### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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