Bible Encyclopedias
Enlarge; Enlargement

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

en -larj ´, en -larj´ment : "To enlarge" is very frequently used figuratively : "God enlarge Japheth" (Genesis 9:27 ), i.e. "make him a great nation"; or "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me" (2 Samuel 22:37 ), i.e. "Thou hast given me success." A very peculiar use of "enlarge" is found in the King James Version Psalm 4:1 : "Thou hast enlarged me" (the Revised Version (British and American) "set me at large"), i.e. "Thou hast given me freedom, deliverance from distress." "Our heart is enlarged" ( πλατύνω , platúnō ; 2 Corinthians 6:11 ), and "Be ye also enlarged" (2 Corinthians 6:13 ), express great love of one party to another. See also 1 Samuel 2:1 , "My mouth is enlarged," i.e. "full of praise." Ezekiel 41:7 , "were broader" (the King James Version "an enlarging").

Enlargement , the King James Version, Esther 4:14 from רוח , rāwaḥ , "to enlarge," "to respite," is rendered "relief" by the Revised Version (British and American) in better harmony with "deliverance" with which the word is paired.