רְבָה
𐤓𐤁𐤄
rᵉbâh
H7236 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To become numerous or great, to grow or increase in quantity, size, influence, or prominence. As a verb, it expresses the concept of enlargement, multiplication, or augmentation in various respects—numerical (population, possessions, descendants), qualitative (greatness, prominence), or intensity. In some Aramaic biblical passages, it can also carry the nuance of being made great, exalted, or elevated, especially in relation to persons being promoted in status or honor.
Semantic Range
to increase in number, to grow, to become great, to be made great or prominent (especially persons), to multiply, to be promoted
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root ר-ב-ה, which in Hebrew and Aramaic has the sense of 'to become many, to increase.' The Aramaic רְבָה is the cognate of the Hebrew רָבָה (rabah), both with the core meaning of multiplication or increase. In Aramaic, the form can also convey causative or passive nuance, such as 'to be made great' or 'to be promoted.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (notably Daniel and Ezra), רְבָה most often appears with a meaning parallel to its Hebrew cognate, signifying numerical or status-related increase. In Daniel, for example, the verb is used for beasts growing strong (Daniel 7:20) and men being promoted (Daniel 2:48), where promotion encompasses both rank and social prominence. English translations often render the verb as 'increase,' 'grow,' 'multiply,' or 'become great,' but occasionally as 'promote' or 'exalt' when referring to persons. The term's semantic scope can encompass both organic/natural increase (such as offspring or numbers) and social-political advancement. It should be distinguished from other verbs meaning 'to grow' or 'to be great,' such as גָּדַל (gadal), which often conveys qualitative greatness more than numerical increase. The English term 'Jew' should not be used to translate רְבָה in these contexts; rather, the emphasis is on any subject becoming numerous or significant. The usage in Aramaic biblical literature does not indicate substantial semantic shift from the earlier Hebrew usage, though causative and passive nuances become especially prominent when discussing elevations in position or rank.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to רָבָה; {to increase (in whatever respect)}; make a great man, grow.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רבה (r-b-h) — to be many, to increase, to grow, to be/make great
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4766 | מַרְבֶה | for increase of |
| H4767 | מִרְבָּה | great increase |
| H4768 | מַרְבִּית | increase of |
| H697 | אַרְבֶּה | I will cause to multiply |
| H7235 | רָבָה | I will cause to multiply |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7236-02 |
רְבָ֥ה | revah | AVqp3ms |
grew | he increased | 3 |
H7236-03 |
רְבָת֙ | revat | AVqp3fs |
has grown | she increased | 1 |
H7236-01 |
רַבִּ֗י | rabi | AVpp3ms |
great | he made great | 1 |
H7236-04 |
רְבַ֖ית | revayt | AVqp2ms |
have grown great | you grew great | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7236-01 |
Daniel 2:48 | רַבִּ֗י | rabi | AVpp3ms |
great | he made great |
H7236-02 |
Daniel 4:8 | רְבָ֥ה | revah | AVqp3ms |
it grew | he increased |
H7236-02 |
Daniel 4:17 | רְבָ֖ה | revah | AVqp3ms |
grew great | he increased |
H7236-04 |
Daniel 4:19 | רְבַ֖ית | revayt | AVqp2ms |
have grown great | you grew great |
H7236-03 |
Daniel 4:19 | רְבָת֙ | revat | AVqp3fs |
has grown | she increased |
H7236-02 |
Daniel 4:30 | רְבָ֖ה | revah | AVqp3ms |
grew | he increased |