Lexical Summary meach: To crush, to bruise, to oppress Original Word: מֵחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fatling one From machah in the sense of greasing; fat; figuratively, rich -- fatling (one). see HEBREW machah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a fatling NASB Translation fat beasts (1), wealthy (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מֵחַ] noun [masculine] fatling (Phoenician מח fat (adjective ); Late Hebrew מֵיחָא figurative of choice flour); — only plural absolute: עֹלוֺת מֵיחִים Psalm 66:15 burnt offerings of fatlings; so מֵחִים Isaiah 5:17 ("" כְּבָשִׂים) according to Hi Du CheHpt (read חֳרָבוֺת and strike out גָּרִים); most, fat ones, figurative for rich men. Topical Lexicon Semantic Scope and Nuances מֵחַ denotes the rich fat, marrow, or choicest portion of an animal. By extension it conveys ideas of abundance, luxuriance, and the “best” part reserved either for God or, in judgment narratives, formerly enjoyed by the mighty. Canonical Occurrences • Psalm 66:15: “I will present You burnt offerings of fat animals…”. Sacrificial Imagery and Worship In Psalm 66:15 the word highlights the worshiper’s desire to give the LORD the very best. The fat of a sacrifice was consistently assigned to God alone (Leviticus 3:16–17), symbolizing total devotion and acknowledging His ultimate ownership of life’s choicest portions. The psalmist therefore offers not mere compliance but exuberant gratitude. Ministries emphasizing wholehearted worship can draw from this verse to encourage believers to present the “fat”—the finest time, talents, and treasures—to the Lord (Romans 12:1). Prophetic Reversal and Judgment Isaiah 5 presents a vineyard parable condemning Judah’s social injustices. Verse 17 shows meek lambs feeding on the holdings of “the rich [mēḥ],” portraying a complete reversal: the once–lavish estates of the oppressive elite become pastureland for defenseless creatures. The image underlines God’s commitment to justice. Shepherding and social–action ministries may appeal to this text to remind believers that ill-gotten abundance is temporary and vulnerable to divine reordering (James 5:1–5). Theology of Abundance Scripture never condemns abundance itself—Abraham was wealthy—yet it insists that the fat belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 3:9). מֵחַ thus functions as a theological touchpoint: abundance is a gift to be consecrated, not hoarded. Psalm 36:8 speaks of believers being “filled with the abundance of Your house,” showing that true richness flows from relationship with God. Christological Trajectory New Testament fulfillment appears in the total self-offering of Jesus Christ, “an offering and a sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). His life and death embody the ultimate “fat offering,” satisfying divine justice and modeling self-giving love. The believer’s union with Christ enables participation in that same fragrant gift (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Pastoral and Devotional Implications 1. Stewardship: Encourage congregations to set apart firstfruits, echoing the sacrificial fat principle. Related Hebrew Concepts • חֵלֶב (ḥēleb) – general word for fat; often paired with מֵחַ to stress lavishness. These terms together craft a biblical theology of plenty: granted by God, reserved for God, and accountable to God. Summary מֵחַ, though appearing only twice, weaves together themes of consecrated abundance, reverent worship, and divine justice. Whether expressing the psalmist’s joyful offering or Isaiah’s sobering reversal, it consistently points to the LORD as both the giver and rightful recipient of the choicest portions of life. Forms and Transliterations מֵחִ֖ים מֵחִ֣ים מחים mê·ḥîm meChim mêḥîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 66:15 HEB: עֹ֘ל֤וֹת מֵחִ֣ים אַעֲלֶה־ לָּ֭ךְ NAS: to You burnt offerings of fat beasts, With the smoke KJV: unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense INT: burnt of fat shall offer With Isaiah 5:17 2 Occurrences |
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