by contraction from רָבַב; (or perhaps the same as רַב); an archer; archer.
Transliteration:rab
Pronunciation:rab
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word rab (רַב), Strong's `{{H7228}}`, primarily denotes an "archer." Its etymology is noted as a contraction from rabab (רָבַב), a root that carries the sense of "to shoot" or "to multiply." This derivation strongly links the noun rab to the action of shooting arrows, thereby defining the skilled individual who performs this action. While phonetically similar to rab (רַב) `{{H7227}}`, meaning "great" or "many," `{{H7228}}` is distinct in its specific designation of a warrior. The core meaning is thus a specialist in projectile warfare, emphasizing precision and the ability to inflict damage from a distance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term rab `{{H7228}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Jeremiah 50:29]]. In this solitary occurrence, the word is found in its plural form, rabbim (רַבִּים), meaning "many archers":
> "Summon many archers against Babylon, all who bend the bow! Encamp against her all around; let no one escape. Pay her back according to her deeds; do to her according to all she has done. For she has proudly defied the Lord, the Holy One of Israel." [[Jeremiah 50:29]]
The context is a prophetic oracle concerning God's judgment against Babylon. The command to "summon many archers" highlights the military might and strategic precision that will be brought against the oppressive empire. The archers are depicted as instruments of divine retribution, emphasizing the overwhelming force and inescapable nature of the impending doom. Their role in "bending the bow" (a common idiom for preparing for battle) underscores their specific function in warfare. The use of "many" (רַבִּים) here not only quantifies the number of archers but may also subtly echo the sound of rab `{{H7227}}`, reinforcing the idea of an abundant force.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of rab `{{H7228}}` is enriched by examining related terms and concepts:
* **rabab (רָבַב):** The proposed root of `{{H7228}}`, meaning "to shoot" or "to multiply." This verbal root directly describes the action of an archer.
* **qeshet (קֶשֶׁת) `{{H7198}}`:** "Bow," the primary weapon of an archer. Mentioned explicitly alongside rab in [[Jeremiah 50:29]].
* **chetz (חֵץ) `{{H2671}}`:** "Arrow," the projectile discharged by an archer.
* **yara (יָרָה) `{{H3384}}`:** A common verb meaning "to shoot," "to cast," or "to throw," often used in the context of archery.
* **gibbor (גִּבּוֹר) `{{H1368}}`:** "Mighty man" or "warrior." Archers were often considered elite warriors within ancient armies.
* **tsava (צָבָא) `{{H6635}}`:** "Army" or "host." The broader military context in which archers operated.
* **rab (רַב) `{{H7227}}`:** While a distinct word, its phonetic similarity to `{{H7228}}` and its meaning "many" or "great" might create a subtle linguistic resonance in contexts like [[Jeremiah 50:29]], where "many archers" are summoned.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the word rab `{{H7228}}` carries significant theological weight within its prophetic context. In [[Jeremiah 50:29]], the "many archers" are not merely human combatants but instruments in God's sovereign hand. This passage illustrates:
* **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** God raises up nations and their military might, including skilled archers, to execute His righteous judgment against those who have defied Him. Babylon, in its pride and oppression, faces a divinely orchestrated downfall.
* **Precision and Overwhelming Force:** The imagery of archers, known for their ability to strike from a distance with precision and to unleash volleys of arrows, symbolizes the inescapable and overwhelming nature of God's judgment. No one can escape when God unleashes His instruments of wrath.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The summoning of these archers is part of the unfolding of God's prophetic word concerning Babylon's destruction, reinforcing the reliability and power of divine decrees.
* **God as the Commander of Hosts:** The passage implicitly portrays God as the ultimate commander, mobilizing armies and specific warrior types (like archers) to achieve His purposes in history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word rab `{{H7228}}` precisely defines an "archer," rooted in the action of "shooting." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Jeremiah 50:29]] is profoundly significant, depicting "many archers" as key agents in God's judgment against Babylon. This specific term, while rare, underscores the strategic and powerful nature of divine retribution. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their military strengths, demonstrating His capacity to enlist even the most formidable warriors to fulfill His prophetic word and execute His righteous judgment with overwhelming force and inescapable precision.
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