The meaning of Enlarge; Enlargement in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
en-larj', en-larj'-ment: "To enlarge" is very frequently used figuratively: "God enlarge Japheth" (Genesis 9:27), i.e. "make him a great nation"; or "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me" (II Samuel 22:37), i.e. "Thou hast given me success." A very peculiar use of "enlarge" is found in the King James Version Psalms 4:1 : "Thou hast enlarged me" (the Revised Version (British and American) "set me at large"), i.e. "Thou hast given me freedom, deliverance from distress." "Our heart is enlarged" (platuno; II Corinthians 6:11), and "Be ye also enlarged" (II Corinthians 6:13), express great love of one party to another. See also I Samuel 2:1, "My mouth is enlarged," i.e. "full of praise." Ezekiel 41:7, "were broader" (the King James Version "an enlarging").
Enlargement, the King James Version, Esther 4:14 from rawach, "to enlarge," "to respite," is rendered "relief" by the Revised Version (British and American) in better harmony with "deliverance" with which the word is paired.
A. L. Breslich
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