Topical Encyclopedia The term "spread" in the Bible is used in various contexts, often symbolizing the act of extending, covering, or disseminating. It appears in both literal and metaphorical senses throughout the Scriptures, reflecting God's actions, human behavior, and the growth of spiritual truths.1. Divine Protection and Provision: One of the most poignant uses of "spread" is in the context of God's protection and provision. In Psalm 91:4, it is written, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." Here, the imagery of God spreading His wings conveys a sense of safety and care, akin to a bird sheltering its young. 2. The Spread of God's Word: The concept of spreading is also significant in the dissemination of God's Word and the Gospel. In the New Testament, the early church is described as spreading the message of Christ. Acts 6:7 states, "So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith." This highlights the dynamic growth and influence of the early Christian message. 3. Human Actions and Influence: The Bible also uses "spread" to describe human actions, both positive and negative. In Proverbs 29:5, it is noted, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." This verse warns against deceitful behavior, illustrating how flattery can lead to entrapment and harm. 4. Judgment and Consequences: The spreading of consequences due to sin is another theme. In the Old Testament, the spread of leprosy is used as a metaphor for the pervasive nature of sin. Leviticus 13:7 describes the process of examining a spreading skin disease, symbolizing the need for vigilance against moral and spiritual corruption. 5. Symbolism in Worship and Rituals: In the context of worship, "spread" is used in the description of rituals and offerings. Exodus 40:19 describes the setting up of the tabernacle: "Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the LORD had commanded him." This act of spreading the tent signifies the preparation and sanctification of a space for divine worship. 6. The Spread of Nations and Peoples: The Bible also records the spread of nations and peoples as part of God's sovereign plan. In Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations, the descendants of Noah's sons are described as spreading out over the earth, fulfilling God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). 7. Metaphorical Uses: The metaphorical use of "spread" can also be seen in the prophetic literature. In Isaiah 25:7, it is prophesied, "On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations." This imagery of a spread shroud being removed signifies the removal of death and the revelation of God's salvation to all nations. In summary, the concept of "spread" in the Bible encompasses a wide range of meanings, from the protective and nurturing actions of God to the expansive growth of His Word and the influence of human actions. Each usage underscores the dynamic and far-reaching impact of divine and human activities in the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (imp. & p. p.) of Spread.2. (v. t.) To extend in length and breadth, or in breadth only; to stretch or expand to a broad or broader surface or extent; to open; to unfurl; as, to spread a carpet; to spread a tent or a sail. 3. (v. t.) To extend so as to cover something; to extend to a great or grater extent in every direction; to cause to fill or cover a wide or wider space. 4. (v. t.) To divulge; to publish, as news or fame; to cause to be more extensively known; to disseminate; to make known fully; as, to spread a report; -- often accompanied by abroad. 5. (v. t.) To propagate; to cause to affect great numbers; as, to spread a disease. 6. (v. t.) To diffuse, as emanations or effluvia; to emit; as, odoriferous plants spread their fragrance. 7. (v. t.) To strew; to scatter over a surface; as, to spread manure; to spread lime on the ground. 8. (v. t.) To prepare; to set and furnish with provisions; as, to spread a table. 9. (v. i.) To extend in length and breadth in all directions, or in breadth only; to be extended or stretched; to expand. 10. (v. i.) To be extended by drawing or beating; as, some metals spread with difficulty. 11. (v. i.) To be made known more extensively, as news. 12. (v. i.) To be propagated from one to another; as, the disease spread into all parts of the city. 13. (n.) Extent; compass. 14. (n.) Expansion of parts. 15. (n.) A cloth used as a cover for a table or a bed. 16. (n.) A table, as spread or furnished with a meal; hence, an entertainment of food; a feast. 17. (n.) A privilege which one person buys of another, of demanding certain shares of stock at a certain price, or of delivering the same shares of stock at another price, within a time agreed upon. 18. (n.) An unlimited expanse of discontinuous points. 