The term "lengthened-out" is not a direct phrase found in the Bible, but it can be understood in the context of extending time, life, or influence, often as a result of divine intervention or blessing. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, where God extends the lives of individuals, the duration of events, or the reach of His promises.

Lengthening of Life

One of the most direct applications of "lengthened-out" is the extension of life. In the Old Testament, God promises to lengthen the days of those who follow His commandments. For instance, in Deuteronomy 5:33 , it is written, "Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." This promise is reiterated in the wisdom literature, where adherence to God's laws is associated with a long life. Proverbs 3:1-2 states, "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life."

Lengthening of Influence and Legacy

The concept of "lengthened-out" can also apply to the influence and legacy of individuals. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were promised that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars and that their influence would extend throughout generations. Genesis 17:6 records God's promise to Abraham: "I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you." This promise of a lengthened legacy is fulfilled through the nation of Israel and ultimately through the coming of the Messiah.

Lengthening of Divine Patience and Mercy

The Bible also speaks of God's patience and mercy as being "lengthened-out" toward humanity. In 2 Peter 3:9 , it is written, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." This divine patience is an extension of time for repentance and salvation, demonstrating God's desire for all to come to Him.

Lengthening of Time in Prophetic Fulfillment

Prophetic literature often speaks of events that are "lengthened-out" in terms of fulfillment. The prophets frequently addressed both immediate and distant future events, with some prophecies having a dual fulfillment. For example, the prophecy of the coming Messiah was given centuries before its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of a child born to us, whose government and peace will have no end, indicating a lengthened-out reign that extends into eternity.

Lengthening of Days in the Kingdom of God

The ultimate "lengthened-out" promise is the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. Believers are assured of a future where time is no longer a constraint. Revelation 22:5 describes this eternal state: "There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever." This eternal reign is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to lengthen the days of His people beyond the temporal into the everlasting.

Of the Figures and Limbs of Animals.
... able easily to put themselves in motion for walking, and to turn themselves in any
direction; but from the highest part of the body He lengthened out the head. ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap v of the figures and.htm

Of all the Parts of the Body.
... But in quadrupeds the same designer lengthened out the arrangement of the spine,
which is drawn out from the top of the head to a greater length on the outside ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap vii of all the parts.htm

Talking with Jesus.
... They never got over the talk with Him that twilight hour. That two hours' talk
lengthened out into many another during the years immediately after. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/talking with jesus.htm

Courage, My Mind, and Press on Mightily. ...
... And yet we measure times; but yet neither those which are not yet, nor those which
no longer are, nor those which are not lengthened out by some pause, nor ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxvii courage my mind.htm

Councils of Basel and Florence (Ad 1431-9)
... allowed Eugenius a certain time, within which they required him either to appear
at Basel or to send some one in his stead; then, they lengthened out this time ...
/.../chapter xxvi councils of basel.htm

How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
... What, then, is more debased than haughtiness, which, while it stretches itself above
itself, is lengthened out beyond the stature of true loftiness? ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xvii how the humble.htm

And yet we Say, "A Long Time" and "A Short Time"...
... Which yet flies with such speed from future to past, as not to be lengthened out
with the least stay. For if it be, it is divided into past and future. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xv and yet we.htm

Title and Position.
... four verses of chap. iv., this chapter is lengthened out in the Greek and
Latin versions to exactly 100 verses. Bishop Gray's note ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/title and position.htm

Azmon. CM God is Love.
... 3 Behold his patience lengthened out To those who from him rove, And calls
effectual reach their hearts, To teach them"God is love. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/91 azmon c m god is.htm

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... For great is the grace of His promise, "if to-day we hear His voice." [966] And
that to-day is lengthened out day by day, while it is called to-day. ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm

Lengthened-out (1 Occurrence)
Lengthened-out. Lengthened, Lengthened-out. Lengtheneth . Multi-Version
Concordance Lengthened-out (1 Occurrence). Psalms ...
/l/lengthened-out.htm - 6k

Lengthened (4 Occurrences)
... giveth thee. (KJV WBS). Psalms 102:11 My days are like a lengthened-out
shadow, and I, I am withered like grass. (DBY NAS). Psalms ...
/l/lengthened.htm - 7k

Lengtheneth (1 Occurrence)

/l/lengtheneth.htm - 6k

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