Bible Word Study
מַרְבֶה
marbeh · properly, increasing; as noun, greatness, or (adverbially) greatly
מַרְבֶה
properly, increasing; as noun, greatness, or (adverbially) greatly
Definition
The noun מַרְבֶה (marbeh) fundamentally means 'increase' or 'abundance,' describing something that is multiplied or made great. In Isaiah 9:7, it refers to the 'increase' of the Messiah's government and peace, which will have no end, emphasizing an ever-expanding, flourishing dominion. In Isaiah 33:23, the word is used in a different sense, describing the 'great' or 'abundant' spoil that will be divided, shifting the focus to a large quantity of plunder. Thus, the term can denote either a process of growth or the resulting state of greatness and plentifulness.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 9:7, it describes the perpetual increase of the Messiah's just and peaceful reign. In Isaiah 33:23, it modifies the spoil ('abundant spoil') that will be divided among God's people, likely after a time of judgment. Both uses are in prophetic contexts, highlighting God's provision of either governance or material blessing.
Etymology
מַרְבֶה is derived from the root רָבָה (rabah, H7235), meaning 'to be or become many, great, or much.' It is a participle form functioning as a noun, literally meaning 'the one who increases' or 'that which increases.' This root is common in Hebrew, relating to concepts of multiplication, abundance, and greatness.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it is used in Isaiah's messianic prophecy (Isaiah 9:7) to describe the boundless and ever-increasing nature of the Messiah's government and peace. It underscores a core promise of God's kingdom—that it will not be static but will continually expand in justice and shalom. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by highlighting the dynamic, growing quality of God's redemptive rule, contrasting with finite human kingdoms. In its ancient context, 'increase' or 'abundance' was a direct measure of blessing, stability, and divine favor, whether in lineage, harvest, or military plunder. The promise of an ever-increasing government (Isaiah 9:7) would resonate as a guarantee of enduring national strength and prosperity under a righteous ruler. רָב (rav, H7227) — a more common adjective for 'many' or 'great,' often describing size or number. גָּדוֹל (gadol, H1419) — emphasizes greatness in magnitude, importance, or intensity. עֹשֶׁר (osher, H6239) — specifically denotes wealth or riches as a form of abundance.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]