The term "expanded" in a biblical context often refers to the idea of growth, increase, or enlargement, whether it be in terms of territory, influence, understanding, or spiritual capacity. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating God's promises, blessings, and the unfolding of His divine plan.

Territorial Expansion

One of the most prominent examples of expansion in the Bible is the promise of land to the descendants of Abraham. In Genesis 15:18 , God makes a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates." This promise of territorial expansion is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, emphasizing God's intention to establish a great nation through Abraham's lineage.

The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a narrative of expansion, both physically and spiritually. As they conquer territories under Joshua's leadership, the land promised to them is gradually expanded. Joshua 1:3 states, "I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses."

Expansion of Influence and Kingdom

The reign of King David marks a significant period of expansion for the nation of Israel. Under David's leadership, Israel's borders were extended, and its influence grew. 2 Samuel 8:6 notes, "The LORD gave David victory wherever he went." This expansion is not merely territorial but also reflects the establishment of a kingdom that foreshadows the eternal kingdom of Christ.

The prophetic literature often speaks of the expansion of God's kingdom. Isaiah 9:7 declares, "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end." This prophecy points to the Messianic kingdom, which will expand to encompass all nations and peoples.

Spiritual Expansion

The New Testament introduces the concept of spiritual expansion through the Great Commission. Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28:19 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This directive marks the beginning of the Church's mission to expand the reach of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

The Book of Acts records the early Church's expansion as the apostles spread the message of Christ. Acts 1:8 states, "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 expansion is characterized by the growth of the Church and the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community.

Expansion of Understanding and Revelation

The concept of expansion also applies to the understanding and revelation of God's Word. The Apostle Paul prays for the believers' spiritual growth in Ephesians 1:17-18 , "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened."

This expansion of understanding is a continual process for believers, as they grow in their knowledge of God and His purposes. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek wisdom and understanding, which leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound comprehension of His will.

Conclusion

The theme of expansion in the Bible encompasses physical, spiritual, and intellectual growth. It reflects God's desire to bless His people, extend His kingdom, and deepen the understanding of His divine nature and purposes. Through the narratives of territorial conquest, the spread of the Gospel, and the growth in spiritual wisdom, the Bible presents a comprehensive picture of expansion as an integral part of God's redemptive plan.(imp. & p. p.) of Expand.5342. phero -- to bear, carry, bring forth
... The following is a fuller expanded rendering of the Greek text, " [in view of the
meaning of salvation that extends to glorification, 1 Pet 1:9] (5342 ).". ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5342.htm - 10k4473. mimshach -- perhaps expanded or far-reaching wings
... 4472, 4473. mimshach. 4474 . perhaps expanded or far-reaching wings.
Transliteration: mimshach Phonetic Spelling: (mim-shakh') Short Definition: anointed. ...
/hebrew/4473.htm - 6k

3749. karkob -- border, rim (of an altar)
... compass. Expanded from the same as Kabbown; a rim or top margin -- compass. see
HEBREW Kabbown. 3748, 3749. karkob. 3750 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3749.htm - 6k

4545. masseketh -- fabric on a loom
... web. From nacak in the sense of spreading out; something expanded, ie The warp in
a loom (as stretched out to receive the woof) -- web. see HEBREW nacak. ...
/hebrew/4545.htm - 6k

7557. Raqqath -- a city in Naphtali
... Rakkath. From raqaq in its original sense of diffusing; a beach (as expanded shingle);
Rakkath, a place in Palestine -- Rakkath. see HEBREW raqaq. 7556, 7557 ...
/hebrew/7557.htm - 6k

7289. radid -- a wide wrapper, large veil
... vail, veil. From radad in the sense of spreading; a veil (as expanded) -- vail,
veil. see HEBREW radad. 7288, 7289. radid. 7290 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7289.htm - 6k

His Doctrine of Emanation Further Expanded.
... Book VI. Chapter XIII."His Doctrine of Emanation Further Expanded. Therefore,
according to this reasoning, Simon became confessedly ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xiii his doctrine of emanation.htm

Section 13, 14. Such a Doctrine Precludes all Real Distinctions of ...
... For what is dilated is first straitened; and what is expanded is at first contracted;
and it is what it was, and does but undergo an affection. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 13 14 such a.htm

Whether Expansion is an Effect of Pleasure?
... has attained a certain perfection, which is a magnitude of the spiritual order:
and in this respect man's mind is said to be magnified or expanded by pleasure. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether expansion is an effect.htm

The Sheltering Wing
... Now, the main idea in this image is, as I have suggested, that of the expanded pinion,
beneath the shelter of which the callow young lie, and are guarded. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the sheltering wing.htm

Blessed Trust
... very same thing as the Apostles who preached 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and thou shalt be saved.' The contents of the faith were expanded; the faith ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/blessed trust.htm

Seeking Jesus
... Like a jelly-fish in the water, as long as it is there its tenuous substance is
lovely, expanded, tinged with delicate violets and blues, and its long ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/seeking jesus.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... But so awkwardly and diffusely is the Oracle reported to us that we cannot doubt
that, whatever its original form was, this has been considerably expanded. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
... Jehovah was ever giving new decisions and laws through his priests and prophets,
and therefore that the law itself was constantly being expanded and developed. ...
/.../viii the development of the.htm

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
... The earlier stages are supposed to be exhilaration, increased brilliancy of
fancy and imagination, expanded good-fellowship, and so on. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the portrait of a drunkyard.htm

A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Volume IV
... Methodist Episcopal Church. By Nathan Bangs, DD. In Two Volumes. (Later Expanded
To Four Volumes -- DVM). VOLUME IV. FROM THE YEAR 1829 TO THE YEAR 1840. ...
/.../bangs/a history of the methodist episcopal church volume iv/title page.htm

Expanded (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Expanded (2 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 6:11 O Corinthians,
our lips are unsealed to you: our heart is expanded. (WEY DBY). ...
/e/expanded.htm - 7k

Displayed (18 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Display. 2. (a.) Unfolded; expanded; exhibited conspicuously or ostentatiously.
3. (a.) With wings expanded; -- said of a bird of pray, esp. an eagle. ...
/d/displayed.htm - 11k

Merchant (15 Occurrences)
... by bartering (Genesis 37:28; 39:1). After the Hebrews became settled in Palestine
they began to engage in commercial pursuits, which gradually expanded (49:13 ...
/m/merchant.htm - 13k

Sheet (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) In general, a large, broad piece of anything thin, as paper, cloth, etc.;
a broad, thin portion of any substance; an expanded superficies. ...
/s/sheet.htm - 10k

Expanse (18 Occurrences)

/e/expanse.htm - 11k

Expand (3 Occurrences)

/e/expand.htm - 8k

Kidron (11 Occurrences)
... lower part of this valley, where it is joined by the Tyropoeon valley, may more
probably have been in the upper part where the wide expanded valley receives ...
/k/kidron.htm - 17k

Unsealed (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unsealed (4 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 6:11 O Corinthians,
our lips are unsealed to you: our heart is expanded. (WEY). ...
/u/unsealed.htm - 7k

Open (586 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Not drawn together, closed, or contracted; extended; expanded; as,
an open hand; open arms; an open flower; an open prospect. ...
/o/open.htm - 41k

Jotham (26 Occurrences)
... as a class (compare 1 Samuel 8:10-18; 1 Samuel 12:19, etc.); so it is possible that
either the fable or its application has become expanded in transmission. ...
/j/jotham.htm - 25k

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Expanded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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