Lexical Summary marbeh: Increase, abundance Original Word: מַרְבֶה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance great, increase From rabah; properly, increasing; as noun, greatness, or (adverbially) greatly -- great, increase. see HEBREW rabah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rabah Definition abundance NASB Translation abundant (1), increase (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַרְבֶּה noun [masculine] 1abundance; — absolute ׳מ Isaiah 33:23, as adverb, in abundance. 2 increase (?), construct לְםַרְבֵּה (sic) Isaiah 9:6 for the increase of the dominion (take לם as dittograph of foregoing, and read רַבָּה, ᵐ5 Gr Che Kit BuhlLex Marti; Du לְמַרְבֵךְ, in view of following לְשָׂלוֺם). Topical Lexicon Root Idea of “Increase”מַרְבֶה (marbeh) gathers up the notion of expansion, multiplication, or overflowing fullness. Its two appearances paint complementary pictures: one of never-ending royal peace and one of overflowing victory spoils. In both, “increase” is divine, not merely natural; it is God-given, God-guarded, and God-focused. Occurrences and Literary Setting 1. Isaiah 9:7 – “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end”. The context is the prophetic hymn announcing the Child who is “Mighty God” and “Prince of Peace.” Marbeh stands at the head of a chain of promises that climax in the sure throne of David, sustained “from that time on and forever.” Messianic Significance (Isaiah 9:7) Marbeh underscores that Messiah’s reign will not plateau. Government and peace expand eternally, fulfilling God’s covenant to David (2 Samuel 7:16). The word therefore supports the New Testament proclamation that “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25). The promise resists any interpretation that limits Christ’s kingdom to a mere era; it is ever-increasing, global, and everlasting. Deliverance Imagery (Isaiah 33:23) When Assyria threatened Jerusalem, Isaiah assured the remnant that the siege would end with overflowing spoils. Marbeh here conveys sudden, surprising enrichment wrought solely by the LORD. The lame—normally last in any victory procession—share fully, echoing David’s practice of distributing spoil equally (1 Samuel 30:24). Thus marbeh reinforces the gracious, leveling generosity of divine salvation. Theological Themes • Sovereign Expansion: God alone produces the limitless growth of the kingdom. Intertextual Echoes Although marbeh itself is rare, Scripture repeatedly links God’s blessing with “increase” (Genesis 22:17; Psalm 72:7; Acts 6:7). These passages amplify Isaiah’s portrait: divine promises unfold in ever-widening circles, culminating in the universal reign of Christ. Historical Background Isaiah prophesied during the Assyrian crisis. Chapters 7–12 contrast Ahaz’s fearful politics with God’s fearless plan: a messianic King whose dominion grows forever. Chapters 28–35 revisit the same theme, promising Judah relief from Assyria and previewing ultimate eschatological victory. In both sections marbeh signals that God’s answer to geopolitical turmoil is not mere survival but super-abundance. Ministry Application 1. Preach Confidence: Congregations facing cultural hostility can rest in the certainty that Christ’s government is still enlarging. Summary Marbeh’s twofold witness proclaims that God’s salvation is not static but endlessly expanding—first in the messianic reign that keeps growing, and then in the deliverance that turns threatened Jerusalem into a treasure house. The word’s scarcity heightens its power: every time Scripture uses marbeh, it shouts that God’s purposes overflow all bounds, assuring His people of unceasing peace and lavish triumph. Forms and Transliterations לְמַרְבֵּ֨ה למרבה מַרְבֶּ֔ה מרבה lə·mar·bêh lemarBeh ləmarbêh mar·beh marbehLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 9:7 HEB: [לְמַרְבֵּה כ] (לְמַרְבֵּ֨ה ק) הַמִּשְׂרָ֜ה NAS: end to the increase of [His] government KJV: Of the increase of [his] government INT: great of government of peace Isaiah 33:23 2 Occurrences |
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