English · KJV
H4666

מִפְרָשׂ

miphrâs /mif-rawce'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom פָּרַשׂ
Meaningan expansion
KJV usagethat which...spreadest forth, spreading.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of miphrâs — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word miphrâs, represented by H4666, is derived from a root meaning to spread. It signifies an expansion or that which is spread forth. This term appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses, where it is used to describe both vast natural phenomena and specific man-made objects.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H4666 is used in two distinct contexts. In the book of Job, it describes the immeasurable expanse of the sky, posing the question, "can any understand the spreadings of the clouds?" Job 36:29. This usage highlights a sense of divine mystery and scale. In Ezekiel, the word refers to a symbol of wealth and power, where a sail is described as the "fine linen with broidered work...that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail" Ezekiel 27:7.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of H4666 in its contexts:

  • H5645 ʻâb (cloud): Defined as "a (scud) cloud; also a copse," this word is directly associated with H4666 in Job's description of the "spreadings of the clouds" Job 36:29.
  • H5251 nêç (sail): Meaning "a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff." In Ezekiel 27:7, the object that is spread forth H4666 becomes a sail H5251, connecting the term to maritime trade and technology.
  • H5521 çukkâh (tabernacle): Defined as "a hut or lair; booth...pavilion, tabernacle, tent." Its appearance in Job 36:29 links the spreading of the clouds to the "noise of his tabernacle," framing the natural event within a divine sphere.
  • H995 bîyn (understand): A root meaning "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand." The use of this word in Job 36:29 questions if anyone can understand the spreadings of the clouds, underscoring their magnificent and mysterious nature.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H4666 is seen in its contrasting applications:

  • Divine Majesty: The term is used to express the awe-inspiring power of God in creation. The "spreadings of the clouds" are presented as part of the mystery of God's "tabernacle," a phenomenon beyond human comprehension Job 36:29.
  • Human Pride and Commerce: In Ezekiel, the word is used in a prophecy concerning Tyre's commercial power. The sail that is "spreadest forth" is made of luxurious materials like fine linen H8336 and broidered work H7553, symbolizing the height of human achievement and wealth Ezekiel 27:7.

Summary

In summary, H4666 is a specific and rare term that illustrates the concept of "spreading" in two powerful ways. It describes both the incomprehensible expanse of God's creation in the sky and the visible, crafted expanse of a sail representing human enterprise. Through these two verses, the word captures a duality between divine majesty and worldly splendor.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מִפְרְשֵׂי
  • מִפְרָשֵׂ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5645 עָב (masculine and feminine); from עוּב; properly, an envelope, i.e. darkness (or density, 2 Chronicles 4:17); specifically, H5251 נֵס from נָסַס; a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token; banner, pole, s H5521 סֻכָּה feminine of סֹךְ; a hut or lair; booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. H995 בִּין a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand; attend, consider, be cunning, dilig H8336 שֵׁשׁ or (for alliteration with מֶשִׁי) שְׁשִׁי; for שַׁיִשׁ; bleached stuff, i.e. white linen or (by analogy) marble; [idiom] H7553 רִקְמָה from רָקַם; variegation of color; specifically, embroidery; broidered (work), divers colours, (raiment of) needlework (o

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Job and Ezekiel (1 verse each); never once in the other 37.

1
Job
1
Ezekiel

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.