The Hebrew word marbîyth, represented by H4768, is derived from a root meaning "to be or become great." It is a multifaceted term used to mean a multitude, offspring, interest (on capital), greatest part, or greatness. This word appears 5 times across 5 unique verses, indicating its specific and varied application in scripture.
In biblical usage, H4768 is applied to diverse contexts. It can describe a large but uncounted number of people, such as the multitude from various tribes who came to celebrate the Passover under Hezekiah 2 Chronicles 30:18. It is also used to denote the majority portion of a group, as when the greatest part of the tribe of Benjamin remained loyal to the house of Saul 1 Chronicles 12:29. The term extends to abstract concepts, like the greatness of Solomon's wisdom 2 Chronicles 9:6, and to future generations, as in the prophecy that the increase (offspring) of Eli's house would die young 1 Samuel 2:33. Finally, it has a specific economic meaning, forbidding the charging of increase on victuals lent to a fellow Israelite Leviticus 25:37.
Several related words help clarify the scope of H4768:
- H7227 rab (abundant): This word, sharing a common root with marbîyth, signifies abundance in quantity or size. It appears alongside H4768 in describing the "many" people who formed the "multitude" at Hezekiah's Passover 2 Chronicles 30:18.
- H5971 ʻam (a people): This term refers to a congregated unit or nation. It provides the context for H4768 in 2 Chronicles 30:18, specifying that the "multitude" was a "multitude of the people."
- H3615 kâlâh (to end, consume): This word is linked to H4768 in the prophecy against Eli's house. The man not cut off from the altar will be left to consume his eyes, while the increase of his house perishes 1 Samuel 2:33.
The theological weight of H4768 is revealed in its application across different areas of Israel's life.
- Covenantal Justice: In Leviticus, the prohibition against charging increase H4768 is a core tenet of economic justice within the covenant community, reflecting God's concern for the poor and the prevention of exploitation Leviticus 25:37.
- Divine Judgment: The word is used to signify the object of divine judgment. God's word against the house of Eli specifically targets its increase, or future posterity, demonstrating that judgment can extend across generations 1 Samuel 2:33.
- God's Mercy on the Multitude: In the account of Hezekiah's Passover, a multitude H4768 participated despite being ceremonially unclean. Hezekiah's prayer for this group and God's pardon show divine grace being extended to a large body of people seeking the Lord 2 Chronicles 30:18.
In summary, H4768 is a term that, while appearing infrequently, carries significant meaning. It fluidly describes a large quantity, whether of people, wisdom, or offspring. More importantly, it is embedded in theological contexts that address divine judgment on a lineage, God's mercy upon a crowd, and the principles of social and economic justice that were to govern God's people. From a financial regulation to a prophecy of doom, marbîyth illustrates how concepts of quantity and increase are central to understanding God's interaction with humanity.
TRV