1. Introduction
Jonah 1:6 uses a modifier, Hb “rav” paired with the term for sailor to indicate the “great of the sailor,” or the captain. This modifier is used throughout the OT, and will be discussed below.
2. Lexical and Linguistic Background
The Hb “rav” is used throughout the OT, defined by Strongs as “abundant…captain, elder…officer.” It describes someone or something set apart as better, relative to something else. For example, the difference between “sailor” and “captain,” as in Jonah 1:6.
3. Hb “rav” in the Hb OT and LXX Greek OT
The first appearance of Hb “rav” in the OT is Genesis 6:5, “…the wickedness of man was great [Hb “rav”]…” Further, this term used to describe time periods, as in Genesis 21:34, “…stayed in the land of the Philistines many [Hb “rav”] days.” This term is occasionally transliterated in both English and Gr LXX, as in 2 Kings 18:17, “Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris [Hb “rav-saris”, LXX Gr “rafis”], and the Rabshakeh [Hb “rav-shaqeh”, LXX Gr “rapsaken”] from Lachish…” Daniel 2:14 likewise notes “…the captain [Hb “rav”] of the king’s guard…”
In the previous examples, the Gr LXX translates Hb “rav” as:
Gr “plethyno” (“increase, multiply”): Genesis 6:5
Gr “polys” (“many, much”): Genesis 21:34
Gr “rafis” (transliterated): 2 Kings 18:17
Gr “rapsaken” (transliterated): 2 Kings 18:17
Gr “arkhi-” (prefix for Gr “arkhimageiro,” “chief guard”): Daniel 2:14
As is apparent with this brief survey, Hb “rav” is translated with much dynamism throughout the LXX Greek OT.
4. Synthesis And Conclusion
The Hb modifier “rav” is used with tremendous semantic range, as it is used to describe great or much of nearly anything. This term is used in Jonah 1:6 to describe the great wind God sent on the sea.
