The term "fat-fleshed" appears in the context of biblical narratives and is often associated with imagery of abundance, prosperity, and divine blessing. In the Bible, the concept of being "fat" or "fat-fleshed" is not merely a physical description but carries symbolic significance, often reflecting the state of a person, nation, or entity in terms of wealth, health, and divine favor.

Biblical References:

The most notable reference to "fat-fleshed" is found in the Book of Genesis, in the account of Pharaoh's dreams, which Joseph interprets. In Genesis 41:2-4 , Pharaoh dreams of seven cows, "sleek and fat," emerging from the Nile, followed by seven other cows, "ugly and gaunt," that consume the fat ones. Joseph interprets this dream as a prophecy of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine in Egypt. Here, the "fat-fleshed" cows symbolize a period of prosperity and plenty.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

1. Prosperity and Abundance: In the ancient Near Eastern context, being "fat-fleshed" was often a sign of prosperity. Livestock that were well-fed and healthy indicated a time of plenty, reflecting the owner's wealth and the land's fertility. This imagery is used in the Bible to convey periods of divine blessing and abundance.

2. Divine Favor: The concept of being "fat" is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the spiritual and material blessings bestowed by God. In Deuteronomy 32:15 , the term is used in a cautionary sense: "But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you grew fat, thick, and sleek—he abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation." Here, "fat" symbolizes the complacency and ingratitude that can accompany prosperity.

3. Contrast with Lean Times: The juxtaposition of "fat-fleshed" with "lean" or "gaunt" serves to highlight the cyclical nature of fortune and the importance of preparedness and reliance on God. The narrative of Joseph in Egypt underscores the wisdom of using times of abundance to prepare for future scarcity.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the imagery of "fat-fleshed" serves as a reminder of God's provision and the responsibility that comes with abundance. It encourages believers to recognize the source of their blessings and to use their resources wisely, in accordance with God's will. The narrative of Joseph and Pharaoh's dreams illustrates the importance of discernment and stewardship, as well as the transient nature of material wealth.

In summary, "fat-fleshed" in the Bible is a rich symbol that conveys themes of prosperity, divine blessing, and the moral and spiritual responsibilities that accompany abundance. It serves as a reminder of the need for gratitude, humility, and prudent management of God's gifts.1277. bari -- fat
... fat fleshed fed, firm, plenteous, rank. From bara' (in the sense of barah); fatted
or plump -- fat ((fleshed), -ter), fed, firm, plenteous, rank. ...
/hebrew/1277.htm - 6k

Joseph and his Brethren
... river. And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, well favoured
and fatfleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass. And ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

The Gods of the Different Nations Varro's Gentile Class. Their ...
... Having narrated the proofs of true interpretation which he had given in the prison,
he opens out his dream to the king: those seven fat-fleshed and well ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter viii the gods of the.htm

Due Measure must be Observed in Liberality, that it May not be ...
... This was the king's first dream. [492] Seven heifers came up out of the river
well-favoured and fat-fleshed, and they fed at the banks of the river. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi due measure must.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... grew thick, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and
understand with their heart: so the people well fed and fat-fleshed could not ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Fatfleshed (2 Occurrences)
...Fatfleshed (2 Occurrences). Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river
seven well favored kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. (KJV). ...
/f/fatfleshed.htm - 6k

Fat-fleshed (2 Occurrences)
Fat-fleshed. Fatfleshed, Fat-fleshed. Father . Multi-Version Concordance
Fat-fleshed (2 Occurrences). ... Fatfleshed, Fat-fleshed. Father . Reference Bible
/f/fat-fleshed.htm - 7k

Kine (24 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favored
kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. (KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT). ...
/k/kine.htm - 16k

Grazed (3 Occurrences)
... Grazed (3 Occurrences). Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river
seven kine, well-favoured and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass. ...
/g/grazed.htm - 7k

Well-favored (7 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine,
well-favored and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass. (ASV WBS). ...
/w/well-favored.htm - 8k

Well-favoured (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, well-favored
and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass. (See JPS). ...
/w/well-favoured.htm - 7k

Favored (19 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well
favored kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/f/favored.htm - 12k

Reed-grass (3 Occurrences)
... Reed-grass (3 Occurrences). Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river
seven kine, well-favored and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass. ...
/r/reed-grass.htm - 7k

Meadow (8 Occurrences)
... Meadow (8 Occurrences). Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river
seven well favored kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. (KJV WBS). ...
/m/meadow.htm - 12k

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