or חֵלֶב; from an unused root meaning to be fat; fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part; [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow.
Transliteration:cheleb
Pronunciation:kheh'-leb
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֶלֶב (`{{H2459}}`, *cheleb*) primarily denotes "fat," specifically the fat of animals. This literal meaning encompasses both the internal fat (such as suet around the kidneys or entrails) and the fatty portions of an animal's flesh. Distinct from lean meat or blood, *cheleb* refers to the rich, energy-dense tissue.
Beyond its literal sense, *cheleb* extends metaphorically to signify the "richest," "choicest," or "best part" of anything. This figurative usage arises from the cultural understanding that fatness often indicates health, abundance, and prime quality, particularly in an agricultural society where well-fed livestock symbolized prosperity. Thus, it can idiomatically refer to the "fat of the land," meaning its most fertile produce, or the "finest" of any given thing. The underlying root, though unused elsewhere, points to the inherent concept of being plump, rich, or abundant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of *cheleb* in the Hebrew Bible fall broadly into two main categories: literal references to animal fat, especially in sacrificial contexts, and figurative applications.
1. **Sacrificial Law:** The most pervasive use of *cheleb* is found in the Mosaic Law concerning sacrifices. A consistent command is that the fat of certain sacrificial animals (oxen, sheep, goats) was to be offered exclusively to Yahweh, typically by burning on the altar. It was explicitly forbidden for human consumption.
* In peace offerings, the fat covering the entrails, the fat on the entrails, the two kidneys with the fat on them, and the fat from the loins were to be removed and burned ([[Leviticus 3:3-5]], [[Leviticus 3:9-11]], [[Leviticus 3:14-16]]).
* Similar instructions are given for sin offerings ([[Leviticus 4:8-10]], [[Leviticus 4:19]], [[Leviticus 4:26]], [[Leviticus 4:31]], [[Leviticus 4:35]]).
* The general prohibition against eating fat is reiterated: "You shall eat no fat, of ox or sheep or goat" ([[Leviticus 7:23]]). This applied to the "fat of an animal that dies of itself and the fat of an animal torn by beasts" ([[Leviticus 7:24]]), though such fat could be used for other purposes.
* The fat was considered "the Lord's" ([[Leviticus 3:16]]), emphasizing its sacred character and designation as God's exclusive portion.
2. **Dietary Law:** Beyond the sacrificial context, the prohibition against consuming *cheleb* was a general dietary law for Israelites, reinforcing the distinction between clean and unclean, and what was set apart for divine use.
3. **Figurative Usage:** *Cheleb* also appears metaphorically to describe richness, prosperity, or even arrogance.
* **Prosperity/Best Part:** Joseph invites his family to settle in Egypt and "eat the fat of the land" ([[Genesis 45:18]]), meaning its most fertile and productive portions. Similarly, the spies sent to Canaan were to assess if the land was "fat" (fertile) ([[Numbers 13:20]]).
* **Arrogance/Complacency:** In the Song of Moses, Jeshurun (Israel) "grew fat and kicked" ([[Deuteronomy 32:15]]), signifying that prosperity led to rebellion and arrogance. The wicked are described as having "eyes bulge from fatness" ([[Psalm 73:7]]), indicating their unrestrained prosperity and lack of trouble. God's judgment against those who ate to excess is described as striking down their "fattest ones" ([[Psalm 78:31]]).
* **Decline:** Conversely, a loss of "fatness" can indicate decline, as in the prophecy against Damascus where the "fatness of his flesh will grow lean" ([[Isaiah 17:4]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of *cheleb* is intertwined with several other Hebrew terms and theological ideas:
* **`{{H1277}}` *beri'***: This adjective means "fat," "well-fed," or "plump," often describing the physical condition of animals or individuals (e.g., Pharaoh's dream of "fat" cows, [[Genesis 41:2]]). While *cheleb* refers to the substance of fat, *beri* describes the state of being fat.
* **`{{H8082}}` *shamen***: This verb means "to be fat" or "grow fat," and its related noun can refer to "oil" or "richness." It shares the semantic field of abundance and prosperity, often with a similar double-edged meaning of blessing or potential for arrogance.
* **`{{H1879}}` *deshen***: Meaning "fatness," "richness," or "ashes," this term is closely associated with the sacrificial system, often referring to the fatty ashes removed from the altar.
* **Firstfruits and Firstborn:** The theological principle behind offering the *cheleb* is parallel to the laws concerning firstfruits and the firstborn. In all these cases, the "best" or "prime" portion of one's produce, offspring, or livestock was to be dedicated to God, signifying His ultimate ownership and the worshiper's complete devotion.
* **Pleasing Aroma:** The burning of the fat in sacrifices is frequently described as a "pleasing aroma" or "sweet savor" to the Lord (e.g., [[Leviticus 1:9]], [[Leviticus 3:16]]). This concept highlights the acceptance of the offering by God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *cheleb* is profound, primarily rooted in its role within the Israelite sacrificial system and its metaphorical extensions.
1. **Holiness and Divine Ownership:** The most crucial aspect of *cheleb* is its designation as "the Lord's" ([[Leviticus 3:16]]). By reserving the fat—the richest, most prized part—exclusively for Yahweh, the Israelites were taught a fundamental lesson about holiness and divine ownership. It underscored that God is worthy of the absolute best, not merely what is leftover or deemed less valuable. This act of setting apart the fat symbolized the complete dedication of the worshiper and the recognition of God's supreme sovereignty over all life and possessions.
2. **Atonement and Acceptance:** In the sacrificial ritual, the burning of the *cheleb* produced a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, signifying divine acceptance of the offering. This was integral to the process of atonement, where the worshiper sought to restore fellowship with God. The fat, representing the vitality and essence of the animal, was wholly consumed by divine fire, symbolizing a complete offering and the acceptance of the sacrifice on behalf of the offerer.
3. **Prosperity and Spiritual Peril:** Figuratively, *cheleb* often serves as a theological barometer for Israel's spiritual condition. When used positively, it speaks of God's blessing and the abundance He bestows ([[Genesis 45:18]]). However, the frequent negative connotation of "growing fat" points to the inherent danger of prosperity leading to spiritual complacency, arrogance, and a turning away from God ([[Deuteronomy 32:15]]). This serves as a perpetual warning that material blessing, if not managed with humility and gratitude, can become a spiritual snare.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *cheleb* (`{{H2459}}`) signifies "fat," both literally as animal fat and figuratively as the "richest" or "choicest" part of anything. Its most significant theological import lies within the Mosaic sacrificial system, where the fat of offerings was exclusively dedicated to Yahweh, never to be consumed by humans. This practice profoundly communicated principles of holiness, divine ownership, and the necessity of offering one's absolute best to God as a symbol of complete devotion and a means of gaining divine acceptance. Beyond the altar, *cheleb* also functions metaphorically to describe prosperity and abundance, sometimes carrying a negative connotation when such blessings lead to spiritual arrogance or a departure from God. Thus, *cheleb* serves as a powerful biblical concept, highlighting the sacredness of what is set apart for God and the complex relationship between material blessing and spiritual faithfulness.
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