רַב (rav)
rav
great
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word rav primarily means "great," but in Scripture it rarely describes physical size. Instead, it denotes high status, authority, or importance. You see this clearly in its use as a title for leaders, such as when Ezra refers to the "great men" of the land (Ezra 10:8) or when Daniel addresses officials with this term. It signals someone who holds significant power or influence within a community.
Its range extends beyond people to describe abstract concepts like great wealth or great power, emphasizing magnitude rather than dimension. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, where it appears most frequently, rav often marks the distinction between ordinary citizens and those in charge. Translators usually render it as "great," "chief," or "captain" depending on whether the context highlights rank or personal prominence.
This usage reflects a cultural focus on social hierarchy. To call someone rav was to acknowledge their position at the top of the local order. It is not merely an adjective but a marker of identity within the ancient Near Eastern world, distinguishing those who governed from those who were governed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rab usually translates as "great," but in Scripture it rarely points to physical size. Instead, it marks high status, authority, or importance. When Ezra or Daniel use this term for leaders, they are acknowledging a position of power within the community. It distinguishes those who govern from those who are governed, reflecting the social hierarchy of the ancient Near East.
This concept reminds us that true greatness often involves responsibility. In Daniel 2:48, King Nebuchadnezzar makes Daniel great and places him in charge over wise men. This shift shows how God can elevate individuals to serve a higher purpose. Your own life may hold moments where you are given significant trust or influence.
Whether you lead a large team or care for a small family, this word encourages you to see your role as meaningful. It is not just about rank but about the weight of stewardship. God sees the efforts you make in your daily duties and values the integrity with which you handle them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- great5×
- <the>/ great3×
- [was] great2×
- chief of1×
- and/ chief of1×
- [the] chief1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַ֔ב2×
- רַבָּֽ/א\׃1×
- רַבָּ֣/א1×
- רַבָּ֔/א1×
- רַב֙1×
- רַב\־1×
- רַ֧ב1×
- רַ֥ב1×
- רַ֣ב1×
- רַ֛ב1×
- רַ֖ב1×
- וְ/רַב\־1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:48
Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts, and made him rule over the whole province of Babylon and to be chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.
This verse shows the king elevating Daniel to a position of high authority, demonstrating how God grants greatness for service.
-
Ezra 5:11
Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.
The builders identify their work as belonging to a great king, linking the current project to past royal glory and divine purpose.
-
Daniel 2:31
“You, O king, saw, and behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood before you; and its appearance was terrifying.
The description of a great image highlights the terrifying magnitude of worldly power that stands before the viewer.
-
Daniel 5:1
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Belshazzar hosts a great feast, emphasizing the scale of his wealth and the number of lords present at his court.
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 often?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 3 verses
and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over and settled in the city of Samaria, and in…
Ezra 5:8Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built…
Ezra 5:11Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house…