(Aramaic) corresponding to רִבּוֹ; {a myriad, i.e. indefinitely, large number}; [idiom] ten thousand times ten thousand.
Transliteration:ribbôw
Pronunciation:rib-bo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H7240 (רִבּוֹ, *ribbôw*) directly corresponds to the Hebrew H7233 (רִבּוֹ, *ribbô*). Its core meaning is "a myriad" or "ten thousand." However, its semantic range extends beyond a simple numerical value to denote an indefinitely large, uncountable, or immense quantity. This is particularly evident in its idiomatic usage, "ten thousand times ten thousand," which emphasizes an overwhelming, almost infinite multitude. It conveys a sense of vastness and unquantifiable abundance, rather than a precise count.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary and most significant biblical occurrence of H7240 is found in the book of Daniel, specifically in the vision of the heavenly court:
* **[[Daniel 7:10]]**: "A thousand thousands ministered to him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened."
In this profound prophetic vision, ribbôw is used twice in the phrase "ten thousand times ten thousand" (רִבּוֹ רִבְוָן, *ribbôw ribwān*). This vivid imagery describes the innumerable hosts of angelic beings attending the Ancient of Days. The context is one of divine majesty, sovereignty, and solemn judgment. The sheer number conveyed by ribbôw underscores the awe-inspiring nature of God's heavenly throne room and the vastness of His retinue. It is not merely a descriptive number but serves to magnify the divine presence and authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
H7240 is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew counterpart, H7233 (רִבּוֹ, *ribbô*), which carries the identical meaning of "myriad" or "ten thousand" and is used similarly to denote large numbers, such as in [[1 Chronicles 29:7]] or [[Psalm 68:17]]. Both terms derive from the root H7232 (רַב, *rab*), meaning "much, many, great," indicating a concept of abundance and magnitude.
Conceptually, ribbôw relates to:
* **Multitude**: Emphasizing an uncountable assembly.
* **Innumerable**: Beyond human capacity to count or comprehend.
* **Hosts**: Referring to divine or angelic armies/attendants.
* **Vastness**: Highlighting the immense scale of God's power and domain.
* In the Greek Septuagint and New Testament, the concept is often conveyed by G3461 (μυριάδες, *myriades*), also meaning "myriads" or "ten thousands," as seen in passages like [[Revelation 5:11]] describing the number of angels around the throne.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7240 ribbôw is profound, particularly as it appears in the climactic vision of Daniel 7:
* **Divine Majesty and Sovereignty**: The phrase "ten thousand times ten thousand" in [[Daniel 7:10]] powerfully conveys the overwhelming majesty and absolute sovereignty of the Ancient of Days. It illustrates that God is attended by an immeasurable host, signifying His supreme authority over all creation, both visible and invisible. This vast retinue underscores His transcendent power and glory.
* **Vastness of Heavenly Hosts**: It reveals the immense number of angelic beings who serve and stand before God. This imagery provides a glimpse into the grandeur of the divine court and the orderly, multitudinous nature of God's heavenly administration. The sheer scale evokes reverence and awe for the Creator.
* **Context of Judgment**: In Daniel 7, this innumerable host is present during a scene of divine judgment, where the books are opened. The presence of "ten thousand times ten thousand" witnesses lends ultimate weight and solemnity to the proceedings, affirming the righteousness, justice, and incontestability of God's decrees. It suggests a universal acknowledgment of His rightful authority to judge.
* **God's Transcendent Power**: The concept of a number so vast it is beyond human calculation points to a power that is limitless and incomprehensible. It signifies that God's resources, His dominion, and the scope of His operation are boundless, far exceeding any earthly measure.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H7240 (רִבּוֹ, *ribbôw*) signifies "a myriad" or "ten thousand," but primarily functions idiomatically to describe an immense, uncountable multitude, often rendered as "ten thousand times ten thousand." Its most prominent biblical use is in [[Daniel 7:10]], where it dramatically portrays the innumerable angelic hosts attending the Ancient of Days during a scene of divine judgment. Theologically, ribbôw underscores the infinite majesty, absolute sovereignty, and transcendent power of God, emphasizing the vastness of His heavenly court and the solemnity of His righteous judgment. It evokes a profound sense of awe and reverence for the Most High.
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