Fat

Used to describe a successful person, fruitful land or healthy animals. It is often associated with the idea of prosperity and contentment. It also designates the part of an animal used in OT sacrifices.

Fat as a symbol of success

Isaiah 10:27; Jeremiah 5:27–28 See also Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 15:27–28; Ezekiel 34:16

On that day the burden will be lifted from your shoulders, and the yoke from your neck. The yoke will be broken because your neck will be too large.

Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.

Fat representing fruitful land

Genesis 45:18

Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’

Fat animals

Genesis 41:2 See also Genesis 41:17–21; 1 Samuel 15:9; Psalm 66:15; Ezekiel 34:20

when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds.

Fat people

Judges 3:17 See also Judges 3:18–22

and brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was an obese man.

Fat used in the context of judgment

Isaiah 17:4

“In that day the splendor of Jacob will fade, and the fat of his body will waste away,

The fat of animals

Not to be eaten

Leviticus 3:17 See also Leviticus 7:22–25

This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.”

To be offered to God in sacrifice

Leviticus 3:16 See also Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 3:3–5; Numbers 18:17; Deuteronomy 32:37–38; 1 Samuel 2:15–16, 1 Samuel 15:22; 1 Kings 8:64; Isaiah 34:6–7, Isaiah 43:24; Ezekiel 39:19

Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.