In biblical times, the mutilation of the nose was considered a severe form of punishment and disgrace. The nose, being a prominent feature of the face, symbolized dignity and identity. Its mutilation was often associated with shame and humiliation, serving as a visible mark of one's disgrace or subjugation.

Biblical References

One of the most notable references to the mutilation of the nose is found in the context of ancient Near Eastern practices and the consequences of war. In 2 Samuel 10:4, we read about the humiliation of David's envoys by Hanun, the king of the Ammonites: "So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away." While this passage does not explicitly mention the mutilation of the nose, it reflects the broader cultural practices of disfigurement as a form of humiliation.

In Ezekiel 23:25, the prophet speaks of the judgment upon the adulterous sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem: "I will direct My jealous anger against you, and they will deal with you in fury. They will cut off your noses and ears, and those who remain will fall by the sword. They will seize your sons and daughters, and your survivors will be consumed by fire." This passage explicitly mentions the cutting off of noses as part of the divine judgment and punishment, illustrating the severity of the consequences for their unfaithfulness.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, mutilation of the nose was not only a form of punishment but also a method of marking captives or slaves. It served as a permanent reminder of one's subjugation and loss of freedom. The act of cutting off the nose was intended to strip individuals of their honor and render them socially ostracized.

The practice of mutilating the nose can also be understood within the broader context of bodily mutilation as a form of retribution or control. Such acts were often carried out by conquering armies or rulers to instill fear and assert dominance over the defeated.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mutilation of the nose as described in the Bible underscores the gravity of sin and the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a stark reminder of the shame and dishonor that accompany rebellion against divine commandments. The physical disfigurement reflects the spiritual disfigurement that results from sin, highlighting the need for repentance and restoration.

Furthermore, the biblical references to nose mutilation emphasize the importance of maintaining one's dignity and identity in accordance with God's design. The restoration of honor and wholeness is a recurring theme in Scripture, pointing to the ultimate redemption and healing found in Christ.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide extensive details on the practice of nose mutilation, the references that do exist offer insight into the cultural, historical, and theological dimensions of this severe form of punishment. The mutilation of the nose serves as a powerful symbol of disgrace and the consequences of sin, reminding believers of the importance of faithfulness and the hope of restoration through God's grace.Ezekiel 23:25
And I will set my jealousy against you, and they shall deal furiously with you: they shall take away your nose and your ears; and your remnant shall fall by the sword: they shall take your sons and your daughters; and your residue shall be devoured by the fire.
Nave's Topical Index

Of the Outer Limbs of Man, and their Use.
... did God contrive these also, so that the very cavity of the nose should not ... grace
only, that the breast might not appear misshapen, and, as it were, mutilated. ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap x of the outer limbs.htm

Chrysostom -- Excessive Grief at the Death of Friends
... a limb of a deceased one; he saw a hand still holding a cup, and another right hand
placed on the table, and the mutilated form of a body, the nose torn away ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/chrysostom excessive grief at.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... The statue is mutilated: the end of the nose, the beard, and part of the
tray have disappeared, but are restored in the illustration. ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Israelites
... Thick and fleshy lips, arched nose, black hair and eyes, and white complexion ... A
mutilated inscription of Meneptah tells us how the tents of the invaders had ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... of the evening, all males generate, the females conceive, every nose inhales the ...
parts, yet the whole is full of movement, and, although mutilated, gives us ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... Next one!" And the mutilated victim, his back covered with blood, was lifted up
and ... as a trained tiger, who does not eat meat put under his nose, and jumps ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... The text is so mutilated that it is impossible to give a literal rendering of it ...
rare among the Pharaohs of the best period: the thin and straight nose is well ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The First Theban Empire
... handed them over to the goldsmiths to be made into bracelets, ear, nose, or finger ...
inscription in which he gives an account of them is so mutilated, that we ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Acts xvii. 16, 17
... also related, that when a very little child, he had an affection in the nose, which
they ... I should rather think the passage either mutilated or corrupt." Ben. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxviii acts xvii 16.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... The story of the mutilated convicts is to be found in Diodorus Siculus, as ... The forehead
is rather low and retreating, while the nose has a distinctly aquiline ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

What does the Bible say about nose rings / getting a nose ring? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about body piercings? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about a Christian having plastic / cosmetic surgery? | GotQuestions.org

Nose: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus