מִפְרָשׂ (miph.ra.s)
miph.ra.s
spreading
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun miphraś denotes a "spreading" or something that has been spread out. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Job 40:22, where it describes the massive canopy of shade provided by the tamarisk tree over the giant Behemoth.
This single usage highlights its concrete sense of an object extended across a space to provide cover or shelter. The word derives from the root p-r-ś, meaning "to spread," linking it conceptually to other terms for covering or expanding surfaces in biblical poetry.
While rare, miphraś illustrates how Hebrew often uses action nouns to describe physical states. In this context, it emphasizes the sheer scale of creation, portraying Behemoth as resting beneath a vast, natural shelter that underscores its power and size.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word miphraś appears only once in Scripture, nestled in Job’s encounter with the Creator. It describes the broad canopy of shade cast by a tamarisk tree, sheltering the mighty Behemoth. This image reminds us that God’s power is not just overwhelming force but also generous provision. He creates vast spaces for His creatures to rest and find cover.
When we face seasons of uncertainty, we might look for places of safety. Job’s description invites us to trust in a God who provides shelter as surely as He commands the clouds. The same Creator who spreads out the heavens also watches over our daily needs.
This single verse offers a quiet hope. We are not left exposed to the elements of life’s storms. Instead, we find refuge in the one who designed the world with such care and scale.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] spreading out<s> of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִפְרְשֵׂי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Job 36:29
Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds and the thunderings of his pavilion?
This verse uses the related concept of spreading to describe God's control over the clouds, highlighting His majesty in creating natural shelters.