In biblical terminology, the concept of "fatter" is often associated with abundance, prosperity, and divine blessing. The term is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to convey the idea of richness and fullness, whether in physical, spiritual, or material terms.

Old Testament Usage

The Hebrew word often translated as "fat" or "fatter" is "דָּשֵׁן" (dashen), which can mean to be fat, to be anointed, or to be prosperous. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, fatness was a sign of wealth and God's favor. For instance, in Genesis 41:2, the "fat cows" in Pharaoh's dream symbolize years of abundance and plenty. Similarly, Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed," where the idea of prosperity is linked to the concept of being "fatter" or enriched.

In the sacrificial system, the fat of animals was considered the best part and was offered to God as a pleasing aroma (Leviticus 3:16). This practice underscores the notion that fatness is associated with the best and most valuable portions, reserved for the divine.

Spiritual Implications

Metaphorically, "fatter" can also refer to spiritual richness and vitality. Psalm 92:14 declares, "In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain," suggesting that those who are righteous will continue to flourish and be spiritually "fat" or full of life, even in their later years.

Isaiah 55:2 invites the people to seek spiritual nourishment: "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods." Here, the "richest of foods" symbolizes the spiritual sustenance and satisfaction found in a relationship with God.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "fatter" in a literal sense, the concept of spiritual abundance is prevalent. Jesus speaks of Himself as the Bread of Life, offering spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life (John 6:35). The Apostle Paul echoes this theme in Ephesians 3:19, praying that believers "may be filled with all the fullness of God," indicating a spiritual richness that surpasses mere physical abundance.

Moral and Ethical Dimensions

The Bible also warns against the dangers of becoming "fat" in a moral or ethical sense, where prosperity leads to complacency or pride. Deuteronomy 32:15 cautions, "But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you grew fat, thick, and sleek. Then he forsook God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation." This passage highlights the risk of allowing material abundance to lead one away from dependence on God.

In summary, the biblical concept of "fatter" encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, symbolizing God's blessing and abundance while also serving as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of prosperity.1277. bari -- fat
... Word Origin adjective from bara Definition fat NASB Word Usage fat (10), fatter*
(1), plentiful (1), plump (2). fat fleshed fed, firm, plenteous, rank. ...
/hebrew/1277.htm - 6k

1320. basar -- flesh
... Word Origin from basar Definition flesh NASB Word Usage anyone* (1), bodies (2),
body (39), fatter* (1), flesh (176), gaunt* (3), lustful* (1), man (1 ...
/hebrew/1320.htm - 6k

Argument. Secundulus Dies in the Prison Felicitas is Pregnant, but ...
... [9004] Or is it not your glory if we are brought forward fatter on that occasion?"
The tribune shuddered and blushed, and commanded that they should be kept ...
/.../chapter v argument secundulus dies in.htm

The Physical Tendencies of Fasting and Feeding Considered the ...
... law: while He taught him even then (by experience) that man liveth not upon bread
alone, but upon every word of God; in that the People, though fatter than he ...
/.../chapter vi the physical tendencies of.htm

Idolatry Condemned by Baptism. To Make an Idol Is, in Fact, to ...
... make? Ah! but they affirm not so, to whom you slay this fatter, more precious
and greater victim, your salvation. Footnotes: [199 ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter vi idolatry condemned by baptism.htm

A Book of Modern Social Inquiry Has a Shape that is Somewhat ...
... human body. They do not even ask whether an empire is growing taller in
its youth, or only growing fatter in its old age. But of ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 1 a book of.htm

The Four Captive Children.
... At the end of that time their faces were fatter and fairer than the faces of all
the others who ate portions from the King's table, and they were allowed to ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxi the four captive.htm

Youthful Confessors
... And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh
than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.16. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/youthful confessors.htm

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. . ...
... self-estimation, which prey upon all, and incorporate all in themselves, and yet,
like the lean kine that had devoured the fat, are never the fatter or more ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter v humility is the.htm

The Courage of Four Captives
... days. At the end of ten days they looked better and they were fatter than
all the young men who ate of the king's rich food. So ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the courage of four captives.htm

Three Names High on the Muster-Roll
... court, and refused to eat unclean meat; and though they ate nothing but pulse,
"At the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/three names high on the.htm

Of Stations, and of the Hours of Prayer.
... me, as it were, at the hour of the evening sacrifice." [1087] This will be a "late"
Station which, fasting until the evening, sacrifices a fatter (victim of ...
/.../on fasting in opposition to the psychics/chapter x of stations and of.htm

Fatter (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fatter (1 Occurrence). Daniel 1:15 At the end of
ten days their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter...
/f/fatter.htm - 6k

Fairer (4 Occurrences)
... Daniel 1:15 At the end of ten days their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter
in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king's dainties. ...
/f/fairer.htm - 7k

Fattening (1 Occurrence)

/f/fattening.htm - 6k

Fattest (2 Occurrences)

/f/fattest.htm - 7k

Dainties (14 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV). Daniel 1:15 At the end of ten days their faces appeared fairer, and they
were fatter in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king's dainties. ...
/d/dainties.htm - 12k

Countenances (3 Occurrences)
... Daniel 1:15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter
in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat ...
/c/countenances.htm - 7k

Shadrach (14 Occurrences)
... 12). The effect was much to their advantage, as they appeared fairer and
fatter in flesh than those who ate of the king's meat. ...
/s/shadrach.htm - 14k

Lads (20 Occurrences)
... Daniel 1:15 and at the end of ten days their appearance hath appeared better and
fatter in flesh then any of the lads who are eating the king's portion of food ...
/l/lads.htm - 12k

Youths (28 Occurrences)
... Daniel 1:15 At the end of ten days their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter
in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king's dainties. ...
/y/youths.htm - 14k

Nourished (29 Occurrences)
... Daniel 1:15 At the end of ten days their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter
in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king's dainties. (See NIV). ...
/n/nourished.htm - 15k

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