### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **rab**, represented by `{{H7229}}`, is a term for greatness in both status and size. It appears 15 times in 15 unique verses and is defined as **great**, **chief**, **master**, **lord**, **captain**, or **stout**. It is used to describe the magnitude of objects, the authority of individuals, and the supreme nature of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7229}}` is applied in several contexts. It denotes physical scale, such as the stone that becomes a "great mountain" filling the earth [[Daniel 2:35]], the "great sea" in Daniel's vision [[Daniel 7:2]], and Nebuchadnezzar's "great Babylon" [[Daniel 4:30]]. The word also signifies high rank and authority, describing titles like the "**captain** of the king's guard" [[Daniel 2:14]], the "**master** of the magicians" ([[Daniel 4:9]], [[Daniel 5:11]]), and the "**chief** of the governors" [[Daniel 2:48]]. It is also used to refer to God as the "great God" ([[Ezra 5:8]], [[Daniel 2:45]]) and to describe a "great king" of Israel [[Ezra 5:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words expand on the concepts of greatness and authority:
* `{{H7260}}` **rabrab**: Derived from **rab**, this word means "huge" or "(very) great things". It is used to describe the horn in Daniel's vision that "spake very **great things**" [[Daniel 7:20]] and the "many **great** gifts" the king gave Daniel [[Daniel 2:48]].
* `{{H7261}}` **rabrᵉbân**: A "magnate; lord, prince," this term refers to high-ranking officials. It is used to identify the "**lords**" who attended King Belshazzar's great feast [[Daniel 5:1]].
* `{{H7990}}` **shallîyṭ**: Meaning "mighty" or "ruler," this word emphasizes the power to govern. It describes how the "heavens do **rule**" [[Daniel 4:26]] and how God "ruleth in the kingdom of men" [[Daniel 4:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and narrative weight of `{{H7229}}` is significant, particularly in contrasting divine and human power.
* **Divine Supremacy:** The term is used to affirm God's unmatched status as the "**great** God" ([[Daniel 2:45]], [[Ezra 5:8]]). This declaration establishes His ultimate authority over all earthly kings and kingdoms.
* **Human Hierarchy and Pride:** **Rab** defines the structure of human power, from a "**captain**" [[Daniel 2:14]] to a "**chief**" [[Daniel 2:48]]. However, it also highlights human hubris, as when King Nebuchadnezzar boasts of "**great** Babylon," a statement made just before he is humbled [[Daniel 4:30]].
* **Prophetic Scale:** The word is employed in prophetic visions to convey the immense scope of future events. The "**great** image" in Nebuchadnezzar's dream [[Daniel 2:31]] and the "**great** sea" [[Daniel 7:2]] represent the vast and powerful nature of kingdoms and historical forces.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7229}}` is a multifaceted word that defines greatness in various forms. It establishes the scale of empires, the rank of officials, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Its use in both human and divine contexts serves to build a contrast between earthly, transient power and the eternal, supreme authority of the "**great** God" [[Daniel 2:45]]. It is a key term for understanding themes of power, pride, and prophecy in Daniel and Ezra.
TRV