רָבָה (ra.vah)
ra.vah
to multiply; to shoot
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 171 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rabah primarily means to become many, numerous, or great. In the vast majority of its occurrences across the Old Testament, it describes a significant increase in quantity or size. This is most frequently seen when God blesses His people with offspring, as in the promise to Abraham that his descendants would multiply (Genesis 12:2), or when describing the growth of livestock and resources.
While its core sense is numerical expansion, rabah also carries the nuance of growing great in status or influence. The sources note a distinct, though rare, usage where it means "to shoot" or sprout, specifically applied to the young Ishmael growing up in the wilderness (Genesis 21:20). This concrete image of natural growth complements the more abstract idea of multiplying numbers.
Its theological weight lies in its association with divine blessing. When rabah is used in the Hiphil stem, it often emphasizes God as the agent who makes things many or great. Translators typically render this word as "multiply," "increase," or "become great," depending on whether the context focuses on population, wealth, or power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rabah speaks of life expanding beyond its current limits. It is the language of abundance, used when God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. This is not a random increase but a deliberate blessing, showing that God’s generosity often looks like growth in family, resources, and influence.
When you read this word, remember that it points to a Creator who delights in making things flourish. Whether it describes the waters rising or a child growing into strength, rabah reminds us that life is meant to increase. It invites trust in God’s power to provide more than we can imagine, turning small beginnings into lasting legacies.
This promise of multiplication is a source of hope. It assures us that our efforts and faith are held within a larger story of growth. You can find comfort in knowing that the same God who multiplies seeds also nurtures your spiritual life, helping you bear fruit that endures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 171 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- much18×
- and/ multiply7×
- he will increase6×
- I will increase6×
- and/ I will multiply5×
- many4×
- greatly4×
- and/ they increased4×
- [surely] a multitude4×
- you will make great3×
- to/ abundance3×
- they will increase3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַרְבֵּ֥ה13×
- הַרְבֵּ֣ה4×
- הַרְבֵּ֖ה4×
- יַרְבֶּה\־3×
- יִרְבּ֣וּ3×
- הַרְבֵּה֙3×
- הַרְבֵּֽה\׃3×
- הִרְבָּ֖ה3×
- תַּרְבֶּה֙2×
- תַּרְבּ֤וּ2×
- רָבֽוּ\׃2×
- לְ/הַרְבֵּ֣ה2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
This verse establishes the foundational command for all creation to increase in number and dominion under God's initial blessing.
-
Genesis 22:17
that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your offspring greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the gate of his enemies.
Here the word emphasizes the sheer scale of Abraham’s future descendants, comparing them to stars and sand to show divine abundance.
-
Exodus 1:7
The children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.
This occurrence highlights the rapid demographic growth of Israel in Egypt, fulfilling the patriarchal promises despite their new circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word rabah mean?
How is rabah different from other words for increase?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (171 verses across 29 books)
Genesis 24 verses
God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the…
Genesis 1:28God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish…
Genesis 3:16To the woman he said, “I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. You will bear children in pain. Your desire…
Genesis 7:17The flood was forty days on the earth. The waters increased, and lifted up the ship, and it was lifted up above the…
Genesis 7:18The waters rose, and increased greatly on the earth; and the ship floated on the surface of the waters.
Genesis 8:17Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh, including birds, livestock, and every creeping…
Genesis 9:1God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth.
Genesis 9:7Be fruitful and multiply. Increase abundantly in the earth, and multiply in it.”
Genesis 15:1After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your…
Genesis 16:10Yahweh’s angel said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, that they will not be counted for multitude.”
Genesis 17:2I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”
Genesis 17:20As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him…
Genesis 21:20God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and as he grew up, he became an archer.
Genesis 22:17that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your offspring greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the…
Genesis 26:4I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your…
Genesis 26:24Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with…
Genesis 28:3May God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples,
Genesis 34:12Ask me a great amount for a dowry, and I will give whatever you ask of me, but give me the young lady as a wife.”
Genesis 35:11God said to him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations will be from you, and…
Genesis 38:12After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheep shearers to…
Genesis 41:49Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped counting, for it was without number.
Genesis 43:34He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank,…
Genesis 47:27Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were…
Genesis 48:4and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples, and…