שָׁמַן
to shine, i.e. (by analogy) be (causatively, make) oily or gross
Definition
The verb שָׁמַן (shâman) primarily means 'to be or become fat, well-fed, or prosperous.' It describes a state of physical abundance, often resulting from rich food and comfort, which can lead to a spiritual condition of complacency or dullness. In Deuteronomy 32:15, it depicts Israel growing 'fat' and kicking against God in pride after enjoying His provision. In a causative sense (Hiphil stem), it can mean 'to make fat' or 'to anoint with oil,' as seen in Isaiah 6:10, where the heart is metaphorically made 'fat'—insensitive and unresponsive to God's word.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used four times in the Old Testament, always with a strong moral or spiritual connotation. It appears in poetic and prophetic contexts to critique spiritual decline. In Deuteronomy 32:15 and Nehemiah 9:25, it describes Israel's physical prosperity leading to rebellion. In Isaiah 6:10 and Jeremiah 5:28, it metaphorically describes hearts and actions that have become 'greasy' or calloused, unable to perceive spiritual truth. The usage consistently links material abundance with spiritual danger.
Etymology
A primitive root meaning 'to be or become fat, oily, or greasy.' It is related to the noun שֶׁמֶן (shemen, H8081) meaning 'oil, fat,' indicating a core idea of richness or oiliness. The semantic development extends from a literal physical state to a metaphorical condition of insensitivity.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it powerfully illustrates the spiritual danger of prosperity. It shows how God's blessings, when misused, can lead to pride, self-sufficiency, and a hardened heart toward God (Deuteronomy 32:15). The metaphor in Isaiah 6:10 is central to understanding biblical concepts of spiritual blindness and deafness, highlighting humanity's need for divine grace to perceive and respond to truth.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, fatness was a direct sign of wealth, health, and divine favor, as it indicated abundant food supply and security. However, the biblical authors subvert this positive cultural marker, using it to warn that such physical blessing often correlates with moral and spiritual decay, a stark contrast to values that prioritize humility and dependence on God.
דָּשֵׁן (dâshen, H1878) — also means to be or become fat/rich, but often with a more positive connotation of fertility and blessing (e.g., Isaiah 30:23). כָּבֵד (kâbêd, H3513) — means to be heavy or honored; used for a heart that is 'heavy' or dull, similar to the metaphorical sense of שָׁמַן (Exodus 8:15).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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