### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term תַּרְבִּית (tarbîyth, `{{H8636}}`) is derived from the root רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), which fundamentally means "to be or become many, numerous, or great." From this core sense of "increase" or "multiplication," tarbîyth specifically denotes an "increase" or "addition" to a principal amount. In its primary biblical usage, however, this increase carries a strong negative connotation, referring to "unjust gain" or "usury"—an exploitative percentage or bonus taken in addition to the original sum lent. While the general sense of "increase" or "profit" is present, the semantic range in biblical context is almost exclusively confined to the illicit or ethically problematic accrual of wealth through lending practices, particularly interest charged on loans. It signifies not merely a neutral gain, but one that is deemed illegitimate within the framework of covenantal justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of tarbîyth (`{{H8636}}`) are concentrated in the legal and prophetic texts of the Old Testament, consistently appearing in contexts that prohibit or condemn the practice of charging interest.
In [[Leviticus 25:36]], the command is given: "Do not take interest (נֶשֶׁך - neshek, `{{H5391}}`) or increase (תַּרְבִּית - tarbîyth) from him, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you." The following verse, [[Leviticus 25:37]], further clarifies: "You shall not lend him your money at interest (נֶשֶׁך - neshek), nor lend him your food at increase (תַּרְבִּית - tarbîyth)." Here, tarbîyth is explicitly linked to an increase on "food," distinguishing it from neshek which often refers to interest on money, though the terms are frequently used in parallel to encompass all forms of usurious gain. This prohibition is rooted in the communal ethic of Israel, where fellow Israelites, especially the poor, were to be supported rather than exploited.
Similarly, [[Ezekiel 18:8]] describes a righteous man as one who "does not lend at interest (נֶשֶׁך - neshek) or take increase (תַּרְבִּית - tarbîyth)." The taking of tarbîyth is listed among grave sins, such as shedding blood and defiling a neighbor's wife. This condemnation is reiterated in [[Ezekiel 18:13]] and [[Ezekiel 22:12]], where the practice is explicitly categorized as an "abomination" and a cause for God's judgment. The prophet highlights the violation of covenantal justice inherent in such practices, which prey upon the vulnerable. [[Proverbs 28:8]] offers a wisdom perspective: "Whoever increases his wealth by interest (נֶשֶׁך - neshek) and increase (תַּרְבִּית - tarbîyth) gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor." This proverb underscores the futility and ultimate divine reversal of ill-gotten gain, suggesting that such wealth will not endure for the oppressor. The consistent contextual usage reveals tarbîyth as a term for exploitative economic practice, antithetical to the principles of justice and compassion within the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related term to tarbîyth (`{{H8636}}`) is its etymological root, רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), meaning "to be or become many, numerous, or great." This root provides the foundational concept of "increase" from which tarbîyth derives its specific meaning of "accrued gain."
In the biblical legal and prophetic discourse, tarbîyth is almost invariably paired with נֶשֶׁך (neshek, `{{H5391}}`), which means "biting" and refers specifically to interest, often on money. While neshek typically denotes the "biting" or oppressive nature of interest on currency, tarbîyth can encompass an "increase" on goods, food, or other commodities, or serve as a more general term for any usurious gain. The pairing of these two terms creates a comprehensive prohibition against all forms of exploitative lending.
Another related word is מַרְבִּית (marbith, `{{H4768}}`), also from the root רָבָה, which can mean "abundance," "increase," or "multitude." While sharing the same root, marbith does not carry the inherent negative connotation of "unjust gain" that characterizes tarbîyth in its specific biblical usage.
The concept of tarbîyth is also deeply intertwined with broader theological concepts such as *justice* (צֶדֶק, tsedeq), *righteousness* (צְדָקָה, tsedakah), and *care for the poor* (דַּל, dal). The prohibition of tarbîyth is a practical outworking of these ethical principles within the covenant community, reflecting God's character and His demands for equitable social and economic relations among His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tarbîyth (`{{H8636}}`) is profound, revealing core aspects of God's character and His expectations for His covenant people. The prohibition against taking tarbîyth is not merely an economic regulation but a foundational ethical principle rooted in divine compassion and justice.
1. **Covenantal Solidarity and Compassion:** The law against usury underscores the unique relationship among Israelites as brothers and sisters in the covenant. Lending to a fellow Israelite, especially one in need, was to be an act of charity and mutual support, not an opportunity for personal profit. This reflects God's own compassionate nature and His desire for His people to mirror His care for the vulnerable. The command to "fear your God" ([[Leviticus 25:36]]) in this context highlights that economic justice is an act of worship and obedience.
2. **Distinction of the Covenant Community:** The allowance to charge interest to foreigners ([[Deuteronomy 23:20]]) while strictly prohibiting it among Israelites emphasizes the distinct ethical demands and internal solidarity expected within the covenant community. Israel was to be a society governed by divine principles that set it apart from surrounding nations, where exploitative lending was common.
3. **God's Sovereignty over Resources:** The prohibition implicitly acknowledges that all wealth and resources ultimately belong to God. Human ownership is stewardship, and the accumulation of wealth through exploitative means violates this divine principle. Taking tarbîyth is seen as an act of injustice against a fellow human, and by extension, against God.
4. **Prophetic Condemnation of Injustice:** The consistent condemnation of tarbîyth by the prophets (e.g., Ezekiel) demonstrates its significance as a barometer of societal righteousness. Its practice was a clear indicator of a community that had strayed from God's covenantal demands, prioritizing personal gain over communal well-being and justice. It was a symptom of a deeper spiritual malaise, contributing to social inequality and oppression.
5. **A Model for Economic Ethics:** While not a direct mandate for modern economies, the principles behind the prohibition of tarbîyth offer enduring theological insights into ethical economic practice: the importance of protecting the vulnerable, promoting equitable distribution of resources, and valuing human dignity over unchecked profit.
### Summary
Tarbîyth (`{{H8636}}`) signifies an "increase" or "multiplication" that, in its biblical context, specifically denotes "unjust gain" or "usury." Derived from רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), meaning "to be many or great," the term highlights an additive increase beyond the principal, particularly condemned when taken from a fellow Israelite. It is consistently paired with נֶשֶׁך (neshek, `{{H5391}}`), both terms collectively prohibiting exploitative interest on money or goods. Biblically, tarbîyth appears in the Pentateuchal laws and prophetic condemnations, notably in [[Leviticus 25:36-37]] and [[Ezekiel 18:8]], where its practice is deemed an abomination and a violation of covenantal ethics. Theologically, tarbîyth underscores God's demand for economic justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, and the unique ethical obligations within the covenant community. It reveals a divine concern for equitable relationships and the rejection of gain at the expense of others, reflecting the character of a just and merciful God who desires His people to live in solidarity rather than exploitation.
TRV