מַרְבִּית (mar.bit)
mar.bit
greatness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun marbit signifies a substantial increase, whether in quantity or quality. It describes a large multitude of people, as seen when Samuel warns Israel that a king will conscript their sons and daughters (1 Samuel 8:16). The word also applies to abstract growth, such as the "greatness" of wisdom found in Ecclesiastes, highlighting intellectual or moral expansion rather than just physical size.
A distinct usage appears in economic contexts, where marbit refers to interest or usury. In Leviticus 25:36 and Deuteronomy 23:20, the term denotes the profit gained from lending money to a fellow Israelite. This specific application underscores the idea of financial multiplication, marking it as a key concept in ancient Hebrew laws regarding fair lending and community welfare.
Its root relates to the verb rabah, meaning to be great or numerous. By using marbit, the biblical authors emphasize the result of that growth: a tangible abundance. Whether describing a booming population or accumulated interest, the word consistently points to something that has grown beyond its original state, reflecting the natural consequences of increase in both social and financial spheres.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word marbit points to a tangible increase, whether in population, wisdom, or wealth. In ancient Israel, this concept was not just about having more, but about how that growth affected the community. For instance, Samuel warned that a king’s conscription would lead to a great increase of servants, showing that power often comes with significant social costs. This reminds us that abundance is never neutral; it carries weight and responsibility.
Interestingly, the same word describes financial profit. The Law strictly forbade charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites, treating such gain as an unjust 'greatness' or increase. This highlights a core biblical value: our resources are meant for mutual support, not personal accumulation at the expense of others. True prosperity is measured by how we treat those in need.
When we look at wisdom, marbit describes its expansive nature. Queen Sheba was overwhelmed by the greatness of Solomon’s understanding, noting that even half of it had not been reported to her. This suggests that true wisdom grows beyond what we can fully grasp or share. It invites us to seek understanding that expands our hearts and minds, rather than just our bank accounts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ for/ profit1×
- [the] increase of1×
- [the] greatness of1×
- [the] greater part of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַרְבִּ֣ית2×
- מַרְבִּ֥ית1×
- וּ/בְ/מַרְבִּ֖ית1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 25:37
You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.
This verse uses marbit to define prohibited financial gain, showing that the word applies to economic exploitation when it harms community bonds.
-
II Chronicles 9:6
However I didn’t believe their words until I came, and my eyes had seen it; and behold half of the greatness of your wisdom wasn’t told me. You exceed the fame that I heard!
Here marbit describes the overwhelming magnitude of Solomon's wisdom, illustrating how intellectual growth can exceed expectations and reports.
-
I Samuel 2:33
The man of yours whom I don’t cut off from my altar will consume your eyes and grieve your heart. All the increase of your house will die in the flower of their age.
The term refers to the 'increase' or offspring of a house, linking greatness directly to family lineage and the consequences of priestly failure.