### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **muṭṭâh**, represented by `{{H4298}}`, means **expansion** or **stretching out**. It appears only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible, making its sole usage particularly significant. The term conveys the concept of a physical extension or spreading out that covers or encompasses a wide area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical occurrence of `{{H4298}}` is found in a prophecy of overwhelming invasion in [[Isaiah 8:8]]. In this passage, an invading force is described as a flood that will "overflow and go over" Judah, reaching "even to the neck." The verse culminates with the phrase "and the **stretching out** of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land." Here, `{{H4298}}` is used metaphorically to depict the vast and comprehensive reach of an invading army, whose wingspan is so great it completely covers the nation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Isaiah 8:8]] illuminate the meaning of `{{H4298}}`:
* `{{H3671}}` **kânâph** (an edge or extremity; a wing): This word is directly object of the "stretching out." While wings often symbolize protection, as in taking refuge "in the shadow of thy wings" [[Psalms 57:1]], here they represent the terrifying expanse of an invading army.
* `{{H4393}}` **mᵉlôʼ** (fulness): This describes the result of the "stretching out," which is the "fulness" of the land being completely covered by the invasion. It stands in stark contrast to other uses where the earth is described by its "fulness" as belonging to the LORD [[Psalms 24:1]].
* `{{H7857}}` **shâṭaph** (to gush; to inundate, cleanse): This verb describes the action of the invasion as an "overflowing" force. The "stretching out" is the consequence of this unstoppable, gushing flood, a theme of judgment seen elsewhere [[Jeremiah 47:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4298}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful image of judgment.
* **Metaphor for Overwhelming Judgment:** The "stretching out" of wings, an image often associated with divine care ([[Psalms 91:4]], [[Malachi 4:2]]), is inverted to symbolize a comprehensive and inescapable judgment. The invasion is so total it reaches "even to the neck," signifying a near-fatal conquest [[Isaiah 8:8]].
* **Pervasive Conquest:** The action of `{{H4298}}` is directly linked to the land being filled `{{H4393}}`. This emphasizes the totality of the hostile takeover, where no part of the land remains untouched by the invading presence.
* **Unstoppable Force:** The term is part of a sequence of actions that depict a force like a natural disaster. An enemy will "overflow" `{{H7857}}`, "go over" `{{H5674}}`, "reach" `{{H5060}}`, and then stretch out its wings, portraying an unstoppable and disastrous power [[Isaiah 8:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4298}}` is a term whose significance comes from its singular, vivid application. Though it simply means "stretching out," its use in [[Isaiah 8:8]] transforms it into a powerful metaphor for total invasion and inescapable judgment. It demonstrates how biblical language can use a common physical action to paint a memorable and terrifying picture of a nation being completely overwhelmed by a hostile force.
TRV