(Aramaic) corresponding to רָבָה; {to increase (in whatever respect)}; make a great man, grow.
Transliteration:rᵉbâh
Pronunciation:reb-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb rᵉbâh (`{{H7236}}`) corresponds directly to the more frequently occurring Hebrew verb rābâ (`{{H7235}}`). Its fundamental meaning encompasses the concept of "to increase" in various respects. This semantic range includes quantitative growth, such as an increase in size or number, as well as qualitative development, signifying growth in power, influence, or status. The definition also extends to the idea of becoming "great" or being "made great," implying elevation, prosperity, or the attainment of significant standing. Thus, rᵉbâh denotes a progression from a lesser state to a greater one, whether in physical dimension, numerical count, or societal prominence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, rᵉbâh (`{{H7236}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel, providing crucial insight into the nature of power and divine sovereignty.
1. **[[Daniel 4:19]] (MT 4:22):** "The tree that you saw, which grew (וּרְבָה) and was strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth..." Here, rᵉbâh describes the immense growth and strength of the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which symbolizes the king's own kingdom. The verb emphasizes the vast territorial expansion, overwhelming power, and universal dominion that Nebuchadnezzar had achieved. It signifies an increase in both physical reach and political might, setting the stage for the subsequent divine judgment on his pride.
2. **[[Daniel 4:30]] (MT 4:33):** "and his hair grew (רְבָה) like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws." This occurrence describes the physical transformation of Nebuchadnezzar during his period of madness. In stark contrast to the previous use, where rᵉbâh denoted the king's majestic power, here it illustrates his regression to an animalistic state. The "growth" is grotesque, symbolizing his humiliation and loss of human dignity, a direct consequence of his hubris. This dual usage of rᵉbâh powerfully contrasts human-achieved greatness with divinely-imposed lowliness.
While the definition also includes "make a great man" and "grow," the direct verbal occurrences of rᵉbâh (`{{H7236}}`) in the Aramaic text are limited to these two instances, both within the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's rise and fall. The broader concept of "greatness" or "prosperity" (e.g., Daniel's prosperity in [[Daniel 6:28]]) is often conveyed by other Aramaic terms, but the root rᵉbâh underpins the very idea of increase that is central to these narratives.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, rābâ (`{{H7235}}`), which shares the identical core meaning of "to increase, multiply, become great." This Hebrew root is extensively used throughout the Old Testament to describe:
* **Numerical increase:** such as the multiplication of people ([[Genesis 1:28]], [[Genesis 9:7]]) or livestock ([[Deuteronomy 8:13]]).
* **Growth in power or influence:** often seen in the context of kingdoms or individuals gaining strength and authority ([[1 Kings 10:7]]).
* **Abundance or prosperity:** indicating a state of being plentiful or flourishing ([[Psalm 105:24]]).
* **Increase in negative aspects:** such as the multiplication of sins or transgressions ([[Isaiah 59:12]]).
Other related Aramaic concepts include:
* rab (רַב - `{{H7227}}`, `{{H7228}}`), meaning "great" or "much," often used as an adjective or noun for a great person or quantity.
* gadol (גָּדוֹל - `{{H1419}}`), the Hebrew adjective for "great," which also has an Aramaic cognate.
* hatzlach (הַצְלַח - `{{H6743}}`), Aramaic for "to prosper" or "succeed," as seen in Daniel's prosperity ([[Daniel 6:28]]), which is a form of "increase" in influence.
These terms collectively highlight the biblical emphasis on growth, expansion, and the attainment of prominence, whether divinely ordained or humanly sought.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of rᵉbâh (`{{H7236}}`) in Daniel 4 carry profound theological weight, primarily illustrating the absolute sovereignty of God over all earthly power and human "greatness."
1. **Divine Source of All Increase:** The initial "growth" of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, described by rᵉbâh in [[Daniel 4:19]], is presented as a divinely permitted, albeit temporary, reality. It sets the stage for the declaration that "the Most High is ruler over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He wishes" ([[Daniel 4:25]]). This underscores that all human increase, whether in power, wealth, or influence, is ultimately granted by God and is subject to His will and purposes.
2. **The Peril of Pride and the Necessity of Humility:** The narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's fall is a powerful lesson in humility. His pride in his self-achieved greatness, symbolized by the "growth" of his kingdom, leads to his humiliation. The subsequent "growth" of his animalistic features ([[Daniel 4:30]]) serves as a stark visual metaphor for the reversal of his human glory and the stripping away of his exalted status. This demonstrates that human "increase" without acknowledging its divine source leads to a fall, and true greatness lies in humble submission to God.
3. **God's Control Over Life and Destiny:** The shift from rᵉbâh describing a kingdom's expansion to the physical growth of animalistic features on a human king underscores God's meticulous control even over the biological processes of life and the destiny of individuals. No aspect of existence, whether grand or mundane, is outside His sovereign hand.
In essence, rᵉbâh in Daniel functions as a theological marker, highlighting that all forms of "increase" or "greatness" are ultimately under God's dominion, serving His purposes, and demanding human humility in response.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb rᵉbâh (`{{H7236}}`), akin to the Hebrew rābâ (`{{H7235}}`), signifies "to increase," "grow," or "become great" in various dimensions. Its limited but highly significant occurrences in the Book of Daniel provide a focal point for understanding divine sovereignty. In [[Daniel 4:19]], rᵉbâh describes the immense expansion of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, symbolizing his earthly power. Conversely, in [[Daniel 4:30]], it depicts the grotesque physical growth during his humiliation, emphasizing his fall from human dignity. Theologically, rᵉbâh serves as a powerful reminder that all human "increase" and "greatness" are ultimately derived from and subject to the Most High God, demanding humility and acknowledging His supreme authority over all kingdoms and individuals.
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