from שָׁמַן; fat, i.e. (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man; fat (one, -ness, -test, -test place).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mashmân**, represented by `{{H4924}}`, is a term for fat or fatness. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses. Derived from a root meaning fat, it is used both literally and figuratively to describe a rich dish, a fertile field, or a robust man.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H4924}}` often signifies blessing and prosperity. Isaac's blessing promises Jacob "the **fatness** of the earth" [[Genesis 27:28]], a sign of agricultural abundance. This same concept is repeated in the blessing to Esau [[Genesis 27:39]]. In Nehemiah, the people are told to "eat the **fat**" as part of a holy celebration [[Nehemiah 8:10]]. Conversely, the term is used in the context of judgment. The Lord sends "leanness" among the "fat ones" [[Isaiah 10:16]], and the "glory of Jacob" is diminished when the "**fatness** of his flesh shall wax lean" [[Isaiah 17:4]]. It can also refer to the most powerful or robust men, as when God's wrath "slew the **fattest** of them" [[Psalms 78:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of abundance and decline:
* `{{H7332}}` **râzôwn** (leanness, scant): This word is used in direct opposition to `{{H4924}}`. In a prophecy of judgment, God sends **leanness** among the "fat ones" [[Isaiah 10:16]].
* `{{H7230}}` **rôb** (abundance): This term is used alongside `{{H4924}}` to emphasize the scale of a blessing, promising "the **fatness** of the earth, and **plenty** of corn and wine" [[Genesis 27:28]].
* `{{H4477}}` **mamtaq** (something sweet): Paired with `{{H4924}}` in the context of celebration, where the command is to "eat the fat, and drink the **sweet**" [[Nehemiah 8:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4924}}` is tied to its representation of physical and material conditions.
* **Tangible Blessing:** The concept of "fatness" serves as a physical sign of God's favor and provision. It represents a fertile, productive land given as a blessing [[Genesis 27:28]].
* **Human Strength and Status:** The word is used to describe strong, robust men ("the fattest of them") who are prominent in their community [[Psalms 78:31]]. It can also denote the richest or most desirable areas, the "**fattest places** of the province" [[Daniel 11:24]].
* **Conditional Prosperity:** Scripture uses the removal of "fatness" to illustrate divine judgment. The strength and glory of a people can be made thin and lean, showing that prosperity is dependent on their relationship with God [[Isaiah 17:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4924}}` is a multifaceted word that extends beyond its literal meaning of fat. It is a powerful biblical symbol for prosperity, fertility, and strength. Whether describing the richness of the earth, the heartiness of a feast, or the robustness of a person, **mashmân** consistently points to a state of abundance. Its presence signifies divine blessing, while its removal serves as a stark picture of judgment.
TRV