from רָבַע; a fourth (part or side); fourth part, side, square.
Transliteration:rebaʻ
Pronunciation:reh'-bah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term rebaʻ (רֶבַע, `{{H7253}}`) is derived from the root rabaʻ (רָבַע), which generally relates to lying down or crouching. However, rebaʻ itself takes on a distinct semantic range centered on the concept of "four." Its primary meaning is "a fourth part" or "one-fourth." By extension, it refers to a "side" of a four-sided object, implying one of the four bounding surfaces or edges of a square or quadrilateral. Consequently, it can also denote "square" in a spatial or architectural context, highlighting the shape itself. The word thus encompasses both fractional division and geometric description, specifically in relation to the number four.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term rebaʻ appears in various contexts across the Hebrew Bible, primarily in descriptive and numerical capacities:
* **Architectural and Spatial Description:** A significant number of occurrences describe the "sides" or "corners" of structures, particularly in relation to the Tabernacle and Temple. For instance, rebaʻ is used to describe the "four sides" of the altar of burnt offering in [[Exodus 27:1]] and [[Exodus 38:1]], as well as its "four horns" or "corners" in [[Exodus 27:2]] and [[Exodus 38:2]]. Similarly, it denotes the "four corners" of the bases for the lavers in [[1 Kings 7:31]] and the "four sides" of the altar's hearth in [[Ezekiel 43:16]]. In these contexts, rebaʻ emphasizes the precise, symmetrical, and stable quadrangular design specified by God for sacred objects, reflecting divine order and meticulousness.
* **Description of Living Beings/Objects in Vision:** In Ezekiel's vision, rebaʻ describes the "four sides" of the living creatures (chayot) in [[Ezekiel 1:8]] and the "four sides" of the wheels ('ophan) in [[Ezekiel 1:17]]. Here, the term contributes to the imagery of comprehensive movement, multi-directional activity, and the all-encompassing nature of God's presence and power.
* **Numerical/Fractional Usage:** rebaʻ directly signifies "a fourth part" in numerical contexts. In [[Numbers 23:10]], Balaam marvels at the vastness of Israel, asking, "who can count the dust of Jacob, or number the fourth part of Israel?" This usage highlights the immense multitude of God's people. In [[Nehemiah 9:3]], it refers to a specific duration of time: "And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a fourth part of the day." This demonstrates its use in quantifying time, emphasizing a distinct segment of a larger period dedicated to sacred activity.
### Related Words & Concepts
rebaʻ (`{{H7253}}`) is conceptually linked to several other Hebrew terms:
* **arbaʻ (אַרְבַּע, `{{H702}}`):** The cardinal number "four." This is the most direct conceptual relative, as rebaʻ inherently signifies a division by or into four.
* **rabbiaʻ (רַבִּיעַ, `{{H7256}}`):** Meaning "fourth generation" or "fourth (year's fruit)," further illustrating the numerical "fourth" concept.
* **ribbuʻa (רִבּוּעַ, `{{H7254}}`):** Meaning "squareness" or "square," directly related to the geometric aspect of rebaʻ when it refers to a "square" or "side."
* **rabaʻ (רָבַע, `{{H7257}}`):** The verbal root from which rebaʻ is derived, meaning "to lie down, crouch, recline." While the direct semantic link to "a fourth" or "square" is not immediately obvious, it could conceptually relate to the idea of a flat, stable, or "squared off" position.
* **Geometric and Numerical Symbolism:** The frequent mention of "four" in biblical contexts often symbolizes universality, the earth (e.g., four corners of the earth), or completeness. The use of rebaʻ for "sides" of an altar or the living creatures implicitly draws on this broader symbolism of comprehensive reach and stability.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of rebaʻ emerges from its consistent usage in sacred contexts:
* **Divine Order and Precision:** The repeated use of rebaʻ in the detailed specifications for the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings (e.g., altars) underscores God's demand for order, precision, and adherence to divine blueprints in worship. The "four sides" or "corners" represent stability, symmetry, and the exactitude required in approaching a holy God. This reflects God's nature as a God of perfect order, who establishes clear parameters for His people.
* **Stability and Foundation:** A square or four-sided object is inherently stable and balanced. In the context of the altar, this stability can symbolize the steadfastness of God's covenant, the unchanging nature of His commands, and the firm foundation of the means of atonement He provides.
* **Universality and Comprehensiveness:** In Ezekiel's vision, the "four sides" of the living creatures and wheels can symbolize God's omnipresence, His all-encompassing reign, or the comprehensive scope of His divine activity across creation. Similarly, the "fourth part of Israel" in Numbers hints at the vastness and innumerable nature of God's chosen people, suggesting a divine plan that encompasses a multitude.
* **Structured Worship:** The precise dimensions involving "four sides" for cultic objects highlight that Israelite worship was not arbitrary but divinely structured and regulated. This emphasis on form and order in the physical space of worship points to the necessity of reverent and obedient engagement with God.
### Summary
The Hebrew term rebaʻ (רֶבַע, `{{H7253}}`) signifies "a fourth part" or, by extension, a "side" or "square" in a quadrangular context. Its biblical occurrences reveal a dual function: numerically, it denotes a fraction (e.g., [[Numbers 23:10]], [[Nehemiah 9:3]]); geometrically, it describes the "sides" or "corners" of objects, particularly sacred structures like the altar (e.g., [[Exodus 27:1]], [[Exodus 38:1]]) and elements within prophetic visions (e.g., [[Ezekiel 1:8]]). Conceptually linked to the number arbaʻ (four, `{{H702}}`) and the idea of "squareness" (ribbuʻa, `{{H7254}}`), rebaʻ carries significant theological weight. It underscores God's nature as a God of meticulous order and precision, demanding exact adherence to His divine instructions in worship. Furthermore, its usage implies stability, foundation, and the universality or comprehensive scope of God's presence, activity, and the vastness of His people.
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