פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּא (pe.rets uz.za)
pe.rets uz.za
Perez-uzza
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Perez-uzza, meaning "breach of Uzza," refers to a specific location near Jerusalem where a tragic event occurred during King David’s attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the city. The place is named after Uzzah, who was struck dead for touching the sacred object in violation of divine law (2 Samuel 6:6-8). This incident highlights the serious reverence required for holy things in ancient Israel.
Interestingly, the same name also appears as a personal name for one of David’s servants, likely a resident of this place. In 2 Samuel 6:4 and 1 Chronicles 13:7, Perez-uzza is listed alongside his brother Ahio as the son of Abinadab, serving in the procession transporting the Ark. This dual usage connects the location’s somber history with the individuals involved in that pivotal moment.
The sources indicate that this name appears only twice in Scripture, both within accounts of David’s reign. The brevity of its occurrence underscores how singular and significant these events were in biblical narrative. The name itself serves as a permanent memorial to the consequences of mishandling sacred duties, while also preserving the memory of those who participated in the journey.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Perez-uzza carries a heavy weight, meaning "breach of Uzzah." It marks a moment when King David and the people of Israel learned that approaching God requires deep reverence. When Uzzah touched the Ark to steady it, he was struck down, not for malice, but for violating the sacred boundaries set by God. This event stopped the procession in its tracks and left David troubled.
For us today, this story is a sobering reminder of God's holiness. It teaches that our intentions, however good, do not override His commands. We are invited to approach the Lord with awe and respect, recognizing that He is worthy of our utmost care. The place name remains a permanent memorial to this lesson in humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Uzzah2×
- Perez2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֶּ֣רֶץ2×
- עֻזָּ֔ה1×
- עֻזָּ֔א1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 6:8
David was displeased because Yahweh had broken out against Uzzah; and he called that place Perez Uzzah to this day.
This verse records David’s reaction to the tragedy, naming the site Perez Uzzah as a lasting reminder of God's judgment.
-
I Chronicles 13:11
David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken out against Uzza. He called that place Perez Uzza, to this day.
The parallel account confirms that David named the place Perez Uzzah because Yahweh had broken out against Uzzah.