The True Meaning Of ‘Fat’

by Dick Mills | The Spirit Filled Believer

“They shall be fat and flourishing” (Ps. 92:14).

This promise in Psalm 92:14 is for faithful and abiding believers. The end result of their consistency is that they will be fat and flourishing.

English words have changed a great deal since the year of our Lord 1611. In our days, fat refers to obesity; it has a connotation of overweight and being out of shape. At the time the King James Bible was written, however, to the English-speaking Christian the word fat meant “blessed with God’s prosperous abundance.”

The original Hebrew word translated fat in this verse is dashen (daw-shane’). Various lexicons define this word as “fresh,” “rich,” “fertile,” “affluent,” “abundant,” “wealthy,” and “satiated.” This promise is an assurance of a fruitful life for those who have been faithful in the house of the Lord. They are also assured a life of consistency and stability. The verse ends in the King James Version with these words: “…they shall be fat and flourishing.”

A look at other translations gives us a wider range of expression: “…they will be fertile and full of growth.” “…always green and strong.” “…fair and desirable.” “…vital and green.” “…full of life and vitality.”

Others translate this phrase: “…they shall still multiply; and continue prosperous.” “…their lives are rich and productive…”

One version reads: “…and even when advanced in years they shall, like tall and sturdy trees, bring forth good fruit for years to come.”

So the Biblical definition of fat is not “corpulent” (body heaviness), but “opulent” (having abundant resources).

Source: The Spirit-Filled Believer’s Daily Devotional by Dick Mills

Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

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Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.

In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.

He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.

Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.

In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.

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