### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zereth**, represented by `{{H2239}}`, is a specific unit of measurement defined as a **span**, from the spread of the fingers. It appears 7 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, used in both literal and figurative contexts to denote a precise length.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H2239}}` establishes specific, tangible dimensions. It is used to define the size of the high priest's breastplate, which was to be "a **span** the length thereof, and a **span** the breadth thereof" ([[Exodus 28:16]], [[Exodus 39:9]]). It also appears as a physical measurement for the height of Goliath, who stood "six cubits and a **span**" [[1 Samuel 17:4]], and for the border of the altar in Ezekiel's vision [[Ezekiel 43:13]]. The most profound use of the word is found in Isaiah, where it serves as a metaphor for God's immeasurable power, who "meted out heaven with the **span**" [[Isaiah 40:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for `{{H2239}}` as a term of measurement:
* `{{H520}}` **ʼammâh** (cubit): A larger unit of linear measure often used in conjunction with a span. It appears in the description of Goliath's height [[1 Samuel 17:4]] and the dimensions of the altar [[Ezekiel 43:13]].
* `{{H2948}}` **ṭôphach** (hand-breadth): Defined as "a spread of the hand, i.e. a palm-breadth," this smaller unit is distinguished from a span in the detailed measurements for the altar in Ezekiel's vision [[Ezekiel 43:13]].
* `{{H4058}}` **mâdad** (measure): This verb, meaning "to stretch; by implication, to measure," is the action associated with using units like the span. It is used to describe the measuring of the altar's components [[Ezekiel 40:6]] and God's creative power [[Isaiah 40:12]].
* `{{H753}}` **ʼôrek** (length): This noun is frequently paired with `{{H2239}}` to specify a dimension, as seen in the command for the breastplate to have a **span** as its **length** ([[Exodus 28:16]], [[Exodus 39:9]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2239}}` is demonstrated through its application in both divine and human spheres.
* **Divine Omnipotence:** The word powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty over creation. In using a mere **span** to measure the heavens, scripture portrays the entire cosmos as being easily held and managed by its Creator [[Isaiah 40:12]].
* **Sacred Precision:** The use of the **span** in the construction of the priest's breastplate and the altar signifies that God is a God of order and detail. These holy items were made to exact, divinely commanded specifications, emphasizing the importance of precision in approaching the sacred ([[Exodus 28:16]], [[Ezekiel 43:13]]).
* **A Standard of Contrast:** The **span** measures both the formidable height of a human champion like Goliath [[1 Samuel 17:4]] and the border of a holy altar [[Ezekiel 43:13]]. This same unit is then applied to God's measuring of the heavens, creating a stark contrast that highlights the finiteness of man and the infinite scale of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2239}}` is more than just an archaic unit of length. It functions as a key biblical term that links the tangible, physical world to the metaphysical and divine. Whether defining the dimensions of a sacred garment or illustrating the boundless power of God the Creator, the **span** serves as a consistent reminder of precision, scale, and the immense difference between the human and the divine.
TRV