רָבַד

𐤓𐤁𐤃

râbad

H7234 verb

SILEX Entry

Root רבד to spread, to arrange, to lay out

Definition

To spread out, lay flat, or arrange (something) in a broad manner; by extension, to deck, adorn, or cover with spread fabrics (such as carpets, cloths, or decorative coverings). The term generally refers to the act of spreading materials across a surface, sometimes with a connotation of preparation or embellishment.

Semantic Range

to spread (fabrics, cloths), arrange decoratively, lay flat, cover with cloth, adorn, deck (in a physical sense), prepare with coverings

Root / Etymology

Root רבד, basic sense 'to spread (out)'—likely referring originally to the spreading or laying out of materials. The form רָבַד is a verb derived directly from this root. The noun רֶבֶד ('cushion, bedding, carpet') is related, showing the sense of 'something spread out.' The etymology is native Semitic and not known to be related to any non-Semitic source.

Historical & Contextual Notes

רָבַד is a rare verb, primarily attested in poetic contexts (e.g., Ezekiel 16:10, 13; Ezekiel 23:41) where it describes the act of spreading or laying out cloths, coverings, or garments—often in reference to acts of preparation, luxury, or decoration. The noun forms (רֶבֶד) refer to 'cushion,' 'bedding,' or 'carpet,' confirming the concrete nature of the action. The verb is distinct from verbs like פָּרַשׂ (to spread, stretch out [wings, hands, coverings]) as רָבַד tends to have a more specific association with the spreading of fabrics or decorated cloths, particularly in ceremonial or luxurious settings. While some English translations use 'deck' or 'decorate,' these renderings only approximate the meaning, as the original sense emphasizes the physical action of laying out or arranging materials. The root does not occur frequently, and its few attestations are limited to exilic and later poetic prophecy, with no clear evidence of semantic shift over time; the meaning remains centered on the concept of spreading fabrics or adornments.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to spread; deck.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רבד (r-b-d) — to spread, to lay out, to arrange

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4765 מַרְבַד woven spread-coverlets
H7242 רָבִיד ornamental neck-band

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H7234-01 רָבַ֣דְתִּי ravadeti HVqp1cs I have spread I spread out 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H7234-01 Proverbs 7:16 רָבַ֣דְתִּי ravadeti HVqp1cs I have spread I spread out