Perizzites

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

PERIZZITES. According to the frequently recurring list of the Deuteronomic editors, one of the pre-Israelitish nations of Palestine (cf.   Exodus 3:8;   Exodus 3:17;   Exodus 23:23;   Exodus 33:2;   Exodus 34:11 ,   Deuteronomy 20:17 ,   Joshua 3:10;   Joshua 24:11 ). The Perizzites, however, do not appear anywhere definitely in the history. Because in   Genesis 15:20 and   Joshua 17:15 they are mentioned with the Rephaim, some have inferred that they were one of the pre-Semitic tribes of Palestine. In the J [Note: Jahwist.] document the Perizzites are three times mentioned with the Canaanites (  Genesis 13:7;   Genesis 34:30 ,   Judges 1:4 ). The name ‘Perizzite’ (in AV [Note: Authorized Version.] and RV [Note: Revised Version.] of 1Es 8:69 ,   Esther 1:21  Esther 1:21 , and AV [Note: Authorized Version.] of Jdt 5:16 Pherezite(s)) is in Hebrew almost identical with a word meaning ‘dweller in an unwalled village,’ hence Moore (on   Judges 1:5 ) has suggested that they were Canaanite agriculturists, living in unwalled towns, and not a separate tribe. This view is most probable.

George A. Barton.

Morrish Bible Dictionary

One of the ancient nations in Palestine. They are several times the only people named along with the Canaanites. Joseph's descendants were told by Joshua to take the land of the Perizzites, where they are classed with the giants.  Joshua 17:15 . Though they were in a great measure either driven out or slain by the Israelites, yet some dwelt with the children of Israel, and intermarried with them.  Judges 3:5,6 . In the days of Solomon those that were still in the land were made bondservants. It is not known definitely in what part of Canaan they were originally located, but by  Joshua 17:14-18 it was probably near Manasseh's lot on the west.   Genesis 13:7;  Exodus 3:8,17;  Joshua 3:10;  Joshua 9:1;  Judges 1:4,5;  1 Kings 9:20;  Ezra 9:1;  Nehemiah 9:8 , etc.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

 Genesis 15:20 , ancient inhabitants of Palestine, who had mingled with the Canaanites, or were themselves descendants of Canaan. They appear to have dwelt in the center of Canaan,  Genesis 34.30;  Joshua 11.3;  17.15;  Judges 1.4-5; but there were some of them on each side of the river Jordan, in the mountains, and in the plains. In several places of Scripture, the Canaanites and Perizzites are mentioned as the chief people of the country; as in the time of Abraham and Lot,  Genesis 13:7 . Some remnants of this race existed in Solomon's day, and were subjected by him to a tribute of service,  1 Kings 9:20 . See CANAANITES.

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary

The Perizzites were one of many Canaanite groups that occupied Canaan before the Israelites drove them out ( Genesis 13:7;  Genesis 15:20;  Exodus 3:8;  Deuteronomy 7:1;  Joshua 3:10). They lived mainly in the hills of central Palestine and are found in Bible narratives concerning Bethel, Shechem and the tribal territory of Ephraim ( Genesis 13:2-7;  Genesis 34:26-30;  Joshua 17:15). They were used as slaves in Solomon’s building programs and were eventually absorbed into Israel ( 1 Kings 9:20-21).

Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary

The ancient inhabitants of Palestine, mingled with the Canaanites. There is also a great probability that they themselves were Canaanites, but, having no fixed habitations, were wandering about here and there, and scattered over all the country. Thus, in the time of Abraham and Lot, the Canaanite and Perizzite were in the land,  Genesis 13:7;  Joshua 17:15 . Solomon subdued the remains of the Canaanites and Perizzites, which the children of Israel had not rooted out, and made them tributary to him,  1 Kings 9:20-21;  2 Chronicles 8:7 . There still remained some of this people as late as the time of  Ezra 9:1 .

People's Dictionary of the Bible

Perizzites ( Pĕr'Iz-Zîtes ), Villagers. The Perizzites lived apparently in villages in the open country in the south part of Palestine, and were expelled during the conquest.  Genesis 13:7;  Genesis 34:30;  Joshua 17:15;  Judges 3:5;  1 Kings 9:20;  2 Chronicles 8:7;  Ezra 9:1.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

 Genesis 15:20 Exodus 3:8,17 23:23 33:2 34:11 Joshua 24:11 1 Kings 9:20

Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary

The word is derived from Peras, or Pherazoth. Such as dwell in villages: or perhaps, as villages are scattered buildings different from cities, the Perizzites might mean the scattered enemies of Israel, whom the Lord would drive out before them. ( Exodus 33:2)

Holman Bible Dictionary

 Joshua 9:1-2 Genesis 13:7