from שָׁמַן; fatness; Mashmannah, an Israelite; Mishmannah.
Transliteration:Mishmannâh
Pronunciation:mish-man-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4925, מִשְׁמַנָּה (Mishmannâh), functions primarily as a proper noun, identifying an individual. Its etymological root is derived from the verbal root H8080 (שָׁמַן - shaman), which means "to be fat," "to grow fat," "to be prosperous," or "to be rich." From this root, nouns such as H8081 (שֶׁמֶן - shemen, "oil" or "fat") and H4924 (מִשְׁמָן - mishman, "fatness," "richness," "fertile land," or "rich food") are formed. Thus, the name Mishmannah inherently carries the semantic weight of "fatness," "richness," "abundance," or "prosperity." In ancient Near Eastern thought, "fatness" was often a metaphor for health, strength, fertility, and divine blessing, rather than merely physical corpulence. Therefore, the name likely signifies one who is prosperous, abundant, or blessed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun H4925, Mishmannah, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 12:10]]. In this passage, Mishmannah is listed among the Gadite mighty men who joined David in the wilderness stronghold of Ziklag, while David was still in exile from King Saul. The text describes these Gadites as "mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains" ([[1 Chronicles 12:8]]). The inclusion of Mishmannah in such an elite and formidable company of warriors suggests he was a man of notable strength, capability, and perhaps, as his name implies, one who was abundantly blessed or robustly equipped for battle. The name's connotation of "fatness" or "richness" could metaphorically refer to his physical prowess, his rich contribution to David's cause, or simply a blessed individual within this esteemed group.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root H8080 (שָׁמַן - shaman), from which H4925 is derived. This root's core meaning of "to be fat" extends to concepts of prosperity, abundance, and richness. Other closely related nouns include:
* H8081 (שֶׁמֶן - shemen): "oil," often signifying anointing, blessing, or abundance (e.g., "oil of gladness," "anointing oil").
* H4924 (מִשְׁמָן - mishman): "fatness," "rich food," "fertile land," or "abundance," often used to describe the best or most fertile parts of something.
These terms collectively highlight a semantic field of blessing, provision, and flourishing. Concepts associated with Mishmannah therefore include:
* **Prosperity:** Material and spiritual well-being.
* **Abundance:** Plenitude, sufficiency, and overflow.
* **Strength/Vigor:** Often implied by "fatness" in a positive, healthy sense.
* **Divine Favor:** The idea that such prosperity is a gift or sign of God's blessing.
### Theological Significance
While H4925 is a proper noun, its etymological root carries significant theological implications within the biblical worldview. In ancient Israel, names were often imbued with meaning, reflecting parental hopes, divine attributes, or circumstances of birth. The concept of "fatness" (שָׁמַן) in the Bible is frequently associated with God's blessing and provision. For instance, the "fat of the land" ([[Genesis 45:18]]) or the "fat of the wheat" ([[Deuteronomy 32:14]]) represent the choicest, most abundant produce. To "grow fat" can signify prosperity and flourishing under God's favor (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:15]] uses it to describe Israel's prosperity, though warning against it leading to rebellion).
Therefore, the name Mishmannah subtly points to the theological theme of divine blessing and abundance. Even for a warrior like Mishmannah, the name could imply that he was a man blessed by God with strength, resources, or a prosperous life, enabling him to serve David effectively. It serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate source of all prosperity and strength, even in the lives of individuals called to arduous tasks.
### Summary
Mishmannah (H4925) is a proper noun, the name of a Gadite mighty man who joined David at Ziklag, as recorded in [[1 Chronicles 12:10]]. Derived from the root H8080 (שָׁמַן), meaning "to be fat" or "to be prosperous," the name signifies "richness," "abundance," or "fatness." This etymology places Mishmannah within a broader biblical semantic field associated with divine blessing, provision, and flourishing. Although a single occurrence of a personal name, Mishmannah's meaning subtly reflects the ancient Israelite understanding that true prosperity and strength are gifts from God, even for those engaged in the demanding life of a warrior.
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