A liar is “loathsome” (acts disgustingly NASB) (887). This literally has the idea of being a little stinker. There are places in the Bible where I wish the translators would allow the literal meaning to stand. There are some word pictures that could burn the image into our hearts much better than modern equivalents. For instance the NASB marginal note points out that the literal meaning is “causes a bad odor.”
This is a picture that is used throughout the Bible. A word search for the words “sweet savour” in the KJV brings up 88 hits, all but one in the Old Testament. It is tied to the sacrifices offered up to God. It is used once in the New Testament. Let me give you that in its context.
(2 Corinthians 2:14-16 KJV) Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?God’s people also have a smell but it is now defined as the smell of life.
So? What is your aroma? Are you the smell of death or life?
3 comments:
The post title was too catchy to not see what you were writing about :) It's a funny but true way of looking at ones life. There are definitely some stinky people out there. Even if they literally smell good, they are of no use or good to be around. Then there are the ones who may literally stink, but the Spirit is pouring out of them. Thanks for this post.
Isn't it strange how man tries to "sanitize" God's book?
Manturity, you generate all kinds of new ideas on this. One of the great things about the internet is how we can stimulate each other's thinking.
Grace and peace.
Gorges, I never thought of the NLT as being sanitized. I like that image. I will try to steal it and use it. Or was it mine to start with? I am confused.
Grace and peace
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