from רָבָה; abundance, i.e. a great quantity; much.
Transliteration:mirbâh
Pronunciation:meer-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4767, *mirbâh* (מִרְבָּה), is derived from the root רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), which signifies "to be or become many, great, or multiply." As a feminine noun, *mirbâh* specifically denotes "abundance," "a great quantity," "much," or "multitude." It conveys the sense of increase, proliferation, or an extensive amount of something. Unlike a simple count, *mirbâh* emphasizes the *fullness* or *overflow* of a quantity, suggesting a state of being numerous or extensive beyond what is small or limited.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *mirbâh* appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, where its usage consistently highlights large quantities, often in contexts of divine judgment or human transgression.
1. **[[Ezekiel 5:7]]**: "Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have been more rebellious than the nations that are all around you, and have not walked in My statutes nor kept My judgments, nor even done according to the judgments of the nations that are all around you." Here, *mirbâh* (often translated "multiplied more") describes Israel's excessive or abundant rebellion and wickedness, surpassing even the pagan nations around them. The context is one of severe divine indictment and impending judgment due to their persistent apostasy.
2. **[[Ezekiel 28:16]]**: "By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones." In this lament over the king of Tyre, *mirbâh* refers to the "multitude" or "abundance" of his merchandise and trade. This vast commercial activity, while seemingly a source of prosperity, ultimately led to inner violence and sin, precipitating Tyre's downfall.
3. **[[Ezekiel 30:10]]**: "Thus says the Lord God: I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon." Here, *mirbâh* denotes the "multitude" or "abundance" of Egypt's population and military strength. The verse declares that this great quantity, which constituted Egypt's power, would be brought to an end through divine judgment executed by Babylon.
4. **[[Ezekiel 30:18]]**: "At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I break there the yokes of Egypt, and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her; as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity." The phrase "מִרְבָּה עֻזָּהּ" (*mirbâh 'uzzāh*) translates to "abundance of her strength" or "multitude of her might." Similar to the previous verse, it refers to the overwhelming power and resources of Egypt that would be shattered by divine decree.
Across these occurrences, *mirbâh* consistently points to a significant quantity or excess, often serving as a catalyst for, or an object of, divine judgment when associated with human pride, sin, or rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), meaning "to be or become many, great, or multiply." Other derivatives and semantically related terms include:
* רֹב (rov, `{{H7230}}`): A common noun also meaning "multitude, abundance, greatness." It is often interchangeable in meaning with *mirbâh* but is far more frequently used.
* רִבּוֹא (ribbô', `{{H7233}}`): "Ten thousand, myriad," emphasizing an extremely large number.
* רִבִּית (ribbîth, `{{H7234}}`): "Increase, interest (on money)," highlighting the concept of growth or multiplication in a financial context.
The semantic field of *mirbâh* encompasses concepts such as growth, proliferation, numerousness, and often, excess. Its antonym would be words denoting scarcity or fewness, such as מְעַט (me'at, `{{H4592}}`), "little, few."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *mirbâh* is profoundly shaped by its usage in Ezekiel. It underscores several crucial theological principles:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Quantity:** The occurrences of *mirbâh* demonstrate that even vast quantities—whether of people, wealth, or power—are entirely subject to God's sovereign control. He is the one who can allow for abundance, and He is the one who can bring it to nothing.
2. **The Peril of Unchecked Abundance:** The consistent association of *mirbâh* with negative outcomes (rebellion, violence, destruction) serves as a potent theological warning. It suggests that abundance, when divorced from righteousness or when it fosters pride and self-reliance, becomes a conduit for sin and a target for divine judgment. The "abundance of trading" in Tyre led to violence, and the "abundance of strength" in Egypt led to its downfall.
3. **The Nature of Sin:** *Mirbâh* highlights that sin is not merely an isolated act but can be a *multiplication* of wickedness, an *excess* of rebellion ([[Ezekiel 5:7]]). This emphasizes the pervasive and escalating nature of sin when left unchecked.
4. **Judgment as a Diminishment of Abundance:** God's judgment often manifests as the cessation or destruction of what was once abundant. This serves to remind humanity that true security and blessing are not found in material or numerical strength, but in humble obedience and reliance on God.
### Summary
H4767, *mirbâh*, is a Hebrew noun signifying "abundance," "great quantity," or "multitude," derived from the root רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), meaning "to multiply" or "become great." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the book of Ezekiel consistently portray a large quantity or excess, frequently in contexts of divine judgment. Whether referring to an abundance of rebellion ([[Ezekiel 5:7]]), merchandise ([[Ezekiel 28:16]]), or national strength ([[Ezekiel 30:10]], [[Ezekiel 30:18]]), *mirbâh* is often linked to human sin and pride, which ultimately invite God's righteous wrath. Theologically, *mirbâh* serves as a stark reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over all quantities and a solemn warning against the spiritual dangers inherent in unchecked abundance when it leads to apostasy, violence, or self-exaltation. It calls believers to recognize that true flourishing is not measured by earthly quantities but by a right relationship with the Giver of all good things.
TRV