How to Pronounce
PerazimPER-uh-zihm
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Meaning
divisions
Historical Context
Perazim: Understanding a Name of Divine Power
The word Perazim appears in Scripture as a place name with a meaning that reveals God's character and power. To understand how to pronounce Perazim correctly, break it into three syllables: PER-uh-zihm. The name derives from Hebrew origins, rooted in the word paraz, which means "to break through" or "to divide." This etymology is crucial for grasping why this location carries such theological weight in biblical narratives.
Where Perazim Appears in Scripture
Perazim is primarily known from 2 Samuel 5:20, where David commemorates a military victory by naming a location after God's intervention. The passage reads: "So David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, 'The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking through of waters.' Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim" (ESV). The name also appears in Isaiah 28:21, where the prophet references Mount Perazim as a place where God performed mighty acts.
The Significance of the Name
Pronouncing Perazim correctly helps readers appreciate the wordplay David intended. The name literally means "divisions" or "breakthroughs," directly reflecting how God broke through David's enemies like a flood breaking through a dam. This wasn't merely a military victory; it was a demonstration of divine power breaking into human history on behalf of God's anointed king.
For Bible students and teachers, understanding Perazim pronunciation and meaning enriches the reading experience. When David names the battlefield Baal-perazim ("Lord of Breakthroughs"), he's declaring God's sovereign power to divide enemies and deliver His people. This theological theme—God breaking through obstacles and resistance—resonates throughout Scripture and speaks to believers facing their own spiritual battles.
Why This Matters Today
Perazim reminds modern readers that biblical names carry embedded meanings. When you encounter Perazim in your Bible study, you're not reading a random place name—you're reading a declaration of faith. David chose this name deliberately to commemorate God's intervention, making it a permanent testimony to divine faithfulness and power.