רַבְרְבָן (rav.re.van)
rav.re.van
noble
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun rabreban denotes a figure of high status, translating to "lord" or "noble." It serves as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew rav, which means chief or great. This term appears exclusively in the Book of Daniel, reflecting the official language of the Babylonian and Persian courts where it describes individuals holding significant authority.
Its six occurrences highlight its use in formal contexts to address or identify powerful officials. For instance, it is used when Nebuchadnezzar refers to his wise men (Daniel 2:49) and later when Darius addresses the satraps and governors (Daniel 6:3). The word underscores the hierarchical structure of the empire, marking those who stand at the top of the administrative ladder.
Understanding this term clarifies the social dynamics in Daniel’s narratives. It is not merely a title but a marker of rank within a foreign government. By using rabreban, the text emphasizes the tension between earthly power and divine sovereignty, as these "lords" often find their authority challenged by God’s intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rabreban points to those holding high office in ancient empires, yet its appearance in Daniel reveals a deeper truth about authority. In the courts of Babylon and Persia, these nobles held immense power, but the narrative consistently shows that their status is temporary compared to God’s eternal reign. When Belshazzar and his lords drank from the sacred vessels, they assumed their rank protected them from consequence. Instead, the writing on the wall reminded everyone that earthly titles mean nothing before the Creator who holds all breath.
This perspective offers comfort when we face systems of power or uncertainty in our own lives. We do not need to fear human authority because God remains sovereign over every throne and every official. The story invites us to place our trust in the One who judges nations, rather than in the stability of worldly positions. It is a reminder that true security comes from reverence for God, not from the approval of those in high places.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ nobles/ his4×
- for/ nobles/ his1×
- and/ nobles/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/רַבְרְבָנ֔וֹ/הִי3×
- לְ/רַבְרְבָנ֖וֹ/הִי1×
- וְ/רַבְרְבָנָ֜/ךְ1×
- וְ/רַבְרְבָנ֖וֹ/הִי1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:1
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
This verse establishes the setting where noble officials gather for a feast, highlighting their collective status before the sudden divine judgment.
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Daniel 5:9
Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.
Here the nobles are described as perplexed, showing that even those with high intelligence and rank cannot interpret God’s message without His help.
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Daniel 5:23
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, or hear, or know; and you have not glorified the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways.
The accusation against the king includes his lords, emphasizing that their shared participation in idolatry placed them all under God's scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word rabreban mean?
Why does rabreban appear only in Daniel?
How does this word relate to God's sovereignty?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 6 verses
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Daniel 5:2Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded that the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had…
Daniel 5:3Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of God’s house which was at Jerusalem; and the…
Daniel 5:9Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.
Daniel 5:10The queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O…
Daniel 5:23but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and…