19. (v.) imp. & p. p. of Spread, v. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SPREAD; SPREADINGspred, spred'-ing: Alone, or in phrases like "spread abroad," "spread forth," etc., "spread" represents very many Hebrew terms, principally paras; in the New Testament the act of spreading is stronnumi, where in Matthew 21:8 b the King James Version has "strawed" (which see); compound in Luke 19:36. For "spread abroad" in Mark 1:28 1 Thessalonians 1:8 (exerchomai), the Revised Version (British and American) has "went out" and "gone forth"; conversely, the Revised Version (British and American) has "spread abroad" for the King James Version "break forth" (Isaiah 54:3,), and "published" (diaphero, Acts 13:49), and for "commonly reported" (diaphemizo, Matthew 28:15). Greek 4766. stronnuo -- to spread ... to spread. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: stronnuo Phonetic Spelling: (strone'-noo-mee) Short Definition: I spread, make a bed Definition: I spread, make ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4766.htm - 6k 1310. diaphemizo -- to spread abroad 5291. hupostronnuo -- to spread under 1330. dierchomai -- to go through, go about, to spread 2025. epichrio -- to spread on, ie to anoint 1600b. ekpetannumi -- to spread out (as a sail), to stretch forth 1268. dianemo -- to distribute, to disseminate 2665. katapetasma -- a curtain (the inner veil of the temple) 1229. diaggello -- to publish abroad, proclaim 1600. ekpetannumi -- more exceedingly Strong's Hebrew 6566. paras -- to spread out, spread... 6565b, 6566. paras. 6567 . to spread out, spread. Transliteration: paras Phonetic Spelling: (paw-ras') Short Definition: spread. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/6566.htm - 6k 7849. shatach -- to spread, spread abroad 6581. pasah -- to spread 7554. raqa -- to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out 7234. rabad -- to spread over, deck 3331. yatsa -- to lay, spread 7502. raphad -- to spread 5186. natah -- to stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend 4969. mathach -- to spread out 6576. parsez -- to spread Library The Net Spread The Spread Net The Spread of the Gospel. Now Spread are Evening's Shadows. The General Spread of the Gospel The Doctrine of Christ Soon Spread Throughout all the World. We Bless Thee, Lord, that Thou Hast Spread And for a Very Long While Wickedness Extended and Spread... Early Mentions of Christianity in Britain. --King Lucius. --Origin ... The Reason Why under Constantine, the Name of Christ was Spread ... Thesaurus Spread (257 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Spread. 2. (vt) To extend in length and breadth, or in breadth only; to stretch or expand ... /s/spread.htm - 40k Spread-out (1 Occurrence) Examine (48 Occurrences) Mildew (26 Occurrences) Pronounced (63 Occurrences) Spreading (74 Occurrences) Pronounce (47 Occurrences) Insert (4 Occurrences) Poles (58 Occurrences) Display (30 Occurrences) Resources What did it mean to spread the corner of your garment over someone? | GotQuestions.orgWhat impact did the Pax Romana have on the early spread of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Could Calvinism be a stumbling block to the spread of the gospel of Christ? | GotQuestions.org Spread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Spread (257 Occurrences)Matthew 4:24 Matthew 9:26 Matthew 9:31 Matthew 17:5 Matthew 21:8 Matthew 28:15 Mark 1:28 Mark 1:45 Mark 5:14 Mark 6:14 Mark 7:36 Mark 11:8 Luke 1:65 Luke 4:14 Luke 4:37 Luke 5:15 Luke 7:17 Luke 9:34 Luke 19:36 John 12:17 John 21:23 Acts 2:6 Acts 4:17 Acts 6:7 Acts 9:34 Acts 10:37 Acts 11:28 Acts 12:24 Acts 13:49 Acts 16:34 Acts 19:20 Acts 19:29 Acts 21:30 Romans 5:12 Romans 10:21 2 Corinthians 2:12 2 Corinthians 8:18 Ephesians 6:20 Colossians 1:6 1 Thessalonians 1:8 2 Thessalonians 3:1 2 Timothy 2:17 James 3:5 Revelation 7:15 Genesis 9:19 Genesis 10:5 Genesis 10:18 Genesis 10:32 Genesis 28:14 Genesis 33:19 Genesis 35:21 Genesis 41:56 Exodus 1:12 Exodus 9:29 Exodus 9:33 Exodus 10:21 Exodus 23:1 Exodus 25:20 Exodus 26:12 Exodus 26:13 Exodus 29:2 Exodus 33:22 Exodus 37:9 Exodus 40:19 Leviticus 2:4 Leviticus 7:12 Leviticus 13:5 Leviticus 13:6 Leviticus 13:7 Leviticus 13:8 Leviticus 13:22 Leviticus 13:23 Leviticus 13:27 Leviticus 13:28 Leviticus 13:32 Leviticus 13:34 Leviticus 13:35 Leviticus 13:36 Leviticus 13:51 Leviticus 13:53 Leviticus 13:55 Leviticus 14:39 Leviticus 14:44 Leviticus 14:48 Numbers 4:6 Numbers 4:7 Numbers 4:8 Numbers 4:11 Numbers 4:13 Numbers 6:15 Numbers 11:32 Numbers 13:32 Numbers 16:39 Numbers 21:30 Numbers 24:6 Deuteronomy 22:14 Deuteronomy 22:17 Deuteronomy 22:19 Deuteronomy 32:11 Joshua 2:6 Subtopics Related Terms |