Jump to: Topical • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview: Smoking refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or a similar substance. While smoking as a practice is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the principles found in Scripture can be applied to understand a biblical perspective on the matter. Smoking, particularly of tobacco, became widespread in the modern era and is often associated with health risks and addiction. Biblical Principles Related to Smoking: 1. Stewardship of the Body: The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , it states, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage suggests that believers are called to honor God with their bodies, which includes making choices that promote health and well-being. 2. Addiction and Self-Control: Smoking is often associated with addiction, which can be seen as contrary to the biblical call for self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." The Bible encourages believers to exercise self-control and avoid being mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). 3. Impact on Others: The Bible emphasizes love and consideration for others. Romans 14:13 advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Smoking can have harmful effects on others through secondhand smoke, and believers are encouraged to act in ways that do not harm or hinder others. 4. Wisdom and Discernment: Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." Applying wisdom and discernment to lifestyle choices, including smoking, is a biblical principle. Understanding the health risks associated with smoking can guide believers in making wise decisions. 5. Holiness and Purity: The call to holiness is a recurring theme in Scripture. 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" Engaging in practices that harm the body or lead to addiction may be seen as inconsistent with the pursuit of holiness. Historical Context and Cultural Considerations: While the Bible does not mention smoking explicitly, the cultural and historical context of biblical times did not include tobacco use as it is known today. Tobacco was introduced to Europe in the late 15th century and became widespread in the centuries that followed. The absence of direct references to smoking in Scripture requires believers to apply biblical principles to modern practices. Health and Ethical Implications: Modern medical research has established the health risks associated with smoking, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular issues. From a biblical perspective, the ethical implications of knowingly engaging in a harmful practice can be considered in light of the command to love oneself and others. Conclusion: While smoking is not directly addressed in the Bible, the principles of stewardship, self-control, love for others, wisdom, and holiness provide a framework for evaluating the practice. Believers are encouraged to consider these principles when making decisions about smoking and to seek guidance from Scripture and the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life. Topical Bible Verses 1 Corinthians 6:19What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? Topicalbible.org 1 Corinthians 10:13 1 Corinthians 6:20 1 Corinthians 3:17 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Smoke.Greek 2370. thumiao -- to burn incense ... burn incense. From a derivative of thuo (in the sense of smoking); to fumigate, ie Offer aromatic fumes -- burn incense. see GREEK thuo. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2370.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 6226. ashen -- smoking... 6225, 6226. ashen. 6227 . smoking. Transliteration: ashen Phonetic Spelling: (aw-shane') Short Definition: smoking. Word Origin ... /hebrew/6226.htm - 6k 953b. Bor Ashan -- "smoking pit," a place in Judah 3544. keheh -- dim, dull, faint 7002. qitter -- incense 6227. ashan -- smoke Library Tobacco. The Millennium in Relation to Israel. Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee. Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of ... Strength in the Weak. The Story of an Opium Smoker The Three Fates Temperance and the Teen Age Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints In the Sod Cellar Thesaurus Smoking (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Smoking (9 Occurrences). ... He won't quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ... /s/smoking.htm - 9k Smoke (98 Occurrences) Smoldering (4 Occurrences) Shaking (162 Occurrences) Flax (11 Occurrences) Rezin (11 Occurrences) Furnace (35 Occurrences) Quench (14 Occurrences) Victory (71 Occurrences) Burning (415 Occurrences) Resources What is the Christian view of smoking? Is smoking a sin? | GotQuestions.orgI am a Christian who is addicted to smoking. How can I quit? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org Smoking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Smoking (9 Occurrences)Matthew 12:20 Genesis 15:17 Exodus 19:18 Exodus 20:18 Deuteronomy 29:23 Psalms 74:1 Isaiah 7:4 Isaiah 42:3 Jeremiah 44:21 Subtopics Related Terms Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences) |