פֶּרֶץ

פֶּרֶץ

a break (literally or figuratively)

Definition

The Hebrew noun פֶּרֶץ (perets) fundamentally means a 'break' or 'breach,' describing a physical rupture or gap, such as in a wall (Nehemiah 6:1) or a city's defenses (2 Samuel 5:20). Figuratively, it signifies a sudden, forceful outbreak or bursting forth, as seen in the narrative of Perez's birth, where he 'broke forth' from the womb (Genesis 38:29). It can also represent a moral or social breach, a violation of established order or law, as in the 'breach' caused by Uzzah touching the Ark (2 Samuel 6:8; 1 Chronicles 13:11).

Biblical Usage

פֶּרֶץ is used 18 times, primarily in historical narratives. It often appears in military contexts describing breaches in walls or defenses (e.g., 2 Samuel 5:20, 1 Kings 11:27). It is used for a literal, violent outbreak in birth (Genesis 38:29) and for a catastrophic, divinely-judged breach in the story of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:8). It also describes a social breach or gap, such as the 'breach' among the tribes of Israel in Judges 21:15.

Etymology

Derived from the verb פָּרַץ (parats, H6555), meaning 'to break through,' 'burst forth,' or 'make a breach.' The noun retains this core sense of a forceful breaking action resulting in an opening or rupture. Cognates in other Semitic languages carry similar meanings of breaking or scattering.

Semantic Range

פֶּרֶץ is theologically significant as it is the name given to Perez (Genesis 38:29), an ancestor in the messianic line of Judah (Ruth 4:18-22, Matthew 1:3). This connects the concept of a forceful, divinely-ordained breakthrough with God's redemptive plan. The breach caused by Uzzah highlights the holiness of God and the serious consequences of violating His prescribed order, underscoring themes of reverence and proper approach to the divine. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a breach in a city wall was a catastrophic military event, often leading to slaughter, pillage, and the complete fall of the city. The name Perez, meaning 'breach' or 'breakthrough,' likely conveyed notions of unusual strength or a dramatic entrance into the world, which could be seen as an omen of future significance for the child's destiny. בָּקִיעַ (baqiaʿ, H1234) — a fissure or cleft, often in rock; more specific than the general 'breach' of פֶּרֶץ. שֶׁבֶר (shever, H7667) — a breaking, fracture, or crushing; often used for shattering or disaster, with a stronger sense of destruction than פֶּרֶץ.

Word Details