רָבַב (ra.vav)
ra.vav
to multiply
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ravav means to increase in number or size, describing a process of becoming many or great. It appears sixteen times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Psalms and Isaiah. The word captures the idea of growth or multiplication, often referring to populations, blessings, or the magnitude of an event.
In its basic form, it simply denotes becoming numerous or extensive. For example, in Psalm 68:17, it describes the chariots of God as "myriads" of thousands, emphasizing vast quantity. In Isaiah 9:7, it is used to describe the increase of government and peace, highlighting expansion rather than just existence. The term can also refer to length, such as a long journey, but the core sense remains one of accumulation or enlargement.
Its root suggests a gathering together into a larger whole. Translators often render it as "multiply" or "increase," depending on context. Unlike words that imply sudden creation, ravav focuses on the gradual or significant growth of what already exists. This nuance helps readers understand how biblical authors describe divine blessings or judgments not as isolated events, but as expanding realities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ra-vav captures the quiet, steady growth of things becoming greater over time. It is not about sudden magic but about accumulation and expansion. When we see this term in Scripture, it often points to how God’s presence or judgment fills a space until it is undeniable. In Isaiah 9:7, for example, the prophet describes the increase of government and peace as a growing reality that brings stability to the world.
For your daily life, this word offers a gentle reminder that faithfulness often looks like small, consistent steps rather than dramatic leaps. Whether you are seeing your resources grow or watching challenges multiply, the biblical narrative assures us that God is involved in the process of increase. It invites us to trust that what starts small can become significant, just as the early church began with a few believers and grew into a global movement.
This concept also helps us understand divine blessings not as isolated gifts but as expanding realities. When we pray for wisdom or provision, we are asking for something that will grow and sustain us over time. It is a hopeful vision of life where goodness accumulates, creating a foundation that supports both individuals and communities through changing seasons.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are many5×
- to/ become numerous1×
- they will be many1×
- they were many1×
- they have become many1×
- producing ten thousands1×
- it is great1×
- because /were numerous/ you1×
- and/ they will be many1×
- and/ they have been many1×
- and/ it will become many1×
- and/ it will become great1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רָ֑בּוּ2×
- רַבּוּ֙2×
- וְ/רַבָּ֥ה2×
- רָ֑בָּה1×
- רַבּ֬וּ1×
- רַבּ֥וּ1×
- רַבּ֤וּ1×
- רַבּ֣וּ1×
- מֵֽ/רֻבְּ/כֶ֞ם1×
- מְרֻבָּב֗וֹת1×
- לָ/רֹ֖ב1×
- וְ/רַבּ֥וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 6:1
When men began to multiply on the surface of the ground, and daughters were born to them,
It marks the beginning of human population growth, setting the stage for the subsequent biblical narrative of nations and families.
-
Isaiah 59:12
For our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we know them:
The word highlights the accumulation of sin, illustrating how transgressions can build up until they become a heavy burden before God.