Original Word: זוּד
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: zuwd
Pronunciation: zood
Phonetic Spelling: (zood)
KJV: in pride
NASB: behaved arrogantly
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H2102 (זוּד זִידּ - acted arrogantly)]

1. to be proud

in pride

(Aramaic) corresponding to zuwd; to be proud -- in pride.

see HEBREW zuwd

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to zud
Definition
to be presumptuous
NASB Translation
behaved arrogantly (1). [] (^J; see Biblical Hebrew [, ]); —

Infinitive Daniel 5:20 act presumptuously.

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).
• Pride and Judgment: Proverbs 16:18; 2 Chronicles 26:16; Obadiah 3–4 mirror the Daniel narrative.
• Hardened Heart: Like Pharaoh’s obstinacy (Exodus 7–14), arrogance produces spiritual callus, intensifying judgment.
• Grace after Humbling: Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration (Daniel 4:34–37) reveals divine readiness to lift the repentant.

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.
2. Spiritual Formation: Disciplines of prayer, fasting, and confession curb pride by re-centering life on God’s sovereignty.
3. Preaching and Teaching: Daniel 4–5 offers a potent narrative for warning the complacent and encouraging the humbled.
4. Congregational Culture: Corporate worship that exalts God alone fosters humility among believers.

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.

לַהֲזָדָ֑ה להזדה la·hă·zā·ḏāh lahazaDah lahăzāḏāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts

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

Strong's Hebrew 2103
1 Occurrence

la·hă·zā·ḏāh — 1 Occ.