So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.

1 CHRONICLES 14:11KJV
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1 Chronicles 14:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:11 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:11 describes how David defeated his enemies at a place called Baalperazim, and he credited God for breaking through his enemies like a flood of water. David named the place Baalperazim to mark this powerful victory and the way God helped him overcome his foes.

In this verse, David is the main speaker, reflecting after a successful battle against the Philistines. The setting is right after David has become king and is facing threats from neighboring enemies. The verse highlights David’s belief that God was directly involved in the victory, acting forcefully and suddenly, much like water breaking through a barrier.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:11

  • בַּעַל־פְּרָצִים (Baalperazim): This name means "Lord of Breakthroughs" or "Owner of Breakings Through." David names the place this to remember how decisively God broke through his enemies.
  • פָּרַץ (parats, from H6555): This verb means "to break through" or "burst out." David uses this word to describe how God’s action against his enemies was sudden and overwhelming, like water bursting through a dam.
  • מַיִם (mayim): This word means "waters." The comparison to water breaking out shows how unstoppable and forceful God’s intervention was in the battle.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:11 matters

  • The verse makes clear that David did not take credit for the victory but saw it as God working through him, which sets a tone of humility and dependence on God for leadership.
  • The naming of Baalperazim becomes a lasting reminder of God’s power to break through obstacles, which would encourage others who heard the story.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in 1 Chronicles of God supporting David’s kingship and acting on behalf of Israel, showing that victories are not just military achievements but acts of divine intervention.

Where else these words appear

“Baalperazim” Hebrew H1188 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:20 And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.

“forth” Hebrew H6556 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 38:29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.
  • Isaiah 30:13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

“in” Hebrew H6555 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.