מִרְבָּה
abundance, i.e. a great quantity
Definition
The Hebrew noun מִרְבָּה (mirbâh) denotes a state or condition of abundance, specifically referring to a great quantity or multitude. It is derived from the root רָבָה (râbâh), meaning 'to be or become many, great, or much,' and thus inherently conveys the idea of increase or multiplication. In its single biblical occurrence in Ezekiel 23:32, it is used metaphorically to describe the 'cup' of judgment as one of 'much' or 'abundant' sorrow and desolation, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the punishment. The word focuses on the magnitude or plentifulness of something, whether physical or, as in this case, experiential.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 23:32. It is used in a prophetic judgment oracle against Samaria and Jerusalem, personified as two sisters. The context is metaphorical: the 'cup' given to Jerusalem is described as a 'cup of מִרְבָּה'—a cup of 'much' or 'abundance'—specifically an abundance of horror and desolation. This singular usage employs the term to intensify the description of divine judgment, portraying it not as moderate but as profound and overflowing in its severity.
Etymology
מִרְבָּה is a noun derived from the root רָבָה (H7235, râbâh), which means 'to be or become many, great, increase, or multiply.' This root is common in Hebrew, giving rise to several words related to quantity and greatness, such as רַב (rab, H7227, 'many, great') and רֹב (rōv, H7230, 'multitude, abundance'). מִרְבָּה itself is formed using a common nominal pattern (מִקְטָלָה) that often indicates an abstract noun or a place associated with the root action, here emphasizing the state or result of being increased—hence 'abundance.'
Semantic Range
Though used only once, מִרְבָּה in Ezekiel 23:32 contributes to the profound theological theme of God's measured but severe judgment. The 'cup of abundance' is not of blessing but of horror, illustrating that divine retribution for covenant unfaithfulness is comprehensive and overwhelming. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by highlighting the intentional contrast: the same language of 'abundance' typically associated with God's provision (e.g., Psalm 132:15) is here subverted to describe the fullness of His wrath, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the completeness of His justice.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the imagery of a 'cup' often symbolized a portion or destiny assigned by a deity, whether of blessing or judgment (cf. Psalm 16:5; Jeremiah 25:15). The use of מִרְבָּה to modify this cup would immediately convey to the original audience an experience not just of some hardship, but of an excessive, overflowing measure of calamity. This aligns with prophetic rhetoric designed to shock and awaken listeners to the severe consequences of their actions.
רֹב (rōv, H7230) — A more common noun for 'multitude' or 'abundance,' often used for physical quantities like people or things. שֶׂבַע (śevaʿ, H7647) — 'Abundance' or 'plenty,' but with a connotation of satisfaction or fullness, often related to provisions. עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer, H6239) — 'Wealth' or 'riches,' focusing on material abundance and prosperity.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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