### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word שָׁמֵן (shâmên), Strong's `{{H8082}}`, is an adjective derived from the verb שָׁמַן (shâman, `{{H8080}}`), meaning "to be fat" or "to grow fat." Its core semantic range encompasses literal and figurative meanings related to abundance and fullness.
Literally, shâmên describes something as "greasy," "fat," "lusty" (in the sense of robust or full-bodied), or "plenteous." It conveys a sense of physical richness, health, and ample supply.
Figuratively, the word extends to denote "rich" or "luxurious," particularly in reference to land or produce. The nuance of "gross" in the base definition can imply a state of excessive fullness that might lead to dullness or insensitivity, though this is often more strongly suggested by the verbal root or related terms in contexts of spiritual critique. Primarily, shâmên highlights a state of being well-fed, fertile, or exceedingly prosperous.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of שָׁמֵן (shâmên, `{{H8082}}`) in the Old Testament consistently reflect its core meaning of abundance, richness, or robustness, often with significant theological implications:
* In [[Isaiah 17:4]], it describes "the fatness of his flesh," referring to the physical robustness or glory of Jacob, which is prophesied to "wax lean." Here, shâmên signifies physical well-being or strength that is subject to decline.
* [[Psalm 78:31]] speaks of God's wrath slaying "the fattest of them" (referring to the Israelites in the wilderness). This usage implies those who were most robust, prosperous, or perhaps complacent in their rebellion against God, highlighting the peril of physical abundance when coupled with spiritual disobedience.
* The term is used to describe the fertility of the land in [[Nehemiah 9:25]] and [[Nehemiah 9:35]]. In these passages, the land given to Israel is characterized as "a fat land" or "the large and fat land," emphasizing its richness, fertility, and abundant produce. This underscores God's generous provision for His covenant people.
* In [[Isaiah 10:16]], the Lord sends "leanness among his fat ones" (referring to the Assyrians). Here, "fat ones" denotes the strong, prosperous, and perhaps arrogant members of a nation, whose strength and abundance will be diminished by divine judgment.
* [[Isaiah 30:23]] uses shâmên to describe "fat and plenteous bread," a promise of abundant and rich produce from the land as a blessing from God. This portrays a future of divine favor and material prosperity.
Across these contexts, shâmên consistently points to a state of being full, rich, or robust, whether in terms of physical condition, the fertility of land, or the prosperity of a people. While often descriptive of blessing, its use in contexts of judgment (e.g., [[Psalm 78:31]], [[Isaiah 10:16]]) implies that such abundance, if not stewarded faithfully, can lead to spiritual peril.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of שָׁמֵן (shâmên, `{{H8082}}`) is rich and interconnected with several other Hebrew terms:
* **שָׁמַן (shâman, `{{H8080}}`):** The verbal root from which shâmên is derived, meaning "to be fat" or "to grow fat." This verb often carries the negative connotation of becoming dull, insensitive, or rebellious due to prosperity (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:15]]).
* **שֶׁמֶן (shemen, `{{H8081}}`):** A noun meaning "oil" or "fat." This word frequently symbolizes abundance, blessing, anointing, and provision, often in a positive light (e.g., "oil of gladness").
* **חֵלֶב (chelev, `{{H2459}}`):** A noun meaning "fat," particularly the choicest or best part of an animal, often offered in sacrifice to God. It signifies the best of something, dedicated to the Lord.
* **דֶּשֶׁן (deshen, `{{H1880}}`):** A noun meaning "fatness," "richness," "abundance," or "ashes" (from fat sacrifices). It can refer to the richness of the soil or the fatness of offerings.
Conceptually, shâmên is deeply connected to themes of divine blessing and provision, particularly the fertility of the land and the prosperity of its inhabitants. However, it also intersects with the prophetic critique of Israel's tendency to become complacent, proud, or rebellious when faced with material abundance, forgetting the source of their blessings. The juxtaposition of "fatness" with "leanness" (e.g., [[Isaiah 10:16]], [[Isaiah 17:4]]) highlights the transient nature of earthly prosperity and the potential for divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שָׁמֵן (shâmên, `{{H8082}}`) is multifaceted, reflecting both God's generous character and humanity's spiritual vulnerability.
1. **Divine Generosity and Covenant Faithfulness:** The description of the Promised Land as a "fat land" ([[Nehemiah 9:25]], [[Nehemiah 9:35]]) powerfully illustrates God's abundant provision and faithfulness to His covenant promises. He gives His people a land overflowing with richness and fertility, demonstrating His desire for their well-being and prosperity. Similarly, the promise of "fat and plenteous bread" ([[Isaiah 30:23]]) underscores God's commitment to sustaining His people with lavish blessings.
2. **The Peril of Prosperity and Spiritual Complacency:** While shâmên describes blessing, it also carries an implicit warning. When people become "fat" in their prosperity, they are prone to forget God, grow arrogant, or become spiritually dull. The "fattest" of the Israelites being judged ([[Psalm 78:31]]) and the "fat ones" of Assyria facing leanness ([[Isaiah 10:16]]) serve as stark reminders that material abundance, if not properly stewarded, can lead to spiritual decay and invite divine discipline. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: prosperity can be a test of faith, revealing the heart's true allegiance.
3. **Holistic Blessing and Judgment:** The word shâmên points to a holistic understanding of blessing, encompassing physical health, fertile land, and abundant produce. Conversely, the removal of this "fatness" signifies judgment, a withdrawal of divine favor, leading to scarcity and decline. This dynamic underscores God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including material well-being.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שָׁמֵן (shâmên, `{{H8082}}`) primarily conveys the meaning of being "fat," "rich," or "plenteous." It describes physical robustness, the fertility of land, and the abundance of produce. Biblically, it frequently appears in contexts highlighting God's generous provision and the rich blessings He bestows upon His people, particularly in the Promised Land. However, shâmên also carries a significant theological nuance, serving as a descriptor for those who, in their prosperity, become complacent or rebellious, thereby inviting divine judgment. Thus, shâmên encapsulates the dual nature of material abundance: a tangible sign of God's benevolent hand, yet also a profound test of human faithfulness, capable of leading to spiritual peril if not received with humility and gratitude.
TRV