מֶרְחָב
𐤌𐤓𐤇𐤁
merchâb
H4800 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An open, wide space; a spacious area or expanse, typically implying openness and relief from constraint. Figuratively, it denotes freedom, deliverance, or an unconfined state, especially as contrasted with narrowness or oppression. The word can refer both to physical expansiveness (such as an uncrowded area or territory) and to a metaphorical sense of freedom or rescue from distress.
Semantic Range
open space, spacious area, physical expanse, relief from distress, freedom, deliverance from oppression, broadening of circumstance
Root / Etymology
From the root רָחַב (rachav), meaning 'to be wide, to be spacious, to make broad.' מֶרְחָב is a noun derived from this root, denoting the state or quality of being open or spacious, and by extension, the condition of being freed or relieved from constraint.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In ancient Israelite usage, מֶרְחָב appears in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it can refer to a large open area or an uncrowded place, as in Deuteronomy 33:20. More frequently, it carries a metaphorical sense of deliverance from distress (cf. 2 Samuel 22:20, Psalm 18:20), contrasting a state of danger or pressure ('narrowness') with one of relief and safety ('spaciousness'). This figurative use is especially prominent in poetry and wisdom literature. While later English translations sometimes render it as 'large place,' this may obscure its dynamic association with liberation and emotional or existential relief. There is no necessary religious or cultic connotation. The nuance of 'liberty' became prominent in post-exilic texts, reflecting developments in the understanding of divine deliverance and national restoration. מֶרְחָב should be distinguished from related spatial terms like שָׂדֶה (field) or רְחֹב (square, plaza), which refer more specifically to the outdoors or built public spaces, respectively.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָחַב; enlargement, either literally (an open space, usually in a good sense), or figuratively (liberty); breadth, large place (room).
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רחב (r-ḥ-b) — to be wide, be spacious, enlarge
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7337 | רָחַב | cause to widen |
| H7338 | רַחַב | Rahab |
| H7339 | רְחֹב | in the broad-place |
| H7340 | רְחֹב | Wide-Place |
| H7341 | רֹחַב | in the breadth |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4800-04 |
בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב | vamerechav | HRd/Ncmsa |
in-a-broad-place | in the open expanse | 2 |
H4800-02 |
לַ/מֶּרְחָ֖ב | lamerechav | HRd/Ncmsa |
into a broad place | to the spacious expanse | 2 |
H4800-03 |
לְ/מֶרְחֲבֵי | lemerechavey | HR/Ncmpc |
through the breadths | to spacious expanses of | 1 |
H4800-01 |
בַּ/מֶּרְחָֽב | bamerechav | HRd/Ncmsa |
in-the-broad-place | in the spacious expanse | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4800-02 |
2 Samuel 22:20 | לַ/מֶּרְחָ֖ב | lamerechav | HRd/Ncmsa |
into a broad place | to the spacious expanse |
H4800-01 |
Hosea 4:16 | בַּ/מֶּרְחָֽב | bamerechav | HRd/Ncmsa |
in-the-broad-place | in the spacious expanse |
H4800-03 |
Habakkuk 1:6 | לְ/מֶרְחֲבֵי | lemerechavey | HR/Ncmpc |
through the breadths | to spacious expanses of |
H4800-02 |
Psalms 18:20 | לַ/מֶּרְחָ֑ב | lamerechav | HRd/Ncmsa |
into a spacious place | to the spacious expanse |
H4800-04 |
Psalms 31:9 | בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב | vamerechav | HRd/Ncmsa |
in-a-broad-place | in the open expanse |
H4800-04 |
Psalms 118:5 | בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב | vamerechav | HRd/Ncmsa |
in the spacious place | in the open expanse |