פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּא

𐤐𐤓𐤑 𐤏𐤆𐤀

Perets Uza

H6560 noun

SILEX Entry

Root פרץ-עזה to burst forth, to break through; strength, might

Definition

A place-name meaning 'the breach (or bursting forth) against Uzzah.' Refers specifically to the location where the Israelite named Uzzah was struck down during the transportation of the ark of the covenant. The phrase functions as a commemorative toponym, designating the site of a sudden violent event involving Uzzah and the ark. It does not function as a general noun but as a specific commemorative place-name.

Semantic Range

place where a breach or violent event occurred to Uzzah, commemorative location, site of sudden divine action; not a general term but specific to the named incident

Root / Etymology

From the Hebrew roots פֶּרֶץ (perets, 'breach, break, bursting forth') and עֻזָּא (Uzzah, a personal name, probably meaning 'strength' or 'the strong one,' from עֹז - 'strength, might'). The combination produces a name signifying 'the breach upon Uzzah' or 'outburst against Uzzah.' The root פּ-ר-ץ encapsulates the notion of breaking out or bursting, which in this context describes the sudden action against Uzzah.

Historical & Contextual Notes

פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּא refers uniquely to the site near Kiriath-jearim where Uzzah, a non-priestly Israelite, attempted to steady the ark of the covenant and was struck down, as described in 2 Samuel 6:8 and 1 Chronicles 13:11. The name memorializes this event, typical of toponymic practice in ancient Israel where place names record notable incidents. The incident is understood in its context as an example of handling the sacred outside prescribed boundaries. Later English translations render the name in various manners, sometimes as a transliteration (Perez-uzzah), sometimes as 'the breach of Uzzah,' but these renderings can obscure the original toponymic and commemorative intent of the Hebrew. The place-name is not referred to in later Judean or post-exilic literature, indicating that its significance was tied to the specific narrative context rather than ongoing geographical importance. Contrasts with similar commemorative toponyms such as עֵין מִשְׁפָּט ('Spring of Judgment') or בֵּית אֶל ('House of El'), which also memorialize singular events or theological interpretations but may accrue broader meanings over time.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from פֶּרֶץ and עֻזָּא; break of Uzza; Perets-Uzza, a place in Palestine; Perezuzza.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

פרץ-עזה (p-r-ts ʿ-z-h) — to burst forth, to break through; strength, might

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6560-01 פֶּ֣רֶץ perets HNp Perez Breach-upon-Uzzah 2
H6560-03 עֻזָּ֔ה uzah HNp Uzzah Breach-against-Uzzah 1
H6560-02 עֻזָּ֔א uza HNp Uzzah Strength 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6560-01 2 Samuel 6:8 פֶּ֣רֶץ perets-2 HNp Perez Breach-upon-Uzzah
H6560-03 2 Samuel 6:8 עֻזָּ֔ה uzah HNp Uzzah Breach-against-Uzzah
H6560-01 1 Chronicles 13:11 פֶּ֣רֶץ perets-2 HNp Perez Breach-upon-Uzzah
H6560-02 1 Chronicles 13:11 עֻזָּ֔א uza HNp Uzzah Strength