BUILD. Beside the proper and literal signification of this word, it is used with reference to children and a numerous posterity. Sarah desires Abraham to take Hagar to wife, that by her she may be builded up, that is, have children to uphold her family, Ge 16:2. The midwives who refused obedience to Pharaoh's orders, when he commanded them to put to death all the male children of the Hebrews, were rewarded for it; God built them houses, that is, he gave them a numerous posterity. The Prophet Nathan tells David that God would build his house; that is, give him children and successors, 2Sa 7:27. Moses, speaking of the formation of the first woman, says, God built her with the rib of Adam, Ge 2:22.