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Fatling

Nature

What is the meaning of Fatling in the Bible?

Fatling refers to livestock, particularly cattle or sheep, that have been intensively fattened for consumption. These animals were reserved for special occasions, including religious sacrifices and communal feasts, due to their superior quality and value.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the concept of a fatling helps readers appreciate the cultural and economic weight of hospitality and worship in biblical times. It clarifies why certain offerings were considered most pleasing to God and why hosting a feast with such meat was a significant gesture of honor and generosity.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Fatling were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Fatling in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Fatling clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Fatling." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/fatling/
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