Lexical Summary miphras: Sail Original Word: מִפְרָשׂ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance that spreads forth, spreadingFrom paras; an expansion -- that which...spreadest forth, spreading. see HEBREW paras NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paras Definition a spreading out, something spread NASB Translation sail (1), spreading (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִפְרָשׂ] noun [masculine] spreading out, things spread; — suffix מִפְרָשֵׂךְ Ezekiel 27:7 thy spread (canvas, as sail, compare verb Isaiah 33:23); plural construct מִפְרְשֵׂי עָב Job 36:29, so perhaps Job 37:16 ( for מִפְלְשֵׂי). Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery מִפְרָשׂ evokes something deliberately spread out above or before a person or vessel: a canopy that shades, a sail that harnesses the wind, or a pavilion that becomes the setting for royal presence. The term is therefore bound up with ideas of protection, propulsion, and display. Occurrences in Scripture Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient Near East a finely woven over-hang—whether on a ship, in a royal court, or upon a battlefield—served practical and symbolic purposes. Linen sails propelled maritime ventures, and awnings of dyed fabric marked rank or sanctuary. Job’s desert context transforms the storm-clouds into a cosmic tent, underscoring the Creator’s sovereignty over the elements. Ezekiel’s maritime oracle reflects the Phoenician mastery of shipbuilding: Egyptian linen, renowned for quality and whiteness, together with Tyrian blue-purple dye, advertised both opulence and international trade relationships. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and Mystery: Job 36:29 places the “pavilion” in the domain of what cannot be fully scrutinized by man. The breadth of God’s covering surpasses human comprehension, encouraging reverent humility. Ministry Applications Typological Considerations The veil of the tabernacle, the curtain of Solomon’s temple, and ultimately the torn veil at Christ’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) all echo the notion of a divinely provided covering that both conceals and reveals. מִפְרָשׂ thus anticipates the incarnation, where the Word “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14), providing secure access to God while displaying His glory. Related Biblical Motifs Together Job’s heavenly pavilion and Tyre’s earthly sail illustrate the tension between divine supremacy and human ambition. The former invites awe; the latter warns against presumption. Both direct the reader to seek refuge and direction beneath the unfurled grace of God’s own covering in Christ. Forms and Transliterations מִפְרְשֵׂי־ מִפְרָשֵׂ֔ךְ מפרשי־ מפרשך mifraSech mifresei mip̄·rā·śêḵ mip̄·rə·śê- mip̄rāśêḵ mip̄rəśê-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 36:29 HEB: אִם־ יָ֭בִין מִפְרְשֵׂי־ עָ֑ב תְּ֝שֻׁא֗וֹת NAS: Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, KJV: Also can [any] understand the spreadings of the clouds, INT: lo understand the spreading of the clouds the thundering Ezekiel 27:7 2 Occurrences |
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