2 Samuel 6:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 6:8 mean?

2 Samuel 6:8 describes how David became upset because the LORD punished Uzzah by causing his death, leading David to name that place Perezuzzah, which means "the breaking out against Uzzah." The verse shows David’s emotional reaction to God’s sudden and severe action during the moving of the ark.

David, the king of Israel, was transporting the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem when Uzzah touched the ark to steady it and was struck down by God. The verse captures David’s displeasure and confusion at this event, and his decision to mark the spot with a name that would remind people of what happened there.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 6:8

• "displeased" (חָרָה, charah): This word often means to be angry or deeply upset, showing that David’s reaction was not just sadness but a strong, emotional disturbance.
• "made a breach" (פָּרַץ, parats) and "breach" (פֶּרֶץ, perets): Both words come from the same root, meaning to break out or burst forth. The idea is of a sudden, forceful action, which highlights how unexpected and dramatic God's response was.
• "Perezuzzah" (פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּה, Perets-Uzzah): This name literally means "the breaking out against Uzzah," tying the event and the place together as a memorial of what happened.

Why 2 Samuel 6:8 matters

• The verse clarifies that even well-intentioned actions, like Uzzah’s attempt to steady the ark, could have serious consequences when they go against God’s specific instructions.
• It highlights David’s humanity, showing that even a king can struggle to understand God’s ways and can respond with strong emotions.
• Naming the place Perezuzzah connects the event to a physical location, serving as a lasting reminder to the people of Israel about the seriousness of handling holy things according to God’s commands.