רָבַע (ra.va)
ra.va
to mate
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ra(va) literally means to lie stretched out or lie down. While this basic sense of resting applies to general repose, its most distinct usage in Scripture involves sexual union. The lexicons note that it describes the act of lying down for copulation, a meaning that appears with stark clarity in Leviticus 20:15 regarding bestiality.
A significant nuance emerges in the Hiphil stem, where the verb shifts from an intransitive action to a causative one. Here it means to cause cattle to lie down for breeding purposes. This technical agricultural usage appears in Leviticus 19:19, prohibiting the mixing of animal kinds by preventing a farmer from causing different species to mate.
With only three occurrences, all found in the Holiness Code of Leviticus, the word carries heavy legal weight rather than poetic resonance. Translators typically render it as "mate" or "lie with" depending on whether the subject is human or animal. The term underscores the biblical concern for clear boundaries between categories of life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This Hebrew verb carries the weight of physical union, appearing in the Holiness Code to mark clear boundaries between different kinds of life. In Leviticus, it describes both human sexual immorality and agricultural practices, emphasizing that God cares about order in all areas of creation.
For your daily walk, this word reminds us that our bodies are designed with purpose. The Bible calls believers to honor these designs by living in ways that reflect God’s character. When we respect the boundaries He set, we find freedom and peace rather than confusion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will make lie1×
- to/ stretch out with/ it1×
- to/ stretch out with1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַרְבִּ֣יעַ1×
- לְ/רִבְעָ֣ה1×
- לְ/רִבְעָ֖/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 18:23
“‘You shall not lie with any animal to defile yourself with it. No woman may give herself to an animal, to lie down with it: it is a perversion.
This verse uses the word to condemn sexual perversion involving animals, highlighting the seriousness of violating natural boundaries.
-
Leviticus 19:19
“‘You shall keep my statutes. “‘You shall not cross-breed different kinds of animals. “‘You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; “‘Don’t wear a garment made of two kinds of material.
Here the Hiphil stem prohibits cross-breeding animals, showing that God’s call for holiness extends to agricultural practices and stewardship.
-
Leviticus 20:16
“‘If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.
This occurrence details the severe consequence for a woman who lies with an animal, underscoring the gravity of such acts in ancient Israelite law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word רָבַע (ra.va) mean?
Why is this word found in Leviticus?
How is this word different from other terms for lying down?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
“‘You shall not lie with any animal to defile yourself with it. No woman may give herself to an animal, to lie down…
Leviticus 19:19“‘You shall keep my statutes. “‘You shall not cross-breed different kinds of animals. “‘You shall not sow your field…
Leviticus 20:16“‘If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put…