a primitive root (rather identical with רָבַב through the idea of projection); to shoot an arrow; shoot.
Transliteration:râbab
Pronunciation:raw-bab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb רָבַב (râbab), Strong's number `{{H7232}}`, is a primitive root primarily defined as "to shoot an arrow." The etymological note in Strong's suggests it is "rather identical with רָבַב `{{H7231}}` through the idea of projection." While `{{H7231}}` signifies "to be or become many, numerous, or great," the link via "projection" for `{{H7232}}` points to the forceful, directed expulsion of a missile. Thus, the core meaning emphasizes a swift, decisive, and often destructive action, particularly involving the launching of an object with intent and force. Its rarity in the biblical text limits a broad exploration of its semantic range beyond this specific, forceful action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb רָבַב (râbab), `{{H7232}}`, appears only once in the Masoretic Text, in [[Psalm 18:14]]. This verse is part of a grand psalm of deliverance, attributed to David, celebrating God's mighty rescue from his enemies. The full verse reads: "He sent out His arrows and scattered them; and He shot out many lightnings and routed them."
In this context, the verb "shot out" (וַיָּרֹב, vayyârov, from râbab) describes a divine action. It is paralleled with God's "sending out His arrows" (וַיִּשְׁלַח חִצָּיו) and "shooting out many lightnings" (וַיָּהֹם בְּרָקִים רָב). The imagery is one of intense divine warfare, where God Himself acts as a celestial warrior. The singular occurrence of `{{H7232}}` here powerfully conveys the swift, overwhelming, and destructive force of God's intervention against His adversaries. It highlights not merely the act of shooting, but the *impact* and *consequence* of that divine action—scattering and routing the enemies. The use of "lightnings" (בְּרָקִים) as the object of God's "shooting" further amplifies the sense of sudden, irresistible power and divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word explicitly mentioned by Strong's is רָבַב (râbab), `{{H7231}}`, which means "to be or become many, numerous, great." The proposed link between `{{H7232}}` ("to shoot") and `{{H7231}}` ("to be many") through the "idea of projection" is intriguing. While `{{H7232}}` denotes the *projection* of a missile (like an arrow or lightning), `{{H7231}}` might imply the *projection* or manifestation of a multitude, or the *increase* through projection. Though their semantic fields appear distinct in their primary usage (action vs. state/quantity), the underlying concept of forceful emanation or expansion could be a very ancient shared root.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **`{{H2671}}` (chets):** "arrow," the primary object associated with the action of `{{H7232}}`.
* **`{{H3384}}` (yârâh):** A more common verb meaning "to throw, cast, shoot," often used for shooting arrows (e.g., [[1 Samuel 20:20]]). While `{{H3384}}` is a general term for projecting, `{{H7232}}` carries a unique, strong sense of divine, decisive action in its sole biblical appearance.
* **Divine Judgment and Warfare:** The context of [[Psalm 18:14]] connects `{{H7232}}` to the broader biblical themes of God as a warrior (e.g., [[Exodus 15:3]]), His use of natural phenomena (like lightning and thunder) as instruments of judgment, and His active defense of His people against their foes.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of רָבַב (râbab), `{{H7232}}`, in [[Psalm 18:14]] is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of God's intervention. It portrays God not as a distant observer, but as an active, formidable participant in the affairs of humanity. The imagery of God "shooting out" arrows and lightnings underscores several theological points:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** God's ability to "shoot out" instruments of judgment demonstrates His absolute power and control over creation and the destiny of nations.
2. **Swift and Decisive Intervention:** The act of shooting implies immediacy and effectiveness. When God acts, He does so with precision and overwhelming force, bringing about swift victory or judgment.
3. **God as a Warrior:** This verb contributes to the biblical portrayal of Yahweh as a divine warrior who fights for His people and executes justice against their oppressors. This is a comforting image for the righteous and a terrifying one for the wicked.
4. **The Instrument of Judgment:** The "arrows" and "lightnings" are metaphors for divine judgment, highlighting that God employs various means, both literal and metaphorical, to achieve His purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb רָבַב (râbab), `{{H7232}}`, though appearing only once in the biblical text, carries a powerful and vivid meaning: "to shoot an arrow." Its sole occurrence in [[Psalm 18:14]] depicts God as a mighty warrior, swiftly and decisively "shooting out" His arrows and lightnings to scatter and rout His enemies. This singular usage underscores the divine attributes of power, sovereignty, and active intervention in human history. It contributes to the rich biblical tapestry that portrays God as the ultimate defender of His people and the righteous executor of judgment, demonstrating His overwhelming might and the terrifying effectiveness of His divine actions.
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