In the context of the Bible, the term "sniffed" is not frequently used, but it can be understood in relation to expressions of disdain, contempt, or indifference. The act of sniffing, in a metaphorical sense, often conveys a dismissive or scornful attitude, which can be seen in various scriptural passages where similar expressions are used to describe the attitudes of individuals or groups towards God or His commands.

Biblical Context and Usage

The concept of "sniffing" as an expression of contempt is illustrated in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically use the word "sniffed," the idea is present in the attitudes of the people towards God's offerings and commands.

Malachi 1:13 :
"You also say, ‘Oh, what a nuisance!’ And you turn up your nose at it,” says the LORD of Hosts. “You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?” asks the LORD."

In this passage, the phrase "turn up your nose" is akin to the act of sniffing disdainfully. The Israelites are criticized for their contemptuous attitude towards the sacrificial system, offering blemished sacrifices and regarding the worship of God as burdensome. This behavior reflects a heart that is not fully devoted to God, showing disrespect for His holiness and commands.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

The act of sniffing, as a metaphor for disdain, highlights the spiritual condition of the people. It underscores a lack of reverence and a failure to honor God as He deserves. This attitude is not merely about the physical act of offering sacrifices but reveals a deeper issue of the heart. The Israelites' dismissive approach to worship signifies a broader spiritual malaise, where the covenant relationship with God is treated with contempt.

From a theological perspective, such behavior is a violation of the First Commandment, which calls for exclusive devotion to God. The dismissive attitude towards God's commands and offerings is indicative of a heart that has turned away from Him, prioritizing self-interest and convenience over obedience and reverence.

Related Concepts

1. Disobedience and Rebellion: The act of sniffing disdainfully can be linked to the broader themes of disobedience and rebellion against God. Throughout the Bible, the Israelites frequently fall into patterns of rebellion, often resulting in divine judgment and calls for repentance.

2. Heart Attitude: The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of the heart's attitude in worship and obedience. External actions, such as sacrifices, are meaningless if not accompanied by a sincere and reverent heart. This principle is echoed in passages like Isaiah 1:11-17 and Micah 6:6-8, where God desires justice, mercy, and humility over mere ritual.

3. Divine Judgment and Mercy: While God judges contemptuous attitudes, He also extends mercy and calls for repentance. The prophetic books often contain messages of hope and restoration for those who turn back to God with genuine hearts.

In summary, the concept of "sniffed" in the biblical context serves as a metaphor for disdain and contempt towards God and His commands. It reflects a deeper spiritual issue of the heart, emphasizing the need for sincere devotion and reverence in the covenant relationship with God.(imp. & p. p.) of Sniff.

A Hint from a Caribou
... Presently the mother caribou raised her head, sniffed the air, and looked
in the direction where the man was hidden behind a stump. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a hint from a caribou.htm

The Angel of Death
... "A wild beast hath taken the road," Kenkenes thought. The horse brought up, with
a start, his prominent muscles twitching, and sniffed the air strongly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xli the angel of.htm

A Memorial Sketch by John Watson (Ian Maclaren)
... nature to be a successful officer of the Salvation Army, it must not be understood
that Drummond was in any sense a superior person, or that he sniffed in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/a memorial sketch by john.htm

A Startling Statement
... The hounds came up to the stream, stopped and sniffed; they had lost the track.
They turned back defeated, and Bruce in time won the day. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a startling statement.htm

The Private Thoughts and Words of Jesus
... Hypotheses and critical doubts we may leave to the dogs that first sniffed them
out; but as for us, we will be as children who eat the bread their Father gives ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the private thoughts and words.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... joy. "The gods sniffed up the odour, the gods sniffed up the excellent odour,
the gods gathered like flies above the offering. "When ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Mongrel Religion
... The people saw the same altars and sniffed the same incense, kept the same holy
days and observed the same carnivals as aforetime, and called everything by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm

The Best of the Best
... the freeness of Christ's grace that it is written, "I am found of them that sought
me not." He sends his sweet perfume into nostrils that never sniffed after it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of the best.htm

Striking Similes
... bloom. The guides sniffed, like chamois, the air [chamois = extremely agile
goat antelope]. The heavens are like a scroll unfurled. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Sniffed (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Sniff. Multi-Version Concordance
Sniffed (1 Occurrence). Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold ...
/s/sniffed.htm - 6k

Sniff (1 Occurrence)
... Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed
at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by ...
/s/sniff.htm - 7k

Tiresome (2 Occurrences)
... Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed
at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by ...
/t/tiresome.htm - 7k

Disdainfully (1 Occurrence)
... Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed
at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by ...
/d/disdainfully.htm - 6k

Contemptuously (4 Occurrences)
... Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed
at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by ...
/c/contemptuously.htm - 7k

Crippled (15 Occurrences)
... Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed
at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by ...
/c/crippled.htm - 11k

Sniffing (1 Occurrence)

/s/sniffing.htm - 7k

Injured (28 Occurrences)
... Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed
at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by ...
/i/injured.htm - 15k

Robbery (18 Occurrences)
... Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed
at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by ...
/r/robbery.htm - 16k

Diseased (39 Occurrences)
... Malachi 1:13 You say also,'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed
at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by ...
/d/diseased.htm - 18k

Sniffed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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