רַב (rav)
rav
many; chief; (Sidon) the Great
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 357 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew word rav functions primarily as an adjective meaning much, many, or great. It describes quantity and intensity, often standing in contrast to me’at, which means little or few. In this sense, it applies to substances, collectives, and people, indicating that something is abundant or sufficient. The term can also serve as an adverb, intensifying a statement to mean exceedingly or very much.
Beyond quantity, rav carries the meaning of rank and authority, referring to a chief, captain, or official. This usage highlights leadership within military or administrative structures. A notable example appears in Isaiah 36:2, where the king of Assyria sends his rab saris, or chief eunuch, to Jerusalem. The word also combines with proper names, such as in the phrase for Sidon the Great, emphasizing prominence.
The root concept underlying rav is superiority in number or status. It does not merely count but evaluates scale and importance. Translators render it variously as many, much, great, or chief depending on context. Its frequent appearance in Jeremiah and Psalms reflects its utility in describing both divine abundance and human hierarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rav often appears in Scripture to describe abundance that exceeds mere quantity. It speaks of greatness in status or intensity in feeling. When we encounter this term, we are reminded that God’s provision is not scarce but overflowing. This perspective shifts our focus from lack to the sufficiency found in His care.
Leadership and authority also fall under this word’s scope. A chief or captain holds a position of responsibility, reflecting order within community structures. Understanding these roles helps us appreciate how God organizes society for stability and justice. We see that rank is not merely about power but about service to others.
Ultimately, rav points to the magnitude of God’s presence in our lives. Whether describing great wickedness or abundant mercy, the term highlights significance. We can trust that nothing in our experience is too small or too large for His attention. This assurance brings peace as we navigate both challenges and blessings with confidence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 357 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- many111×
- great40×
- much29×
- [the] chief of25×
- many [people]22×
- numerous15×
- and/ great of9×
- <the>/ great9×
- enough7×
- [is] great7×
- [are] many7×
- great of5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַב\־45×
- רַבִּ֔ים25×
- רַבִּ֑ים21×
- רַבִּֽים\׃17×
- רַבִּ֖ים13×
- רַ֣ב13×
- רַבִּ֗ים10×
- וְ/רַב\־10×
- רַבִּים֙9×
- רַבִּ֣ים8×
- רַ֖ב8×
- רָֽב\׃7×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.
This verse uses the word to show how God’s purpose transforms human evil into a great outcome that saves many lives.
-
Exodus 34:6
Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,
Here the term describes God’s abundant loving kindness, emphasizing the vastness of His mercy rather than just its existence.
-
Genesis 26:14
He had possessions of flocks, possessions of herds, and a great household. The Philistines envied him.
The word highlights the great household and possessions of Isaac, illustrating how divine blessing results in tangible abundance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word rav mean?
How is rav different from other words for great?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (357 verses across 33 books)
Genesis 13 verses
Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart…
Genesis 7:11In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the…
Genesis 13:6The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they…
Genesis 21:34Abraham lived as a foreigner in the land of the Philistines many days.
Genesis 24:25She said moreover to him, “We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge in.”
Genesis 25:23Yahweh said to her, “Two nations are in your womb. Two peoples will be separated from your body. The one people will be…
Genesis 26:14He had possessions of flocks, possessions of herds, and a great household. The Philistines envied him.
Genesis 30:43The man increased exceedingly, and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Genesis 33:9Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; let that which you have be yours.”
Genesis 36:7For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because…
Genesis 37:34Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
Genesis 45:28Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
Genesis 50:20As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.