a root apparently formed by compounding פָּרָשׁ and that of פָּרָז (compare פַּרְשְׁדֹן); to expand; spread.
Transliteration:parshêz
Pronunciation:par-shaze'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פַּרְשֵׁז (parshêz), Strong's Number `{{H6576}}`, carries the core meaning of "to expand" or "to spread." Its etymological root is notably complex, described as "apparently formed by compounding" two distinct roots: פָּרָשׁ (parash, `{{H6566}}`) and פָּרָז (paraz, `{{H6518}}`). This compounded nature suggests a nuanced semantic range, combining the general notion of "spreading out" (from פָּרָשׁ) with concepts related to "being open" or "unwalled" (from פָּרָז). The implied action is one of wide diffusion, extension, or pervasive movement, often with a sense of covering a large area. The comparative reference to פַּרְשְׁדֹן (parshdon, `{{H6577}}`), which denotes "divisions" or "spreadings out," further reinforces the spatial and distributive aspects of its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פַּרְשֵׁז (parshêz, `{{H6576}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its contextual analysis paramount for understanding its specific nuance.
* **[[Habakkuk 1:8]]**: "Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall *spread themselves* (וּפָרְשׁוּ) and come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat."
In this sole occurrence, the verb is used in the Piel imperfect, referring to the Chaldean (Babylonian) horsemen. The context is a vivid description of the swiftness, ferocity, and overwhelming nature of God's chosen instrument of judgment against Judah. The phrase "shall spread themselves" (וּפָרְשׁוּ) depicts the vast and rapid expansion of the Chaldean army across the land. It is not a gentle or passive spreading, but an aggressive, pervasive, and irresistible advance, covering territory with great speed and force. This single usage establishes a strong association with military expansion, overwhelming numbers, and the swift occupation of space, emphasizing the irresistible nature of their advance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological notes provided with `{{H6576}}` directly point to two significant related words:
* **פָּרָשׁ (parash, `{{H6566}}`)**: This root broadly means "to spread out." It is used in various contexts, such as spreading hands in prayer ([[Exodus 9:29]]), spreading a garment ([[Deuteronomy 22:17]]), or spreading a net ([[Ezekiel 17:20]]). Its primary contribution to פַּרְשֵׁז is the fundamental idea of extension across a surface or space.
* **פָּרָז (paraz, `{{H6518}}`)**: This root signifies "to be open" or "unwalled," often referring to villages without fortifications ([[Deuteronomy 3:5]]). It can also imply a sense of being "spread out" or exposed. Its contribution to פַּרְשֵׁז likely adds the nuance of unrestricted movement or the covering of open, undefended areas.
Additionally, the related noun **פַּרְשְׁדֹן (parshdon, `{{H6577}}`)**, meaning "divisions" or "spreadings out," found in [[Judges 5:16]] ("divisions of Reuben"), further reinforces the concept of dispersal and wide distribution.
Other conceptual connections include:
* **Expansion/Conquest**: The act of a military force extending its control over territory.
* **Pervasiveness**: The quality of spreading throughout an area.
* **Irresistibility**: The force or movement that cannot be stopped, as implied by the speed and ferocity of the Chaldeans.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of פַּרְשֵׁז (parshêz, `{{H6576}}`) in [[Habakkuk 1:8]] imbues it with significant theological weight, directly tied to the prophetic message of divine judgment. The "spreading out" of the Chaldean horsemen serves as a powerful metaphor for the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's impending discipline upon Judah.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**: The word highlights that even destructive forces, like the Chaldean army, are under God's sovereign control. Their widespread and rapid advance is not random but part of His ordained plan to bring about judgment. God uses their "spreading" as an instrument to fulfill His purposes.
2. **Inevitability and Scope of Judgment**: The imagery of the Chaldeans "spreading themselves" conveys the overwhelming scale and inevitability of the coming judgment. It suggests that no part of the land or its inhabitants will be untouched or able to escape. The judgment will be thorough and pervasive, covering all aspects of life.
3. **Manifestation of God's Power**: The very act of this vast army spreading so effectively demonstrates the power of God, who directs and empowers even those who do not acknowledge Him, to achieve His righteous ends. The "spreading" is a visible manifestation of His decree.
### Summary
פַּרְשֵׁז (parshêz, `{{H6576}}`) is a rare but potent Hebrew verb meaning "to expand" or "to spread," particularly in a forceful and pervasive manner. Its etymological roots in פָּרָשׁ (parash, `{{H6566}}`) and פָּרָז (paraz, `{{H6518}}`) underscore the concepts of wide diffusion and unrestricted movement. Appearing uniquely in [[Habakkuk 1:8]], it vividly describes the Chaldean horsemen's rapid and overwhelming advance, signifying their extensive conquest. Theologically, this single usage powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over the instruments of judgment, emphasizing the irresistible and comprehensive nature of His divine discipline. The "spreading" of the enemy serves as a stark reminder of the inevitability and scope of God's righteous decree.
TRV