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אַרְבַּע

𐤀𐤓𐤁𐤏

ʼarbaʻ

H703 adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Masculine form of the numeral 'four.' Used to enumerate four distinct entities, persons, or objects, sometimes with contextual significance in ritual, genealogical, or literary frameworks. Functions as the standard designation for counting or specifying quantity 'four' in Biblical Hebrew literature.

Semantic Range

four (numeral), one set of four, fourfold, four times, designation of quantity four in lists, counts, or ritual formulae

Root / Etymology

From the root ר-ב-ע (רבע), meaning 'to be four, to make four.' אַרְבַּע is the masculine numeral form, with its feminine counterpart אַרְבַּעָה (arba‘āh).

Historical & Contextual Notes

אַרְבַּע is the regular masculine numeral used in all periods of Biblical Hebrew, from early prose (Genesis) to later writings. It occurs in direct enumeration (e.g., four rivers, four corners), genealogy (four sons), and ritual contexts (e.g., four animals for sacrifice). The determination between masculine אַרְבַּע and feminine אַרְבַּעָה follows Hebrew grammatical rules—אַרְבַּע modifies feminine nouns, אַרְבַּעָה for masculine. In some English translations, nuances between the two forms are not preserved. No significant semantic shift is attested between Israelite, Judahite, or Judean contexts. In related Semitic languages, cognate forms with the same root are attested (e.g., Akkadian erbe, Ugaritic arba).

Translation Consistency

primary "four" 8 occurrences

H703 is the numeral 'four' throughout Biblical Hebrew. 'four' is the natural, standard English rendering for counting, lists, ritual formulae, and adjectival uses (fourfold, four times), so using 'four' ensures consistent, clear translation across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) corresponding to אַרְבַּע; {four}; four.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רבע (r-b-ʿ) — to be four, fourfold, consisting of four

Root רבע to be four, to make four
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H702 אַרְבַּע four
H7243 רְבִיעִי fourth
H7244 רְבִיעַי fourth (feminine)
H7250 רָבַע to lie-flat with her
H7251 רָבַע made four-sided

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H703-01 אַרְבַּע֙ areba AAcbsa four four four 4
H703-02 אַרְבְּעָ֗ה arebeah AAcbsa four four four 2
H703-04 וְ/אַרְבְּעָ֤ה vearebeah AC/Acbsa and four and four and four 1
H703-03 וְ/אַרְבַּ֤ע veareba AC/Acbsa and-four and four and four 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H703-02 Daniel 3:25 אַרְבְּעָ֗ה arebeah AAcbsa four four four
H703-01 Daniel 7:2 אַרְבַּע֙ areba AAcbsa four four four
H703-03 Daniel 7:3 וְ/אַרְבַּ֤ע veareba AC/Acbsa and-four and four and four
H703-01 Daniel 7:6 אַרְבַּ֛ע areba AAcbsa four four four
H703-04 Daniel 7:6 וְ/אַרְבְּעָ֤ה vearebeah AC/Acbsa and four and four and four
H703-01 Daniel 7:17 אַרְבַּ֑ע areba AAcbsa four four four
H703-02 Daniel 7:17 אַרְבְּעָ֥ה arebeah AAabsa four four four
H703-01 Ezra 6:17 אַרְבַּ֣ע areba AAcbsa four four four
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