### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **rᵉbâh**, represented by `{{H7236}}`, means to **increase** or to **grow**. It is also used to describe the act of making someone a **great man**. Appearing 7 times across 5 unique verses, this term is exclusively found in the book of Daniel, where it illustrates concepts of expanding power, physical growth, and rising status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7236}}` describes different forms of increase. It is used to show the elevation of an individual, as when the king **made** Daniel a **great man** `{{H7236}}` by appointing him to a high position over Babylon [[Daniel 2:48]]. The word also depicts the symbolic growth of King Nebuchadnezzar's power, first described in a dream where a **tree** `{{H363}}` **grew** `{{H7236}}` and became strong ([[Daniel 4:11]], [[Daniel 4:20]]). This growth is later interpreted as the king's own greatness which has **grown** `{{H7236}}` and reached the heavens [[Daniel 4:22]]. Finally, it describes the physical results of the king's humbling, where his hairs **were grown** `{{H7236}}` like eagles' feathers [[Daniel 4:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the concept of growth and greatness:
* `{{H7238}}` **rᵉbûw** (greatness, majesty): This noun is directly related to the verb `{{H7236}}`. It describes the result of the growth, as seen when Nebuchadnezzar's **greatness** `{{H7238}}` **is grown** `{{H7236}}` [[Daniel 4:22]].
* `{{H8631}}` **tᵉqêph** (to become...mighty or...strong): This word often appears alongside `{{H7236}}` to emphasize that the growth results in strength. For example, the tree in the king's dream **grew** `{{H7236}}`, and **was strong** `{{H8631}}` [[Daniel 4:11]].
* `{{H363}}` **ʼîylân** (a tree): This is the central metaphor for Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, a great **tree** `{{H363}}` that **grew** `{{H7236}}` to an immense size, signifying the expansion of his power [[Daniel 4:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7236}}` is tied to the themes of power and humility in the book of Daniel.
* **The Growth of Human Power:** The word is used to illustrate the impressive expansion of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, which **grew** `{{H7236}}` to have dominion over the earth. This represents the peak of human achievement and authority [[Daniel 4:22]].
* **Humbling and Divine Judgment:** The same word for growth is applied to Nebuchadnezzar's punishment. His hair **were grown** `{{H7236}}` in a wild, inhuman manner, a physical manifestation of his fall from power due to pride [[Daniel 4:33]].
* **God-Given Authority:** In contrast to the king's self-aggrandizing growth, Daniel is **made** a **great man** `{{H7236}}` by the king as a direct result of God revealing secrets to him. This shows that true greatness is an increase granted by divine will, not just human ambition [[Daniel 2:48]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7236}}` **rᵉbâh** is a focused Aramaic term that encapsulates the idea of increase in its various forms. While it can refer to simple physical growth, its primary role in scripture is to illustrate the dynamics of power. It demonstrates how greatness can expand, whether through human pride or divine favor, and how that same principle of "growth" can be used by God to humble the powerful and exalt the faithful.
TRV