פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּא

פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּא

Perets-Uzza, a place in Palestine

Definition

Perets-Uzza is a proper noun referring to a specific location in ancient Palestine, meaning 'the breach of Uzza' or 'Uzza's breaking.' It is the place where Uzza died after touching the Ark of the Covenant to steady it during its transport to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:8, 1 Chronicles 13:11). The name serves as a permanent memorial to this tragic event, marking the site where God's holiness was violated, resulting in immediate judgment. There are no other major senses or differing meanings for this term in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the historical narratives of 2 Samuel 6:8 and 1 Chronicles 13:11, which recount the same event. It functions solely as a geographical place name, given to the location immediately after Uzza's death. The usage pattern is direct and commemorative, as David names the spot 'Perets-Uzza' because 'the LORD had broken out against Uzza' (1 Chronicles 13:11).

Etymology

The name is a compound Hebrew word derived from פֶּרֶץ (perets, H6556), meaning 'a breach, breaking out, or rupture,' and עֻזָּא (Uzzâʼ, H5798), a proper name meaning 'strength.' Thus, it literally translates to 'the breach of Uzza,' directly describing the outbreak of divine judgment against the man Uzza.

Semantic Range

This name is theologically significant as it underscores the holiness of God and the serious consequences of treating holy things with irreverence, even with good intentions. The event at Perets-Uzza serves as a stark lesson in obedience to God's specific commands regarding worship and the handling of sacred objects (like the Ark, which was to be carried by poles, not a cart). It highlights that God's presence cannot be managed by human effort and that zeal must be coupled with knowledge. Understanding this Hebrew name enriches Bible reading by connecting the geography directly to a pivotal narrative about reverence, fear of the Lord, and divine justice. In its original setting, naming a location after a significant, often tragic, event was a common practice for memorialization and warning. The name 'Perets-Uzza' would have served as a perpetual cultural reminder to Israel about the proper protocols for approaching the holy. It reflects an understanding of divine action being inseparably linked to physical places within the community's collective memory. There are no direct synonyms for this proper place name. Related concepts include: פֶּרֶץ (perets, H6556) — the root word meaning 'breach,' used for both physical breaks and outbreaks of divine judgment.

Word Details