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.
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.
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.
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.
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