The Hebrew word mirbâh, represented by H4767, is a term for abundance or a great quantity. Derived from רָבָה, it means "much." This word appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, where its specific context gives it a focused and potent meaning related to the immense capacity of a cup of judgment.
The single appearance of H4767 is found in a prophetic declaration from the Lord GOD in Ezekiel 23:32. In this verse, the subject is commanded to drink from a "sister's cup," which is described as being "deep H6013 and large H7342." The consequence of drinking from this cup is to be "laughed to scorn H6712 and had in derision H3933." The reason for this overwhelming outcome is stated directly: "it containeth much H4767" Ezekiel 23:32. Here, mirbâh quantifies the contents of the cup, directly linking its great quantity to the severity of the resulting shame.
Several related words from its context help to define the meaning of H4767:
- H3563 kôwç (a cup): This is the vessel that holds the "much" described by H4767. In scripture, a cup often serves as a metaphor for a person's lot, whether it is the cup of God's fury Isaiah 51:17 or a cup of salvation Psalms 116:13.
- H7342 râchâb (large): This adjective, meaning roomy or broad, describes the cup in Ezekiel 23:32. Its use emphasizes the vast capacity of the judgment, connecting the physical descriptor of size to the conceptual weight of the contents.
- H3933 laʻag (derision, scoffing): This term signifies the direct consequence of the cup containing much H4767. It is used elsewhere to describe the scorn and reproach faced by those under judgment or mocked by their neighbors (Psalms 44:13, Psalms 79:4).
- H3557 kûwl (to contain): This root verb explains the function of the cup in relation to H4767. The cup "containeth much," illustrating that the vessel is filled to a great capacity, with the verb also being used for concepts like sustaining someone Psalms 55:22 or holding water Jeremiah 2:13.
The theological weight of H4767 is tied entirely to its singular, impactful use.
- The Measure of Judgment: The word is used to quantify the immense and inescapable nature of divine judgment. The cup of scorn is effective precisely because it contains much, leaving no doubt as to the totality of the punishment Ezekiel 23:32.
- Figurative Abundance: While meaning "abundance," H4767 here describes the contents of a figurative object—the cup of a sister. This demonstrates how abstract concepts like judgment and derision can be expressed in terms of physical quantity, signifying an overwhelming and complete experience.
- Cause and Effect: In its biblical context, mirbâh establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. The great quantity within the cup is the direct cause of the great derision that follows, linking the abundance of the instrument of judgment to the abundance of the resulting shame.
In summary, though appearing only once, H4767 mirbâh provides a crucial insight into the biblical concept of judgment. It is not merely a generic word for "much" but is used specifically to define the overwhelming scale of a prophesied consequence. Set within the powerful metaphor of a "deep and large" cup, it transforms a simple quantitative idea into a potent descriptor for the totality and intensity of divine retribution.
TRV