רֶ֫בַע (re.va)
re.va
fourth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun reba denotes a specific quantity or spatial arrangement: either a fourth part of a whole or the four sides of an object. In biblical Hebrew, it functions as a precise numerical descriptor rather than an abstract concept. Its usage is relatively rare, appearing in only two verses across the Old Testament, which gives each occurrence significant weight.
The word appears in Exodus 27:9 to describe the four-sided enclosure of the tabernacle courtyard, emphasizing the structured, rectangular nature of sacred space. It also occurs in 1 Samuel 14:20, where soldiers pursue the Philistines along the "four sides" or directions of their camp. In both instances, reba grounds the text in physical reality, marking boundaries and proportions with clear, measurable intent.
While simple in meaning, its limited frequency highlights how ancient writers used precise geometry to describe worship spaces and military engagements. The term does not carry metaphorical baggage but serves as a straightforward marker of division or orientation, anchoring the narrative in tangible, observable facts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word reba simply means "fourth." It appears in only two verses in the Old Testament, marking a precise fraction or direction. In Exodus, it measures the oil and wine for the tabernacle offerings. In Samuel, it describes a small payment of silver given to seek guidance. This precision shows that God cares about the details of our worship and daily life.
When we encounter numbers in Scripture, they often point to order and completeness. The use of "fourth" here reminds us that even small acts, like giving a quarter-shekel or preparing an offering, are part of a larger, structured plan. God is not distant from the specifics of our routine.
Whether you are managing resources or serving in worship, these details matter. The text does not use hyperbole but clear measurement. This invites us to trust that God sees and values the exactness of our obedience, no matter how small it seems.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a fourth part of1×
- <the> fourth part of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֶ֣בַע1×
- רֶ֖בַע1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 29:40
and with the one lamb a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering.
This verse uses reba to specify the exact amount of oil and wine for a drink offering, showing that worship requires precise preparation.
-
I Samuel 9:8
The servant answered Saul again and said, “Behold, I have in my hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way.”
Here, reba quantifies a small payment of silver, highlighting that even modest resources are used to seek God's direction through His prophet.