### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâṭach**, represented by `{{H7849}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **expand**, **enlarge**, **spread**, or **stretch out**. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its core idea involves extending something over a surface or area, whether literally or figuratively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7849}}` is used to describe a range of actions. In a literal sense, it depicts the Israelites who "spread them all abroad" when referring to the quails they gathered in the wilderness [[Numbers 11:32]]. It is also used to describe an act of concealment when a woman "spread ground corn" over a covering to hide a well [[2 Samuel 17:19]]. Figuratively, it conveys a posture of supplication, as the psalmist has "stretched out my hands unto thee" in prayer [[Psalms 88:9]]. The term is also used in the context of divine judgment, where the bones of the unrighteous will be "spread them before the sun" as an act of desecration [[Jeremiah 8:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the concept of expanding or directing:
* `{{H7679}}` **sâgâʼ** (to grow, i.e. (causatively) to enlarge, (figuratively) laud; increase, magnify): This word is used in parallel with `{{H7849}}` to describe God's sovereign power, stating He "increaseth the nations... he enlargeth the nations" [[Job 12:23]].
* `{{H6566}}` **pâras** (to break apart, disperse, etc.; break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out)): This term appears alongside `{{H7849}}` in [[2 Samuel 17:19]], where a woman first "spread a covering" `{{H6566}}` and then "spread ground corn" `{{H7849}}`, showing a close, synonymous relationship in the act of covering a surface.
* `{{H5148}}` **nâchâh** (a primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists); bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten): This word is used as a direct contrast to `{{H7849}}` in describing God's dominion over nations, as He "enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again" [[Job 12:23]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H7849}}` illustrates themes of divine power and human response.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The word is used to describe God's absolute control over the fate of nations. He is the one who "enlargeth the nations" and also brings them to ruin, highlighting His power over history [[Job 12:23]].
* **Physical Action and Consequence:** The word describes tangible acts with significant implications, such as spreading out quail for sustenance [[Numbers 11:32]] or spreading bones as a sign of ultimate judgment [[Jeremiah 8:2]].
* **Posture of Prayer:** By "stretching out" the hands, `{{H7849}}` signifies a physical expression of earnest appeal and dependence on God during times of affliction [[Psalms 88:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7849}}` is a dynamic verb that moves from the simple, physical act of spreading something out to encompassing profound concepts. It is used to illustrate God's sovereign ability to enlarge and diminish nations, as well as to describe deeply personal human actions, from a desperate cry for help in prayer to the finality of divine judgment.
TRV