from מָחָה in the sense of greasing; fat; figuratively, rich; fatling (one).
Transliteration:mêach
Pronunciation:may'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term mêach (`{{H4220}}`) is derived from the root mâchâh (`{{H4229}}`), which, while often meaning "to wipe" or "blot out," here carries the sense of "greasing" or "smearing." This etymological connection highlights the physical properties of fat. Primarily, mêach signifies the "fat" of an animal, particularly the richest or choicest part. Figuratively, it extends to denote "richness," "opulence," or "abundance." In a nominal sense, it can refer to a "fatling," an animal specifically fattened, implying superior quality or value. The semantic range thus moves from literal physical fatness to metaphorical states of prosperity, strength, or, conversely, spiritual insensitivity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mêach (`{{H4220}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the book of Psalms, yielding rich contextual insights:
1. **[[Psalm 78:31]]**: "When the anger of God went up against them and killed the fattest of them and laid low the young men of Israel."
* In this context, mêach refers to the "fattest" of the Israelites, signifying those who were robust, strong, or perhaps even the most prominent and vigorous among the people. The psalm recounts God's judgment upon Israel for their rebellion and unbelief in the wilderness. The killing of the "fattest" underscores the severity and comprehensiveness of divine wrath, demonstrating that even the most outwardly strong or seemingly privileged were not exempt from judgment. It emphasizes that God's justice penetrates to the core, striking down the very strength of the rebellious generation.
2. **[[Psalm 119:70]]**: "Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in your law."
* Here, mêach is used metaphorically to describe the heart of the wicked. A "heart as fat as grease" portrays a spiritual condition of dullness, insensitivity, and unresponsiveness to God's truth and commands. Just as physical fat can insulate and make something impervious, a "fat heart" is spiritually hardened, thick, and unresponsive to divine promptings or the wisdom of God's law. This stands in stark contrast to the psalmist's own heart, which "delights" in God's law, highlighting spiritual vitality versus spiritual apathy or rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **mâchâh (`{{H4229}}`)**: The root verb, providing the foundational sense of "greasing" or "smearing," which underlies the physical property of fat.
* **mishmân (`{{H4519}}`)**: Meaning "fatness," "richness," or "abundance," often referring to fertile land or rich food, sharing the semantic domain of prosperity and choiceness.
* **shemen (`{{H8082}}`)**: "Oil" or "fat," frequently used for anointing, symbolizing blessing, consecration, or prosperity.
* **chelev (`{{H2459}}`)**: Specifically refers to the sacrificial fat of animals, which was considered the Lord's portion and forbidden for human consumption. While mêach can denote the "fattest" of people or a "fat" heart, chelev is more strictly tied to ritual purity and sacrifice.
* **Prosperity and Blessing**: In the broader biblical worldview, "fatness" often symbolizes divine blessing, health, and material well-being (e.g., "the fat of the land").
* **Hardness of Heart**: The metaphorical use of mêach in [[Psalm 119:70]] connects to the pervasive biblical theme of spiritual insensitivity, rebellion, and an inability to perceive or respond to divine truth, often a consequence of sin and disobedience (e.g., Pharaoh's hardened heart; Israel's stiff-neckedness).
### Theological Significance
The limited but potent occurrences of mêach (`{{H4220}}`) carry significant theological weight:
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**: In [[Psalm 78:31]], mêach underscores the comprehensive and unsparing nature of God's judgment. When God strikes the "fattest" or most robust among the rebellious, it demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all, including those who might presume strength or immunity. It reveals that no human strength or status can withstand divine wrath when sin and unbelief persist.
* **Spiritual Condition and Responsiveness**: The metaphorical use in [[Psalm 119:70]] is profoundly insightful regarding the human spiritual condition. A "heart as fat as grease" represents a spiritual dullness that renders one impervious to God's law and truth. This imagery conveys a profound spiritual hardening, where the heart becomes unresponsive, perhaps even arrogant or self-satisfied, neglecting the spiritual nourishment and guidance found in God's word. This stands as a stark warning against spiritual apathy and the hardening effects of sin, emphasizing the necessity of a tender and receptive heart for genuine communion with God.
* **Contrast between Flesh and Spirit**: The two uses of mêach implicitly highlight a contrast between physical well-being or strength (the "fattest" of people) and spiritual vitality. While one may be physically robust, spiritual "fatness" can lead to judgment or insensitivity. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of the tension between the flesh and the spirit.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mêach (`{{H4220}}`), derived from a root suggesting "greasing," primarily denotes "fat" and, by extension, "richness" or "choiceness." Its two occurrences in the Psalms offer profound theological insights. In [[Psalm 78:31]], it refers to the "fattest" or strongest individuals, highlighting the severity of God's judgment upon the rebellious, demonstrating that no human strength can resist divine wrath. More significantly, in [[Psalm 119:70]], mêach metaphorically describes a "heart as fat as grease," powerfully conveying a spiritual condition of dullness, insensitivity, and unresponsiveness to God's law. This imagery serves as a crucial warning against spiritual apathy and the hardening effects of sin, emphasizing the critical importance of a heart that is tender and receptive to divine truth, in stark contrast to one rendered impervious by spiritual "fatness."
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