In biblical times, physical appearance often held significant cultural and religious implications. The term "flat nose" appears in the context of Old Testament laws concerning physical blemishes and their impact on religious duties and social status.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to a "flat nose" is found in Leviticus 21:18, which states: "No man who has any defect may approach: no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed." The Berean Standard Bible translates this as part of the broader list of physical imperfections that disqualified a descendant of Aaron from serving as a priest in the tabernacle or temple. The term "flat nose" is understood to refer to a nasal deformity, which, according to the Levitical law, rendered a priest ceremonially unclean for the purpose of offering sacrifices.

Cultural and Religious Context:

In ancient Israel, the priesthood was a sacred office with strict requirements for physical wholeness and purity. The Levitical laws were given to maintain the sanctity and holiness of the priestly service, reflecting the perfection and holiness of God. Physical blemishes, including a flat nose, were seen as symbolic of imperfection and were thus disqualifying for those who were to serve in the presence of the Lord.

The emphasis on physical perfection in the priesthood can be understood as a typological foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as being without blemish or defect (Hebrews 7:26). The physical requirements for priests in the Old Testament highlight the need for spiritual purity and the ultimate fulfillment of these laws in Christ.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of physical defects, such as a flat nose, underscores the holiness required to approach God. It serves as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption and restoration. The laws concerning physical blemishes point to the greater spiritual truths of sin, separation from God, and the need for a perfect mediator.

While the Old Testament laws were specific to the Levitical priesthood, they also reflect broader principles of holiness and the nature of worship. In the New Covenant, believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1), emphasizing the inward purity of heart over outward physical appearance.

Historical and Modern Interpretations:

Historically, the interpretation of these laws has varied, with some Jewish and Christian scholars viewing them as purely ceremonial, while others see them as having moral and ethical implications. In modern times, the focus has shifted from physical attributes to the spiritual qualifications for ministry and service in the church.

The concept of physical blemishes, including a flat nose, serves as a metaphor for the spiritual imperfections that Christ came to heal. Through His sacrifice, believers are made whole and are invited to serve in the spiritual priesthood of all believers, regardless of physical appearance (1 Peter 2:9).

In summary, the biblical reference to a flat nose in Leviticus highlights the importance of holiness and the symbolic nature of physical perfection in the Old Testament priesthood, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Christ.Flat Nose

FLAT NOSE

(charum; Septuagint koloborin):

Used only in Leviticus 21:18 as the name of a deformity which disqualified a member of a priestly family for serving the altar.

The root of the word signifies "to cut off" or "to cut flat," and in the Revised Version, margin "slit nose" is substituted. The condition indicated is most probably the depressed, flattened nose which so often accompanies harelip, especially in its double form.

A mere snub-nose can scarcely be regarded as a blemish of sufficient importance to unfit a priest for the service of "offering the bread of God"; but harelip, like blindness or the other congenital malformations or deformities enumerated in this passage, might well render a son of Aaron unfit or unsuitable for public religious duty.

Alexander Macalister

2763. charam -- to ban, devote, exterminate
... make accursed, consecrate, utterly destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose,
utterly slay A primitive root; to seclude; specifically ...
/hebrew/2763.htm - 5k

San Josef
... the peculiar traits which distinguish the in a remarkable degree; his jaw
was long, eyes large and protruded, high cheek-bones, and flat nose; his teeth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ix san josef.htm

The Burial and Assumption of the Blessed virgin
... His appearance was very strange. He had small eyes, a flat forehead and nose, and
high cheek-bones. His skin was of a browner color than one sees here. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xix the burial and assumption.htm

Of the Outer Limbs of Man, and their Use.
... did God contrive these also, so that the very cavity of the nose should not ... Which
the most skilful Creator made with a flat and moderately concave bend, that ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap x of the outer limbs.htm

The Right to Privacy
... "When he's along I can stick my nose in anywhere I like. ... The flat countryside
was dotted with villages, and crisscrossed with paths. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 5 the right to.htm

At the Well
... metal, equipped with a visor, which, when raised, finished the front with a flat
plate. ... He had the fighting nose, over-long and hooked like an eagle's beak. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

The Cocal
... which were altogether European of the highest type; the forehead high and broad,
the cheek-bones flat, the masque long and oval, and the nose aquiline and thin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xiii the cocal.htm

The Boy Hugh
... And her nose, too"not flat nor arched, not long nor snub, but beyond the fineness
of geometry, with light, soft breath, and the sweet scent of incense. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter i the boy hugh.htm

His First School. The School-House. The Teacher. The Order of ...
... The seats were split logs smoothed on the flat side, and supported on legs put in ...
One more bold than the rest would tickle his bald head or his nose, and to ...
/.../chapter ii his first school.htm

The Lady Miriam
... Nose and forehead were in line. ... Far be it from me to say that the king was afraid,
but I tell you, Kenkenes, mine own hair is not yet content to lie flat. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vi the lady miriam.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... It was surmounted by a flat cup in which a white flame was burning. ... large downcast
eyes with long black lashes, a rather long straight nose, delicately shaped ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

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