Lexical Summary
arba: four, fours, fourth
Original Word:אַרְבַּע
Part of Speech:noun masculine; feminine; masculine; noun feminine; feminine; feminine; noun masculine; masculine
Transliteration:arba`
Pronunciation:ar-BAH
Phonetic Spelling:(ar-bah')
KJV: four
NASB:four, fours, fourth, any of their four, four things
Word Origin:[fromH7251 (רָבַע - square)]
1. four
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
four
Masculine oarbaah {ar-baw-aw'}; fromraba'; four -- four.
see HEBREWraba'
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originof uncertain derivation
Definitionfour
NASB Translation1,254* (4), 1,400* (2), 14,000* (1), 14,700* (1), 151,450* (1), 186,400* (1), 2,400* (2), 22,034* (1), 24* (1), 24,000* (15), 284* (1), 324* (1), 35,400* (2), 4,000* (3), 4,500* (8), 4,600* (2), 400* (5), 400,000* (3), 410* (1), 42,360* (2), 435* (2), 44,760* (1), 45,400* (1), 450* (2), 454* (2), 468* (1), 470,000* (1), 5,400* (1), 53,400* (3), 54,400* (3), 57,400* (2), 64,300* (1), 64,400* (2), 74* (2), 74,600* (2), any of their four (1), four (167), four things (1), four-fifths* (1), four-footed* (1), fours (4), fourteen* (17), fourteenth* (23), fourth (4), thirty-four* (1), twenty-four* (3), twenty-fourth* (9).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. ,
316 and (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; MI8 = 40; Phoenician , Punic ,four; so Assyrianarba'u (rarelyirba°),irbitti; Arabic
,
; Sabean CISiv, no. 232.2 HomChrest. 47; Ethiopic
:
: Aramaic , ,
,
; Nabataean , Palmyrene , , Lzb367); —148 (c. ) (absolute or construct)Exodus 21:37 +; alsoLeviticus 11:20 +; note (Baer Gi)Joshua 21:18 6t.Joshua 21 (van d. H. ); inProverbs 30:18 read ; (c. ) absoluteGenesis 2:10 125t. +Proverbs 30:18 (see above); construct1 Samuel 4:2 29t., includingEzekiel 7:2 (but read Kt); suffixEzekiel 1:8 5t. Ezekiel,Ezekiel 1:10 (twice in verse) (but read probably -, Krae),Ezekiel 1:16;Ezekiel 1:18; dual2 Samuel 12:6, see ; plural = 40, see below; —four (in Hexateuch 108 t., chiefly P, 98 t.; Ezek 52 t., Chronicles 47 t.): —
without other number:
(1) before feminine plural nounJeremiah 15:3;Exodus 25:12 (P) + 101 t., includingDeuteronomy 3:11 5t. (but alsofour (in) cubit(s)Exodus 26:2,8;Exodus 36:9;1 Kings 7:27 (twice in verse);1 Kings 7:38), and = 400Genesis 11:13 55t. (2) before dualLeviticus 11:23,Exodus 25:26. (3) before collective,Exodus 21:37 (E); = 40,000Ezra 2:64 =Nehemiah 7:66. (4) rare and late, after feminine plural nounJoshua 19:7 (P); after feminine singular noun construct1 Kings 22:41;Zechariah 7:1; 2Chronicles 3:2. — , see this, and II. below (5) noun omittedEzekiel 43:15bProverbs 30:15,18 (Kt, see above),Proverbs 30:21;Daniel 8:8,22; (that is = on all foursLeviticus 11:20,21,27,42.
(1) before masculine plural nounGenesis 2:10 (J),Genesis 14:9;Exodus 25:34 21t., +Judges 19:2;1 Samuel 27:7; also distributiveEzekiel 10:21. (2) late, after masculine plural noun1 Chronicles 23:10. (3) noun omitted,Amos 1:3,6,9 15t., .+ (as predicate of masculine plural noun)Exodus 27:16 (twice in verse);Exodus 38:19 (twice in verse); also , (that is )Zechariah 7:1 = ordinal,on the fourth (day).
