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.
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.
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.
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.
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