### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zêd**, represented by `{{H2086}}`, defines a person who is **arrogant, presumptuous, or proud**. Derived from the root זוּד, it appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. The term consistently describes an attitude of insolence and rebellion, particularly directed against God, His law, and His servants.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2086}}` is used to characterize those who actively oppose divine authority and righteousness. The Psalms frequently portray the **proud** as antagonists who operate outside of God's law; they err from His commandments [[Psalms 119:21]], forge lies against the righteous [[Psalms 119:69]], and dig pits for them that are "not after thy law" [[Psalms 119:85]]. This pride is not merely an internal feeling but manifests as "presumptuous sins" [[Psalms 19:13]] and direct opposition to God's messengers, as when the **proud** men accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely [[Jeremiah 43:2]]. Ultimately, the **proud** are linked with those who "do wickedly" and are destined for judgment [[Malachi 4:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of arrogance and its consequences:
* `{{H2087}}` **zâdôwn** (arrogance; presumptuously, pride, proud man): This noun form describes the active expression of pride. It is used to characterize the "proud wrath" of a scorner who is himself called **proud** `{{H2086}}` [[Proverbs 21:24]].
* `{{H3093}}` **yâhîyr** (haughty, proud): This term is used alongside `{{H2086}}` to intensify the description of an arrogant person, as seen in the phrase "**Proud** `{{H2086}}` and **haughty** `{{H3093}}` scorner is his name" [[Proverbs 21:24]].
* `{{H6184}}` **ʻârîyts** (mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent): This word links pride with oppressive power. The psalmist laments that the **proud** `{{H2086}}` have risen against him in league with "assemblies of **violent** `{{H6184}}` men" [[Psalms 86:14]].
* `{{H7564}}` **rishʻâh** (wrong (especially moral); fault, wickedly(-ness)): This term connects the attitude of pride to the action of wickedness. God's judgment is reserved for "all the **proud** `{{H2086}}`, yea, and all that do **wickedly** `{{H7564}}`" [[Malachi 4:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2086}}` is significant, highlighting a core sin that God opposes.
* **Rebellion Against Divine Law:** The **proud** are defined by their disdain for God's commandments. Their actions are characterized as perverse and contrary to divine precepts, and they mock those who remain faithful to the law ([[Psalms 119:51]], 119:78).
* **Persecution of the Righteous:** Pride manifests as active hostility. The **proud** oppress the vulnerable, forge lies, rise up against God's servants, and seek their very soul ([[Psalms 86:14]], [[Psalms 119:122]]).
* **Association with Wickedness and Judgment:** Scripture does not treat pride as a minor flaw but as a foundational element of wickedness. God rebukes the **proud** [[Psalms 119:21]] and promises to "cause the arrogancy of the **proud** to cease" [[Isaiah 13:11]], demonstrating that this attitude invites divine judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2086}}` is more than just a description of confidence; it is a term for a destructive and defiant arrogance. It denotes a person who rejects divine authority, persecutes the faithful, and aligns with wickedness. The consistent biblical condemnation of the **zêd** underscores the principle that pride is fundamentally incompatible with a righteous life and stands in direct opposition to the character of God.
TRV