רִמֹּן פֶּרֶץ
Rimmon-Perets, a place in the Desert
Definition
Rimmon-Peretz is a proper name for a location in the wilderness during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It is listed as a stopping point in the itinerary of Numbers 33:19-20. The name itself is a compound, meaning 'Pomegranate of the Breach.' As a toponym, it serves primarily as a geographical marker in the narrative of the wilderness wanderings, with no other distinct senses or meanings attached to it in the biblical text.
Biblical Usage
This place name is used exclusively in the Book of Numbers, specifically in the chapter that recounts the stages of the Exodus journey (Numbers 33:19, 20). Its usage is purely geographical, serving as one entry in a sequential list of encampments. There are no narrative events or dialogues associated with this location; its function is to document the route taken by the Israelites through the desert.
Etymology
The name is a compound of two Hebrew words: 'Rimmon' (H7416, רִמּוֹן), meaning 'pomegranate,' and 'Peretz' (H6556, פֶּרֶץ), meaning 'breach,' 'bursting forth,' or 'breakthrough.' It is therefore interpreted as 'Pomegranate of the Breach.' This could refer to a geographical feature, such as a cleft or pass near a pomegranate tree or grove, or it may carry a symbolic or commemorative meaning now lost to history.
Semantic Range
While the place itself is not the focus of major theological events, its inclusion in the detailed itinerary of Numbers 33 underscores the theme of God's guidance and providence during the wilderness period. Each named station, including Rimmon-Peretz, testifies to the deliberate journey of God's people under His direction. Understanding such names reminds the reader that the biblical narrative is grounded in real geography and a historical journey of faith.
In the ancient Near East, place names often described physical landmarks or commemorated events. A name combining 'pomegranate' (a valued fruit and symbol of fertility) with 'breach' likely pointed to a specific, recognizable location for travelers—perhaps a notable crack in a rock formation near pomegranate trees. This practical naming convention helped oral cultures remember and navigate routes through harsh terrain like the Sinai desert.
No direct synonyms exist as it is a unique proper noun. Related are other wilderness station names from the same itinerary, such as Rithmah (H7575) and Libnah (H3841).
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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