### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7243, רְבִיעִי (rᵉbîyʻîy), functions primarily as an ordinal number, signifying "fourth." It derives from the root `{{H7251}}` (rabaʿ), which conveys the idea of "to lie stretched out," "to crouch," or "to be four-sided." This etymological connection is crucial, as it grounds the concept of "fourth" in a spatial or structural context, implying a progression or a completed dimension. Beyond its primary ordinal sense, H7243 can also denote a fraction, "a fourth part" or "one-fourth." In some contexts, particularly where the root `{{H7251}}` implies squaring, rᵉbîyʻîy can indirectly contribute to the sense of "foursquare" or "four-sided," though this is often conveyed more directly by related terms. Its semantic range is thus tightly bound to numerical sequence and proportional division.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H7243 appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, most commonly marking the fourth item in a series, whether chronological, numerical, or spatial.
* **Chronological Order:** The most iconic usage is in the creation narrative, referring to the "fourth day" ([[Genesis 1:19]]) when God created the sun, moon, and stars. This highlights God's methodical and ordered work in establishing the cosmos. Similarly, it marks the "fourth month" in various historical accounts ([[2 Kings 25:3]], [[Jeremiah 39:2]], [[Jeremiah 52:6]]), often coinciding with significant events like the siege of Jerusalem.
* **Generational Consequences:** A profound theological application is found in the Decalogue, where God declares He visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children "to the third and the fourth generation" ([[Exodus 20:5]], [[Deuteronomy 5:9]]) of those who hate Him. This emphasizes the lasting impact of sin and the corporate dimension of covenant faithfulness, though always juxtaposed with God's mercy extending to thousands of generations for those who love Him.
* **Ritual and Measurement:** In the context of the Tabernacle and Temple, H7243 describes specific dimensions or placements. For instance, it refers to the "fourth row" of stones on the high priest's breastplate ([[Exodus 28:19]], [[Exodus 39:12]]), indicating precision in sacred design. In Levitical law, it specifies fractional amounts, such as "a fourth part of a hin" of oil or wine for certain offerings ([[Leviticus 14:10]], [[Numbers 15:5]]), underscoring the exactitude required in worship and sacrifice.
* **Prophetic Visions:** In the book of Daniel, H7243 describes the "fourth beast" ([[Daniel 7:7]], [[Daniel 7:19]], [[Daniel 7:23]]) in Daniel's vision, a terrifying and powerful kingdom that arises, signifying a particular stage in God's sovereign plan for human empires.
### Related Words & Concepts
H7243 is intimately connected to other Hebrew words related to the number four:
* **`{{H7251}}` (rabaʿ):** The verbal root from which H7243 is derived, meaning "to lie stretched out," "to crouch," or "to be four-sided/square." This root provides the foundational concept of four-ness.
* **`{{H702}}` (arbaʿ):** The cardinal number "four." H7243 is the ordinal form of this number.
* **`{{H7250}}` (rabaʿ):** A related noun meaning "a fourth part" or "square," often used in architectural or dimensional contexts.
* **Numerical Symbolism:** The number four often carries symbolic weight in the biblical worldview, representing completeness, universality, or the created order (e.g., four corners of the earth, four winds, four rivers of Eden). The "fourth" in a sequence can thus denote a significant, perhaps culminating, stage within a divinely established order.
* **Covenant and Generations:** The concept of generational impact, particularly in relation to the "third and fourth generation," is a key theological theme tied to God's covenant faithfulness and the outworking of blessings and curses.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7243 is multifaceted, touching upon divine order, justice, and prophecy.
* **Divine Order and Creation:** The "fourth day" of creation underscores God's meticulous and purposeful design of the cosmos. It speaks to a God who brings forth creation in an ordered, progressive manner, each stage contributing to the perfection of His work.
* **Divine Justice and Mercy:** The most profound theological implication lies in the Decalogue's declaration of God visiting iniquity "to the third and the fourth generation." This passage reveals God's righteous judgment against sin, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of disobedience. Yet, it is always presented in stark contrast to God's boundless mercy that extends to "thousands" of those who love Him, highlighting the greater triumph of grace. The "fourth" here serves as a limit to judgment, while mercy knows no such bounds.
* **Sovereignty Over History:** In prophetic contexts like Daniel's vision, the "fourth beast" signifies a powerful earthly kingdom within God's overarching plan for human history. This use of H7243 affirms God's absolute sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations, ultimately culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
* **Precision in Worship:** The fractional use of H7243 in cultic regulations (e.g., "a fourth part of a hin") emphasizes the divine demand for precision and adherence to God's specific instructions in worship. It reflects the holiness of God and the seriousness with which His commands are to be approached.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7243, רְבִיעִי (rᵉbîyʻîy), primarily denotes "fourth" as an ordinal number, rooted in `{{H7251}}` (rabaʿ), which implies a four-sided or squared dimension. Its semantic range also includes "a fourth part" (fractional). Biblically, rᵉbîyʻîy is most commonly found in chronological sequences, such as the "fourth day" of creation ([[Genesis 1:19]]), signifying divine order. Theologically, its most impactful use is in the Decalogue, where God visits iniquity "to the third and the fourth generation" ([[Exodus 20:5]]), illustrating the enduring consequences of sin while simultaneously highlighting the infinitely greater scope of God's mercy. It also appears in precise measurements for offerings ([[Leviticus 14:10]]), underscoring the exactitude required in worship, and in prophetic visions, like Daniel's "fourth beast" ([[Daniel 7:7]]), pointing to God's sovereign control over historical kingdoms. Overall, H7243 speaks to divine order, justice, the far-reaching impact of human choices, and the precision of God's revealed will.
TRV