### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zâdôwn**, represented by `{{H2087}}`, signifies **arrogance**, **pride**, or acting **presumptuously**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. The term denotes a defiant and proud state of mind that often manifests as rebellion against divine authority and leads to destructive consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H2087}}` is consistently linked to negative outcomes. The book of Proverbs establishes a direct correlation between pride and ruin, stating, "When **pride** `{{H2087}}` cometh, then cometh shame `{{H7036}}`" [[Proverbs 11:2]], and "Only by **pride** `{{H2087}}` cometh contention `{{H4683}}`" [[Proverbs 13:10]]. The prophets warn that the **pride** of the heart `{{H3820}}` deceives `{{H5377}}` individuals into a false sense of security [[Obadiah 1:3]]. This term is also used to describe the act of "presumptuously" defying God's ordained authorities, such as a priest `{{H3548}}` or judge `{{H8199}}`, an offense punishable by death [[Deuteronomy 17:12]]. The LORD `{{H3068}}` declares Himself to be against the "most proud" [[Jeremiah 50:31]], promising that they will stumble `{{H3782}}` and fall `{{H5307}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the scope and consequences of `{{H2087}}`:
* `{{H2086}}` **zêd** (arrogant; presumptuous, proud): This closely related adjective describes the character of one who acts with `{{H2087}}`. The two are used together to describe a scorner who deals in "proud `{{H2087}}` wrath" [[Proverbs 21:24]].
* `{{H7036}}` **qâlôwn** (disgrace; confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame): This word represents the direct result of pride, as seen in the proverb, "When pride `{{H2087}}` cometh, then cometh shame `{{H7036}}`" [[Proverbs 11:2]].
* `{{H5377}}` **nâshâʼ** (to lead astray, i.e. (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce; beguile, deceive): This verb highlights the self-deceptive nature of pride. The prophets state that "The pride `{{H2087}}` of thine heart `{{H3820}}` hath deceived `{{H5377}}` thee" ([[Obadiah 1:3]], [[Jeremiah 49:16]]).
* `{{H1361}}` **gâbahh** (to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty): This word captures the sense of self-exaltation associated with pride, such as making a nest "as high `{{H1361}}` as the eagle" [[Jeremiah 49:16]], an action driven by the "pride `{{H2087}}` of thine heart".
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2087}}` is significant, outlining a posture of rebellion against God.
* **A Source of Deception:** Pride is not merely an attitude but a condition of the heart `{{H3820}}` that deceives `{{H5377}}` a person into a false sense of security and self-importance, leading them to believe they are beyond being brought down [[Obadiah 1:3]].
* **An Object of Divine Judgment:** Scripture clearly positions God against the proud. The Lord `{{H136}}` GOD `{{H3069}}` of hosts `{{H6635}}` says, "Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud `{{H2087}}`," announcing a day `{{H3117}}` of visitation `{{H6485}}` and judgment [[Jeremiah 50:31]].
* **The Root of Contention and Shame:** `{{H2087}}` is identified as the source of strife `{{H4683}}` and the precursor to disgrace `{{H7036}}`, standing in opposition to the wisdom `{{H2451}}` found among the lowly `{{H6800}}` and the well advised `{{H3289}}` ([[Proverbs 11:2]], [[Proverbs 13:10]]).
* **Defiance of Divine Order:** Acting "presumptuously" `{{H2087}}` describes a refusal to hearken `{{H8085}}` to God's law or His appointed leaders, an act considered an evil `{{H7451}}` to be purged from Israel `{{H3478}}` [[Deuteronomy 17:12]]. It also defines a prophet `{{H5030}}` who has spoken `{{H1696}}` without the LORD's authority [[Deuteronomy 18:22]].
### Summary
In summary, **zâdôwn** `{{H2087}}` is a potent biblical term for an arrogant and defiant pride that resides in the heart. It is characterized as a deceptive force that leads to contention, shame, and a direct confrontation with God's judgment. Whether expressed as a haughty attitude or a presumptuous act of rebellion, it is consistently portrayed as the antithesis of the wisdom `{{H2451}}` that comes from a lowly `{{H6800}}` spirit and ultimately results in a great fall `{{H5307}}`.
TRV