"fragrance" (eu, "well," ozo, "to smell"), is used metaphorically (a) of those who in the testimony of the gospel are to God "a sweet savor of Christ," 2 Corinthians 2:15; (b) of the giving up of His life by Christ for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor (osme, see No. 2) of "a sweet smell," Ephesians 5:2 , RV [AV, "a sweet smelling (savor)"]: (c) of material assistance sent to Paul from the church at Philippi "(an odor) of a sweet smell," Philippians 4:18 . In all three instances the fragrance is that which ascends to God through the person, and as a result of the sacrifice, of Christ.
"a smell, odor" (from ozo, "to smell;" Eng., "ozone"), is translated "odor" in John 12:3; it is used elsewhere in connection with No. 1, in the three passages mentioned, as of an odor accompanying an acceptable sacrifice; in 2 Corinthians 2:14,16 (twice), of the "savor" of the knowledge of Christ through Gospel testimony, in the case of the perishing "a savor from death unto death," as of that which arises from what is dead (the spiritual condition of the unregenerate); in the case of the saved "a savor from life unto life," as from that which arises from what is instinct with life (the spiritual condition of the regenerate): in Ephesians 5:2 , "a (sweetsmelling) savor;" in Philippians 4:18 , "an odor (of a sweet smell);" cp. No. 1. See ODOR.
primarily, "to be foolish," is used of salt that has lost its "savor," Matthew 5:13; Luke 14:34 . See FOOLISH , B, No. 1.
Note: In the AV of Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33 , phroneo, "to think, to mind," is translated "thou savorest" (RV, "thou mindest").