from רָבָה; properly, increasing; as noun, greatness, or (adverbially) greatly; great, increase.
Transliteration:marbeh
Pronunciation:mar-beh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַרְבֶּה (marbeh, `{{H4766}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verb רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), meaning "to be or become many, great, or much; to increase." As a noun, מַרְבֶּה primarily denotes "increase," "greatness," or "abundance." Its semantic range extends to encompass the idea of a "multitude" or "numerousness" when referring to people or things, and can also function adverbially to mean "greatly" or "much." The word captures the essence of expansion, proliferation, and magnitude, whether in a positive sense (blessings, dominion) or a negative one (severity of judgment, multitude of captives).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
מַרְבֶּה (marbeh, `{{H4766}}`) appears in several significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible:
* **Isaiah 9:7**: "Of the increase ([[Isaiah 9:7]]) of his government and peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." This is arguably the most prominent occurrence, where marbeh refers to the limitless and ever-expanding nature of the Messiah's kingdom and the peace it brings. It signifies boundless growth and dominion.
* **Psalm 104:24**: "O LORD, how manifold ([[Psalm 104:24]]) are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Here, marbeh describes the vastness, diversity, and abundance of God's creative works, emphasizing His infinite wisdom and the richness of His creation. It speaks to the sheer "greatness" or "multitude" of His handiwork.
* **Ezekiel 23:32**: "You shall drink your sister's cup, deep and wide; it is of great capacity ([[Ezekiel 23:32]]), full of derision and scorn." In this context, marbeh refers to the "greatness" or "muchness" of the judgment or suffering that Jerusalem (Oholibah) will experience, likening it to a cup of vast capacity. It underscores the severity and abundance of divine retribution.
* **Nahum 3:10**: "Yet she was carried away, she went into captivity; her young children were dashed in pieces at the head of every street; and they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men ([[Nahum 3:10]]) were bound in chains." Here, marbeh (with a pronominal suffix) refers to the "multitude" or "great ones" among the captives, highlighting the vast number of people, including those of high status, who suffered during the fall of Nineveh.
* **Ezekiel 29:12**: "And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries." In some textual traditions, marbeh (or ummarbeh) appears here, signifying the "great extent" or "increase" of the desolation, emphasizing the thoroughness of the judgment upon Egypt.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of מַרְבֶּה (marbeh, `{{H4766}}`) is deeply rooted in its verbal stem רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), which is fundamental to understanding concepts of increase and abundance in the Old Testament. Other closely related terms include:
* רֹב (rov, `{{H7230}}`): A masculine noun meaning "multitude, abundance, greatness," often used interchangeably or in parallel with marbeh to describe large quantities or significant extents.
* רִבּוֹא (ribbow, `{{H7786}}`): A noun meaning "ten thousand, myriad," emphasizing numerical greatness.
The conceptual field includes ideas of numerical growth, prosperity, dominion, blessing, and the vastness of divine attributes or actions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַרְבֶּה (marbeh, `{{H4766}}`) is multifaceted:
1. **Messianic Dominion and Peace**: Its use in [[Isaiah 9:7]] is profoundly significant, pointing to the eternal and ever-expanding nature of the Messiah's rule. This verse assures believers of the boundless extent of Christ's sovereignty and the unending peace that His kingdom will bring, underscoring His divine authority and the ultimate triumph of His righteous government.
2. **Divine Wisdom and Creation**: In [[Psalm 104:24]], marbeh highlights God's infinite wisdom and power evident in the vastness and intricate diversity of His creation. It invites awe and worship for the Creator who brings forth such abundant and manifold works.
3. **Divine Justice and Judgment**: The word also describes the "greatness" or "abundance" of divine judgment and suffering, as seen in Ezekiel and Nahum. This illustrates that God's justice is comprehensive and thorough, meting out judgment in full measure when necessary, demonstrating His sovereignty over both blessing and discipline.
4. **Covenantal Fulfillment**: Implicitly, marbeh resonates with God's covenant promises of blessing and multiplication, particularly to Abraham, where a great nation and abundant offspring were promised. While not directly using marbeh in those specific promises, the concept of "increase" is central to their fulfillment.
### Summary
מַרְבֶּה (marbeh, `{{H4766}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying "increase," "greatness," or "abundance." Derived from the verb "to be many or great," it captures the essence of expansion and magnitude. Its most profound theological application is found in the Messianic prophecy of [[Isaiah 9:7]], where it describes the boundless and unending growth of the Messiah's government and peace. Furthermore, it illuminates the manifold wisdom of God in creation ([[Psalm 104:24]]) and the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, whether in its severity or the multitude it affects ([[Ezekiel 23:32]], [[Nahum 3:10]]). Thus, marbeh speaks to the vastness and efficacy of God's work, both in blessing and in judgment, affirming His ultimate sovereignty and boundless attributes.
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