### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pûwsh**, represented by `{{H6335}}`, is a primitive root with a range of meanings including **to spread, act proudly, grow up, be grown fat, spread selves,** and **be scattered**. Though it appears only **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, its usage illustrates a stark contrast between divine blessing and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical application, `{{H6335}}` carries both positive and negative connotations depending on the context. In a promise of restoration, it describes the righteous who will "go forth, and **grow up** as calves of the stall" [[Malachi 4:2]], indicating joyful vitality. Conversely, it is used to characterize the arrogance of Israel's enemies, who have "**grown fat** as the heifer at grass" before their downfall [[Jeremiah 50:11]]. The word also depicts the consequences of judgment, as a people are "**scattered** upon the mountains" [[Nahum 3:18]] or when an invading army's horsemen "**spread** themselves" across the land [[Habakkuk 1:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H6335}}` is used:
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go (causatively, bring) out): This word appears with `{{H6335}}` to show a sequence of liberation and flourishing. God's people will "**go forth**" from confinement and then "**grow up**" in health and freedom [[Malachi 4:2]].
* `{{H5697}}` **ʻeglâh** (heifer): This term provides the agricultural imagery for being "grown fat." The enemies of Israel are likened to a well-fed **heifer**, a symbol of their temporary and prideful prosperity [[Jeremiah 50:11]].
* `{{H6571}}` **pârâsh** (horseman): The concept of "spreading" takes on a military sense when linked with this word. The advance of a conquering army is described as "**horsemen**" who "**spread** themselves" [[Habakkuk 1:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6335}}` is seen in its portrayal of consequences and conditions.
* **Restoration and Blessing:** The word powerfully illustrates the result of righteousness. For those who fear the Lord, "growing up" is a physical and spiritual sign of His healing and favor [[Malachi 4:2]].
* **Pride and Judgment:** When used as "grown fat," the term serves as a divine indictment of arrogant self-sufficiency. This condition is not a blessing but a precursor to judgment against those who oppose God's heritage [[Jeremiah 50:11]].
* **Dispersion and Discipline:** The meanings "scattered" and "spread" are used to describe the mechanics of divine judgment, whether through the dispersion of a leaderless people [[Nahum 3:18]] or the overwhelming advance of an invading force [[Habakkuk 1:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6335}}` is a dynamic word whose meaning is sharply defined by its context. It can signify the joyful, explosive growth of those blessed by God, or it can describe the prideful expansion and ultimate scattering that comes from divine judgment. From a thriving calf to a scattered nation, **pûwsh** reveals how the same action of "spreading" can represent either life-giving restoration or destructive discipline.
TRV