רַחַב
𐤓𐤇𐤁
rachab
H7338 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A measurable extent from side to side; width or breadth. In extension, it refers to a broad open place, a spacious area, or the quality or characteristic of spaciousness. Used both concretely—for physical dimensions or literal wide spaces—and abstractly for the idea of expansiveness or freedom from constraint.
Semantic Range
width, breadth, a wide place, spaciousness, broad open area, expansion, freedom from constraint
Root / Etymology
From the root רָחַב (r-ch-b), meaning 'to be wide, to be spacious.' The noun רַחַב derives directly from the root and denotes 'width, breadth,' either as an attribute or as a place.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, רַחַב is used of literal width or breadth (e.g., describing objects, lands, or structures), and also figuratively to signal a place of freedom or relief from oppression (as in contrast with narrowness, which often connotes distress). In geographic or urban contexts, it may refer to an open plaza or broad public space (e.g., open squares in towns). The term can represent a positive concept of abundance or relief, especially when juxtaposed with 'narrowness' (צַר). Over time, the word's use did not substantially change; it retained both concrete and figurative applications throughout Israelite history. English translations such as 'breadth,' 'width,' or 'broad place' generally capture its core meaning, though the metaphorical sense of liberation or expansiveness is less evident in these renderings. The term should be distinguished from מִרְחָב (mirchav), which often emphasizes spaciousness or enlargement in a more poetic or nuanced sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָחַב; a width; breadth, broad place.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רחב (r-ḥ-v) — broadness, wideness, spaciousness
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4800 | מֶרְחָב | in the spacious expanse |
| H7337 | רָחַב | cause to widen |
| H7339 | רְחֹב | in the broad-place |
| H7340 | רְחֹב | Wide-Place |
| H7341 | רֹחַב | in the breadth |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7338-02 |
רַחֲבֵי | rachavey | HNcmpc |
the breadth | widths of | 1 |
H7338-01 |
רַ֭חַב | rachav | HNcmsa |
a broad place | Rahab | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences