### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâmên**, represented by `{{H8082}}`, is derived from the root `{{H8080}}` and describes that which is greasy, rich, or plenteous. It appears 10 times in 10 unique verses throughout the Bible. This term is used to describe the quality of land, the abundance of food, and the state of people, often in the sense of being lusty or figuratively rich.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8082}}` is frequently used to characterize the richness of the land promised or given to Israel. In Nehemiah, the land is described as a **fat** land [[Nehemiah 9:25]] and a **large** and **fat** land [[Nehemiah 9:35]], which the people possessed. This quality was a key point of investigation for the spies sent into Canaan, who were tasked to determine if the land was **fat** or lean [[Numbers 13:20]]. The term also applies to provisions, as in the prophecy that Asher's bread would be **fat** [[Genesis 49:20]]. In a negative context, God declares He will destroy the **fat** and the strong of His flock, feeding them with judgment [[Ezekiel 34:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of richness and abundance:
* `{{H8080}}` **shâman**: The primitive root of **shâmên**, meaning to become or make fat. It is used to describe the Israelites who "became **fat**" on God's goodness [[Nehemiah 9:25]] and Jeshurun who "waxed **fat**, and kicked" [[Deuteronomy 32:15]].
* `{{H1277}}` **bârîyʼ**: Meaning fatted or plump. This term is used alongside `{{H8082}}` in Habakkuk, where a fisherman's portion is **fat** `{{H8082}}` and his meat is **plenteous** `{{H1277}}`.
* `{{H7330}}` **râzeh**: This word for thin or lean serves as a direct antonym. It is contrasted with `{{H8082}}` when the spies are asked to determine if the land is **fat** or **lean** [[Numbers 13:20]].
* `{{H4829}}` **mirʻeh**: A word for pasture. It is often qualified by `{{H8082}}`, as God promises to feed his flock in a **fat** pasture [[Ezekiel 34:14]], and a group of Simeonites finds **fat** pasture and good [[1 Chronicles 4:40]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{H8082}}` carries significant weight, representing themes of blessing, prosperity, and judgment.
* **Divine Blessing and Provision:** A **fat** land or pasture is a tangible sign of God's favor and provision for His people. This is seen in the description of the land of Canaan [[Nehemiah 9:25]] and the promise of a **fat** pasture for God's flock [[Ezekiel 34:14]]. Asher's blessing includes **fat** bread, pointing to a future of prosperity [[Genesis 49:20]].
* **A Standard for Abundance:** The word establishes a benchmark for quality and fruitfulness. The land is evaluated as either **fat** or lean [[Numbers 13:20]], and bread from the earth is described as both **fat** `{{H1879}}` and **plenteous** `{{H8082}}` during a time of great blessing [[Isaiah 30:23]].
* **Human Strength and Pride:** While often a blessing, being **fat** can also denote a physical strength or prosperity that leads to judgment. The **lusty** and valiant men of Moab were slain [[Judges 3:29]], and God warns that He will destroy the **fat** and the strong within His own flock [[Ezekiel 34:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8082}}` **shâmên** is a multifaceted term that extends beyond simple physical fatness. It is a powerful descriptor for the richness of land, the abundance of provisions, and the physical state of people. It can signify divine blessing and prosperity, as seen in the gift of a **fat** land, or it can represent worldly strength and pride that becomes a target of divine judgment. The word illustrates how a state of being can be both a sign of God's goodness and a potential source of peril.
TRV