שָׁמָן (she.man)
she.man
fat; fatness; fat piece
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word shaman primarily denotes physical fat, but it extends to describe a state of vigor or richness. In its most literal sense, it refers to the fatty tissue of animals, which was often considered the choice portion in ancient sacrificial and dietary practices. This concrete meaning grounds its broader metaphorical uses, linking bodily health with material abundance.
Beyond anatomy, shaman describes fertile land or places that yield richly prepared food. The sources note its use for "fat pieces" of meat, suggesting a focus on the best quality available. In Nehemiah 8:10, this concept appears in the context of feasting, where the "fat" represents the joy and sustenance provided by God’s provision, contrasting with mere survival.
The term carries theological weight by connecting physical nourishment with divine blessing. It is not merely about caloric intake but about the quality of life that comes from being well-provisioned. When used for land, it implies productivity and stability; when used for food, it signifies honor and celebration. This dual usage reflects a worldview where material wealth and spiritual favor are often intertwined in the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shaman points to the rich, fatty portions of food, which in ancient times were considered the best and most satisfying parts of a meal. When you see this term in Scripture, it often carries a sense of abundance and blessing. It is not just about physical nourishment but reflects a deeper reality of God’s provision for those who trust in Him.
In Nehemiah 8:10, the people are encouraged to eat the fat and drink the sweet, finding strength in the joy of the Lord. This reminds us that true joy comes from God, not just from what we consume. It is a reminder that even in difficult times, God provides enough for our needs and more.
When used metaphorically, shaman can describe land that is fertile or people who are well-provisioned. This shows how closely connected physical well-being and spiritual favor were in the biblical worldview. It invites us to see God’s blessings in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on/ fat ones/ his1×
- fat foods1×
- away from/ [the] fatness<es> of1×
- and/ some of/ [the] fatness<es> of1×
- and/ in/ [the] fertile places of1×
- and/ [the] fatness of1×
- among/ vigorous ones/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים1×
- מִ/שְׁמַנֵּ֤י1×
- וּ/מִשְׁמַ֥ן1×
- וּ/מִ/שְׁמַנֵּ֖י1×
- וּ/בְ/מִשְׁמַנֵּ֣י1×
- בְּ/מִשְׁמַנָּ֖י/ו1×
- בְּ/מִשְׁמַנֵּי/הֶ֑ם1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.”
This verse uses shaman to describe the 'fat' food that brings joy and strength, showing how physical abundance can reflect spiritual blessing.
-
Genesis 27:28
God give you of the dew of the sky, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and new wine.
Here, Isaac blesses Jacob with the 'fatness of the earth,' linking material prosperity with divine favor in a patriarchal context.
-
Isaiah 10:16
Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, will send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory a burning will be kindled like the burning of fire.
The prophet uses shaman to describe the 'fat ones' who will face judgment, illustrating how abundance can lead to pride and downfall.