(1) before masculine plural nounJudges 11:40;1 Kings 7:32 11t. (notEzekiel 7:2, see above), + = 4000,1 Samuel 4:2 14t. (2) before collectiveNumbers 7:7. (3) noun omitted2 Samuel 21:22. (4) with suffix, after plural noun, =the four of them,Ezekiel 1:8,10 (3 t. in verse) + 6 t. Ezekiel;Daniel 1:17these boys, the four of them.
dual2 Samuel 12:6 =four-fold Ges§ 97h Kö11. l, 227, but read Th We Klo Dr Kmp Bu HPS.
with other number:
-1 = 14, (a) before feminine singular noun, 20+ 4#NAME?1 Kings 15:33;1 Chronicles 23:4 13t.1 Chronicles 27; + plural nounNumbers 7:88; noun omitted2 Samuel 21:20 predicate ""1 Chronicles 20:6;Nehemiah 7:23; 420#NAME?Numbers 25:9; =24th,Haggai 1:15;Haggai 1:18;Zechariah 1:7;Nehemiah 9:1;Daniel 10:4, omittedHaggai 2:10,20, and ( )1 Chronicles 24:18;1 Chronicles 25:31.
+ 4,1 Chronicles 7:7;1 Chronicles 5:18 (+ singular noun),Ezra 2:15 7t.; 4 + tens +Genesis 11:16, + 1000Numbers 1:27,29;Numbers 2:4,6;Numbers 26:25,43. — See Köii. 1, § 106.
(see Biblical Hebrew , , √ ).
Topical Lexicon
אַרְבַּע (arbaʿ) – Four
Scope of Occurrence
The cardinal number “four” appears roughly three hundred eighteen times across the Hebrew Scriptures, permeating narrative, legal, poetic, and prophetic literature. Its distribution demonstrates that “four” functions both as a simple count and as a theological marker signaling completeness within the created order—especially in relation to the world’s breadth (directions, winds, corners), the stability of structures (corners, pillars, horns), and the fullness of appointed times (generational cycles, festival arrangements).
Creation and the Pattern of Completeness
Day four marks the placement of the sun, moon, and stars “to separate the day from the night, and to serve as signs for seasons and days and years” (Genesis 1:14-19). The created luminaries anchor human timekeeping, underscoring that the number four stands at the intersection of heaven’s order and earth’s rhythms. The river of Eden divides into “four headstreams” (Genesis 2:10-14), spreading life-giving waters to the whole land, another portrayal of wholeness radiating in all directions.
Covenant History and Generational Promises
Yahweh foretold that Israel would return from Egypt “in the fourth generation” (Genesis 15:16), demonstrating that four generations constitute a complete cycle of family history before divine purposes ripen. Similar generational counting appears inExodus 20:5-6, where covenant blessings extend “to a thousand generations,” but iniquity visits “to the third and fourth generation,” the latter phrase conveying a limit set by God’s righteous governance.
Structural and Ritual Uses
• Tabernacle and Temple: The bronze altar had “four horns, one at each of its four corners” (Exodus 27:2). The Ark’s rings accepted “four gold rings” for poles (Exodus 25:12). These fours establish perfect stability for holy furniture.
• Garments and Law: Israelite cloaks bore “tassels on the four corners” (Deuteronomy 22:12), visually reminding the wearer of the whole law.
• Sacrifice: The Passover lamb was selected on the tenth day and kept “until the fourteenth day” (Exodus 12:6), the double use of four marking both the preparation period and the moment of slaughter. Blood was applied to all sides of the doorway—another implicit four.
• Feast of Tabernacles: Israel took “the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook” (Leviticus 23:40), a four-species bundle reflecting the gathering of national diversity into united worship.
Judgment and Universal Reach
Prophets employ “four” to depict judgments that envelop the earth:
• “four winds” scatter Elam (Jeremiah 49:36), gather Israel (Ezekiel 37:9), and release restrained forces (Daniel 7:2).
