רִבּוֹ (rib.bo)
rib.bo
myriad
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun ribbo denotes a myriad, specifically defined as ten thousand times ten thousand. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, serving as a numerical descriptor in Daniel 7:10. In this context, it quantifies the vast assembly of angels attending the Ancient of Days during his judicial session.
This term is an Aramaic derivative of the Hebrew rib (H7239), which simply means ten thousand. By doubling the base unit into a myriad, the text emphasizes a scale that transcends ordinary counting. The usage highlights the sheer magnitude of the heavenly court rather than providing a precise census figure.
Its solitary occurrence underscores the dramatic weight of Daniel’s vision. Translators typically render it as "ten thousand times ten thousand" to preserve the exponential emphasis intended by the original author. This phrasing conveys an uncountable multitude, reinforcing the majesty and authority of the divine judge described in the prophecy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ribbo appears just once in Scripture, yet it carries immense weight. It describes a number so vast that human language struggles to contain it: ten thousand times ten thousand. In Daniel’s vision, this figure does not invite us to count every star in the sky, but rather to stand in awe before the Ancient of Days. It reminds us that God’s presence is surrounded by an uncountable host, far beyond our limited understanding.
When we encounter such overwhelming majesty, it is natural to feel small. Yet this vastness is not meant to frighten us away, but to draw us closer to the One who holds all things together. The sheer scale of heaven’s court underscores that our God is both transcendent and near. We can rest in the knowledge that the Judge of all the earth is worthy of every bit of our trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- myriads1×
- and/ a myriad of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רִבְבָ֖ן1×
- וְ/רִבּ֥וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:10
A fiery stream issued and came out from before him. Thousands of thousands ministered to him. Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The judgment was set. The books were opened.
This verse uses ribbo to quantify the standing assembly before the Ancient of Days, emphasizing that the divine court’s size transcends ordinary counting and highlights God's supreme judicial authority.