The concept of "enlarges" in the Bible often refers to the act of increasing, expanding, or making something greater in scope or capacity. This term is used both in a literal and metaphorical sense throughout the Scriptures, reflecting God's ability to bless, empower, and extend the influence or territory of His people.

Old Testament Usage

1. Territorial Expansion: One of the most direct uses of "enlarges" is in the context of territorial expansion. In the covenantal promises to the patriarchs, God often speaks of enlarging their descendants' territory. For instance, in the prayer of Jabez, we see a plea for God to enlarge his territory: "Jabez called out to the God of Israel, 'If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request" (1 Chronicles 4:10).

2. Spiritual and Emotional Capacity: The Psalms frequently use the concept of enlargement in a metaphorical sense, referring to the expansion of one's heart or spirit. Psalm 119:32 states, "I run in the path of Your commandments, for You have set my heart free" , where "set my heart free" can also be understood as enlarging the heart, indicating an increased capacity to love and obey God's commandments.

3. Deliverance and Freedom: Enlargement is also associated with deliverance from distress. In Psalm 4:1, David cries out, "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer" . The relief from distress can be seen as an enlargement of one's circumstances, moving from a place of confinement to one of freedom.

New Testament Implications

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "enlarges" in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept is present in the expansion of the Kingdom of God and the growth of the early church. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations," reflects the idea of enlarging the spiritual territory of God's Kingdom.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the idea of God enlarging one's territory or capacity is deeply connected to His sovereignty and grace. It underscores the belief that God is the ultimate source of blessing and growth, whether in physical, spiritual, or emotional realms. The act of enlarging is not merely for personal gain but is often tied to God's purposes and the fulfillment of His promises.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of enlargement can be a source of encouragement and motivation. It invites Christians to seek God's blessing and guidance in expanding their influence for His glory. Whether it is through personal spiritual growth, increased capacity to serve others, or the expansion of ministry efforts, the idea of God enlarging one's territory remains a powerful and relevant theme in the life of faith.7337. rachab -- to be or grow wide or large
... root Definition to be or grow wide or large NASB Word Usage enlarge (6), enlarged
(2), enlarges (3), extend (1), extends (1), large (1), made your wide (1 ...
/hebrew/7337.htm - 6k

7849. shatach -- to spread, spread abroad
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to spread, spread abroad NASB Word Usage enlarges
(1), scattered (1), spread (3). all abroad, enlarge, spread, stretch out. ...
/hebrew/7849.htm - 6k

The Beams of Our Houses are of Cedar and Our Carved Ceilings are ...
... to be remembered, that Love prepares His own way; no other can do it for Him; He
prepares our heart and leads it from fullness to fullness; He enlarges, and as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/16 the beams of our.htm

Under King John
... He suffers not those who rest on him to fall, but ever raises them to higher things
and enlarges them to ampler deservings." They reached then the church porch ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ix under king john.htm

Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we ...
... obliterate the main character by which authentic histories are distinguished from
those traditional tales, which each successive reporter enlarges and fashions ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter iv you reply to.htm

Talkers and Talking
... standpoint. It is surprising how this habit enlarges the vision and gives
a charitableness to speech which might otherwise be absent. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/talkers and talking.htm

Sixth Letter
... LETTERS SIXTH LETTER. To a member of the order who had received from him a
book, and to whom he again enlarges on his favourite topic. ...
/.../lawrence/the practice of the presence of god/sixth letter.htm

The Harbinger
... same thought, for substance, expressed in the first member, is repeated, with some
difference of phrase, in the following; which, if it enlarges or confirms ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon ii the harbinger.htm

The Immutability of God
... of the megatherium and the plesiosaurus, and all kinds of extinct animals; he may
imagine that his science, whatever it is, ennobles and enlarges his mind. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the immutability of god.htm

Death Swallowed up in victory
... apprehensions of mortals. Farther the metaphorical usage of the word swallow ,'
still enlarges and aggrandizes the idea. Thus the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xliii death swallowed up.htm

God's Honour in the Incarnation of his Son vindicated Marcion's ...
... Describe the womb as it enlarges [6988] from day to day, heavy, troublesome, restless
even in sleep, changeful in its feelings of dislike and desire. ...
/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter iv gods honour in the.htm

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... in the wilderness, and their numerous rebellions, while he was leading them as a
flock, and supplying their wants by a series of miracles, and enlarges on an ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm

Enlarges (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Enlarges (6 Occurrences). Deuteronomy ... NIV). Deuteronomy
33:20 Of Gad he said, "He who enlarges Gad is blessed. ...
/e/enlarges.htm - 8k

Enlarge (18 Occurrences)
... the capacity of; to expand; to give free scope or greater scope to; also, to dilate,
as with joy, affection, and the like; as, knowledge enlarges the mind. ...
/e/enlarge.htm - 14k

Enlarger (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One that enlarges. Multi-Version Concordance
Enlarger (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad ...
/e/enlarger.htm - 6k

Noble (61 Occurrences)
... 26:25). The Apocrypha, the King James Version and the Revised Version
(British and American), still further enlarges the list. In ...
/n/noble.htm - 27k

Nobleman (5 Occurrences)
... 26:25). The Apocrypha, the King James Version and the Revised Version
(British and American), still further enlarges the list. In ...
/n/nobleman.htm - 12k

Nobles (71 Occurrences)
... 26:25). The Apocrypha, the King James Version and the Revised Version
(British and American), still further enlarges the list. In ...
/n/nobles.htm - 33k

Lioness (13 Occurrences)
... Everyone who curses you is cursed." (WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT RSV NIV). Deuteronomy
33:20 Of Gad he said, "He who enlarges Gad is blessed. ...
/l/lioness.htm - 10k

Greed (19 Occurrences)
... A haughty man who doesn't stay at home, who enlarges his desire as Sheol, and he
is like death, and can't be satisfied, but gathers to himself all nations, and ...
/g/greed.htm - 12k

Increases (24 Occurrences)
... YLT). Job 12:23 He increases the nations, and he destroys them. He enlarges
the nations, and he leads them captive. (WEB). Psalms ...
/i/increases.htm - 12k

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary He enlarges the people, the successor of Solomon
on the throne, and apparently his only son. He was the ...
/r/rehoboam.htm - 34k

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