פַּרְשֵׁז
to expand
Definition
The Hebrew verb פַּרְשֵׁז (parshêz) means 'to spread out' or 'to expand,' conveying the action of stretching something over a wide area. In its sole biblical occurrence in Job 26:9, it poetically describes God's act of spreading His clouds over the moon, effectively covering or veiling it. The imagery suggests an act of divine covering or obscuring, where God's power is displayed through His command over the celestial realm. While the basic sense is physical expansion, in this context it carries a nuance of authoritative covering or enveloping as an expression of God's sovereign control.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the poetic book of Job. It appears in Job 26:9 within a speech where Job describes God's majestic power over creation. The context is a poetic depiction of God's dominion over the heavens, specifically how He covers the moon with His clouds. The usage is entirely descriptive and metaphorical, highlighting God's active role in governing natural phenomena.
Etymology
The word פַּרְשֵׁז is considered a compound or derived form, likely blending elements from the root פָּרָשׁ (parash, H6567), meaning 'to make distinct' or 'to spread out,' and פָּרָז (paraz, H6518), meaning 'to separate' or 'to open.' This combination yields a sense of 'spreading out expansively.' It is also compared to the noun פַּרְשְׁדֹן (parshedon, H6574), meaning 'a spreading,' which reinforces the concept of extension or expansion.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, פַּרְשֵׁז contributes to the theology of God's sovereignty and majesty in creation. In Job 26:9, it illustrates God's intimate and powerful control over the cosmos, where even the covering of the moon is a deliberate divine act. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Job by emphasizing that natural phenomena are not random but direct expressions of God's will, reinforcing themes of His incomprehensible power and wisdom that Job and his friends debate.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, controlling celestial bodies like the moon was often associated with deity. The action described—spreading a cloud over the moon—would resonate as a display of supreme authority over the heavens, countering any pagan beliefs in independent celestial gods. The imagery affirms Yahweh's unique sovereignty over all creation, a key point in Israel's worldview versus surrounding cultures.
פָּרַשׂ (paras, H6566) — to spread out, often used for spreading garments or wings; more common and general. רָקַע (raqa', H7554) — to beat or spread out, used for God spreading out the earth or skies (e.g., Isaiah 42:5).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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