(Aramaic) corresponding to זוּד; to be proud; in pride.
Transliteration:zûwd
Pronunciation:zood
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H2103 (זוּד, *zûwd*) carries the primary meaning "to be proud," "to act proudly," or "to behave presumptuously." It denotes an inflated sense of self-importance, often manifesting as arrogance, insolence, or defiance, particularly in relation to divine authority. This term is directly cognate with the Hebrew `{{H2102}}` (זוּד), which shares a similar semantic range, including the idea of "boiling up" or "acting presumptuously." This underlying sense suggests an inner swelling or inflation that spills over into outward, arrogant behavior. The semantic range thus encompasses not merely a feeling of pride but an active, often destructive, manifestation of it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb H2103 appears in the book of Daniel, specifically in the account of King Belshazzar's downfall.
* **[[Daniel 5:20]]**: "But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly (וְרוּחֵהּ אִתְקְשַׁח לְהַגְבָּהָה וְהַגְלִיד) and acted proudly (וְזוּד), he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him."
* In this pivotal verse, H2103 is used to describe Belshazzar's egregious sin against God. The text explicitly links his pride (זוּד) with his "lifted up heart" and "hardened spirit," indicating an internal disposition of arrogance that led to outward, presumptuous actions. The context is one of severe divine judgment. Belshazzar's failure to learn from the humbling of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, and his direct profanation of the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, are presented as the ultimate expressions of this pride. The use of זוּד here underscores a defiant and self-exalting attitude that directly challenged the sovereignty of the Most High God, leading directly to his immediate downfall and death.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic H2103 is closely related to several Hebrew terms and concepts that convey the idea of pride, arrogance, and haughtiness:
* **Hebrew Cognate**: `{{H2102}}` (זוּד, *zûd*): This is the direct Hebrew equivalent, also meaning "to act presumptuously" or "to be proud." It is found in contexts such as [[Deuteronomy 1:43]] (acting presumptuously in battle) and [[Psalm 19:13]] (presumptuous sins).
* **Other Hebrew terms for pride/arrogance**:
* `{{H1346}}` (גָּאָה, *ga'ah*) and `{{H1347}}` (גָּאוֹן, *ga'on*): These terms signify being high, exalted, or proud, often in a negative sense of arrogance or haughtiness.
* `{{H7311}}` (רוּם, *rum*): While generally meaning "to be high" or "exalted," it can carry negative connotations when referring to human pride, as in "exalting oneself."
* `{{H7407}}` (רָהַב, *rahav*): To be boisterous, insolent, or proud.
* **Concepts**: The word H2103 is part of a broader biblical condemnation of human self-exaltation, particularly when it leads to defiance of God. It is often associated with concepts such as rebellion, stubbornness, and a lack of humility before divine authority.
### Theological Significance
The single, yet potent, occurrence of H2103 in [[Daniel 5:20]] encapsulates a profound theological truth: human pride, especially when it manifests as defiance against God, inevitably leads to divine judgment and downfall. Belshazzar's zûwd is not merely a character flaw but a direct affront to God's sovereignty, a failure to acknowledge the true source of power and authority.
This instance reinforces the consistent biblical theme that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([[James 4:6]], echoing [[Proverbs 3:34]]). Belshazzar's pride blinded him to the lessons of history and the clear manifestations of divine power, leading him to profane sacred objects and challenge the living God. His immediate and catastrophic end serves as a stark warning against the destructive nature of unrepentant arrogance. Theologically, H2103 highlights the absolute incompatibility of human self-exaltation with the worship and recognition due to the Most High God, demonstrating that true authority and glory belong to Him alone.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H2103 (זוּד, *zûwd*) means "to be proud" or "to act presumptuously." Its singular, yet highly significant, appearance in [[Daniel 5:20]] describes King Belshazzar's arrogant and defiant behavior, which directly led to his deposition and death. This term, closely related to its Hebrew cognate `{{H2102}}`, underscores a deep-seated pride that manifests as insolent rebellion against divine authority. The theological significance of H2103 lies in its powerful illustration of the biblical principle that human pride, particularly when directed against God, invites swift and decisive divine judgment, serving as a perpetual warning against self-exaltation and a call to humility before the Almighty.
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