A voltage nonlinear resistive element includes a resistor containing a joined body in which a zinc oxide ceramic layer composed mainly of zinc oxide and having a volume resistivity of 1.0×10−1 Ωcm or less is joined to a bismuth oxide layer composed mainly of bismuth oxide, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the resistor such that an electrically conductive path passes through a joint surface between the zinc oxide ceramic layer and the bismuth oxide layer. In this element, the zinc oxide ceramic layer of the joined body has a lower volume resistivity than before. This can result in a lower clamping voltage in a high-current region than before.