from the same as פָּרָז; an open country; (unwalled) town (without walls), unwalled village.
Transliteration:pᵉrâzâh
Pronunciation:per-aw-zaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term pᵉrâzâh (`{{H6519}}`) is derived from the same root as פָּרָז (`{{H6517}}`), which conveys a sense of being open or spread out. Its core meaning denotes an "open country," an "unwalled town," or an "unwalled village." This definition inherently contrasts with fortified settlements, emphasizing the absence of defensive walls, gates, or bars. The semantic range thus extends from a simple geographical description of an unfortified area to implying a state of vulnerability or, paradoxically in some contexts, a state of divinely secured peace that transcends the need for human defenses. It speaks to a dwelling place that is exposed, not by design for defense, but by its very nature as a less structured, more expansive settlement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term pᵉrâzâh appears in several significant biblical passages, each contributing to its nuanced understanding:
* In [[Deuteronomy 3:5]], Moses describes the conquered cities of Og, king of Bashan: "All these were fortified cities with high walls, gates, and bars, besides a great many unwalled villages." Here, pᵉrâzâh serves to complete the picture of the conquered territory, indicating that both the strongholds and the less defended rural settlements were brought under Israelite control. It highlights the totality of the victory.
* Similarly, [[1 Samuel 6:18]] recounts the Philistines returning the Ark of the Covenant, mentioning "the gold mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both fortified cities and unwalled villages." This usage again underscores the comprehensive nature of the Philistine territory, encompassing settlements of all defensive types.
* A crucial prophetic instance is found in [[Ezekiel 38:11]], where Gog of Magog plans to attack Israel: "and say, 'I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go against those who are at rest, who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates.'" In this context, pᵉrâzâh describes Israel's perceived vulnerability and security, making them an attractive target for invasion. The emphasis is on their lack of human defenses, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention to protect His people.
* Perhaps the most striking usage is in [[Zechariah 2:4]] (2:8 in Hebrew): "Jerusalem shall be inhabited as unwalled villages, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it." This passage presents a profound theological reversal. Instead of signifying vulnerability, the pᵉrâzâh state of future Jerusalem denotes an overflowing population that transcends the confines of physical walls. The subsequent verse clarifies that the Lord Himself will be "a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst," transforming the apparent lack of defense into a symbol of divine, all-encompassing protection and boundless expansion.
### Related Words & Concepts
Pᵉrâzâh (`{{H6519}}`) is closely related to פָּרַז (`{{H6518}}`), the verb meaning "to be open, unwalled," and פֶּרֶז (`{{H6517}}`), a noun referring to an "open region," "rural district," or even "villagers" (as in [[Judges 5:7]], [[Judges 5:11]]). These terms collectively describe the unfortified, open countryside and its inhabitants.
In terms of contrast, pᵉrâzâh stands in direct opposition to עִיר מִבְצָר (`{{H5892}}` `{{H4013}}`), meaning "fortified city," or simply מִבְצָר (`{{H4013}}`), a "stronghold" or "fortress." Other related terms for settlements include חָצֵר (`{{H2691}}`, "village" or "courtyard") and כְּפָר (`{{H3715}}`, "village"), though pᵉrâzâh specifically highlights the absence of defensive walls. The concept of security (בֶּטַח - `{{H983}}`) or the lack thereof is intrinsically linked to the presence or absence of these protective structures.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pᵉrâzâh (`{{H6519}}`) lies in its dynamic interplay with the themes of divine protection versus human security. In the context of [[Ezekiel 38]], Israel's dwelling in pᵉrâzâh highlights their apparent vulnerability from a human perspective, setting the stage for God to intervene dramatically and demonstrate His sovereignty as their true defender. This underscores the theological principle that ultimate security does not reside in human fortifications but in the providential care of Yahweh.
Most profoundly, [[Zechariah 2:4]] transforms the meaning of pᵉrâzâh from a state of weakness to a symbol of divine blessing and boundless expansion. For Jerusalem to be inhabited as "unwalled villages" due to its multitude signifies a prosperity and population growth that cannot be contained by finite human structures. The Lord's promise to be a "wall of fire" around Jerusalem and "the glory in her midst" ([[Zechariah 2:5]]) establishes a new paradigm of defense. Here, God Himself becomes the ultimate, unbreachable fortification, rendering physical walls obsolete. This eschatological vision speaks to a future where God's presence is so pervasive and protective that conventional security measures are no longer necessary. It is a powerful testament to the sufficiency and supremacy of divine protection in the Messianic age.
### Summary
The Hebrew word pᵉrâzâh (`{{H6519}}`) denotes an "unwalled village" or "open country," emphasizing the absence of defensive structures. While initially descriptive of physically exposed settlements in [[Deuteronomy 3:5]] and [[1 Samuel 6:18]], its theological depth emerges in prophetic literature. In [[Ezekiel 38:11]], Israel's pᵉrâzâh state highlights their perceived vulnerability, setting the stage for God to display His power as their true protector. Most remarkably, [[Zechariah 2:4]] recontextualizes pᵉrâzâh for a future, restored Jerusalem: its "unwalled" nature signifies not weakness, but an immense population and divine blessing, with God Himself serving as its "wall of fire" and glory. Thus, pᵉrâzâh evolves from a simple descriptor of defenselessness to a powerful symbol of divine security and boundless expansion, where human fortifications are superseded by the overwhelming presence and protection of Yahweh.
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