פְּרָצִים
Peratsim, a mountain in Palestine
Definition
פְּרָצִים (Peratsim) is a proper noun referring to a specific mountain in Palestine, mentioned only once in the Old Testament in Isaiah 28:21. The name literally means 'breaches' or 'breakings,' derived from the root פֶּרֶץ (perets), which often describes a violent breakthrough or rupture. In its biblical context, Peratsim is invoked by the prophet Isaiah as a reference point for God's past judgment, specifically alluding to a historical event where the Lord fought against Israel's enemies. The name serves as a symbolic reminder of divine intervention, where God 'breaks forth' against opposition, much like waters breaking through a dam.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only in Isaiah 28:21, where it is used in a prophetic warning. Isaiah references 'Mount Perazim' (the KJV rendering) alongside the 'Valley of Gibeon' (2 Samuel 5:20, 1 Chronicles 14:11) to recall God's past victories for David. The prophet employs these place names to illustrate that God's coming judgment on Judah will be an unusual, 'strange work'—a breach of His typical pattern of protection—because of the people's disobedience. Thus, its usage is highly contextual and metaphorical, drawing on historical memory to convey a theological message.
Etymology
פְּרָצִים is the plural form of פֶּרֶץ (perets, H6556), meaning 'a breach,' 'break,' or 'bursting forth.' The root conveys the idea of something breaking through violently, such as a city wall being breached (2 Samuel 5:20) or waters bursting out (2 Kings 3:26). As a place name, 'Peratsim' ('Breaches') likely commemorates a location where such a breakthrough occurred, possibly in a military context. The plural form may emphasize multiple breaches or a significant event of breaking.
Semantic Range
Theologically, Peratsim is significant because Isaiah uses it to highlight God's sovereignty in judgment. By referencing this mountain, Isaiah reminds Judah that the same God who fought for them (as at Perazim) will now fight against them due to their covenant unfaithfulness. This underscores the biblical theme that God is not bound to act only in mercy; He also executes justice. Understanding the Hebrew enriches the reading of Isaiah 28:21 by revealing the wordplay: God will 'break forth' (perets) in judgment as He once did in victory, turning a symbol of salvation into one of sobering warning.
In its original cultural setting, place names often commemorated historical events. 'Peratsim' likely recalled a specific, well-known breakthrough in battle, possibly linked to David's victory over the Philistines at Baal-perazim (2 Samuel 5:20). For Isaiah's audience, the name would evoke a memory of divine military aid. The cultural understanding differs from a modern one, as ancient listeners would immediately associate the name with the story and its theological implications, whereas today's readers require explanation of the historical allusion.
פֶּרֶץ (perets, H6556) — the singular root meaning 'breach' or 'breakthrough,' from which Peratsim is derived. גִּדְעוֹן (Gidʻôn, H1439) — another place name (Gideon) used in a context of God's deliverance, though not synonymous, it shares the theme of God acting in battle. שֶׁבֶר (shever, H7667) — meaning 'breakage' or 'fracture,' often used for calamity rather than a military breach.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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