plural of פֶּרֶץ; breaks; Peratsim, a mountain in Palestine; Perazim.
Transliteration:pᵉrâtsîym
Pronunciation:per-aw-tseem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פְּרָצִים (pᵉrâtsîym, `{{H6559}}`) is the plural form of פֶּרֶץ (peres, `{{H6556}}`), which fundamentally denotes a "breach," "rupture," or "breaking forth." As such, pᵉrâtsîym literally translates to "breaches" or "breakings." Its semantic range encompasses both the literal sense of a physical break or breakthrough, and a figurative sense of a sudden, powerful, and often overwhelming emergence or eruption. Beyond its common noun usage, pᵉrâtsîym also functions as a proper noun, "Perazim," referring to a specific geographical location, most notably "Mount Perazim" or "Baal-perazim." The underlying concept is one of forceful penetration, a bursting forth that overcomes barriers or establishes a new path.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent occurrences of pᵉrâtsîym as a proper noun are found in the accounts of King David's victories over the Philistines. In [[2 Samuel 5:20]], following a decisive victory, David names the place "Baal-perazim," declaring, "The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like the breaking forth of waters." Here, the name "Baal-perazim" (literally, "Lord of Breakings") directly attributes the breakthrough, the overwhelming defeat of the enemy, to the Lord. The imagery of "breaking forth of waters" vividly conveys the irresistible and sweeping nature of God's intervention.
This historical event is later referenced in the prophetic book of Isaiah. In [[Isaiah 28:21]], the prophet warns of God's impending judgment, stating, "For the LORD will rise up as on Mount Perazim; he will rouse himself as in the Valley of Gibeon—to do his work, his strange work, and to perform his task, his unusual task." Here, "Mount Perazim" serves as an allusion to God's past, decisive, and overwhelming intervention on behalf of His people. However, in Isaiah's context, the "breaking forth" of God's power is directed *against* His own people in judgment, a "strange work" because it is an unexpected and severe divine action. The reference underscores God's sovereign power to break through situations, whether for salvation or for judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the singular form, פֶּרֶץ (peres, `{{H6556}}`), which signifies a "breach" or "bursting forth." This root is also found in contexts of repairing breaches (e.g., [[Nehemiah 4:7]], referring to gaps in the wall) or divine judgment causing a breach (e.g., [[Exodus 19:22]], where God breaks out against those who approach Him improperly).
Other related concepts include:
* **Divine Intervention:** The "breaking forth" is consistently depicted as an act of God, demonstrating His direct involvement in human affairs.
* **Overwhelming Victory:** The imagery of a flood or irresistible force is often associated with the "breaking", indicating a decisive and complete triumph.
* **Judgment and Salvation:** As seen in Isaiah, God's "breaking forth" can manifest as both a salvific act for His people and a judgmental act against them or their enemies.
* **Unexpected Action:** The "strange work" of God in Isaiah highlights that divine breakthroughs often occur in ways that defy human expectations or logic.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pᵉrâtsîym, particularly as "Baal-perazim," lies in its profound declaration of God as the "Lord of Breakings." This title encapsulates several key theological truths:
1. **God's Sovereign Power:** He is not merely strong, but capable of breaking through any obstacle, any opposition, any human limitation. He is the one who "makes a way" where there seems to be no way.
2. **Divine Initiative:** The "breaking forth" is always initiated by God. It is His power, His decision, and His timing that brings about the sudden, decisive change.
3. **Unexpected Deliverance/Judgment:** The nature of a "breakthrough" implies an unforeseen or overwhelming turn of events. God's actions are not always predictable by human standards, often manifesting in surprising and powerful ways, whether to deliver His people from their enemies or to bring them to account for their unfaithfulness.
4. **God as Victor:** The name "Baal-perazim" stands as a perpetual reminder of God's ability to grant overwhelming victory, turning the tide of battle through His direct intervention. It speaks to a God who actively engages with and triumphs over the forces arrayed against His purposes.
### Summary
פְּרָצִים (pᵉrâtsîym, `{{H6559}}`) signifies "breaches" or "breakings," deriving from the singular פֶּרֶץ (peres, `{{H6556}}`). Its most significant usage is as the proper noun "Perazim," particularly in the name "Baal-perazim," meaning "Lord of Breakings." This name, given by David after a decisive victory over the Philistines in [[2 Samuel 5:20]], encapsulates the theological truth of God's overwhelming and irresistible power to "break through" obstacles, like a bursting flood. [[Isaiah 28:21]] later references "Mount Perazim" to illustrate God's decisive, albeit sometimes "strange" or "unusual," work of judgment and salvation. The word profoundly speaks to God's sovereign ability to intervene powerfully and unexpectedly, bringing about victory or executing His divine will through a sudden, overwhelming breakthrough.
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