Original Word: רָבַע
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: raba
Pronunciation: rah-BAH
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-bah')
Definition: To lie down, to rest, to stretch out
Meaning: to squat, lie out flat, in copulation

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent often used in the Septuagint for similar contexts is "κατακλίνω" (kataklino), which also means to lie down or recline.

Usage: The Hebrew verb "raba" primarily means to lie down or to rest. It is often used in contexts where an individual or animal is reclining or stretching out, typically in a state of rest or repose. The term can also imply a sense of security and peace, as lying down often suggests a cessation of activity and a state of relaxation.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of lying down was not only a physical posture but also a metaphor for peace and security. In a nomadic or agrarian society, the ability to lie down without fear was a sign of safety and divine blessing. The imagery of lying down is frequently used in the Hebrew Bible to convey God's provision and protection, as well as the peace that comes from trusting in Him.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to lie stretched out, lie down
NASB Translation
breed together (1), lying down (1), mate (2).

[רָבַע] verb lie stretched out, lie down (Aramaic form of רָבַץ (q. v.); Late Hebrew רבע usually of copulation, chiefly unnatural; yet compare also Sabean רבע abide, encamp, settle, DHM^{ZMG xxix (1875), 593}, Arabic abide, dwell) —

Qal only Infinitive: suffix רִבְעִי Psalm 139:3 my lying down (for repose, opposed to אָרְחִי); elsewhere (H) for copulation (woman with beast) לְרִבְעָה אֹתָהּ Leviticus 20:16, but read אִתָּהּ (suffix of beast) Dr-Wh Kö^{Synt. 226 e}, compare Bae Berthol (and Dr^{2Samuel 13:14}); לְרִבְעָהּ 2 Samuel 18:23, read לְרִבְעָה (compl. omitted; see id.).

Hiph`il Imperfect2masculine singular בְּהֶמְתְּךָ לֹא תַרְבִּיעַ כִּלְאַיִם Leviticus 19:19 (H) thy cattle thou shalt not cause to (let) lie down (i.e. breed) in two kinds.

let gender, lie down

A primitive root; to squat or lie out flat, i.e. (specifically) in copulation -- let gender, lie down.

לְרִבְעָ֖הּ לְרִבְעָ֣ה לרבעה תַרְבִּ֣יעַ תרביע lə·riḇ·‘āh ləriḇ‘āh lerivAh ṯar·bî·a‘ tarBia ṯarbîa‘Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts