from דָּשֵׁן; the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e. (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices; ashes, fatness.
Transliteration:deshen
Pronunciation:deh'-shen
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun דֶּשֶׁן (deshen, `{{H1880}}`) derives from the verbal root דָּשֵׁן (dashen, `{{H1878}}`), which signifies "to be fat," "to be prosperous," or "to remove ashes." Consequently, דֶּשֶׁן carries a rich semantic range. Its most literal meaning is "fat" or "fatness," denoting physical richness or plumpness. From this literal sense, it extends metaphorically to "abundance," "prosperity," "fertility," or "richness" in a general sense, often referring to a bountiful land or ample provision. A highly specific and significant meaning within the cultic context is "fatty ashes" or simply "ashes" from sacrifices. This refers to the residue, particularly the consumed fat and other burnt portions, that remained after an offering was consumed by fire on the altar. This dual nature—signifying both the peak of richness and the consumed residue of it—is central to its theological implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of דֶּשֶׁן (deshen, `{{H1880}}`) in the Hebrew Bible illuminate its various facets:
In the context of the sacrificial system, דֶּשֶׁן frequently refers to the "ashes" or "fatty ashes" from the altar:
* In the book of Leviticus, the removal of the דֶּשֶׁן from the altar was a crucial priestly duty, signifying the completion of the sacrifice and the maintenance of ritual purity. For instance, [[Leviticus 1:16]] specifies that the crop and its contents of a bird offering were to be removed with its דֶּשֶׁן and cast beside the altar. Similarly, [[Leviticus 4:12]] instructs that the entire bull of the sin offering, including its דֶּשֶׁן, was to be taken outside the camp to a clean place where the ashes were poured out. [[Leviticus 6:10]] and [[Leviticus 6:11]] (MT 6:3-4) detail the priest's responsibility to put on linen garments to remove the דֶּשֶׁן from the altar and place it beside the altar before carrying it outside the camp. These passages emphasize the sacredness of the sacrificial act and the meticulous care required in handling its remnants. The דֶּשֶׁן here is not merely refuse, but the consecrated residue of an offering consumed by divine fire.
Beyond the cultic sphere, דֶּשֶׁן signifies "fatness" or "abundance":
* In [[Nehemiah 9:25]], the term describes the richness and fertility of the land that God gave to Israel, highlighting divine provision: "They captured fortified cities and a rich (דֶּשֶׁן) land."
* [[Isaiah 10:16]] uses דֶּשֶׁן figuratively to describe the strength or vigor of Assyria, which will be consumed by plague, turning its "fatness" into "leanness." Here, "fatness" represents power and prosperity, which will be diminished.
* [[Isaiah 34:7]] speaks of the land being "soaked with blood, and its soil made rich (דֶּשֶׁן) with fat," referring to the judgment upon Edom, where the land's fertility is depicted through the imagery of blood and fat.
* [[Jeremiah 31:14]] speaks of God satisfying the soul of the priests "with fatness (דֶּשֶׁן)," promising abundance and blessing, particularly in the restoration of Israel.
* [[Psalm 63:5]] (MT 63:6) uses דֶּשֶׁן in a simile for spiritual satisfaction: "My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food (מִדֶּשֶׁן וָ־דָשֶׁן)," indicating deep contentment and spiritual nourishment from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **דָּשֵׁן (dashen, `{{H1878}}`):** The verbal root from which דֶּשֶׁן derives. It means "to be fat," "to be prosperous," "to become rich," or "to remove ashes." The semantic link is clear: the noun refers to the state of fatness/abundance or the ashes resulting from the process of being "made fat" (consumed by fire).
* **חֵלֶב (chelev, `{{H2459}}`):** This noun specifically refers to the "fat" of animals, particularly the choicest parts reserved for God in sacrifices. While דֶּשֶׁן can refer to the *fatty* ashes, חֵלֶב is the *prime* fat itself, offered to God as the best part. דֶּשֶׁן represents the residue *after* the חֵלֶב (and other parts) have been consumed.
* **אֵפֶר (epher, `{{H665}}`):** This is a more general term for "ashes" or "dust," often associated with mourning, humility, or destruction. While דֶּשֶׁן can be translated as "ashes," it carries the specific connotation of *fatty* or *rich* ashes from sacrifices, implying a residue of value or a consecrated consumption, distinct from mere dust.
* **Concepts:** The word דֶּשֶׁן evokes concepts of divine provision, fertility, and blessing when referring to abundance. In the cultic context, it signifies the completion and acceptance of sacrifice, ritual purity, and the holy consumption of offerings by God. It also touches upon themes of judgment and consumption of strength when applied to enemies.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of דֶּשֶׁן (deshen, `{{H1880}}`) is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Acceptance and Consummation of Sacrifice:** The "fatty ashes" of sacrifices are not mere waste but the sacred residue of an offering consumed by divine fire. Their removal and proper disposal were critical for maintaining the holiness of the tabernacle/temple. This process symbolizes the complete consumption of the offering by God, implying divine acceptance and the successful completion of the atonement or worship ritual. The remaining דֶּשֶׁן is a tangible sign that the offering has been received and processed by the divine presence.
2. **God's Provision and Blessing:** When דֶּשֶׁן refers to "fatness" or "abundance," it underscores God's generous provision and blessing upon His people. A "fat land" ([[Nehemiah 9:25]]) is a sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, providing a land flowing with milk and honey. This reflects a theology where material prosperity and fertility are often seen as indicators of divine favor.
3. **Holiness and Purity:** The meticulous instructions for handling the דֶּשֶׁן from the altar (e.g., [[Leviticus 6:10-11]]) highlight the profound emphasis on holiness and ritual purity within Israelite worship. Even the remnants of the sacrifice were considered holy and required careful, prescribed handling to avoid defiling the sacred space or the people. This reinforces the absolute distinction between the holy and the common.
4. **Judgment and Diminishment:** In passages like [[Isaiah 10:16]], דֶּשֶׁן can represent the substance or power of an entity (e.g., Assyria) that is destined to be consumed or diminished by divine judgment. Here, the "fatness" (strength, prosperity) turns into its opposite (leanness, destruction), illustrating God's sovereignty over nations and His justice.
### Summary
דֶּשֶׁן (deshen, `{{H1880}}`) is a rich Hebrew term encompassing "fatness," "abundance," "prosperity," and specifically the "fatty ashes" of sacrifices. Its semantic range highlights both the peak of richness and the consumed residue of it. In the cultic sphere, the "ashes" are a sacred remnant, signifying the divine acceptance and consumption of an offering, and mandating strict adherence to purity laws for their disposal. Outside the cult, "fatness" represents God's bountiful provision and blessing, leading to fertility and prosperity. Conversely, it can also denote the substance of an entity destined for consumption by divine judgment. Thus, דֶּשֶׁן serves as a powerful descriptor of divine action, whether in accepting worship, bestowing blessing, or executing judgment, always pointing to God's ultimate sovereignty and the sacredness of His interactions with humanity.
TRV