### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רִבֵּעַ (ribbêaʻ), Strong's number `{{H7256}}`, is derived from the root רָבַע (rabaʻ), which in its numerical sense relates to "four." As a noun, ribbêaʻ specifically denotes the "fourth generation" or, more literally, a "great-great-grandchild." Its primary semantic range is therefore numerical and genealogical, referring to the extent of lineage through four successive generations. While the root `{{H7251}}` can mean "to lie down" or "to crouch," its application here is purely in the sense of "four" or "fourth," aligning with the cardinal number `{{H702}}` (arbaʻ) for "four." Thus, ribbêaʻ encapsulates the idea of a sequence reaching its fourth iteration, particularly in the context of human descent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ribbêaʻ appears exclusively in the phrase "to the third and fourth generation" (עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִים), consistently in contexts describing the consequences of sin:
* **[[Exodus 20:5]] / [[Deuteronomy 5:9]]**: Within the Decalogue, specifically the second commandment forbidding idolatry, God declares, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me." Here, ribbêaʻ underscores the far-reaching and enduring impact of idolatry. It is not a declaration of punishing innocent children for their parents' sins, but rather a statement about the pervasive, generational consequences of a people's rebellion against God, particularly in perpetuating patterns of sin. The "hatred" of God is passed down through generations, leading to continued iniquity.
* **[[Numbers 14:18]]**: Following the Israelites' rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, God reveals His character to Moses: "The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation." This reiterates the principle from the Decalogue, placing it within a broader declaration of God's attributes. The phrase "to the third and fourth generation" here serves as a solemn warning, balancing God's abundant mercy and forgiveness with His unwavering justice. It highlights that while God is merciful, He also ensures that the consequences of corporate and persistent sin are felt across time. In all these occurrences, ribbêaʻ emphasizes the breadth and depth of sin's legacy within a family or community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for `{{H7256}}` is to the number "four" and the idea of "generations."
* **`{{H702}}` אַרְבַּע (arbaʻ)**: The cardinal number "four," which is the direct numerical counterpart to the ordinal sense of ribbêaʻ.
* **`{{H7251}}` רָבַע (rabaʻ)**: The verbal root from which ribbêaʻ is derived. While its primary meaning is "to lie down" or "to crouch," it also gives rise to words related to the number four, indicating a connection to four-sidedness or a fourth position.
* **`{{H1755}}` דּוֹר (dor)**: The common Hebrew word for "generation." The phrase "third and fourth generation" uses ribbêaʻ to specify the extent of these "generations."
* **Heredity and Legacy**: The concept implicitly points to the transmission of spiritual and moral conditions, both positive and negative, across family lines.
* **Divine Justice and Consequences**: The consistent usage of ribbêaʻ in the context of God "visiting iniquity" highlights a principle of divine justice, where the effects of sin are not confined to the immediate perpetrators but can ripple through subsequent generations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ribbêaʻ is profound, primarily illuminating the generational impact of sin and the nature of divine justice.
* **Generational Consequences of Sin**: The recurring phrase "to the third and fourth generation" serves as a powerful declaration that the consequences of sin, particularly idolatry and rebellion against God, extend beyond the immediate offenders. This is not about individual guilt being transferred, but about the perpetuation of sinful patterns, spiritual decay, and the long-term effects of a broken relationship with God that can afflict subsequent generations. It speaks to the corporate dimension of sin within a covenant community.
* **God's Justice and Holiness**: The phrase underscores God's holiness and His commitment to justice. He "will by no means clear the guilty" ([[Numbers 14:18]]), indicating that sin has real and lasting repercussions that God, in His righteousness, will address. The "fourth generation" emphasizes the seriousness of sin in God's eyes, demonstrating that His judgment is not arbitrary or fleeting.
* **Warning Against Idolatry**: In the context of the Decalogue, ribbêaʻ functions as a stark warning against idolatry, highlighting its uniquely destructive long-term effects on a people's spiritual well-being and their relationship with God.
* **Balance with Divine Mercy**: Crucially, in [[Numbers 14:18]], the declaration of visiting iniquity to the fourth generation is immediately preceded by the affirmation of God's character as "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression." This juxtaposition reveals a complex divine character—just yet merciful. While sin's consequences are far-reaching, God's grace and forgiveness are even more abundant, offering hope for breaking these generational cycles through repentance and faith.
### Summary
The Hebrew term רִבֵּעַ (ribbêaʻ), `{{H7256}}`, denotes the "fourth generation" or "great-great-grandchild." Its limited but significant biblical occurrences are exclusively within the phrase "to the third and fourth generation," consistently linked to God's visitation of the iniquity of the fathers. This usage profoundly highlights the enduring and far-reaching consequences of sin, particularly idolatry and rebellion, which can perpetuate spiritual brokenness across successive generations. It underscores a corporate dimension to sin's impact, where the actions of one generation create a legacy that affects those who follow. The theological significance of ribbêaʻ lies in its solemn portrayal of divine justice and God's unwavering commitment to addressing sin, while simultaneously being juxtaposed with His boundless mercy and steadfast love, offering a path to break these cycles through repentance.
TRV