Lexical Summary abas: To refuse, to be unwilling Original Word: אָבַס Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fatted, stalled A primitive root; to fodder -- fatted, stalled. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to feed, fatten NASB Translation fattened (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אָבַס] verb feed, fatten (Mishna id.; ? Assyrian [abâsu] DlW46) Qal Passive participle fattened, אָבוּס of ox Proverbs 15:17; אֲבוּסִים of fowl 1 Kings 5:3. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Range The verb אָבַס conveys the idea of feeding or fattening livestock until they are plump, a process associated with careful husbandry and the provision of rich fodder. By extension, it speaks to abundance and the kind of prosperity that allows a family, household, or kingdom to set aside select animals for special occasions. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Kings 4:23 records that Solomon’s daily provision included “ten fattened oxen and twenty pasture-fed sheep”. Here, אָבַס underscores the unmatched prosperity of Solomon’s court: an Israelite king so blessed that “fattened” animals—normally reserved for feast days—were part of his routine menu. Proverbs 15:17 contrasts wealth without love and simplicity with love: “Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred”. The fattened ox symbolizes opulence; yet Solomon teaches that relational harmony surpasses culinary luxury. Cultural and Historical Background In ancient Israel, to fatten an animal required surplus grain or legumes, time, and space. Most households butchered animals only on festivals or pivotal family events. Therefore, a fattened calf or ox was the pinnacle of celebratory fare (cf. Luke 15:23). References to fattened livestock evoke images of covenant meals, royal banquets, and thanksgiving sacrifices (see Leviticus 7:12-15). Theological Implications 1. Blessing versus contentment: While abundance is portrayed as a divine blessing (Deuteronomy 28:11), Proverbs 15:17 cautions that abundance without love corrodes true joy. Practical Application Believers are urged to value unity and love above material plenty. Contemporary hospitality may feature modest fare, yet when offered in sincere love it surpasses lavish tables devoid of peace. Churches should likewise guard against measuring ministry success merely by size or budget; love remains the defining mark (John 13:34-35). Christological Connections The prodigal’s father orders the slaughter of the “fattened calf” (Luke 15:23) to celebrate reconciliation. This echoes Proverbs 15:17 and magnifies the gospel reality: the costliest provision is freely given to restore broken fellowship. Christ Himself becomes the true sacrificial provision, a Lamb without blemish, providing a feast of grace richer than the best fattened ox. Pastoral Reflections 1. Encourage contentment rooted in covenant love, not in visible abundance. Related Scriptures for Study Deuteronomy 8:10; Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 25:6; Luke 15:23; 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Forms and Transliterations אֲבוּסִֽים׃ אָ֝ב֗וּס אבוס אבוסים׃ ’ă·ḇū·sîm ’ā·ḇūs ’āḇūs ’ăḇūsîm aVus avuSimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:23 HEB: וְיַחְמ֔וּר וּבַרְבֻּרִ֖ים אֲבוּסִֽים׃ NAS: gazelles, roebucks, and fattened fowl. KJV: and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl. INT: roebucks fowl and fattened Proverbs 15:17 2 Occurrences |
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