the Fifth Week of Lent
free while helping to build churches and support pastors in Uganda.
Click here to learn more!
Bible Dictionaries
Nose, Nostrils
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
or NOSE, NOSTRILS ( ’aph is the usual word; nÄ›ch îrîm only in Job 41:20; nachar in Job 39:20 , AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘nostrils,’ RV [Note: Revised Version.] , correctly, ‘snorting’). To have a flat, or more probably ‘slit’ nose ( Leviticus 21:16 ), disqualified a man for the making of offerings. The nose is the organ of the breath by which men live ( Genesis 2:7 etc.). The breath is easily stopped or expelled, hence the fact signifies the transiency of human life ( Isaiah 2:22 ). Excited breathing, with distention of the nostrils when moved by indignation, led to the nose being used fig. for anger ( Genesis 27:45 , and very often), Ezekiel 8:17 refers to the custom of putting a twig to the nose, apparently in idolatrous worship, the significance of which is now obscure. For ‘nose-ring,’ see Ornaments, § 2 .
W. Ewing.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Nose, Nostrils'. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdb/n/nose-nostrils.html. 1909.
