רְבוּ (re.vu)
re.vu
greatness
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The noun revu signifies greatness, appearing only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the Book of Daniel. In these instances, it describes the magnitude or power of earthly kingdoms and rulers, particularly in contrast to the eternal dominion of God.
This term captures a sense of imposing scale or authority rather than moral virtue. The sources highlight its use in Daniel 4:30, where King Nebuchadnezzar boasts about the greatness of Babylon he has built. Here, the word underscores human pride and temporal power, standing in stark relief against the divine sovereignty that ultimately judges such arrogance.
Its limited occurrence makes it a specialized term for political or imperial grandeur in Daniel’s visions. Translators typically render it as "greatness" or "might," preserving the focus on visible strength and influence rather than inner character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word revu points to impressive size, power, or authority. In Daniel, it describes the towering influence of earthly kings. Nebuchadnezzar built a vast empire that made nations tremble. His greatness was visible and undeniable, yet it remained temporary.
This contrast reminds us that human power is fleeting. The Bible shows how pride in such strength leads to downfall. True stability comes not from our own achievements but from God’s eternal rule. We find peace when we trust in a kingdom that never ends.
Your life has value beyond any worldly measure. You do not need to build an empire to matter. God sees your faithfulness in quiet moments. Rest in the knowledge that His love is greater than any throne you might seek to hold.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ greatness/ the2×
- greatness/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְבוּתָ/א֙1×
- וּ/רְבוּתָ֗/א1×
- וּ/רְבוּתָ/א֙1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:18
“To you, king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty.
This verse lists greatness alongside glory and majesty as gifts from God, showing that human power originates from Him.
-
Daniel 5:19
Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He killed whom he wanted to, and he kept alive whom he wanted to. He raised up whom he wanted to, and he put down whom he wanted to.
Here the word explains why nations feared Nebuchadnezzar, linking his authority directly to the scale of power God granted him.
-
Daniel 7:27
The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions will serve and obey him.’
The term shifts from earthly rulers to the saints, promising that eternal dominion will ultimately belong to God’s people rather than temporary kings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word revu mean?
How is revu different from other words for greatness?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
“To you, king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty.
Daniel 5:19Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He…
Daniel 7:27The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the…