### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼarbâʻîym**, represented by `{{H705}}`, is the numeral for **forty**. As a multiple of ʼarbaʻ (four), it appears 136 times across 124 unique verses. In scripture, `{{H705}}` is frequently used to denote a significant period of time, often associated with testing, judgment, preparation, or the completion of an era.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H705}}` is used in several key contexts. It defines the **forty** years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, a time intended to humble and test them [[Deuteronomy 8:2]]. This period was also a judgment for their disobedience, where their children would wander for **forty** years until that generation was consumed ([[Numbers 14:33]], [[Numbers 32:13]]). The number also marks times of intense spiritual preparation, such as Moses being on the mount with the LORD for **forty** days and **forty** nights without food or water [[Exodus 34:28]]. It also defines periods of national rest under the judges [[Judges 3:11]] and the length of foundational reigns like David's [[2 Samuel 5:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related numerals provide context for the use and scale of **forty**:
* `{{H702}}` **ʼarbaʻ** (four): This is the base numeral for **forty**. It is seen in the account of Job, who after his trials lived to see his descendants for **four** generations [[Job 42:16]]. In 1 Kings, each of the ten lavers was **four** cubits and held **forty** baths [[1 Kings 7:38]].
* `{{H8147}}` **shᵉnayim** (two): This numeral is often combined with **forty** to form the number forty-two. Elisha cursed a group of youths, and **two** she-bears tared **forty** and **two** of them [[2 Kings 2:24]]. The Levites were given **forty** and **two** cities in addition to their cities of refuge [[Numbers 35:6]].
* `{{H505}}` **ʼeleph** (thousand): This term for a **thousand** is frequently used with **forty** to describe large quantities, such as Solomon's **forty** thousand stalls for his horses [[1 Kings 4:26]] or the **forty** thousand footmen David's army killed [[1 Chronicles 19:18]].
* `{{H6235}}` **ʻeser** (ten): The number **ten** is foundational to the covenant Moses received after spending **forty** days and nights on the mount, where God wrote the **ten** commandments on the tablets of stone [[Exodus 34:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H705}}` is significant, marking key periods in God's interaction with humanity.
* **Periods of Trial and Purification:** The **forty** years in the wilderness serve as a primary example of a divinely ordained period of testing ([[Deuteronomy 8:2]], [[Psalms 95:10]]). The **forty** days the spies searched the land resulted in a **forty**-year punishment, symbolizing a direct consequence of faithlessness [[Numbers 14:34]].
* **Divine Judgment and Warning:** The number is tied to God's judgment. The rain of the great flood lasted for **forty** days and **forty** nights [[Genesis 7:12]]. Jonah warned Nineveh that it would be overthrown in **forty** days, providing a window for repentance [[Jonah 3:4]]. Ezekiel was commanded to lie on his side for **forty** days to bear the iniquity of Judah, symbolizing a coming punishment [[Ezekiel 4:6]].
* **Era of Leadership and Rest:** A period of **forty** years often denotes a complete generation or a full term of leadership. David's reign over Israel lasted **forty** years [[1 Kings 2:11]]. The land repeatedly found rest for **forty** years under the judges, signifying a full period of God-given peace ([[Judges 3:11]], [[Judges 5:31]], [[Judges 8:28]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H705}}` functions as far more than a simple integer. It is a biblically significant number that frames pivotal eras and events. Whether marking a generation of trial in the wilderness, a period of judgment through floodwaters, a time of consecration on a holy mountain, or the entire length of a king's reign, **ʼarbâʻîym** consistently highlights a complete and meaningful duration of time through which God's purposes are carried out.
TRV