from רָחַב; roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively; broad, large, at liberty, proud, wide.
Transliteration:râchâb
Pronunciation:raw-khawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective רָחָב (râchâb), Strong's number `{{H7342}}`, derives from the verb רָחַב (râchab) `{{H7337}}`, meaning "to be wide, broad, spacious." As an adjective, רָחָב fundamentally conveys the idea of "roomy," "broad," or "wide" in a literal sense, referring to physical dimensions. This can apply to lands, gates, streets, or the physical breadth of an object. Beyond its literal spatial meaning, רָחָב extends into significant figurative domains. It can denote a state of "liberty" or "freedom" from constraint, suggesting an expansive, unconfined condition. In a more pejorative sense, particularly when applied to the heart or spirit, it can signify "pride," "arrogance," or "haughtiness," implying an inflated or overly expansive sense of self. Thus, its semantic range encompasses physical breadth, existential freedom, and moral disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רָחָב appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its diverse applications:
1. **Literal Breadth/Width:**
* It describes physical dimensions, such as the "broad" walls of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:8]], the "wide" gates [[Nehemiah 8:16]], or the "broad" streets [[2 Samuel 24:18]].
* Rivers are described as "broad" [[Isaiah 33:21]], emphasizing their expanse.
* The term is used for the "broad" borders of a garment [[Exodus 28:16]] or the "broad" land/territory [[Genesis 34:21]], [[Judges 18:10]], signifying ample space.
2. **Figurative Spaciousness/Liberty:**
* A significant metaphorical use is found in the Psalms, where God is depicted as bringing the psalmist into a "broad place" (לַמֶּרְחָב) or a "wide place." This signifies deliverance from distress, confinement, or oppression, leading to freedom and security. For example, in [[Psalm 18:19]], David declares, "He brought me forth into a broad place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." Similarly, [[Psalm 31:8]] states, "You have set my feet in a broad place." This usage highlights God's role as a deliverer who provides ample space and freedom from constraint.
* In [[Hosea 4:16]], Israel is described as "broad" or "at large," possibly indicating a lack of restraint or discipline, leading to spiritual wandering.
3. **Figurative Pride/Arrogance:**
* A critical figurative meaning emerges in wisdom literature, particularly in [[Proverbs 21:4]]: "Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin." Here, "proud heart" is רָחָב לֵב (rachab lev), literally "broad of heart." This "broadness" is not an expansive understanding but rather an inflated sense of self-importance, arrogance, and spiritual pride. It signifies a heart that is too "wide" for humility or submission to God's ways, leading to wickedness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of רָחָב is enriched by its relationship with other Hebrew terms:
* **רָחַב (râchab) `{{H7337}}`**: The verbal root, meaning "to be wide, broad, spacious." רָחָב is the adjectival form derived directly from this verb, sharing its core meaning of expansiveness.
* **רֹחַב (rôchab) `{{H7341}}`**: The noun form, meaning "breadth, width, spaciousness." This noun often refers to the physical dimension or extent of something.
* **רְחֹבוֹת (rᵉḥōḇōṯ) `{{H7339}}`**: A plural noun meaning "broad places," often referring to city squares or open public areas. This term literally embodies the concept of "broadness" in urban geography.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts**: The concept of "broadness" or "spaciousness" is often contrasted with "narrowness" or "distress."
* **צַר (tsar) `{{H6862}}`**: An adjective meaning "narrow, confined, distressed." This word frequently appears in parallel or antithesis to רָחָב, highlighting the contrast between confinement/distress and freedom/spaciousness (e.g., "distress" vs. "broad place").
* **מֵצַר (mētsar) `{{H4712}}`**: A noun meaning "straits, distress, anguish," reinforcing the idea of a constricted or difficult situation.
Thematic connections include divine deliverance, security, abundance, and the moral implications of pride versus humility.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רָחָב is multifaceted, reflecting both God's character and human responsibility:
1. **God as the Provider of Space and Freedom:** The most profound theological use of רָחָב is its association with God's redemptive work. When God brings His people into a "broad place" [[Psalm 18:19]], [[Psalm 31:8]], it is a powerful metaphor for salvation, deliverance from enemies, and release from suffering or oppression. This signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant, providing security, sustenance, and flourishing for those who trust in Him. It speaks to a God who does not confine but liberates, granting room to live and breathe freely.
2. **Divine Blessing and Promise:** The concept of "broad land" often connects to the Abrahamic covenant and the promise of a spacious inheritance for Israel. A broad, expansive territory symbolizes divine blessing, prosperity, and the fulfillment of God's pledges to His people.
3. **The Peril of Pride:** The usage of רָחָב לֵב ("broad of heart") to denote pride in [[Proverbs 21:4]] carries significant ethical weight. It warns against the spiritual danger of self-exaltation and arrogance, which are antithetical to the humility and obedience required by God. This "broadness" of heart is not an expansive wisdom but a puffed-up self-importance that leads to sin and separates one from divine favor. It underscores the biblical emphasis on humility as a foundational virtue.
4. **Moral Pathways:** While not directly using H7342 in the New Testament context, the concept of a "broad way" leading to destruction (e.g., [[Matthew 7:13]]) resonates thematically with the idea of unconstrained, undisciplined living. In the Old Testament, the negative connotations of רָחָב when applied to the heart suggest that unchecked "broadness" in one's moral compass can lead to spiritual ruin.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רָחָב (râchâb) `{{H7342}}` is a rich and versatile term primarily denoting "broad," "wide," or "roomy." Its semantic range extends from literal physical dimensions to profound figurative meanings. Positively, it symbolizes divine deliverance, freedom from distress, and God's provision of security and abundant space for His people. This is powerfully illustrated in the Psalms, where God brings the faithful into a "broad place" of salvation. Negatively, רָחָב can signify pride or arrogance, particularly when describing a "broad heart," which is an inflated and sinful self-regard. Thus, רָחָב encapsulates both the liberating power of God and the moral pitfalls of human pride, serving as a key descriptor of physical reality, existential state, and moral disposition within the biblical narrative.
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