Lexical Summary osphrésis: Smell, sense of smell Original Word: ὀσφρῆσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance smelling. From a derivative of ozo; smell (the sense) -- smelling. see GREEK ozo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom osphrainomai (to smell) Definition the sense of smell, smelling NASB Translation sense of smell (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3750: ὄσφρησιςὄσφρησις, ὀσφρησεως, ἡ (ὀσφραίνομαι (to smell)), the sense of smell, smelling: 1 Corinthians 12:17. (Plato, Phaedo, p. 111 b. ((yet cf. Stallbaum at the passage)); Aristotle, Theophrastus.) Topical Lexicon Occurrence in the New Testament The Greek noun ὄσφρησις appears once, in 1 Corinthians 12:17. Paul asks, “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?”. By naming the sense of smell, the apostle underscores the indispensability of every member and gift within the Church. Aroma and Fragrance in Scripture 1. Genesis 8:21 records that the Lord “smelled the soothing aroma” of Noah’s sacrifice. Together these texts reveal that fragrance is biblically associated with acceptance, devotion, holiness, and witness. Symbolic Insights: Discernment and Sensitivity Just as natural smell detects what sight and hearing may miss, spiritual “olfaction” represents the godly capacity to perceive unseen realities—truth, error, purity, or corruption. Paul’s mention of ὄσφρησις therefore illustrates those believers whose God-given sensitivity discerns spiritual atmospheres, warns of danger, and confirms what is pleasing to the Lord. Historical Setting First-century Corinth prized oratory, status, and spectacular gifts. By citing the humble sense of smell, Paul levels the field: even an uncelebrated function is crucial. This corrects pride and discouragement alike, reminding each believer—Jew or Gentile, slave or free—that his or her Spirit-appointed role is vital. Christological Fulfillment Old-covenant fragrant offerings prefigure Jesus Christ, whose self-sacrifice became the ultimate “pleasing aroma.” In union with Him, the Church now mediates that fragrance to the world. Every gift, including the subtle “smell,” contributes to displaying the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement and the new-covenant priesthood of all believers. Ministry Application • Encourage believers who possess quiet, discerning gifts; they safeguard congregational health. Practical Reflections for Personal Devotion • Ask the Spirit to sharpen your sensitivity to what delights or grieves God. Related Passages for Further Study Genesis 8:20–22; Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 2:2; 2 Corinthians 2:14–17; Ephesians 5:1–2; Philippians 4:15–18; Revelation 8:3–4. Summary ὄσφρησις embodies the truth that every believer, including those with understated but discerning gifts, is essential to the Spirit-formed unity and witness of the Church. The single Pauline usage, anchored in a rich biblical theology of fragrance, invites the modern body of Christ to value, nurture, and deploy every God-given faculty for His glory and for the salvation of many. Forms and Transliterations οσφραίνεσθαι οσφραίνεται οσφρανθείη οσφρανθή οσφρανθήναι οσφρανθήσονται οσφρανθώ οσφρανθώσι οσφρασία οσφρησις όσφρησις ὄσφρησις ωσφράνθη osphresis osphrēsis ósphresis ósphrēsisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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