Nose; Nostrils
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Nose; Nostrils in the Bible?
The Hebrew term 'aph' literally translates to nose or nostrils and functions as a metonym for breath, anger, and the spirit of God. It appears in biblical texts to describe physiological processes, emotional states such as wrath, and theological concepts regarding divine presence and life force.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding 'aph' clarifies how ancient Israelite authors linked physical anatomy with emotional intensity and divine interaction, revealing that expressions of anger or divine breath were conceptualized through the physical act of breathing and nasal function.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Nose; Nostrils in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.