his lofty mind was humbled. The context highlights how this specific type of pride leads to a loss of reason and status, serving as a stark warning against self-exaltation.
Its rarity in Scripture underscores the severity of the behavior it denotes. Unlike general terms for anger or sorrow, zud points directly to the intellectual and spiritual arrogance that refuses to acknowledge limits. The text uses it to illustrate the inevitable consequence of such an attitude: a dramatic fall from power and sanity until humility is restored.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zud appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, yet it carries a heavy warning. It describes an active posture of arrogance where a person elevates themselves beyond proper boundaries. In Daniel 5:20, this attitude is linked to King Nebuchadnezzar’s fall from grace. His spirit was hardened, and he dealt proudly, leading to a loss of his throne and sanity. This rare term highlights how intellectual and spiritual pride can disconnect us from reality and authority.
When we face challenges that test our confidence, it is easy to rely on our own strength. Yet Scripture shows that self-exaltation often leads to a dramatic fall. The story of Nebuchadnezzar reminds us that humility is not weakness but a necessary grounding for true stability. Recognizing our limits allows us to rest in God’s provision rather than striving for control.
May this reminder bring peace to your heart as you navigate seasons of uncertainty. Instead of pushing against boundaries, consider the freedom found in trusting God’s wisdom. His grace is sufficient for every need, offering a steady foundation when our own efforts feel insufficient.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ act presumptuously1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/הֲזָדָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 5:20
But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.
This verse uses zud to describe Nebuchadnezzar's active proud behavior that directly preceded his deposition from the throne.