מַרְבִּית

מַרְבִּית

a multitude; also offspring; specifically interest (on capital)

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַרְבִּית (marbîyth) primarily means 'increase' or 'abundance,' but its meaning shifts based on context. In financial contexts, it specifically denotes 'interest' or 'usury' on a loan, as seen in Leviticus 25:37, where God forbids charging interest to a fellow Israelite. In other passages, it refers to a 'multitude' or 'great number' of people, such as the 'greatest part' of the army in 1 Chronicles 12:29. It can also signify 'offspring' or 'posterity,' as in the prophetic judgment against Eli's house where his surviving family will be reduced (1 Samuel 2:33).

Biblical Usage

This word is used only five times in the Old Testament, appearing in legal, historical, and narrative contexts. Its financial sense is found in the Torah (Leviticus 25:37), relating to economic ethics. The sense of a 'multitude' appears in historical books: 1 Chronicles 12:29 describes a large military contingent, and 2 Chronicles 9:6 and 30:18 refer to the great number of Solomon's achievements and a large assembly of worshippers, respectively. The familial sense of 'offspring' is used in the prophetic speech in 1 Samuel 2:33.

Etymology

מַרְבִּית is a noun derived from the root רָבָה (rāvâ, H7235), meaning 'to be or become many, great, or much.' It is formed using a common Hebrew noun pattern (maqtēl) that often indicates a place or instrument of the action, here conveying the result or product of increasing—hence 'increase' or 'abundance.' Related words include רֹב (rov, H7230) meaning 'multitude' and רָב (rav, H7227) meaning 'many' or 'great.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on key concepts of covenant economics and community integrity. In Leviticus 25:37, its use for 'interest' underscores God's command for economic justice and care within the Israelite community, forbidding exploitation of the poor. The sense of 'multitude' in Chronicles often highlights God's blessing and provision, such as the great assembly in 2 Chronicles 30:18 during Hezekiah's Passover. Understanding מַרְבִּית enriches reading by revealing how material increase, whether people or wealth, is framed within God's ethical and relational purposes. In ancient Israelite culture, charging interest (מַרְבִּית) on loans to fellow Israelites was prohibited, reflecting a communal ethic where financial dealings were to support, not burden, kin (Leviticus 25:35-37). This contrasted with common practices in surrounding ancient Near Eastern societies where interest was standard. The term's other meanings, like 'multitude,' would have been understood in contexts of military strength, familial lineage, and religious gatherings, all central to Israel's identity as a nation. רֹב (rov, H7230) — a more common term for 'multitude' or 'abundance,' often used in general descriptions. הָמוֹן (hāmôn, H1995) — 'multitude' or 'crowd,' typically emphasizing noise or tumult. תּוֹלָדָה (tôlādâ, H8435) — 'generations' or 'descendants,' specifically for lineage, unlike מַרְבִּית's broader 'offspring.'

Word Details