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מִרְבָּה

𐤌𐤓𐤁𐤄

mirbâh

H4767 noun

SILEX Entry

Root רבה to be many, to become great, to increase, to multiply

Definition

A great quantity, multitude, or abundance of something, typically referring to an exceptionally large amount or profusion. In context, the word emphasizes the surpassing or overwhelming extent of what is being described, often with a sense of increase or multiplication. Its semantic range includes both literal abundance (as of material goods or population) and metaphorical abundance (as of qualities such as peace or righteousness).

Semantic Range

abundance, multitude, a great quantity, increase, multiplication of something (as in dominion, peace, or goods)

Root / Etymology

From the root רָבָה (rabah), meaning 'to be or become many, to increase, to multiply.' The noun מִרְבָּה is a feminine form derived with the abstract nominal prefix מִ-, indicating the state or condition of being many or increased; thus, it means 'abundance' or 'multitude'—that which has been multiplied or increased greatly.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Isaiah 9:6 (English 9:7), מִרְבָּה is used in a poetic pronouncement regarding the increase or abundance of dominion and peace, where the context supports either quantitative increase or qualitative abundance. The term is relatively rare, appearing primarily in prophetic and poetic passages. Unlike other nouns from the same root (e.g., רֹב rob, 'multitude, greatness'), מִרְבָּה carries an intensive nuance, signaling not just quantity but the condition of being vastly increased. Standard English translations render it as 'increase' or 'abundance,' but sometimes the translation does not capture the implied process of multiplication present in the root. In post-monarchic and later periods, derivatives of רָבָה come to denote not only material increase but also conceptual or spiritual abundance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from רָבָה; abundance, i.e. a great quantity; much.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רבה (r-b-h) — to be many, to become great, to increase, to multiply

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4766 מַרְבֶה for increase of
H4768 מַרְבִּית increase of
H697 אַרְבֶּה I will cause to multiply
H7235 רָבָה I will cause to multiply
H7236 רְבָה he made great

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4767-01 מִרְבָּ֥ה mirebah HNcfsa much great increase 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4767-01 Ezekiel 23:32 מִרְבָּ֥ה mirebah HNcfsa much great increase
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