Bible Dictionaries
Nose

Holman Bible Dictionary

Part of the face between the eye and mouth which bears the nostrils and covers the nasal cavity. Jewelry was worn in the nose (Genesis 24:47; Isaiah 3:21; Ezekiel 16:12 ). Prisoners of war were sometimes led captive with hooks in their noses (2 Kings 19:28; Isaiah 37:29 ). The precise significance of placing a vine or branch to one's nose (Ezekiel 8:17 ) is unknown. Suggestions include an act connected with idolatrous worship, a provocative gesture (compare our turning up one's nose), or, if the text is emended, to a stench from the people which reaches God's nose. Cutting off the nose of an adulteress is a penalty known from Assyrian law (Ezekiel 23:25 ,Ezekiel 23:25,23:35 ).

Nostrils are often associated with the breath of life (Genesis 2:7; Genesis 7:22; Job 27:3; Isaiah 2:22 ). The Lord's nostrils pile up the waters, allowing passage through the sea (Exodus 15:8; 2 Samuel 22:16 ) and are associated with judgment (2 Samuel 22:9; Job 41:20; Psalm 18:8; Isaiah 65:5 ).