Lexical Summary paraz or perez: Breach, gap, bursting forth Original Word: פָרָז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance village From an unused root meaning to separate, i.e. Decide; a chieftain -- village. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps warriors NASB Translation throngs (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מֶּ֫רֶז or מָּרָז] noun [masculine] פְרָזָו Habakkuk 3:14, text and meaning dubious; warriors (ᵑ9 ᵑ7) or leaders (ᵐ5 δυναστῶν compare ᵑ6 Thes We) would suit context. פרז (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Contextual Setting The single occurrence of פָּרָז (paraz) appears in Habakkuk 3:14, a verse that rehearses the mighty deeds of God in the past as assurance of His future deliverance. The prophet exults, “With his own arrows You pierced his head when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though ready to devour the weak in secret” (Habakkuk 3:14). Here paraz designates the hostile combatants or “warriors” whose arrogant advance is shattered by the Lord’s decisive intervention. The term functions within a poetic theophany, highlighting the futility of human power when set against the sovereignty of God. Historical and Prophetic Significance Habakkuk ministered in the late seventh century BC, a period of political upheaval with Babylon rising to prominence. The prophet’s closing psalm (Habakkuk 3) recalls Yahweh’s earlier triumphs—perhaps the Exodus, the conquest of Canaan, and victories during the Judges era—to strengthen hope amid impending Chaldean aggression. Paraz, though used only once, participates in this broader tapestry by portraying enemy forces reduced to impotence. Its inclusion underscores a recurring biblical theme: nations may muster formidable troops, yet the Lord alone determines the outcome of history (see Psalm 33:10–11; Isaiah 40:23). Theology of Divine Warfare The verse positions the Lord as a Divine Warrior who turns the very weapons of the adversary against him. By “piercing” the enemy’s head with his own arrows, God demonstrates absolute control over events and exposes the pretensions of earthly might. Paraz therefore contributes to a theology that magnifies God’s justice and faithfulness while simultaneously rebuking pride (compare Exodus 15:3–6; Revelation 19:11–16). For Habakkuk, the thought that even the fiercest warriors cannot escape divine judgment provides the basis for patient trust: “the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Ministerial and Devotional Implications 1. Assurance in Crisis: Believers facing oppressive powers—whether external persecution or internal temptation—can draw courage from Habakkuk’s vision. The God who neutralized the paraz still champions His people. Christological Trajectory The motif of the enemy’s downfall anticipates Christ’s triumph over the powers of darkness. At the cross, Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities” (Colossians 2:15), echoing the reversal seen when the paraz are pierced by their own weapons. The head of the serpent is crushed (Genesis 3:15), reinforcing that every form of hostile “warrior” ultimately submits to the Messiah. Practical Application for Today • Sermon Development: Paraz offers a vivid illustration for messages on spiritual warfare, highlighting that apparent strength without divine sanction collapses. Summary Though פָּרָז appears only once, its resonance within Habakkuk’s climactic hymn reinforces a central biblical conviction: God sovereignly overturns the schemes of the proud and secures the welfare of His covenant people. The downfall of the paraz is a microcosm of the ultimate victory secured in Christ and an enduring encouragement for believers to live by faith, not by sight. Forms and Transliterations פְּרָזָ֔יו פרזיו pə·rā·zāw peraZav pərāzāwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Habakkuk 3:14 HEB: [פְּרָזֹו כ] (פְּרָזָ֔יו ק) יִסְעֲר֖וּ NAS: The head of his throngs. They stormed KJV: the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind INT: spears the head village stormed to scatter 1 Occurrence |
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remove, separate 
depressed ground between hills; Late Hebrew הִפְרִיז extend border exceed limit; מָּרוּז = Biblical Hebrew מְּרָזִי).