Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "expand" in the Bible often relates to the ideas of growth, increase, and the broadening of influence or territory. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, reflecting both physical and spiritual dimensions.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the notion of expansion is frequently associated with God's promises to the patriarchs. For instance, God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, indicating a vast expansion of his lineage (Genesis 22:17). This promise of expansion is not limited to progeny but also includes the land. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abraham, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates." The expansion of territory is also evident in the narrative of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites are commanded to expand their territory by conquering the land of Canaan (Joshua 1:3-4). This expansion is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise and a testament to His faithfulness. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of expansion takes on a more spiritual dimension. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is a call for the expansion of the Gospel: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Here, the expansion is not of physical territory but of spiritual influence and the Kingdom of God. The early church exemplifies this expansion as it grows from a small group of disciples in Jerusalem to a widespread movement across the Roman Empire. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' words to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse outlines the geographical and spiritual expansion of the early church. Spiritual Expansion The theme of expansion is also relevant to personal spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to expand in their knowledge of God and in their spiritual maturity. Ephesians 4:15-16 speaks of growing "up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ," emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and expansion within the body of Christ. Furthermore, the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32 illustrates the Kingdom of Heaven's expansion. Jesus describes it as the smallest of seeds that grows into the largest of garden plants, symbolizing the expansive and transformative power of God's Kingdom. Conclusion The biblical theme of expansion encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms, reflecting God's promises, the growth of His people, and the spread of His Kingdom. Through the narratives of the Old and New Testaments, the concept of expansion serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the transformative power of His Word. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To increase in area or scope; to lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves.2. (v. t.) To cause the particles or parts of to spread themselves or stand apart, thus increasing bulk without addition of substance; to make to occupy more space; to dilate; to distend; to extend every way; to enlarge; -- opposed to contract; as, to expand the chest; heat expands all bodies; to expand the sphere of benevolence. 3. (v. t.) To state in enlarged form; to develop; as, to expand an equation. See Expansion. 4. (v. i.) To become widely opened, spread apart, dilated, distended, or enlarged; as, flowers expand in the spring; metals expand by heat; the heart expands with joy. Greek 1600. ekpetannumi -- more exceedingly ... ekpetannumi Phonetic Spelling: (ek-pet-an'-noo-mee) Short Definition: I spread or stretch out Definition: I spread (stretch) out, expand, extend. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1600.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7554. raqa -- to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out... A primitive root; to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal) -- beat ... /hebrew/7554.htm - 6k 6576. parsez -- to spread 6690. Tsophach -- an Asherite 6835. tsappachath -- a jar, jug 238. azan -- to give ear, listen 142. adar -- wide, great 7849. shatach -- to spread, spread abroad Library The Introduction: Chapter 1 The Eighth Beatitude The Intimacy of Human Hearts in Christ The Unmerciful Servant. Salvation from Sin. The Ceaselessness of Prayer The Second Epistle of St. Peter The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 The Road to Rome The Night of the Soul Thesaurus Expand (3 Occurrences)... addition of substance; to make to occupy more space; to dilate; to distend; to extend every way; to enlarge; -- opposed to contract; as, to expand the chest ... /e/expand.htm - 8k Unfold (1 Occurrence) Open (586 Occurrences) Enlarge (18 Occurrences) Spread (257 Occurrences) Outspread (2 Occurrences) Flower (33 Occurrences) Flourish (26 Occurrences) Requital (9 Occurrences) Exorcists (1 Occurrence) Resources Why is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.orgHistory of GotQuestions.org | GotQuestions.org What is Neopaganism? | GotQuestions.org Expand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Expand (3 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 6:13 2 Corinthians 10:15 Exodus 39:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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