### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pᵉrâzîy**, represented by `{{H6521}}`, describes a **rustic** or **village**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the root word `{{H6519}}` pᵉrâzâh, meaning "an open country," it consistently carries the idea of settlements lacking fortification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6521}}` is used to differentiate between fortified and unfortified settlements. In [[Deuteronomy 3:5]], it describes the "great many" **unwalled** towns that existed alongside cities "fenced" `{{H1219}}` with high "walls" `{{H2346}}`, "gates" `{{H1817}}`, and "bars" `{{H1280}}`. This establishes a clear contrast between secure, walled urban centers and open, rural areas. Similarly, [[1 Samuel 6:18]] distinguishes between "fenced" `{{H4013}}` cities and "country **villages**" `{{H3724}}` when enumerating Philistine territories. The term is also used to describe the dwellings of the Jews who celebrated in "the **villages**" and "unwalled towns" `{{H6519}}` following their deliverance [[Esther 9:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define `{{H6521}}` by providing contrast and context:
* `{{H6519}}` **pᵉrâzâh** (unwalled town): The root word from which `{{H6521}}` is derived, meaning "an open country" or "unwalled village." It is used to describe Jerusalem being inhabited "as towns without walls" [[Zechariah 2:4]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This is a general term for a "city" or "town." It is used for both fortified cities and the "unwalled towns" `{{H6521}}` in [[Deuteronomy 3:5]], showing that the distinction is based on fortification, not settlement size.
* `{{H1219}}` **bâtsar** (fenced, fortify): This root means "to be isolated" or "fortify." It describes the cities that stand in direct contrast to the open villages, such as the "fenced" cities in [[Deuteronomy 3:5]].
* `{{H4013}}` **mibtsâr** (fortification, fortress): A term for a "fortified city," used in [[1 Samuel 6:18]] to differentiate the "fenced cities" from the "country villages" `{{H6521}}`.
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (wall): This term for a "wall of protection" is the key physical feature that a settlement described by `{{H6521}}` lacks. Fenced cities are described as having "high walls" [[Deuteronomy 3:5]].
### Theological Significance
The concept behind `{{H6521}}` carries significant weight, often highlighting the difference between human and divine security.
* **Physical Vulnerability:** The term consistently points to settlements that lack the physical protection of walls `{{H2346}}`, gates `{{H1817}}`, and bars `{{H1280}}`. This state of being "unwalled" [[Deuteronomy 3:5]] or "country" [[1 Samuel 6:18]] implies a physical vulnerability compared to fortified cities.
* **Trust in Fortifications vs. God:** Walled cities are often associated with human strength and trust in fortifications [[Deuteronomy 28:52]]. In contrast, the idea of unwalled settlements can be linked to a different kind of security. In Zechariah, God promises to be "a wall of fire" around Jerusalem, which will be inhabited like "towns without walls" [[Zechariah 2:4-5]], shifting the basis of security from man-made structures to divine presence.
* **A Picture of Peaceful Dwelling:** The people in unwalled villages are sometimes depicted as being "at rest" and dwelling "safely" [[Ezekiel 38:11]]. This can represent a state of peace and normalcy, as seen with the Jews of the villages who joyfully celebrate their deliverance in [[Esther 9:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6521}}` **pᵉrâzîy** is a specific term that defines communities by what they lack: walls and fortifications. While it appears only three times, its meaning is clarified by its consistent contrast with fortified cities described as "fenced" `{{H1219}}` or having a "fortress" `{{H4013}}`. The word paints a picture of rural, open-country life and raises deeper themes about vulnerability, security, and whether trust is placed in man-made walls or in God's divine protection.
TRV