רָחַב (ra.chav)
ra.chav
to enlarge
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rachab means to become wide, spacious, or large. It describes a physical expansion, such as when God promises to widen the borders of Israel’s territory (Exodus 34:24), or when builders make rooms larger in the temple (Ezekiel 41:7). The word captures both literal growth in size and a figurative opening up of space for others.
A key nuance is its use for relief from distress. In Psalm 4:1, David prays that God will "enlarge" him from his anguish, implying a release from confinement or pressure. This sense of making room appears again in Proverbs 18:16, where a gift creates space for opportunity. The term also describes physical reactions, like a heart expanding with joy (Isaiah 60:5) or a mouth opening in mockery (Psalm 35:21).
Translators often render rachab as "enlarge" or "make room," depending on context. Whether describing land, architecture, or emotional states, the word consistently points to an increase in breadth or capacity. It suggests not just growth in number, but a widening of experience and possibility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rachab paints a picture of space opening up where there was once tightness or confinement. It is not merely about getting bigger, but about gaining room to breathe and move. When God enlarges our borders, He provides territory for fruitfulness. When He enlarges our hearts, He releases us from the pressure of distress. This word reminds us that God is interested in the capacity of our lives, creating space for His blessings to flow in.
In your daily walk, this concept invites you to trust God with your limitations. Whether you are facing a narrow path or a crowded schedule, rachab suggests that God can widen your perspective and your opportunities. It is an encouragement to look for the room He is making, not just for personal gain, but for greater fruitfulness and peace. His enlargement brings relief from anxiety and opens doors for new possibilities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you enlarge2×
- he will enlarge2×
- you have made wide1×
- to enlarge1×
- they have made wide1×
- someone has made [it] large1×
- roomy1×
- make large1×
- it will enlarge1×
- it makes space1×
- it has opened wide1×
- he has made space1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּרְחִ֥יבוּ1×
- תַּרְחִ֥יב1×
- תַרְחִ֣יב1×
- רָ֤חַב1×
- נִרְחָֽב\׃1×
- מַרְחִ֣יב1×
- יַרְחִיב֩1×
- יַרְחִ֣יב1×
- יַרְחִ֞יב1×
- וַ/יַּרְחִ֥יבוּ1×
- וְ/רָחַ֖ב1×
- וְ/הִרְחַבְתִּ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 26:22
He left that place, and dug another well. They didn’t argue over that one. So he called it Rehoboth. He said, “For now Yahweh has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.”
This verse establishes the word's core meaning of finding relief and space after conflict, showing God providing room for fruitfulness.
-
Psalms 25:17
The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Oh bring me out of my distresses.
Here the term describes the expansion of distress, highlighting the need for God to create space out of tightness and anguish.
-
Isaiah 54:2
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your habitations; don’t spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.
This command to enlarge tents illustrates a future hope where God creates abundant space for His people to grow and settle.
-
Exodus 34:24
For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither shall any man desire your land when you go up to appear before Yahweh, your God, three times in the year.
The promise to enlarge borders signifies divine protection and security, removing fear of invasion as God expands territory.