a primitive root; also denominatively (from דֶּשֶׁן); to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices); accept, anoint, take away the (receive) ashes (from), make (wax) fat.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâshên**, represented by `{{H1878}}`, carries a diverse range of meanings related to **fatness, satisfaction, and ritual action**. It appears **12 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. Its applications extend from the literal act of anointing and the figurative state of prosperity to the specific priestly duty of removing ashes from the altar.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1878}}` is used in several key contexts. Figuratively, it describes the prosperity that comes from righteous character, such as when the soul of the diligent is "made **fat**" [[Proverbs 13:4]] or when a person who trusts in the LORD "shall be made **fat**" [[Proverbs 28:25]]. Conversely, it can serve as a warning, as in Deuteronomy when the people "waxen **fat**" from abundance and are tempted to turn from God [[Deuteronomy 31:20]]. The word also signifies divine favor, as when David proclaims, "thou **anointest** my head with oil" [[Psalms 23:5]]. In a ritual sense, it refers to the priestly duty to "take away the **ashes**" from the altar [[Numbers 4:13]] and to God's favorable reception of a "burnt **sacrifice**" [[Psalms 20:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of abundance, ritual, and moral character:
* `{{H2459}}` **cheleb** (fat, fatness): This word is a direct noun counterpart, often appearing alongside `{{H1878}}` to describe the results of judgment, where a sword is "made **fat** `{{H1878}}` with **fatness** `{{H2459}}`" [[Isaiah 34:6]]. It represents the richest or choice part.
* `{{H1293}}` **Bᵉrâkâh** (blessing, liberal): This term highlights the moral quality that leads to the prosperity signified by `{{H1878}}`. The "**liberal** `{{H1293}}` soul shall be made **fat** `{{H1878}}`" [[Proverbs 11:25]].
* `{{H2742}}` **chărûwts** (diligent): This contrasts with the sluggard, showing that the state of being "made **fat**" `{{H1878}}` is a reward for effort and character. The soul of the **diligent** `{{H2742}}` shall be made fat [[Proverbs 13:4]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (altar): This word provides the context for the priestly duty associated with `{{H1878}}`, as the priests were commanded to "take away the ashes `{{H1878}}` from the **altar** `{{H4196}}`" [[Numbers 4:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1878}}` is significant and multifaceted:
* **Prosperity and Character:** The word frequently links material and spiritual well-being (being made **fat**) to moral virtues such as generosity, diligence, and trust in God ([[Proverbs 11:25]], [[Proverbs 13:4]], [[Proverbs 28:25]]). It is presented as a result of right living.
* **The Danger of Abundance:** Scripture uses the image of "waxen **fat**" `{{H1878}}` as a warning. The prosperity God gives can become a spiritual snare, leading people to forget Him and break His covenant [[Deuteronomy 31:20]].
* **Divine Favor and Anointing:** To be **anointed** `{{H1878}}` with oil is a sign of God's special favor, provision, and blessing, demonstrating immense hospitality and care [[Psalms 23:5]].
* **Sacrificial System:** The word plays a dual role in worship. It describes the cleansing of the altar ("take away the **ashes**," [[Numbers 4:13]]) and God's favorable reception of an offering ("**accept** thy burnt sacrifice," [[Psalms 20:3]]), connecting a physical act with divine approval.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1878}}` is far more than a simple descriptor of fatness. It is a complex term that encompasses the results of virtue, the dangers of pride, the process of worship, and the intimacy of God's favor. It illustrates how a single term can describe the physical representation of God's blessing, the spiritual state of a person, and the holy responsibilities of worship.
TRV