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Nose, Nostrils

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

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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.