The term "enlargeth" is an archaic form of the verb "enlarge," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It is used to describe the act of making something larger, expanding territory, or increasing influence and capacity. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of enlarging is often associated with God's blessings, promises, and the fulfillment of His covenant with His people.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Territorial Expansion: One of the primary uses of "enlargeth" in the Bible is in the context of territorial expansion. In the Old Testament, God promises to enlarge the territory of His people as a sign of His favor and blessing. This is seen in the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs and the nation of Israel. For example, in the book of Deuteronomy, Moses speaks to the Israelites about God's promise to enlarge their borders: "When the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as He has promised you, and you say, 'I will eat meat,' because you crave meat, you may eat it whenever you desire" (Deuteronomy 12:20).

2. Spiritual and Personal Growth: The concept of enlarging is also applied metaphorically to spiritual and personal growth. In the Psalms, the psalmist often prays for God to enlarge his heart or understanding, seeking a deeper relationship with God and a greater capacity to follow His commandments. Psalm 119:32 states, "I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart" . Here, the enlargement is not physical but spiritual, indicating an increase in love, wisdom, and devotion.

3. Influence and Impact: The idea of enlarging one's influence or impact is another aspect of this term. In the prayer of Jabez, found in 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez calls upon God to bless him and 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" . This prayer reflects a desire for increased influence and the ability to make a greater impact for God's purposes.

4. Divine Intervention and Protection: The enlargement of territory or capacity is often seen as a result of divine intervention and protection. God's hand in enlarging the borders of Israel or the influence of an individual is a testament to His power and faithfulness. In Isaiah 54:2-3, the prophet encourages Israel to prepare for growth and expansion: "Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not hold back; lengthen your ropes and drive your stakes deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and inhabit the desolate cities" .

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the concept of "enlargeth" underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to bless and expand the lives of His people according to His divine will. It reflects the biblical theme of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises. The enlargement of territory, influence, or spiritual capacity is not merely for personal gain but is intended to further God's kingdom and purposes on earth. Believers are encouraged to seek God's enlargement in their lives, trusting in His timing and wisdom to bring about growth and expansion in accordance with His perfect plan.

Habakkuk's Rhapsody of the Chaldeans
... Yea, moreover, wine is a treacherous dealer, a haughty man, and that keepeth not
at home; who enlargeth his desire as hell, and he is as death, and cannot be ...
/.../habakkuks rhapsody of the chaldeans.htm

Antichrist in the Minor Prophets
... soul is lifted up" and "is not upright in him," and as one who "transgresseth by
wine," as "a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/5 antichrist in the minor.htm

That all Things are to be Referred to God, as the Final End
... love take possession of thee. For divine charity conquereth all things,
and enlargeth all the powers of the soul. If thou art truly ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ix that all things.htm

The Infinity of God is Our Enjoyment
... inspires us, the violence of His love, and the strength of our enjoyments, the
greatness and perfection of every creature, the amplitude that enlargeth us, and ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/2 the infinity of god.htm

You must Want Like a God that You May be Satisfied Like God
... The sense of His wants, as it enlargeth His life, so it infuseth a value,
and continual sweetness into the treasures He enjoyeth. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/44 you must want like.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... commandments. The Spirit enlargeth the prisoner's heart, and then he runs,
but not at random, but the way of his commands, Psalm 119:32. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v who walk not.htm

Vav.
... commandments of God because he walked at liberty; that is, through the Holy Spirit,
through whom love itself is shed abroad, [5196] and enlargeth the hearts of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/vav.htm

section ii.
... For the lives, not only of men, but of Commonwealths, and the whole World, run not
upon an Helix, [35] that still enlargeth, but on a Circle, where, arriving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section ii.htm

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have ...
... first grace be wholly a surprisal, yet certainly he keeps this suitable method in
the enlargements of grace, that when he gives more, he enlargeth the heart ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxv if so be.htm

Against the Modern Free-Thinkers.
... our view. But the Christian religion ennobleth and enlargeth the mind beyond
any other profession or science whatsoever. Upon that ...
/.../sect ix against the modern.htm

Enlargeth (3 Occurrences)
...Enlargeth (3 Occurrences). ... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 12:23 He increaseth the nations,
and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. ...
/e/enlargeth.htm - 7k

Gad's (3 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said: Blessed be He that enlargeth Gad; he dwelleth
as a lioness, and teareth the arm, yea, the crown of the head. (See NIV). ...
/g/gad's.htm - 7k

Increaseth (21 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Job 12:23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth
the nations, and straiteneth them again. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/i/increaseth.htm - 12k

Tearing (11 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said: Blessed be He that enlargeth Gad; he dwelleth
as a lioness, and teareth the arm, yea, the crown of the head. (See NIV). ...
/t/tearing.htm - 9k

Teareth (6 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth
as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head. ...
/t/teareth.htm - 8k

Enlargest (4 Occurrences)

/e/enlargest.htm - 7k

Enlarging (1 Occurrence)

/e/enlarging.htm - 7k

Destroyeth (38 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 12:23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them:
he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT) ...
/d/destroyeth.htm - 17k

Dealer (5 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:5 Yea, moreover, wine is treacherous, a haughty man, that keepeth not
at home; who enlargeth his desire as Sheol, and he is as death, and cannot be ...
/d/dealer.htm - 8k

Collecteth (1 Occurrence)
... Habakkuk 2:5 Yes also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither
keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire, as hell, and is as death, and ...
/c/collecteth.htm - 6k

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