The Hebrew word tarbîyth, represented by H8636, refers to a multiplication, i.e. percentage or bonus in addition to principal. It is translated as "increase" or "unjust gain." This term appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, consistently pointing to the concept of exploitative financial gain, often charged on a loan.
In its biblical usage, H8636 is almost exclusively found in legal and prophetic contexts condemning exploitative lending. The law in Leviticus explicitly forbids it among Israelites, stating, "Take thou no usury of him, or increase" Leviticus 25:36. The prophet Ezekiel uses the term repeatedly to define the actions of both the wicked and the righteous. A wicked man is one who "hath taken increase" and will not live Ezekiel 18:13, while a righteous man is one who "hath not taken any increase" and will surely live (Ezekiel 18:8, Ezekiel 18:17). Proverbs warns that wealth built through "unjust gain" will be gathered for someone who is compassionate to the poor Proverbs 28:8.
Several related words help clarify the concept of unjust financial practices:
- H5392 neshek (interest on a debt; usury): This word is the most closely related term, appearing alongside H8636 in every single one of its biblical occurrences. This pairing, as seen in "usury and increase" Ezekiel 22:12, emphasizes a comprehensive prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites in need.
- H6233 ʻôsheq (injury, fraud... unjust gain; cruelly, extortion, oppression): This term broadens the context of H8636 to include the theme of force and oppression. Its appearance in Ezekiel 22:12 shows that taking "increase" is part of a larger pattern of gaining from neighbours by "extortion."
- H1214 bâtsaʻ (to break off... plunder; gain (greedily), be given to (covetousness)): This word highlights the greedy motivation behind unjust gain. In Ezekiel 22:12, the act of taking "increase" is directly linked to having "greedily gained" from others.
The theological weight of H8636 is significant, tying economic ethics directly to one's standing with God.
- Protection of the Vulnerable: The prohibition against taking "increase" is a core tenet of covenant community care. It ensures that the poor are not further exploited, as the one who gains by it will see his substance gathered for another who will "pity the poor" Proverbs 28:8.
- A Mark of Righteousness: In Ezekiel's moral framework, abstaining from taking "increase" is a clear sign of a righteous person who follows God's statutes and judgments Ezekiel 18:17. Conversely, engaging in it is listed among "abominations" that lead to death Ezekiel 18:13.
- A Sign of Spiritual Decay: The practice of taking "increase" is presented as a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem. It is listed among sins like extortion and shedding blood, all of which stem from having "forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD" Ezekiel 22:12.
In summary, H8636 is not a neutral term for financial increase but a morally charged word for unjust gain. It is consistently condemned in Scripture as an exploitative practice that harms the community and signifies a heart that is far from God. Its usage, particularly in conjunction with words for usury and extortion, establishes a biblical ethic where economic justice is a non-negotiable aspect of a righteous life.
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