from פֶּרֶץ and עֻזָּא; break of Uzza; Perets-Uzza, a place in Palestine; Perezuzza.
Transliteration:Perets ʻUzzâʼ
Pronunciation:peh'-rets ooz-zaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name Perets ʻUzzâʼ (`{{H6560}}`) is a compound Hebrew noun, literally meaning "the breach of Uzzah" or "the breaking forth upon Uzzah." It is derived from two components: פֶּרֶץ (perets, `{{H6556}}`) and עֻזָּא (ʻUzzâʼ, `{{H5816}}`). The term פֶּרֶץ typically denotes a "breach," "break," "rupture," or "bursting forth," often with connotations of a sudden, violent, or calamitous event, sometimes divinely inflicted. In this specific context, it signifies a divine "breaking out" or "bursting forth" in judgment. עֻזָּא is the proper name of the individual Uzzah, whose name means "my strength" or "strength." Thus, the complete designation "Perets ʻUzzâʼ" is a geographical place-name commemorating the specific catastrophic event where God's judgment "broke out" against Uzzah. It does not carry a general semantic range beyond this singular, historically fixed meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Perets ʻUzzâʼ (`{{H6560}}`) appears twice in the biblical text, in parallel accounts detailing the same tragic incident: [[2 Samuel 6:8]] and [[1 Chronicles 13:11]]. Both passages describe the initial attempt by King David to transport the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. During this journey, the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, and Uzzah, one of the men attending the Ark, reached out his hand to steady it. For this act, the Lord struck him down, and he died there beside the Ark of God. David, initially angry, then became afraid because of the Lord's "break out" (or "breach") against Uzzah. It was this divine judgment that gave the place its name, serving as a perpetual memorial to the event. The context underscores the absolute holiness of God and the strict requirements for approaching His sacred presence, particularly concerning the Ark, which was to be carried on poles by designated Levites, not transported on a cart or touched by unauthorized individuals (cf. [[Numbers 4:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is פֶּרֶץ (`{{H6556}}`), which signifies a "breach" or "breaking out." This term is used elsewhere to denote divine judgment (e.g., God breaking out against the people at Mount Sinai in [[Exodus 19:22]]) or a calamitous rupture. Conversely, it can also describe a positive "breakthrough" or a "repairing of the breach" (e.g., [[Isaiah 58:12]]). In the case of Perets ʻUzzâʼ, the connotation is unequivocally one of divine judgment. The individual עֻזָּא (`{{H5816}}`) is central, as the place is named after his fate. The incident at Perets ʻUzzâʼ is intrinsically linked to the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's holy presence, and the divine commands concerning its handling. It stands in stark contrast to the proper reverence and obedience required in worship, connecting to concepts of divine holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, `{{H6944}}`), ritual purity, and the consequences of unlawful contact with sacred things, echoing similar narratives like that of Nadab and Abihu (cf. [[Leviticus 10:1-2]]).
### Theological Significance
The naming of Perets ʻUzzâʼ carries profound theological weight. First, it serves as a powerful demonstration of God's absolute holiness and the inviolability of His divine commands. The "breach" was God's immediate and decisive judgment, emphasizing that His sacred presence is not to be approached casually or presumptuously, regardless of human intentions. Second, the incident highlights the danger of human presumption and disobedience in divine service. Uzzah's act, though perhaps well-intentioned to prevent the Ark from falling, was a direct violation of God's explicit instructions for handling the Ark. This teaches that faithfulness to God demands obedience to His revealed will, not merely good intentions or human ingenuity. Third, Perets ʻUzzâʼ underscores the severe consequences of disobedience, particularly in matters pertaining to worship and the divine presence. This tragic event served as a solemn lesson for King David and the entire nation, prompting a period of fear and reflection. Ultimately, it led David to consult the Law and ensure that the Ark was subsequently transported in the divinely prescribed manner by Levites carrying it on poles (cf. [[1 Chronicles 15:2-15]]), thereby becoming a catalyst for renewed obedience and reverence in Israel's worship.
### Summary
Perets ʻUzzâʼ (`{{H6560}}`) is a specific geographical name meaning "the breach of Uzzah," commemorating a pivotal and tragic event in Israel's history recorded in [[2 Samuel 6:8]] and [[1 Chronicles 13:11]]. It marks the place where God "broke out" in judgment against Uzzah for touching the Ark of the Covenant, an act of disobedience against divine command. The name itself, combining פֶּרֶץ (`{{H6556}}`, "breach") with עֻזָּא (`{{H5816}}`, the individual's name), functions as an enduring memorial to this severe divine action. Theologically, Perets ʻUzzâʼ profoundly illustrates God's absolute holiness, the non-negotiable nature of His commands concerning worship and sacred things, and the grave consequences of human presumption or disobedience. This incident served as a critical lesson for King David and the nation, leading to a renewed understanding of the reverence and strict adherence required in approaching the Holy One of Israel.
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