### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term רְבוּ (rᵉbûw, `{{H7238}}`) fundamentally conveys the concept of "greatness," "majesty," or an "increase of dignity." It is derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), which signifies "to be or become many, great, or abundant." While רָבָה often denotes numerical increase or general magnitude, the Aramaic רְבוּ specifically points to an elevation in status, power, and honor, particularly in a regal or authoritative context. Its semantic range thus encompasses the grandeur, authority, and supreme position held by a sovereign or a divinely appointed entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רְבוּ (or its inflected forms) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, where it consistently describes the immense power and authority of kings, particularly Nebuchadnezzar.
* In [[Daniel 2:6]], King Nebuchadnezzar promises "great gifts, rewards, and great honor" (וּרְבוּ גִּדִּילָה) to his wise men if they interpret his dream, indicating רְבוּ as a tangible manifestation of royal favor and elevated status.
* [[Daniel 4:22]] (MT 4:19) describes Nebuchadnezzar's "greatness" (וּרְבוּתָךְ) as having grown and reached to heaven, emphasizing the vastness of his dominion and power.
* Following his period of madness, [[Daniel 4:36]] (MT 4:33) records the restoration of Nebuchadnezzar's "majesty and splendor" (וְהַדְרִי וּרְבוּתִי), highlighting רְבוּ as an attribute of restored regal dignity and authority.
* In [[Daniel 5:18]], Daniel reminds Belshazzar that God had bestowed upon Nebuchadnezzar "majesty, greatness, glory, and splendor" (מַלְכוּתָא וְרְבוּ וִיקָר וְהַדָר). Here, רְבוּ is part of a comprehensive description of royal power, explicitly stated as divinely granted.
* [[Daniel 5:19]] further elaborates that it was because of the "greatness" (רְבוּתָא) God gave Nebuchadnezzar that all peoples trembled before him, underscoring the fear and submission inspired by such divinely ordained power.
* Finally, in the eschatological vision of [[Daniel 7:27]], it is declared that the kingdom and "dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms" (וְהַדָרָא וּרְבוּתָא דִּי מַלְכְוָתָא) under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. This signifies a transference of supreme authority and majesty from earthly empires to God's eternal kingdom.
Across these contexts, רְבוּ consistently denotes the pinnacle of earthly power and majesty, always framed within the larger narrative of divine sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of רְבוּ is enriched by its relationship to several other terms and theological concepts:
* **רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`):** The Hebrew root from which רְבוּ is conceptually derived, meaning "to be or become great, many, abundant." This connection underscores the idea of increase and magnitude.
* **רַב (rab, `{{H7227}}`):** The adjective "great, much, many," often used to describe quantity or size.
* **רֹב (rob, `{{H7230}}`):** The noun "multitude, abundance, greatness," often referring to a large quantity or the quality of being great.
* **רְבוּת (rebuth, `{{H7239}}`):** An Aramaic cognate, also meaning "greatness, majesty," often used interchangeably or in parallel with רְבוּ.
* **גְּדוּלָּה (gedullah, `{{H1433}}`):** A Hebrew word for "greatness," frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the greatness of God.
* **הָדָר (hadar, `{{H1926}}`):** "Splendor, majesty, glory." This term is frequently paired with רְבוּ in Daniel ([[Daniel 4:36]], [[Daniel 5:18]], [[Daniel 7:27]]), highlighting the visual and experiential aspects of royal dignity.
* **יְקָר (yeqar, `{{H3366}}`):** An Aramaic term for "honor, glory, dignity," also appearing alongside רְבוּ ([[Daniel 5:18]]), further illustrating the multifaceted nature of royal authority.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of comprehensive power, honor, and dominion, whether human or divine.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רְבוּ in Daniel is profound and multifaceted. While it describes the immense power and authority of earthly kings like Nebuchadnezzar, the narrative consistently underscores that this רְבוּ is not inherent but is a *divine bestowal*. God is the ultimate source of all רְבוּ, granting it to whomever He wills ([[Daniel 5:18]], [[Daniel 5:19]]).
This divine bestowal carries with it a crucial theological message: human רְבוּ is contingent and temporary. Nebuchadnezzar's descent into madness and subsequent restoration of his רְבוּ serves as a powerful object lesson that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes" ([[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]). This demonstrates God's absolute control over human history and political power.
Ultimately, the book of Daniel culminates in the vision of the transfer of all רְבוּ from transient earthly empires to the eternal and indestructible kingdom of God, which will be given to the "people of the saints of the Most High" ([[Daniel 7:27]]). This eschatological shift emphasizes that true and lasting רְבוּ belongs to God alone and will ultimately be manifested in His righteous, everlasting dominion, shared with His redeemed people. Thus, רְבוּ serves as a theological bridge, highlighting both the grandeur of human power and its ultimate subservience to the supreme and eternal רְבוּ of God.
### Summary
רְבוּ (rᵉbûw, `{{H7238}}`) is an Aramaic term primarily found in Daniel, signifying "greatness," "majesty," or an "increase of dignity." It consistently describes the immense power, authority, and regal splendor associated with earthly kings, particularly Nebuchadnezzar. Crucially, the biblical narrative emphasizes that this human רְבוּ is always a divine bestowal, subject to God's sovereign will, and capable of being withdrawn or restored by Him. The theological climax of its usage is the prophetic declaration that all earthly רְבוּ will ultimately be superseded by the eternal רְבוּ of God's kingdom, which will be given to His saints. This underscores the transient nature of human dominion in contrast to the everlasting and unchallengeable majesty of God's rule.
TRV