Sniffing, as a physical action, is not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, the concept of smell and its symbolic meanings are present throughout the Scriptures. In biblical times, the sense of smell was often associated with discernment, sacrifice, and the presence of God.

Symbolism of Smell in Scripture

1. Sacrifices and Offerings: The aroma of sacrifices is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The pleasing aroma of burnt offerings was significant in the sacrificial system established by God. In Genesis 8:21 , after Noah offered burnt offerings, it is written, "When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.'" This passage highlights how God responded to the aroma of the sacrifice, indicating His acceptance and favor.

2. Incense and Worship: Incense, which produces a fragrant smoke, was used in the tabernacle and temple worship. Exodus 30:34-38 describes the specific ingredients and use of incense, which was considered holy and set apart for God. The rising smoke of incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

3. Discernment and Judgment: The sense of smell is metaphorically used to describe discernment and judgment. In Isaiah 11:3 , speaking of the Messiah, it says, "He will delight in the fear of the LORD, and He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor decide by what His ears hear." The Hebrew word translated as "delight" can also mean "to smell," suggesting a deeper, intuitive understanding beyond the physical senses.

4. Corruption and Sin: Conversely, a foul smell is often associated with corruption and sin. In Isaiah 3:24 , a prophecy against the daughters of Zion states, "Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty." This imagery contrasts the pleasant with the repugnant, symbolizing the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of a pleasing aroma is applied to the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:2 states, "And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." Here, the sacrificial love of Christ is likened to a pleasing aroma, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and demonstrating the ultimate act of love and obedience.

Additionally, believers are called to be the "aroma of Christ" in the world. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 , Paul writes, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." This passage emphasizes the role of Christians in spreading the knowledge and presence of Christ, akin to a fragrance that permeates and influences its surroundings.

Conclusion

While the act of sniffing itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the broader concept of smell carries significant symbolic weight throughout Scripture. It serves as a metaphor for divine acceptance, discernment, and the transformative presence of Christ in the lives of believers.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sniff.

2. (n.) A rapid respiratory act, in which the mouth is kept shut and the air drawn in through the nose.

One Saying with Two Meanings
... The pursuers are like dogs chasing a bird, sniffing along the ground after their
prey, which all the while sits out of their reach on a bough, and carols to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/one saying with two meanings.htm

The Wind Blew Loud, but Diamond Slept a Deep Sleep...
... But when he came round in front of the old horse, and he put out his long neck,
and began sniffing at him and rubbing his upper lip and his nose on him, then ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 16 the wind blew.htm

Off Duty
... We are not told if the lions in Daniel's den lay down perfectly still, or whether
some came close to him, sniffing and snarling; but we are told that they were ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/xiv off duty.htm

"The Pharaoh Drew Nigh"
... And thou," whirling upon Kenkenes, "dreamest thou I fear this bloody God of Israel,
or all the gibbering, incense-sniffing, pedestal-cumbering gods of earth? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliii the pharaoh drew.htm

Directions to Church-Wardens, &C.
Directions to Church-Wardens. <. ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/directions to church-wardens &c.htm

Sniffing (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A rapid respiratory act, in which the mouth is kept shut and the air drawn
in through the nose. Multi-Version Concordance Sniffing (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/sniffing.htm - 7k

Sniff (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (vt) To perceive as by sniffing; to snuff, to scent; to smell; as, to
sniff danger. 4. (n.) The act of sniffing; perception by ...
/s/sniff.htm - 7k

Sniffed (1 Occurrence)

/s/sniffed.htm - 6k

Sniffs (1 Occurrence)

/s/sniffs.htm - 6k

Sniffing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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