(Aramaic) from רַב; huge (in size); domineering (in character); (very) great (things).
Transliteration:rabrab
Pronunciation:rab-rab'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H7260}}` (rabrab) is a reduplication of the root `{{H7227}}` (rab), meaning "great," "much," or "many." This reduplication serves to intensify the core meaning, conveying concepts of "very great," "exceedingly great," "huge," "enormous," or "domineering." It denotes an extreme degree of magnitude, whether in size, quantity, power, or significance. The semantic range thus encompasses both physical immensity and abstract concepts of overwhelming power or importance. The doubling of the root emphasizes the superlative nature of the quality being described, moving beyond mere "greatness" to an unparalleled or terrifying scale.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H7260}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, where its usage consistently highlights extreme magnitude or intensity:
* **Physical Magnitude:** In [[Daniel 2:31]], Nebuchadnezzar describes the statue in his dream as "this image, great and terrifying" (צַלְמָא דְּנָה רַב רַב). Here, `{{H7260}}` emphasizes the colossal size and formidable appearance of the idol, contributing to its awe-inspiring and fear-inducing quality. Similarly, in [[Daniel 5:1]], King Belshazzar "made a great feast" (לְחֶם רַב רַב) for a thousand of his lords, indicating a banquet of immense scale and extravagance, befitting a royal display of power and revelry.
* **Divine Majesty:** Nebuchadnezzar, in his restored humility and praise of God, exclaims in [[Daniel 4:3]], "How great are His signs, and how mighty are His wonders!" (מָה רַבְרְבִין אָתוֹהִי). Here, `{{H7260}}` is applied to God's signs and wonders, signifying their unparalleled power, majesty, and unsearchable nature. It underscores the infinite superiority of divine power over human might.
* **Human Greatness/Pride:** Following his period of madness, Nebuchadnezzar recounts in [[Daniel 4:36]] that "for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor were restored to me" (וְלִגְדֻלְתִּי רַבְרְבֻת). This use of `{{H7260}}` (in its nominal form, rabrabut) refers to the king's restored status, power, and glory. While seemingly positive, the broader context of Daniel 4 highlights the transient and ultimately dependent nature of this human "greatness" on God's sovereign will, contrasting it sharply with God's eternal `{{H7260}}`.
* **Internal Intensity:** In [[Daniel 7:28]], Daniel concludes his vision by stating, "My thoughts troubled me greatly" (וְרַבְרְבִין הַרְהֹרַי יְבַהֲלֻנַּנִי). Here, `{{H7260}}` describes the overwhelming and disturbing nature of the prophetic visions and their implications, indicating a profound internal disturbance or an intense emotional and mental burden.
Across these contexts, `{{H7260}}` consistently points to an extreme degree of the quality it modifies, whether it be physical size, divine power, human pomp, or psychological distress.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Aramaic root `{{H7227}}` (rab), from which `{{H7260}}` is derived by reduplication. `{{H7227}}` itself means "great," "much," or "many" and is widely used in both Hebrew and Aramaic. Other conceptually related terms include:
* **Aramaic:** `{{H7228}}` (rabba'), another Aramaic term for "great."
* **Hebrew:** `{{H1419}}` (gadol), the most common Hebrew word for "great," often used to describe God's power, human leaders, or significant events. While `{{H1419}}` carries a broad semantic range, `{{H7260}}` specifically emphasizes an *intensified* or *superlative* degree of greatness, often with connotations of awe or fear.
* **Concepts:** The word `{{H7260}}` is closely tied to concepts of:
* **Majesty and Sovereignty:** Especially when applied to God.
* **Power and Authority:** Describing both divine and human dominion.
* **Awe and Terror:** The "greatness" can be overwhelming or frightening, as seen in the description of the image in Daniel 2.
* **Pride and Hubris:** When associated with human kings and their displays of power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7260}}` is particularly rich within the Book of Daniel, a book deeply concerned with divine sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.
1. **Divine Transcendence and Awe:** When applied to God's signs and wonders ([[Daniel 4:3]]), `{{H7260}}` elevates the divine to an unparalleled level of power and mystery. It evokes a sense of profound awe and reverence, underscoring that God's works are not merely "great" but "exceedingly great," beyond human comprehension or challenge. This reinforces the central theological message of Daniel: that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of mankind ([[Daniel 4:17]]).
2. **Critique of Human Hubris:** In contexts describing human constructions or displays of power (the "great image" of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar's "great feast," Nebuchadnezzar's restored "greatness"), `{{H7260}}` serves as a subtle yet potent theological critique. While these human endeavors appear "exceedingly great" in their worldly manifestation, they are ultimately temporary, fragile, and subject to divine judgment. The narrative arc of Daniel consistently demonstrates that human `{{H7260}}` is fleeting and ultimately subservient to God's eternal `{{H7260}}`. This contrast highlights the folly of human pride and self-exaltation.
3. **The Overwhelming Nature of Prophetic Revelation:** The use of `{{H7260}}` to describe Daniel's troubled thoughts ([[Daniel 7:28]]) underscores the profound and often disturbing nature of divine revelation. The "greatness" of the visions' implications can be overwhelming, causing fear and distress, yet they are essential for understanding God's ultimate plan for history.
### Summary
`{{H7260}}` (rabrab) is an Aramaic term, a reduplication of `{{H7227}}` (rab), signifying an intensified degree of "greatness." Its semantic range includes "huge" (in size), "domineering" (in character), and "very great" (in magnitude or significance). Found exclusively in Daniel, it is used to describe the colossal physical presence of a statue, the immense scale of a royal feast, the overwhelming nature of prophetic visions, the restored majesty of a human king, and, most profoundly, the unparalleled greatness of God's signs and wonders. Theologically, `{{H7260}}` functions to highlight the absolute and eternal `{{H7260}}` of God, contrasting it with the transient and ultimately subordinate `{{H7260}}` of human power and pride. It powerfully conveys the awe-inspiring, sometimes terrifying, and always sovereign nature of God's interaction with the world.
TRV