רֹב

From the study of Proverbs 11:14

Range of meaning

Multitude, abundance, greatness. It can describe numbers ('a multitude of people') or amount and size ('abundance of grain', 'greatness of strength').

Against the English

'Multitude' (KJV, YLT) and 'many' (BSB) stress how many advisers there are. 'Abundance' (ESV, NASB) keeps the word's sense of plenty. The Greek translation took it as 'much counsel' rather than 'many counselors'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Same construction in Prov 15:22 and 24:6. Compare Prov 14:28, 'in a multitude (rōv) of people is a king's glory.'

From the study of Ecclesiastes 5:3

Range of meaning

"Abundance of words". Rov means a great quantity or multitude. Davar means a word or spoken statement, and also a matter or thing.

Against the English

Most versions have "many words" or "multitude of words". NLT makes it an active cause ("too many words make you a fool"). The Hebrew is closer to "comes with" or "comes by way of".

Used elsewhere in the period

Proverbs 10:19: "When words are many (berov devarim), transgression is not lacking." Ecclesiastes 10:14: "The fool multiplies words." Compare Job 11:2 ("Should a multitude of words go unanswered?").

From the study of Psalm 33:16

Range of meaning

Multitude, abundance, great quantity, greatness.

Against the English

KJV 'multitude', BSB 'vast', ESV 'great'. NLT's 'best-equipped' changes the idea from quantity to quality and equipment.

Used elsewhere in the period

Used of large armies in Josh 11:4 ('as the sand on the seashore in multitude'). It recurs in v. 17 ('the abundance of its strength').