Topical Encyclopedia
The term "sleek" in the Bible often conveys the idea of smoothness, prosperity, or a polished appearance, sometimes with a negative connotation of superficiality or deceit. In the context of Scripture, it can describe both physical appearance and moral character.
Biblical Usage and Context1.
Physical Appearance: The word "sleek" is used to describe a smooth or polished appearance, often associated with prosperity or well-being. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a sleek appearance could indicate health and abundance. For example, in
Genesis 41:2, Pharaoh's dream includes "sleek and fat cows" , symbolizing years of plenty and prosperity.
2.
Moral and Spiritual Implications: Beyond physical appearance, "sleek" can also imply a sense of deceit or superficiality. In
Jeremiah 5:28, the prophet describes the people as "sleek and fat," indicating their indulgence and moral corruption: "They have grown sleek and fat; their evil deeds have no limit. They do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it; they do not defend the rights of the poor" . Here, "sleek" suggests a complacency and self-satisfaction that blinds them to justice and righteousness.
3.
Symbol of False Security: The sleekness of the wicked is often portrayed as a false security. In
Psalm 73:7, the psalmist observes the prosperity of the wicked: "Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than their heart could wish" . This abundance and sleekness are temporary and deceptive, as the psalmist later realizes the ultimate fate of the wicked.
4.
Contrast with Godly Character: The Bible contrasts the sleekness of the wicked with the humility and righteousness expected of God's people. While the sleek may appear prosperous, true prosperity is found in a life aligned with God's will. The righteous are called to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (
Micah 6:8).
Theological ReflectionIn biblical theology, the concept of sleekness serves as a reminder of the dangers of superficial prosperity and the importance of inner righteousness. It challenges believers to look beyond outward appearances and to cultivate a heart that seeks after God's truth and justice. The sleekness of the wicked is ultimately fleeting, while the character of the righteous endures.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
superl.) Having an even, smooth surface; smooth; hence, glossy; as, sleek hair.
2. (superl.) Not rough or harsh.
3. (adv.) With ease and dexterity.
4. (n.) That which makes smooth; varnish.
5. (v. t.) To make even and smooth; to render smooth, soft, and glossy; to smooth over.
Strong's Hebrew
6245a. ashath -- to be smooth or shiny... to be smooth or shiny. Transliteration: ashath Short Definition:
sleek. Word Origin
a prim. root Definition to be smooth or shiny NASB Word Usage
sleek (1).
...3780. kasah -- to be sated or gorged (with food)
... 3779, 3780. kasah. 3781 . to be sated or gorged (with food). Transliteration:
kasah Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-saw') Short Definition:sleek. Word Origin a prim...
3303. yapheh -- fair, beautiful
... Origin from yaphah Definition fair, beautiful NASB Word Usage appropriate (1),
beautiful (28), beautiful one (2), fair (1), fitting (1), handsome (4),sleek (3...
6245. ashath -- to be smooth or shiny
... A primitive root; probably to besleek, ie Glossy; hence (through the idea of polishing)
to excogitate (as if forming in the mind) -- shine, think....
Library
It was Friday Night, and Diamond, Like the Rest of the Household.....
... "There's no harm in being fat," said Ruby in a deprecating tone. "No, nor in being
sleek. I may as well shine as not.". "No harm?" retorted Diamond....
It was a Great Delight to Diamond when at Length Nanny was Well...
... old Diamond, who worked hardest of all, not even then"-so that at the end of it
he was as thin as a clothes-horse, while Ruby was as plump andsleek as a...
False Prophets
... outwardly; but inwardly ravening wolves. In sheep's clothing, truly, smooth
and sanctimonious, meek, andsleek. But wolves at heart...
The Legend of La Brea {331A}
... By there came a hunter, Lithe and lusty,sleek and strong, Rolling
round his sparkling eyeballs, As he loped and lounged along....
Seeing and Blind
... with. Disbelief slays its thousands, and dissipation its tens of thousands,
but thissleek, well-to-do carelessness, its millions....
Herod
... No contrast could be imagined more dramatic than between thesleek seducer of his
brother's wife and the imperious reformer, rude in garment and frugal of fare...
Ep. Ii.
... Have we done you an injury, because while you are pale and breathing hard and measuring
the sun, we aresleek and well fed and not pressed for room?...
'Lead us not into Temptation'
... relics of his old self, to wage war against evils the force of which he never knew
till he tried to resist them, against sins which were allsleek, and velvety...
Augustin Deceived by Familiarity with the Manich??ans, and by the...
... So it came about that, however slowly and cautiously, yet for a long time I followed
men that preferred asleek straw to a living soul. 12....
Are, Then, the Divine Bodies Free from These Deformities? and...
... nostrils, those are snub-nosed; some chubby from a swelling of their jaws or growth
of their cheeks, dwarfed, tall, of middle size, lean,sleek, fat; some with...
Thesaurus
Sleek (7 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Having an even, smooth surface; smooth; hence,
glossy; as,
sleek hair.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Sleek (7 Occurrences).
...Fed (62 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Genesis 41:2 Behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle,sleek and
fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)....
Marsh (4 Occurrences)
... Marsh (4 Occurrences). Genesis 41:2 Behold, there came up out of the river seven
cattle,sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. (WEB NAS)....
Fat (150 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:2 Behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle,sleek and fat,
and they fed in the marsh grass.... You have grown thick. You have becomesleek....
Grass (92 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Genesis 41:2 Behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle,sleek and
fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV)....
River (189 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Genesis 41:2 Behold, there came up out of the river
seven cattle,sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass....
Cattle (277 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV). Genesis 41:2 Behold, there came up out of the
river seven cattle,sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. (WEB)....
Kicked (9 Occurrences)
... You have grown fat. You have grown thick. You have becomesleek. Then he forsook
God who made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation....
Ugly (7 Occurrences)
... river. (WEB NAS NIV). Genesis 41:4 The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven
sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke. (WEB NAS NIV)....
Jeshurun (4 Occurrences)
... You have grown fat. You have grown thick. You have becomesleek. Then he forsook
God who made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation....
Resources
What does it mean that God is the God of Jeshurun? | GotQuestions.orgSleek: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
