Lexical Summary zud: To boil, to act proudly, to be insolent Original Word: זוּד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in pride (Aramaic) corresponding to zuwd; to be proud -- in pride. see HEBREW zuwd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to zud Definition to be presumptuous NASB Translation behaved arrogantly (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זוּד] verb be presumptuous (ᵑ7J; see Biblical Hebrew [זִיד, זוּד]); — Haph`el Infinitive לַהֲוָדָה Daniel 5:20 act presumptuously. Topical Lexicon Overview The single appearance of Strong’s Hebrew 2103 in Daniel 5:20 crystallizes the moment when human authority morphs into insolent self-exaltation. It portrays an inner decision to enthrone self above God, laying bare the heart-sin that provokes divine discipline. Usage in Daniel 5:20 “But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit hardened in pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.” (Daniel 5:20) Daniel cites Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall to warn Belshazzar. The verb marks the lethal pivot from royal greatness to ruin. Historical Context Babylonian monarchs claimed divine favor and advertised their exploits on monumental inscriptions. Scripture penetrates that cultural veneer, exposing an inward defiance that heaven will not tolerate. Nebuchadnezzar’s seven-year humiliation (Daniel 4) and Babylon’s overnight collapse (Daniel 5) validate Proverbs 21:1—earthly kings remain subject to the King of Heaven. Theological Themes • Sovereignty of God: Human kingdom, prestige, and intellect cannot overrule the Most High (Daniel 4:17, 32). Canonical Links Wisdom Literature warns that “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud” (Proverbs 18:12), while the New Testament reaffirms, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Daniel’s singular verb thus anchors a span of revelation—from pre-exilic Judah to the apostolic era—concerning the moral gravity of pride. Christological Contrast Where the Babylonian king exalted himself, Jesus Christ “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7). Nebuchadnezzar’s abasement foreshadows the ultimate reversal when every knee bows to the humble yet exalted Son (Philippians 2:9–11). Eschatological Echoes Daniel later depicts end-time rulers who magnify themselves (Daniel 7:25; 11:36). Paul identifies the same pattern in the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:4), and Revelation portrays a beast “uttering haughty and blasphemous words” (Revelation 13:5–6). The lone verb anticipates the climactic clash between human arrogance and divine majesty. Ministry Implications 1. Leadership Accountability: Elders and civil authorities must guard against subtle shifts from stewardship to self-promotion. Sermon Outline (Sample) I. The Rise of Arrogance (Daniel 5:20) II. The Reach of Judgment (Daniel 5:22–24) III. The Route to Restoration (Daniel 4:34–37) IV. The Rule of Humility (Luke 14:11; 1 Peter 5:6) Devotional Reflection Contemplate the contrast: a proud king grazing like an ox versus the incarnate Lord washing disciples’ feet. Let the singular warning of Daniel 5:20 steer hearts toward the lowliness that heaven honors and the obedience God exalts. Forms and Transliterations לַהֲזָדָ֑ה להזדה la·hă·zā·ḏāh lahazaDah lahăzāḏāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 5:20 HEB: וְרוּחֵ֖הּ תִּֽקְפַ֣ת לַהֲזָדָ֑ה הָנְחַת֙ מִן־ NAS: became so proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed KJV: hardened in pride, he was deposed INT: and his spirit became behaved was deposed from 1 Occurrence |
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