from an unused root meaning to separate, i.e.; decide; a chieftain; village.
Transliteration:pârâz
Pronunciation:paw-rawz'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6518 (פָּרָז, *pârâz*) derives from an unused root, the inferred meaning of which is "to separate" or "to decide." This foundational semantic core branches into two primary applications for the noun:
1. **"Village" or "Open Settlement"**: This is the most prevalent usage. It signifies a dwelling place that is "separated" or distinct from a fortified city, often implying a lack of defensive walls. This connotes vulnerability or openness, contrasting with the security of a walled `{{H5892}}` (city).
2. **"Chieftain"**: While less common for H6518 itself, this meaning is attested by related terms from the same root (e.g., `{{H6521}}`). It suggests one who "separates" or "decides" disputes, thus a leader or ruler.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6518 predominantly refer to unwalled settlements, highlighting their distinction from fortified cities:
* In [[Deuteronomy 3:5]], pârâz is listed alongside walled cities and very strong cities, emphasizing its nature as an open, unfortified habitation. This highlights the complete conquest of the land, including its less defensible areas.
* [[1 Samuel 6:18]] mentions the "villages" (pârâz) of the Philistines, indicating their widespread presence beyond the main cities.
* [[Esther 9:19]] distinguishes between Jews dwelling in "unwalled towns" (pârâz) and those in walled cities, noting that the former celebrated Purim on the fourteenth day of Adar, a day earlier than the latter. This underscores the practical and social distinction between the two types of settlements.
* [[Ezekiel 38:11]] describes Israel as a land of "unwalled villages" (pârâz), living in peace and security, making them a perceived easy target for Gog's invasion. Here, the term emphasizes vulnerability and a lack of military preparedness.
* A unique and profound usage appears in [[Zechariah 2:4]] (Hebrew 2:8), where the prophet declares that Jerusalem will be "like villages without walls" (pârâz) because of its immense population. Yet, the Lord Himself will be "a wall of fire around it." This transforms the concept of vulnerability into a powerful promise of divine protection and boundless expansion, where human fortifications are rendered obsolete by God's presence.
While H6518 itself is primarily "village," the "chieftain" aspect of the root is best seen in the related term `{{H6521}}` (pârâzôn), as in [[Judges 5:7]], which speaks of "villagers" or "rulers" ceasing in Israel, pointing to a breakdown of leadership and order.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H6521}}` (pârâzôn): A related noun from the same root, often translated as "rulers," "warriors," or "chieftains," directly embodying the "decide" or "separate" aspect of the root in a leadership context.
* `{{H6509}}` (pârad): "To divide, separate." This verb shares the conceptual root of division and distinction, which underlies pârâz's meaning as a "separated" dwelling or a "deciding" leader.
* `{{H5892}}` (iyr): "City." This term frequently stands in direct contrast to pârâz, representing a fortified, urban center versus an open, rural settlement. The interplay between these two terms highlights themes of security, population density, and social organization within ancient Israel.
* Concepts of vulnerability, security, divine protection, rural life, and leadership are all interwoven with the semantic range of pârâz.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6518 largely revolves around the themes of vulnerability and divine provision.
* **Vulnerability and Trust**: The repeated depiction of pârâz as "unwalled villages" underscores a state of inherent physical vulnerability. In contexts like [[Ezekiel 38:11]], this vulnerability is exploited by enemies, serving as a stark reminder of humanity's dependence.
* **Divine Protection and Sovereignty**: The striking imagery in [[Zechariah 2:4]] offers a profound theological counterpoint. Here, the lack of physical walls for Jerusalem is not a sign of weakness but a testament to God's unparalleled power. He becomes the ultimate "wall of fire," demonstrating that true security comes not from human fortifications but from divine presence and protection. This shifts the focus from human effort to divine omnipotence and faithfulness.
* **Order and Leadership**: Though less direct for H6518, the broader semantic field of its root, particularly through `{{H6521}}`, touches upon the importance of righteous leadership. The "separation" aspect can imply the setting apart of leaders to "decide" justly and maintain order, as seen in the lament of [[Judges 5:7]] over the absence of such leadership.
### Summary
H6518 (פָּרָז, *pârâz*) is a Hebrew term primarily denoting an "unwalled village" or "open settlement," derived from an unused root meaning "to separate" or "to decide." Its common usage highlights the distinction between vulnerable, unfortified dwellings and secure, walled cities (`{{H5892}}`). Biblical occurrences, such as in [[Deuteronomy 3:5]] and [[Ezekiel 38:11]], emphasize the vulnerability inherent in such settlements. However, [[Zechariah 2:4]] provides a powerful theological reinterpretation, where the absence of physical walls signifies not weakness but the all-sufficient protection of God Himself, who becomes a "wall of fire" around His people. While H6518 itself rarely means "chieftain," this aspect of its root is evident in related terms like `{{H6521}}` (pârâzôn), underscoring the role of leaders who "decide" or "separate" in judgment. Thus, pârâz encapsulates significant biblical themes concerning human security, divine providence, and the nature of community and leadership.
TRV