a primitive root; properly, to plait together, i.e. (figuratively) to augment (especially in number or quantity, to accumulate); in abundance, multiply.
Transliteration:kâbar
Pronunciation:kaw-bar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3527 (כָּבַר, *kâbar*) is a primitive root whose primary sense is "to plait together" or "to intertwine." This foundational meaning suggests a process of joining multiple strands or elements to create something more substantial, denser, or greater in quantity. From this concrete image, the word extends figuratively to denote augmentation, accumulation, or multiplication. It conveys the idea of becoming numerous, abundant, or great, particularly in terms of number or quantity. The semantic range thus encompasses concepts like increasing, multiplying, becoming many, or even accumulating (e.g., words or transgressions). It implies a significant increase beyond a simple addition, often suggesting a rapid or substantial growth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not among the most frequently occurring Hebrew verbs, H3527 appears in contexts that highlight its core meaning of augmentation and multiplication.
In [[Psalm 105:24]], the word describes God's action in relation to the Israelites: "And He increased His people greatly, And made them stronger than their enemies." Here, kâbar emphasizes the divine blessing and fulfillment of the covenant promise to Abraham regarding numerous descendants. The increase is not merely numerical but also contributes to their strength and prominence.
[[Nahum 3:15]] presents a starkly different usage, where the prophet sarcastically challenges Nineveh: "There the fire will consume you, the sword will cut you down; it will devour you like the locust. Multiply yourselves like the locust, multiply yourselves like the swarming locust!" In this context of judgment, kâbar is used imperatively, mocking Nineveh's past strength and numerous population, suggesting that even if they "multiply" like locusts, they will still be consumed. It underscores the futility of their numbers against divine wrath.
In the book of Job, H3527 describes human actions, often with negative connotations. [[Job 35:15]] states, "But now, because he has not visited in his anger, nor does he greatly regard transgression." Some interpretations suggest "multiply transgression" (cf. KJV "neither doth he greatly regard transgression"), implying a compounding of sin. Similarly, [[Job 35:16]] critiques Job's discourse: "Therefore Job opens his mouth in vain, And multiplies words without knowledge." Here, kâbar refers to the accumulation of numerous, yet empty, words. These instances highlight that multiplication is not inherently good; its moral valence depends on what is being multiplied.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of increase and multiplication is central to many biblical themes, and H3527 shares semantic space with several other Hebrew terms:
* `{{H7235}}` (רָבָה, *rāḇâ*): This is a very common word for "to be much, great, multiply, increase." While kâbar often implies a process of "plaiting" or "accumulating," rāḇâ is a more general term for quantitative increase. They are often used interchangeably or in parallel.
* `{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה, *pārâ*): "To be fruitful, bear fruit." This term often relates to biological reproduction and the fruitfulness of creation, particularly in the context of divine blessing (e.g., "be fruitful and multiply"). While kâbar speaks to the *result* of multiplication, pārâ speaks to the *capacity* for it.
* `{{H7227}}` (רֹב, *rōḇ*): A noun meaning "multitude, abundance, greatness," derived from `{{H7235}}`. This noun encapsulates the state of being multiplied, which kâbar describes as a verb.
The concept of multiplication is intrinsically linked to themes such as:
* **Divine Blessing and Covenant:** God's promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants ([[Genesis 12:2]], [[Genesis 13:16]]).
* **Fruitfulness and Creation:** The command to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" ([[Genesis 1:28]]).
* **Prosperity and Abundance:** The idea of a nation or people increasing in number and strength.
* **Consequences of Sin:** The multiplication of transgression or the accumulation of empty words, leading to judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3527 lies in its portrayal of increase as both a divine blessing and a human failing. On one hand, the multiplication of God's people, as seen in [[Psalm 105:24]], is a direct outworking of His covenant faithfulness and power. It signifies divine favor, growth, and the fulfillment of promises. This reflects a God who is abundant in blessing and who desires His creation to flourish and fill the earth.
On the other hand, the use of kâbar in Job highlights the potential for human actions to multiply in ways that are not pleasing to God. The multiplication of "words without knowledge" ([[Job 35:16]]) speaks to the human tendency towards futility and pride in speech, while the suggestion of "multiplying transgression" points to the pervasive nature of sin. This demonstrates that while God blesses with increase, humanity can also *increase* that which is contrary to His will.
Ultimately, kâbar contributes to a biblical theology of abundance. Whether it is the multiplication of life, blessing, or even sin and judgment, the concept of increase is a powerful force in the biblical narrative, reflecting both God's sovereign power to grant increase and humanity's capacity to choose paths that lead to an increase of either good or ill.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H3527 (כָּבַר, *kâbar*) fundamentally means "to plait together," extending figuratively to "augment," "accumulate," or "multiply." It describes a significant increase in number or quantity. Biblically, it is used to depict God's miraculous multiplication of His people as a fulfillment of covenant promises ([[Psalm 105:24]]), but also sarcastically in contexts of judgment ([[Nahum 3:15]]), and critically to describe the accumulation of human failings like empty words or transgression ([[Job 35:15]], [[Job 35:16]]). This word, alongside related terms like `{{H7235}}` (רָבָה) and `{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה), illuminates the biblical understanding of abundance, whether as a divine blessing and sign of fruitfulness, or as a negative consequence of human sin and folly. Its semantic range underscores that multiplication itself is a neutral concept, gaining its moral and theological weight from what is being multiplied and the context in which it occurs.
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