### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pᵉrîyts**, represented by `{{H6530}}`, refers to someone who is **violent, i.e. a tyrant; destroyer, ravenous, robber**. Derived from the word for breaking forth, it appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**. This term is used to describe individuals, groups, or even predatory forces that act with destructive and lawless violence against people and sacred places.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6530}}` consistently denotes a destructive or predatory character. God, through the prophet Jeremiah, asks if His house has become a "den of **robbers**" [[Jeremiah 7:11]], equating those who defile it with violent criminals. The psalmist seeks protection from "the paths of the **destroyer**" [[Psalms 17:4]], highlighting the danger such a figure represents. The word is also applied metaphorically to animals, as in God's promise that on the holy way, no "**ravenous** beast" will be found [[Isaiah 35:9]]. It describes a person who fundamentally breaks moral law, such as a son who is a "**robber**, a shedder of blood" [[Ezekiel 18:10]]. These figures are not just thieves but agents of defilement and rebellion, as when "**robbers**" enter and "defile" God's secret place [[Ezekiel 7:22]] or when the "**robbers** of thy people" rise up against authority [[Daniel 11:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and actions of a **pᵉrîyts**:
* `{{H4631}}` **mᵉʻârâh** (a cavern (as dark); cave, den, hole): This word describes the hiding place or domain of violent people. It is used in Jeremiah to condemn the temple's misuse as a "den `{{H4631}}` of robbers `{{H6530}}`" [[Jeremiah 7:11]].
* `{{H8210}}` **shâphak** (to spill forth... shed(-der, out)): This verb describes the violent action associated with a **pᵉrîyts**. Ezekiel directly links the two when characterizing a wicked son as a "robber `{{H6530}}`, a shedder `{{H8210}}` of blood" [[Ezekiel 18:10]].
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood... bloodshed): This word represents the deadly consequence of the actions of a **pᵉrîyts**. The shedding of **blood** `{{H1818}}` is the explicit crime of the robber in Ezekiel's prophecy [[Ezekiel 18:10]].
* `{{H2490}}` **châlal** (to wound, dissolve; figuratively, to profane... defile): This term describes the polluting effect of a **pᵉrîyts**. In Ezekiel, **robbers** `{{H6530}}` are shown entering God's sacred place with the intent to "defile `{{H2490}}` it" [[Ezekiel 7:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6530}}` is significant, highlighting forces that oppose divine order and holiness.
* **Defilement of the Sacred:** The word is used to express ultimate profanity, such as turning God's house into a "den of **robbers**" [[Jeremiah 7:11]] or having **robbers** "pollute" and "defile" God's secret place [[Ezekiel 7:22]]. This shows that such violence is an attack on God himself.
* **Threat to God's People:** A **pᵉrîyts** is a direct threat to the safety and righteousness of the community. The psalmist must be kept from the "paths of the **destroyer**" [[Psalms 17:4]], and Daniel foresees the "**robbers** of thy people" rising up in rebellion [[Daniel 11:14]].
* **Embodiment of Lawlessness:** The term characterizes those who operate outside of God's law, exemplified by the son who is a "**robber**" and a "shedder of blood" [[Ezekiel 18:10]]. The promised future for the redeemed is one free from the threat of any "**ravenous** beast" [[Isaiah 35:9]], contrasting God's peace with the chaos of the **pᵉrîyts**.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6530}}` is more than a simple word for a criminal. It is a powerful biblical term for a violent, predatory, and tyrannical force. Whether describing a person who sheds blood, a beast that threatens the redeemed, or a group that defiles what is holy, **pᵉrîyts** signifies a destructive power that stands in direct opposition to God's righteousness, peace, and sacred order. Its usage underscores the severe nature of violence and profanity in the eyes of God.
TRV