Lexical Summary makbir: To make great, to increase, to magnify Original Word: מַכְבִּיר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abundance Transitive participle of kabar; plenty -- abundance. see HEBREW kabar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kabar, q.v. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The word appears once, in Job 36:31, within Elihu’s discourse: “For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance.” Scriptural Context and Theological Themes Elihu is illustrating the sovereignty of God over creation. Rain, thunder, lightning, and clouds are not random forces but instruments through which the LORD governs (“judges”) and sustains (“provides”). The single use of מַכְבִּיר underscores the link between divine judgment and provision: the same heavenly acts that chasten also nourish. This dual theme echoes throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 11:13-17; Psalm 147:7-9; Matthew 5:45), affirming that God’s dealings with humanity are both righteous and benevolent. Providence and Nourishment The emphasis on plentiful bread highlights the Creator’s commitment to daily sustenance. Job 36:31 anticipates later revelations that God is the ultimate Giver of bread—whether manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:15), the multiplied loaves (Matthew 14:19-20), or the Living Bread Himself (John 6:33-35). The singular noun in Job serves as a kernel from which a broader biblical doctrine of providence grows: God consistently gives “abundantly more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Divine Judgment and Mercy Elihu’s statement balances judgment and mercy. Nations may experience drought, flood, or abundant harvest according to the moral and spiritual calculus of the Almighty (Amos 4:6-9; Haggai 1:9-11). Yet even corrective judgments are tempered by provision, inviting repentance rather than despair (Romans 2:4). Job 36:31 therefore challenges readers to discern both discipline and compassion in God’s governance of the natural world. Historical and Cultural Insights In the ancient Near East, fertility of land determined a nation’s survival. Listeners in Job’s era would perceive abundant grain as a tangible sign of divine favor (Genesis 41:47-49). By employing a term for lavish provision, Elihu speaks directly into the agrarian consciousness of his audience, reinforcing that Yahweh—not Baal, Molech, or any regional deity—controls the life-giving cycles of weather and harvest. Intertextual Echoes Although unique in form, the concept of abundance resonates with: Job 36:31 thus stands at the crossroads of Old and New Testament testimony to overflowing grace. Ministry Applications 1. Stewardship: Recognizing all provision as divine gift motivates generosity (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11). Implications for Discipleship Disciples are called to view resources through the lens of divine abundance rather than scarcity. Job 36:31 invites believers to: Summary The lone appearance of מַכְבִּיר in Job 36:31 encapsulates a grand biblical conviction: the LORD who judges is the LORD who provides, and His provision is not meager but abundant. From Eden’s garden to the marriage supper of the Lamb, Scripture testifies that God’s purpose is to fill the earth—and His people—with generous life-sustaining bounty. Forms and Transliterations לְמַכְבִּֽיר׃ למכביר׃ lə·maḵ·bîr lemachBir ləmaḵbîrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 36:31 HEB: יִֽתֶּן־ אֹ֥כֶל לְמַכְבִּֽיר׃ KJV: he giveth meat in abundance. INT: gives food abundance 1 Occurrence |
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