What does פָּרָה · רָבָה mean in the Bible?
פָּרָה · רָבָה is a Hebrew phrase meaning "be fruitful and multiply".
Hebrew · H6509, H7235
פָּרָה וְרָבָה
To bear fruit (literally or figuratively) · to increase (in whatever respect)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
פָּרָה H6509 to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)
Pronunciation pārāh
Denotes productive growth from within; used of both biological fertility and covenant blessing's multiplication through generations.
Open lexicon entry →
רָבָה H7235 to increase (in whatever respect)
Pronunciation rābāh
Expansion from quantity to authority and dominance; used of God's covenant blessing multiplying nations and power.
Open lexicon entry →
What does פָּרָה וְרָבָה (parah ve-rabah) mean in the Bible?
פָּרָה · רָבָה is a Hebrew phrase meaning "be fruitful and multiply".
Full entry for פָּרָה וְרָבָה (H6509, H7235) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for H6509, H7235?
H6509, H7235 is connected to 264 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Hebrew phrase. be fruitful and multiply
Source Gloss
be fruitful and multiply
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups 1 Aligned forms 15
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 15×
Participle active Deut 29:17 · Ezek 19:10 · Gen 49:22 · Isa 17:6 · Isa 32:12 · Ps 128:3 7×
Sequential imperfect Gen 1:22 · Gen 1:28 · Gen 9:1 · Gen 9:7 · Gen 35:11 5×
Imperfect Exod 23:30 · Isa 11:1 2×
Perfect Exod 1:7 1×
Word Origins
פָּרָה וְרָבָה is a primitive root - no further derivation.
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain