from רָבַב; abundance (in number), i.e. (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite); many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand.
Transliteration:rᵉbâbâh
Pronunciation:reb-aw-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רְבָבָה (rᵉbâbâh), Strong's number `{{H7233}}`, derives from the root רָבַב (râbab, `{{H7231}}`), which signifies "to be numerous" or "to multiply." At its core, רְבָבָה denotes "abundance in number." Specifically, it refers to a myriad, or ten thousand (10,000). However, its semantic range extends beyond a precise numerical value, often conveying an indefinitely large, overwhelming, or countless multitude. It can be translated as "many," "millions," or "ten thousand," depending on the context, and frequently implies an immeasurable quantity rather than a literal count. This dual usage—both definite and indefinite—highlights its capacity to express immense scale.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רְבָבָה appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Blessing and Proliferation:** In the blessing bestowed upon Rebekah, her family declares, "Our sister, may you become thousands of myriads" ([[Genesis 24:60]]). Here, רְבָבָה (myriads) is used hyperbolically to express an incredibly vast and abundant progeny, fulfilling the covenant promise of innumerable descendants.
* **Divine Power and Victory:** The promises of divine aid in battle often employ this term. For instance, in [[Leviticus 26:8]], it is stated, "five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand." Similarly, in the Song of Moses, it asks, "How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight?" ([[Deuteronomy 32:30]]). These verses illustrate the overwhelming power granted by God, where a small number of His people can overcome an immense enemy force.
* **Divine Retinue and Majesty:** Moses' blessing in [[Deuteronomy 33:2]] describes God coming "with him were ten thousands of holy ones," depicting the vast angelic host accompanying the Divine Presence. This imagery is powerfully echoed in Daniel's vision of God's throne: "A thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him" ([[Daniel 7:10]]), emphasizing the countless multitude of heavenly beings attending the Ancient of Days.
* **Human Comparison and Opposition:** The song of the women celebrating David's victories declares, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" ([[1 Samuel 18:7]]). This use highlights a quantitative comparison of military success, leading to Saul's jealousy. In a different vein, Psalm 3 expresses confidence in God despite overwhelming opposition: "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around" ([[Psalm 3:6]]).
* **Poetic Hyperbole:** The term is also used poetically to express superlative qualities or immeasurable quantities. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is described as "the chief among ten thousand" ([[Song of Solomon 5:10]]), indicating unparalleled excellence. Micah 6:7 employs it in a rhetorical question: "Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?" Here, רְבָבָה underscores the futility of offering an immeasurable quantity of sacrifice without true obedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
רְבָבָה (rᵉbâbâh, `{{H7233}}`) is intrinsically linked to its root, רָבַב (râbab, `{{H7231}}`), which means "to be many" or "to multiply." Other related Hebrew terms that convey concepts of multitude, abundance, or greatness include:
* אֶלֶף ('eleph, `{{H505}}`): "thousand," a foundational unit for larger numbers.
* רַב (rab, `{{H7227}}`): "much," "many," "great," "abundant," a general adjective for quantity.
* רֹב (rov, `{{H7230}}`): "multitude," "abundance," "greatness," often referring to a large collection or quantity.
These words collectively paint a picture of immense scale within the biblical worldview, whether describing divine power, human populations, or the challenges of life. The concept of "innumerable" is often conveyed through combinations or hyperbolic uses of these terms.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רְבָבָה (rᵉbâbâh) is multifaceted, primarily emphasizing the vastness and immeasurability of divine attributes and actions:
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness and Blessing:** The use of רְבָבָה in the context of progeny (e.g., [[Genesis 24:60]]) directly connects to God's covenant promises, particularly to Abraham, that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars or the sand. It signifies God's boundless capacity to fulfill His word and bestow abundant blessing.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The depiction of God surrounded by "ten thousands of holy ones" ([[Deuteronomy 33:2]], [[Daniel 7:10]]) underscores His supreme majesty, authority, and the countless host at His command. This imagery evokes a sense of awe before the transcendent God, whose power is limitless and whose resources are infinite.
* **Overcoming Impossibility:** The promise that a few can put "ten thousands" to flight ([[Leviticus 26:8]], [[Deuteronomy 32:30]]) highlights God's ability to empower His people to overcome overwhelming odds. It serves as a theological statement that human limitations are transcended by divine enablement, fostering trust and reliance on God's strength rather than human might.
* **The Boundlessness of God's Attributes:** Whether describing the chariots of God ([[Psalm 68:17]]) or the rhetorical question about sacrifices ([[Micah 6:7]]), רְבָבָה points to the immeasurable nature of God's being, His resources, and the inadequacy of human offerings to truly appease Him without a corresponding heart. It often serves to elevate the divine above all human attempts to quantify or contain Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew term רְבָבָה (rᵉbâbâh, `{{H7233}}`) fundamentally denotes "ten thousand" or "a myriad," but its richer meaning extends to signify an immense, often indefinite, multitude or abundance. Derived from the root meaning "to be numerous," it is employed in the biblical text to convey a wide range of concepts: the boundless nature of divine blessings and covenant promises, the overwhelming power and majestic retinue of God, the capacity for divine enablement to overcome vast opposition, and as a poetic hyperbole to express superlative qualities or immeasurable quantities. Ultimately, רְBָבָה consistently points beyond mere numbers to the immeasurable vastness of God's works, His attributes, and His interaction with humanity, inspiring reverence and trust in His infinite power and faithfulness.
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