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).
Transliteration:mashmân
Pronunciation:mash-mawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַשְׁמָן (transliterated mashmân, Strong's `{{H4924}}`) derives from the root שָׁמַן (shaman, `{{H8080}}`), meaning "to be fat" or "to grow fat." Its semantic range is quite broad, encompassing both literal and figurative senses of "fatness."
Literally and abstractly, mashmân refers to "fat" or "fatness" itself. This can denote the physical substance or the state of being corpulent.
Figuratively and concretely, its usage expands to signify:
* **A rich dish or delicacy:** Indicating food that is choice, abundant, or highly nourishing.
* **A fertile field or rich ground:** Describing land that is productive, yielding abundant crops.
* **A robust or prosperous man:** Referring to an individual who is strong, healthy, well-fed, and often, by extension, wealthy or successful.
In essence, mashmân consistently conveys ideas of abundance, richness, prosperity, health, and choiceness, whether applied to food, land, or people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mashmân appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, revealing its diverse applications:
* **Genesis 27:28, 39:** In Isaac's blessing upon Jacob (and later Esau), mashmân is used in the phrase "the fatness of the earth" (מִשְׁמַנֵּי הָאָרֶץ). Here, it denotes the rich fertility and produce of the land, signifying agricultural abundance and divine provision. This sets a foundational understanding of mashmân as a sign of blessing.
* **Isaiah 10:16:** "Therefore the Lord, the LORD of hosts, will send leanness among his fat ones (בְּמִשְׁמַנָּיו)." This verse speaks of judgment upon Assyria. The "fat ones" represent their strong, prosperous, and perhaps arrogant warriors or leaders, whose strength will be diminished by God. Mashmân here symbolizes robust power and seemingly unassailable might, which will be brought low.
* **Isaiah 17:4:** "And the glory of Jacob will fade, and the fatness of his flesh (וּמִשְׁמַן בְּשָׂרוֹ) will grow lean." This describes the coming desolation of Israel. The "fatness of his flesh" symbolizes the nation's former strength, prosperity, and vitality, which will diminish significantly, mirroring the physical wasting of a body.
* **Psalm 78:31:** "While the food was still in their mouths, the wrath of God came upon them and killed the strongest of them and laid low the chosen men of Israel." The preceding verse (v. 30) states, "They were not estranged from their desire; their food was still in their mouths." The context refers to the Israelites in the wilderness, craving meat. The "fatness" here (בְּמִשְׁמַנָּם) refers to the rich, abundant food (quails) that God provided, yet they grumbled. This highlights the danger of ingratitude and gluttony even amidst divine provision.
* **Nehemiah 8:10:** "Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat (מַשְׁמַנִּים) and drink the sweet and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'" Here, mashmânnîm (plural) refers to "rich foods" or "delicacies." This command from Nehemiah and Ezra emphasizes sharing the blessings of abundance in a spirit of joy and generosity, particularly during a sacred celebration. It presents mashmân as a means of communal rejoicing and caring for the less fortunate.
* **Habakkuk 1:16:** "Therefore they sacrifice to their net and burn incense to their dragnet; for by them their portion is fat (שָׁמֵן) and their food plenteous (וּמַאֲכָלָם בְּרִאָה)." While the text uses שָׁמֵן (shamen, fat) as an adjective, the concept of mashmân (plenteous food, portion) is clearly implied. The Chaldeans are depicted as worshipping their own military might (net and dragnet) because it brings them "fat" spoils and abundant provisions. This illustrates the idolatry of human strength and the self-sufficiency that can arise from material success.
* **Daniel 11:24:** "He shall come in time of security even into the fatness of the province (בְּמִשְׁמַנֵּי מְדִינָה), and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers: he shall scatter among them plunder, spoil, and goods; and he shall devise schemes against fortified places, even for a time." Here, mashmânnê mᵉdînâ refers to the most fertile, prosperous, and wealthy regions of a province. The king's invasion of these "fat places" signifies his desire for rich spoils and easy conquest, highlighting the allure and vulnerability of abundance.
Across these contexts, mashmân consistently points to a state of richness, abundance, or strength, often linked to divine blessing, but also serving as a potential source of pride, temptation, or a target for conquest.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for mashmân is its root, שָׁמַן (shaman, `{{H8080}}`), which means "to be fat," "grow fat," or "prosper." This root itself encapsulates the idea of flourishing and abundance.
Other related Hebrew terms and concepts include:
* חֵלֶב (chelev, `{{H2459}}`): "Fat," often referring to the choicest part of an animal, particularly in sacrificial contexts, symbolizing the best offered to God. While mashmân can refer to rich food, chelev specifically denotes the fatty portions.
* דֶּשֶׁן (deshen, `{{H1880}}`): "Fatness," "richness," "ashes." This word can also describe rich soil or the fatty ashes from a sacrifice, again linking to abundance and offerings.
* Concepts of **prosperity** (שָׁלוֹם, shalom, `{{H7965}}` - peace, completeness, well-being; בְּרָכָה, berakah, `{{H1293}}` - blessing), **abundance** (רֹב, rov, `{{H7230}}` - multitude, abundance), and **fertility** (פְּרִי, pᵉrî, `{{H6529}}` - fruit, produce).
* The opposite concepts of **leanness** (רָזוֹן, razon, `{{H7330}}`) and **poverty** (רָשׁ, rash, `{{H7326}}`) often provide a stark contrast to the state of mashmân.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mashmân is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Blessing and Provision:** Primarily, mashmân represents God's generous provision and blessing. The "fatness of the earth" in Genesis signifies the Lord's covenant faithfulness to His people, providing a land flowing with abundance. When God's people are "fat," it often implies divine favor and prosperity.
2. **Stewardship and Generosity:** Nehemiah 8:10 powerfully reorients the concept of mashmân. It is not merely for personal consumption but for joyful sharing, especially with those less fortunate. This transforms physical abundance into an occasion for communal celebration and practical love, reflecting God's own generosity.
3. **Warning Against Pride and Idolatry:** While a blessing, mashmân also carries a warning. The "fat ones" of Assyria in Isaiah 10:16 symbolize a nation made strong by its own might and pride, ripe for judgment. Habakkuk 1:16 illustrates how mashmân (abundant spoils) can lead to worshipping one's own means of acquisition rather than the true Provider. When abundance leads to self-sufficiency or forgetting God, it becomes a snare.
4. **Consequences of Disobedience:** The loss of mashmân (e.g., Isaiah 17:4) can symbolize divine judgment or the natural consequence of turning away from God. The nation's "fatness" (strength, prosperity) diminishes when it forfeits God's favor.
5. **Spiritual Application:** While predominantly physical, the concept can be extended spiritually. A "fat" or "rich" spiritual life would imply abundance in faith, wisdom, and the fruits of the Spirit, whereas spiritual "leanness" would denote a lack of vitality.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mashmân (`{{H4924}}`) fundamentally denotes "fatness" in its various manifestations. Its semantic range extends from literal fat to figurative expressions of abundance, fertility, strength, and choiceness. Biblically, mashmân frequently appears in contexts highlighting divine blessing and provision, particularly concerning the richness of the land and the prosperity of individuals or nations. However, it also serves as a potent symbol of the dangers inherent in material abundance: it can lead to pride, self-reliance, and idolatry, thereby inviting divine judgment. Conversely, mashmân is also presented as an occasion for generous sharing and communal rejoicing, as seen in Nehemiah. Ultimately, mashmân encapsulates the dual nature of earthly blessings: a gift from the Lord to be stewarded wisely and shared joyfully, yet also a potential stumbling block if pursued for its own sake or if it leads to forgetting the Source of all good things.
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