• “four dreadful beasts” rise from the sea (Daniel 7:3-7), matching the fourfold composition of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2).
• Zechariah sees “four horns” that scattered Judah and “four craftsmen” who will terrify them (Zechariah 1:18-21), then “four chariots” with horses of varying colors sent “to go throughout the earth” (Zechariah 6:1-8).
• Amos lists covenant lawsuits in a “three sins, even four” pattern (Amos 1:3-2:6), where the fourth offense completes the measure of guilt.
Worship and Visionary Symbols
Ezekiel’s inaugural vision centers on “four living creatures,” each with “four faces” and “four wings” (Ezekiel 1:5-6). Their wheels are “a wheel within a wheel” moving in all four directions without turning, picturing unhindered divine sovereignty. Revelation later echoes this motif, uniting Old and New Testament imagery.
Wisdom Literature’s Rhetorical Fours
Proverbs employs grouped quatrains to concentrate insight: “There are four things on earth that are small, yet they are exceedingly wise” (Proverbs 30:24-28). The cadence engrains memory and signals complete illustration.
Everyday Enumeration
From “four kings” battling inGenesis 14:9 to Job’s “four messengers” reporting successive calamities (Job 1:13-19), the number four simply counts people, animals, years, or measures. Yet even mundane uses reinforce the undercurrent of totality: four rulers comprise a coalition, four sides finish an enclosure, four years complete a vineyard’s consecration (Leviticus 19:24).
Typological and New Covenant Reflections
While the Old Testament itself speaks, later Scripture and church teaching see harmony: the four corners of the earth anticipate the universal scope of Christ’s Gospel, eventually written and preached through four canonical accounts. The sacrificial altar’s four horns foreshadow the cross spanning every direction with atoning reach. The fourth watch of the night (Matthew 14:25) becomes the hour of Christ’s approach to fearful disciples—strength for ministry in the darkest portion before dawn.
Ministry Applications
1. Mission: “from the four winds” (Ezekiel 37:9) the Spirit breathes life; the church is sent to the “ends of the earth,” encouraging prayers that encompass all directions.
2. Discipleship: Fourfold patterns (hear, accept, bear fruit, persevere) provide memorable teaching frameworks.
3. Worship Planning: The altar’s four horns remind congregations that proclamation, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise should all ascend in balance.
4. Intercession for Generations: Promises linked to the “fourth generation” spur prayers for legacy, urging believers to envision at least four generations impacted by fidelity today.
Conclusion
אַרְבַּע threads quietly but powerfully through Scripture, portraying God’s orderly creation, comprehensive judgment, and all-embracing redemption. Whether counting corners, winds, horns, or generations, the repeated appearance of “four” assures readers that nothing lies outside the reach of the Lord who fills heaven and earth.
