### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râchâb**, represented by `{{H7342}}`, means **roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively**. It appears 21 times across 21 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to describe things that are **broad, large, at liberty, proud, or wide**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7342}}` is used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes physical expansiveness, such as God's promise of "a good land and a **large**" to the Israelites [[Exodus 3:8]] or the great and "**wide** sea" [[Psalms 104:25]]. It also refers to man-made structures like the "**broad** wall" of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:8]]. Figuratively, it can describe a state of being, such as walking "**at liberty**" when following God's precepts [[Psalms 119:45]]. In a negative sense, the word is used to describe a "**proud** heart" [[Psalms 101:5]], which is associated with arrogance and leads to strife [[Proverbs 28:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of `{{H7342}}`:
* `{{H1419}}` **gâdôwl** (great): Often paired with `{{H7342}}` to emphasize immense size, as seen in the description of a city that was "**large** and **great**" [[Nehemiah 7:4]].
* `{{H1362}}` **gâbâhh** (high, proud): This word connects to the negative figurative sense of `{{H7342}}`. In [[Psalms 101:5]], the psalmist will not tolerate one with a "**high** look" and a "**proud** heart."
* `{{H752}}` **ʼârôk** (long): This dimensional term is used in parallel with `{{H7342}}` to describe the vastness of God's wisdom, which is "**longer** than the earth, and **broader** than the sea" [[Job 11:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7342}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Divine Blessing and Provision:** A "**large**" space is a key feature of God's blessing. The promised land is described as "**large**" [[Exodus 3:8]] and "**wide**" [[1 Chronicles 4:40]], signifying freedom, security, and abundance provided by God.
* **The Scope of God's Law:** The word illustrates the comprehensive nature of divine wisdom. God's commandment is described as "exceeding **broad**" [[Psalms 119:96]], indicating that its reach and perfection surpass all human limits.
* **The Sin of Pride:** A "**proud**" or "enlarged" heart is a condition of sin. It is condemned as something God will not suffer [[Psalms 101:5]] and is identified as the source of strife [[Proverbs 28:25]] and sin [[Proverbs 21:4]].
* **Spiritual Liberty:** True freedom is equated with spaciousness. The psalmist states, "I will walk at **liberty**" [[Psalms 119:45]], linking a life of obedience to God's precepts with an unrestricted, expansive existence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7342}}` is a versatile word that conveys concepts of physical and figurative space. It represents both the abundance of God's blessings, seen in the promise of a "**large**" land and the "**broad**" scope of His law, and the danger of human sin, embodied by the "**proud**" heart. The word effectively uses the tangible idea of width and roominess to illustrate profound spiritual truths about blessing, wisdom, pride, and liberty.
TRV