זָדוֹן
za.don (H2087)
arrogance
AI Word Study
# Zadon: Arrogance in Biblical Hebrew The Hebrew word *zadon* (H2087) denotes arrogance—a state of excessive pride or overbearing self-importance. Based on its eleven occurrences in the biblical text, this term appears frequently enough to represent a consistent concept in Hebrew thought, yet rarely enough to suggest it describes a specific and notable moral condition rather than a casual character flaw. The term's singular focus on arrogance, without additional nuances in its definition, indicates that biblical writers used *zadon* to identify a recognizable human attitude: the assumption of superiority or disregard for others. The word functioned as a diagnostic label for a particular vice that merited attention in moral and religious instruction. Its presence across eleven separate biblical passages suggests the concept was sufficiently important to Hebrew speakers and writers that it warranted repeated examination and discussion in various contexts. Without access to the specific passages where *zadon* appears, we can observe that the text preserved this term across generations, indicating its relevance to biblical audiences' ethical concerns. The straightforward definition—arrogance—points to a concept that transcends cultural boundaries: the human tendency toward excessive self-regard that disrupts proper social and spiritual order.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
The man who does presumptuously in not listening to the priest who stands to minister there before Yahweh your God, or to the judge, even that man shall die. You shall put away the evil from Israel.
When a prophet speaks in Yahweh’s name, if the thing doesn’t follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You shall not be afraid of him.
Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? With whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride, and the naughtiness of your heart; for you have come down that you might see the battle.”
When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice.
The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride.
As for your terror, the pride of your heart has deceived you, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill, though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there,” says Yahweh.
“Behold, I am against you, you proud one,” says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies; “for your day has come, the time that I will visit you.
The proud one will stumble and fall, and no one will raise him up. I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will devour all who are around him.”
“ ‘Behold, the day! Behold, it comes! Your doom has gone out. The rod has blossomed. Pride has budded.
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’