### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H8635 (תַּרְבּוּת, tarbûwth) is derived from the verbal root רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), which fundamentally signifies "to be much, be many, multiply, increase, grow great." As a noun, tarbûwth encapsulates the *result* or *process* of this multiplication and increase. Its core meaning thus revolves around "multiplication," "progeny," or "increase." While the root רָבָה can denote a positive increase (e.g., fruitfulness, growth), tarbûwth in its biblical occurrences carries a specific, often negative, semantic nuance, pointing to an increase of something undesirable or a "brood" that perpetuates ill. It describes the quantitative expansion, but often of a qualitative negative reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tarbûwth is rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only twice, each instance providing crucial insight into its specific usage:
1. **Numbers 32:14**: "And behold, you have risen up in your fathers' place, a **brood** of sinful men, to increase still more the fierce anger of the LORD against Israel."
* In this passage, Moses rebukes the tribes of Reuben and Gad for their reluctance to cross the Jordan and fight for the land, drawing a parallel between their current hesitation and the rebellion of their fathers during the wilderness wandering. Here, tarbûwth is translated as "brood" or "increase," referring to a new generation that is mirroring, and indeed *increasing*, the sinfulness of their predecessors. The context is one of generational disobedience and the perpetuation of rebellion against God. The "increase" is not a blessing but an escalation of divine wrath due to persistent sin.
2. **Ezekiel 23:27**: "Thus I will make your lewdness cease from you, and your whoring from the land of Egypt, so that you will not lift up your eyes to them, nor remember Egypt anymore, nor its **increase**."
* This verse is part of Ezekiel's allegorical condemnation of Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem) for their spiritual adultery with foreign nations, particularly Egypt and Assyria. Here, tarbûwth refers to the "increase," "gain," or "profit" derived from Israel's illicit alliances and idolatrous practices with Egypt. It could encompass the material wealth, political influence, or even the idolatrous practices themselves that were "multiplied" through these unholy relationships. God declares that this "increase" will be severed and forgotten, signifying a complete break from the defiling influence of Egypt. The "increase" here is the negative fruit of unfaithfulness.
In both contexts, tarbûwth is associated with negative outcomes: the perpetuation of sin and rebellion in Numbers, and the ill-gotten gains or corrupting influence of idolatry in Ezekiel. It denotes an increase that is contrary to God's will and brings judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), from which tarbûwth is derived. רָבָה is a versatile verb used extensively in the Hebrew Bible to describe various forms of increase:
* **Divine Blessing:** God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ, pĕrû ûrĕbû) in [[Genesis 1:28]] and [[Genesis 9:1]], or the promise of multiplying Abraham's descendants ([[Genesis 22:17]]).
* **Population Growth:** The multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt ([[Exodus 1:7]]).
* **Increase in Wealth/Possessions:** As a sign of blessing or prosperity.
* **Increase in Knowledge/Wisdom:** ([[Proverbs 1:5]]).
* **Increase in Evil/Wickedness:** The multiplication of sin ([[Genesis 6:5]]), or the increase of adversaries ([[Psalm 3:1]]).
While רָבָה can describe a positive, divinely ordained increase, tarbûwth specifically highlights an increase that is problematic or morally corrupt. Other related concepts include:
* **Progeny/Offspring:** The idea of a "brood" or generation, often conveyed by words like זרע (zera', `{{H2233}}`, seed/offspring) or בנים (banim, sons/children).
* **Consequences/Fruit:** The "increase" can be seen as the fruit or consequence of certain actions, whether sinful or righteous.
* **Generational Continuity:** The concept that patterns of behavior, good or bad, can be passed down and amplified across generations.
### Theological Significance
The rare occurrences of tarbûwth nonetheless carry significant theological weight, particularly in their consistent negative connotations. The word underscores the biblical understanding of:
1. **The Peril of Generational Sin:** In [[Numbers 32:14]], tarbûwth vividly portrays the tragic reality of sin perpetuating and even intensifying across generations. It serves as a stark warning that unaddressed sin can lead to a "brood" that continues and amplifies the rebellion of their forebears, thereby increasing God's righteous anger. This highlights the corporate dimension of sin and its potential for escalation.
2. **The Corrupting "Increase" of Idolatry:** In [[Ezekiel 23:27]], tarbûwth points to the detrimental "gain" or "fruit" derived from spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatrous alliances. It reveals that seeking "increase" outside of God's righteous path, through unholy means or relationships, yields a polluted and ultimately condemned outcome. God's judgment involves severing Israel from this corrupt "increase," emphasizing His demand for exclusive devotion and the removal of all that defiles.
3. **Divine Sovereignty over Increase:** While God is the ultimate source of blessed multiplication and fruitfulness, tarbûwth demonstrates that He also has sovereignty over the *cessation* of unholy increase and the judgment of that which multiplies wickedness. The word, therefore, contributes to a nuanced understanding of "increase" in biblical theology, reminding us that not all growth or multiplication is inherently good or blessed.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H8635 (תַּרְבּוּת, tarbûwth), derived from the root רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`) meaning "to multiply" or "increase," denotes "multiplication," "progeny," or "increase." Despite its root having a broad semantic range including positive connotations, tarbûwth appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, and in both instances, it carries a distinctly negative theological weight. In [[Numbers 32:14]], it refers to a "brood" or "increase" of sinful men, highlighting the perpetuation and intensification of rebellion across generations. In [[Ezekiel 23:27]], it signifies the corrupt "increase" or "gain" derived from idolatrous alliances and spiritual unfaithfulness. Thus, tarbûwth serves as a potent term to describe an increase that is detrimental, unholy, or a consequence of sin, underscoring God's judgment against the multiplication of wickedness and the fruits of unrighteousness.
TRV