a primitive root (rather identical with רָבַע through the idea of sprawling 'at all fours' (or possibly the reverse is the order of deriv.); compare אַרְבַּע); properly, to be four (sided); used only as denominative of רֶבַע; to be quadrate; (four-) square(-d).
Transliteration:râbaʻ
Pronunciation:raw-bah'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The root H7251 (רָבַע, râbaʻ) is fundamentally linked to the concept of "four" or "four-sidedness." Its base definition highlights its connection to the notion of being "quadrate" or "square." The entry suggests a primitive root, possibly identical with רָבַע (râbaʻ) itself, or derived from the idea of "sprawling 'at all fours'," implying a connection to the four limbs. This etymological link is reinforced by its comparison to `{{H702}}` (arbaʻ), the cardinal number "four." Crucially, the definition notes that H7251 is "used only as denominative of רֶבַע (rebaʻ)," which refers to a "fourth part" or a "square." Thus, the primary semantic range of H7251 revolves around the geometric property of being "square" or "four-sided," often in the context of dimensions or form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H7251 (רָבַע, râbaʻ) appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in its Pual participle form, *merubbaʻ* (מְרֻבָּע), meaning "foursquare" or "quadrangular." Its occurrences are limited but highly significant, almost exclusively describing sacred objects or architectural elements within the Tabernacle and Temple.
One prominent example is found in the description of the altar of burnt offering in Exodus: "It shall be square (מְרֻבָּע) and five cubits long and five cubits wide" [[Exodus 27:1]]. Similarly, the altar of incense is described as "square (מְרֻבָּע)" in [[Exodus 30:2]] and [[Exodus 37:25]]. The breastpiece of the high priest is also specified as "foursquare (מְרֻבָּע)" when folded, "a span long and a span wide" [[Exodus 28:16]] and [[Exodus 39:9]]. These instances consistently use H7251 to denote perfect, symmetrical four-sidedness, emphasizing precision and order in the construction of items central to Israelite worship.
Beyond the Tabernacle, the term reappears in Ezekiel's vision of the new Temple. The altar is described as "foursquare (מְרֻבָּע)" [[Ezekiel 43:16]]. The precise dimensions and form, often described with H7251, underscore the divine blueprint and the meticulous adherence required for sacred spaces and implements. The consistent use of "foursquare" across these contexts highlights a recurring motif of divine order, stability, and completeness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word H7251 (רָבַע, râbaʻ) is intimately connected to several key terms and concepts in biblical Hebrew:
1. **`{{H702}}` (אַרְבַּע, 'arbaʻ):** The cardinal number "four." This is the most direct conceptual link, as H7251 describes the quality of being "four-sided" or "quadrangular." The connection is explicitly noted in the Strong's definition.
2. **`{{H7255}}` (רֶבַע, rebaʻ):** This noun means "fourth part" or "square." The definition of H7251 states it is "used only as denominative of רֶבַע," indicating a close etymological and semantic relationship. רֶבַע also appears in contexts describing the "fourth part" of something or a "square" area.
3. **`{{H7253}}` (רֶבַע, rebaʻ):** Another noun, meaning "couching place" or "lying down." While seemingly distinct, the Strong's definition for H7251 hints at a possible connection through the idea of "sprawling 'at all fours'," suggesting a shared root concept related to a stable, grounded posture, which can be seen as a metaphorical "squareness" or foundational stability.
4. **Order and Completeness:** The concept of "four" in biblical numerology often symbolizes completeness, universality, or the four corners of the earth. Thus, objects described as "foursquare" embody a sense of perfect order, balance, and divine design.
5. **Divine Blueprint and Sacred Space:** The consistent application of H7251 to elements of the Tabernacle and Temple links it directly to the meticulous divine instructions for worship. The "foursquare" nature of these objects signifies their adherence to a perfect, divinely ordained pattern.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7251 (רָבַע, râbaʻ) primarily stems from its consistent application to sacred objects within the Tabernacle and Temple, particularly the altars and the high priest's breastpiece. The quality of being "foursquare" (מְרֻבָּע) carries several profound implications:
1. **Divine Perfection and Order:** The repeated emphasis on objects being "foursquare" underscores the divine demand for perfection, precision, and order in all matters pertaining to worship. God's instructions are not arbitrary but meticulously detailed, reflecting His own perfect character. The square, with its equal sides and right angles, symbolizes stability, balance, and completeness.
2. **Completeness and Universality:** The number four often symbolizes universality (e.g., four winds, four corners of the earth). When applied to the altars, it can suggest that the atonement and worship offered there are complete and extend to all creation or all aspects of human existence. The breastpiece, representing the twelve tribes, being foursquare, might imply the comprehensive representation of all Israel before God.
3. **Stability and Immutability:** A square object is inherently stable and unmoving. This characteristic, when applied to the altars of sacrifice and incense, points to the steadfastness of God's covenant and the enduring nature of the means of access to Him. The divine provisions for atonement and communion are firm and unchangeable.
4. **Holiness and Set-Apartness:** The specific, divinely ordained dimensions, including the "foursquare" nature, set these objects apart as holy. They are not to be constructed according to human whim but according to God's precise specifications, emphasizing their sacred function and the reverence due to them.
5. **Typological Foreshadowing:** In Christian theology, the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple often serve as types pointing to Christ and the New Covenant. The "foursquare" perfection of these elements can be seen as foreshadowing the perfect, complete, and all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ, which fully satisfies God's righteous demands and provides stable access to Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7251 (רָבַע, râbaʻ), primarily appearing in its Pual participle form *merubbaʻ*, signifies the quality of being "foursquare" or "quadrangular." Its core meaning is intrinsically linked to the number "four" (`{{H702}}`) and the concept of a "square" or "fourth part" (`{{H7255}}`). Biblically, its occurrences are concentrated in descriptions of sacred objects within the Tabernacle and Temple, such as the altars and the high priest's breastpiece ([[Exodus 27:1]], [[Exodus 30:2]], [[Exodus 28:16]], [[Ezekiel 43:16]]). The consistent use of "foursquare" in these contexts underscores profound theological themes: divine perfection, order, and precision in worship; the completeness and universality of God's provisions; the stability and immutability of His covenant; and the set-apart holiness of His dwelling and means of access. The meticulous adherence to this geometric form reflects God's meticulous design and the reverence required in approaching Him, serving as a powerful symbol of divine blueprint and enduring truth.
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