Forms and Transliterations
אַ֝רְבַּ֗ע אַרְבַּ֑ע אַרְבַּ֔ע אַרְבַּ֖ע אַרְבַּ֖עַת אַרְבַּ֗ע אַרְבַּ֙עַת֙ אַרְבַּ֛ע אַרְבַּ֣ע אַרְבַּ֣עַת אַרְבַּ֤ע אַרְבַּ֤עַת אַרְבַּ֥ע אַרְבַּ֥עַת אַרְבַּ֧ע אַרְבַּ֨ע אַרְבַּֽע־ אַרְבַּֽע׃ אַרְבַּע֙ אַרְבַּע֩ אַרְבַּעְתָּ֔ם אַרְבַּעַת֩ אַרְבַּע־ אַרְבָּ֣עָה אַרְבָּעָ֑ה אַרְבָּעָ֔ה אַרְבָּעָ֖ה אַרְבָּעָ֣ה אַרְבָּעָ֤ה אַרְבָּעָ֥ה אַרְבָּעָ֧ה אַרְבָּעָ֨ה אַרְבָּעָֽה׃ אַרְבָּעָה֙ אַרְבָּעָה֩ אַרְבַּ֖ע ארבע ארבע־ ארבע׃ ארבעה ארבעה׃ ארבעת ארבעתם בְּאַרְבַּ֜עַת בְּאַרְבַּ֤ע בְּאַרְבַּ֥ע בְּאַרְבַּע֙ בְּאַרְבַּע֩ בְּאַרְבָּעָ֛ה בְּאַרְבָּעָ֣ה בְּאַרְבָּעָ֤ה בְּאַרְבָּעָ֥ה בְּאַרְבָּעָ֨ה בְּאַרְבָּעָה֩ בארבע בארבעה בארבעת וְ֝אַרְבָּעָ֗ה וְ֝אַרְבָּעָ֗ה וְאַרְבַּ֔ע וְאַרְבַּ֖ע וְאַרְבַּ֣ע וְאַרְבַּ֣עַת וְאַרְבַּ֤ע וְאַרְבַּ֤עַת וְאַרְבַּ֥ע וְאַרְבַּ֥עַת וְאַרְבַּ֧עַת וְאַרְבַּע֙ וְאַרְבַּע־ וְאַרְבָּעָ֖ה וְאַרְבָּעָ֛ה וְאַרְבָּעָ֜ה וְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה וְאַרְבָּעָ֧ה וְאַרְבָּעָֽה׃ וְאַרְבָּעָה֒ וְאַרְבָּעָה֙ וְאַרְבָּעָה֩ וְאַרְבָּעָה֮ וּבְאַרְבַּע֩ וּבְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה וארבע וארבע־ וארבעה וארבעה׃ וארבעת ובארבע ובארבעה כְּאַרְבַּ֞ע כְּאַרְבַּ֣ע כְּאַרְבַּ֤ע כְּאַרְבַּ֥ע כְּאַרְבַּ֥עַת כארבע כארבעת לְאַרְבַּ֖ע לְאַרְבַּ֣ע לְאַרְבַּ֥ע לְאַרְבַּ֥עַת לְאַרְבַּ֨ע לְאַרְבַּעְתָּ֑ם לְאַרְבַּעְתָּ֑ן לְאַרְבַּעְתָּ֔ם לְאַרְבַּעְתָּ֖ם לְאַרְבַּעְתָּֽם׃ לְאַרְבַּעְתָּֽן׃ לְאַרְבָּעָ֤ה לְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה לארבע לארבעה לארבעת לארבעתם לארבעתם׃ לארבעתן לארבעתן׃ מֵֽאַרְבַּע֙ מֵאַרְבַּ֖ע מֵאַרְבַּ֤ע מארבע ’ar·ba‘ ’ar·ba‘- ’ar·ba‘·tām ’ar·bā·‘āh ’ar·ba·‘aṯ ’arba‘ ’arba‘- ’arbā‘āh ’arba‘aṯ ’arba‘tām arBa arbaAh arBaat arbaTam bə’arba‘ bə’arbā‘āh bə’arba‘aṯ bə·’ar·ba‘ bə·’ar·bā·‘āh bə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ bearBa bearbaAh bearBaat kə’arba‘ kə’arba‘aṯ kə·’ar·ba‘ kə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ kearBa kearBaat lə’arba‘ lə’arbā‘āh lə’arba‘aṯ lə’arba‘tām lə’arba‘tān lə·’ar·ba‘ lə·’ar·ba‘·tām lə·’ar·ba‘·tān lə·’ar·bā·‘āh lə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ learBa learbaAh learBaat learbaTam learbaTan mê’arba‘ mê·’ar·ba‘ mearBa ū·ḇə·’ar·ba‘ ū·ḇə·’ar·bā·‘āh ūḇə’arba‘ ūḇə’arbā‘āh uvearBa uvearbaAh vearBa vearbaAh vearBaat wə’arba‘ wə’arba‘- wə’arbā‘āh wə’arba‘aṯ wə·’ar·ba‘ wə·’ar·ba‘- wə·’ar·bā·‘āh wə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ
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