### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâman**, represented by `{{H8080}}`, is a primitive root meaning to shine, or by analogy, to be or make oily, gross, or fat. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term primarily describes the state of becoming fat, which can carry both profoundly negative and positive connotations depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8080}}` is most often used to illustrate the spiritual consequences of material prosperity. As a warning to Israel, the text states that "Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked," indicating that abundance led to forsaking God [[Deuteronomy 32:15]]. This negative sense is echoed in Jeremiah, where the wicked "are waxen fat, they shine" in their prosperity while neglecting justice for the fatherless [[Jeremiah 5:28]]. The word is also used metaphorically for spiritual insensitivity, as in the divine commission to "Make the heart of this people fat" [[Isaiah 6:10]]. Conversely, it can describe the positive enjoyment of God's blessings, as when the Israelites took the promised land and "became fat, and delighted themselves" in God's goodness [[Nehemiah 9:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of becoming fat in different contexts:
* `{{H8082}}` **shâmên** (fat, lusty, plenteous): This is the adjectival form derived from `{{H8080}}`, describing things that are rich or abundant, such as the "fat land" the Israelites possessed [[Nehemiah 9:25]].
* `{{H5666}}` **ʻâbâh** (be (grow) thick(-er)): This word is used alongside `{{H8080}}` to intensify the description of Israel's state before they turned from God, stating, "thou art grown thick" [[Deuteronomy 32:15]].
* `{{H3780}}` **kâsâh** (to grow fat (i.e. be covered with flesh); be covered): Also appearing in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]], it emphasizes being completely enveloped, as in "thou art covered with fatness."
* `{{H7646}}` **sâbaʻ** (to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction): This term often precedes `{{H8080}}` in the context of blessing, indicating that the people "were filled, and became fat" from God's provision [[Nehemiah 9:25]].
* `{{H3513}}` **kâbad** (to be heavy... dull... or... honorable): This word is paired with `{{H8080}}` to describe spiritual unresponsiveness, where a fat heart is accompanied by "heavy" ears [[Isaiah 6:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8080}}` is significant, serving mostly as a spiritual caution.
* **The Peril of Prosperity:** The primary theological message of `{{H8080}}` is a warning. It frequently illustrates how physical blessings and abundance can lead to spiritual pride and apostasy, causing people to forget the God who provided for them [[Deuteronomy 32:15]].
* **Metaphor for Spiritual Insensitivity:** The word is powerfully used to describe a state of spiritual dullness. A "fat" heart is one that has become unreceptive, closed off, and unable to understand or respond to God's call for repentance [[Isaiah 6:10]].
* **Sign of Divine Blessing:** In its positive context, becoming fat is a direct result of enjoying the "great goodness" of God. It signifies the fulfillment of His promises of a land of abundance for His people [[Nehemiah 9:25]].
* **Characteristic of the Wicked:** The prosperity of the unjust is described with this term, where being "waxen fat" is linked directly to their wicked deeds and failure to defend the cause of the needy [[Jeremiah 5:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8080}}` is a potent word that encapsulates the dual nature of prosperity. While it can signify the legitimate enjoyment of God's abundant blessings, it more often serves as a stark biblical warning. It illustrates how material satisfaction can dangerously lead to a "fat" heart—one that becomes spiritually gross, dull, and ultimately dismissive of the God who is the source of all goodness.
TRV