In biblical terminology, the concept of "savors" often refers to the aroma or fragrance that is pleasing or displeasing, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. The term is used to describe the sensory experience of smell, which can carry significant spiritual and symbolic meanings throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the idea of savor is frequently associated with sacrifices and offerings made to God. The aroma of these offerings is described as a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord. For instance, in Genesis 8:21 , after Noah offers burnt offerings following the flood, it is written, "When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.'"

The Levitical laws also emphasize the importance of offerings having a pleasing aroma. In Leviticus 1:9 , regarding burnt offerings, it states, "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." This repeated phrase underscores the significance of offerings being acceptable and delightful to God, symbolizing the worshiper's devotion and obedience.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of savor extends beyond physical offerings to encompass the spiritual life and witness of believers. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 , the Apostle Paul writes, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."

Here, the "sweet aroma of Christ" signifies the influence and testimony of Christians in the world. Believers are called to embody the character and message of Christ, which is perceived as a pleasing fragrance to God and a witness to others.

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications

The notion of savor in the Bible often carries deeper symbolic meanings. A pleasing aroma is associated with acceptance, favor, and divine approval. Conversely, a foul or displeasing odor can symbolize sin, rebellion, and rejection. In Isaiah 65:5 , God expresses His displeasure with hypocritical worship, saying, "They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ These are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long."

The spiritual life of a believer, therefore, is likened to a fragrance that can either attract or repel, depending on one's faithfulness and alignment with God's will. The call to be a "sweet aroma" is an exhortation to live a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by righteousness, love, and truth.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to consider how their lives emit a spiritual fragrance. This involves self-examination, repentance, and a commitment to living in accordance with God's Word. The metaphor of savor challenges believers to reflect on their influence in the world and their relationship with God, striving to be a pleasing aroma in every aspect of life.

Toilet.
... Avoid in your toilet all that savors of frivolity, which betray a desire to attract
attention; but above all; avoid every thing that might in the least wound ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xv toilet.htm

Whether a Man's Excellence is the Cause of his Being Angry?
... Therefore defect rather than excellence is a cause of a man being angry. Objection
3: Further, whatever savors of excellence makes a man agreeable and hopeful. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a mans excellence is.htm

Whether Temperance is About the Pleasures Proper to the Taste?
... Now delicacy seems to regard the delight taken in savors which are the object of
the taste. Therefore temperance is about pleasures proper to the taste. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether temperance is about the.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... Though, in the hand of angels, the stream savors not of the imperfection of sinners,
yet it does of the imperfection of creatures; and as it comes from man, it ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... all" flesh "to you." The reason for this was that the eating of the products of
the soil savors rather of a simple life; whereas the eating of flesh savors of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Entire Sanctification
... stagger at the term perfection in Christianity; because they think that what is
implied in it is inconsistent with a state of probation, and savors of pride ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clarke/entire sanctification/entire sanctification.htm

Rejection of Errors
... For this savors of the teaching of Pelagius, and is opposed to the doctrine of the
apostle when he writes: "All of us also lived among them at one time ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/rejection of errors.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by James and Jude.
... to observe the outward law. His epistle is like Matthew's gospel, and savors
strongly of the Sermon on the Mount. As a bishop and ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter x entire sanctification as.htm

Synod's Un-Lutheran Attitude Continued.
... unionistic and Reformed spirit everywhere. A form of Baptism savors of
Pelagianism and Rationalism. The Agenda does not contain ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/synods un-lutheran attitude continued.htm

Who Teach: that in the Election unto Faith this Condition is ...
... For this savors of the teaching of Pelagius, and is opposed to the doctrine of the
apostle when he writes: Among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our ...
/.../various/the canons of dordt/paragraph 4 who teach that.htm

Savors (1 Occurrence)
...Savors (1 Occurrence). Ezra 6:10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savors
to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. (WBS). ...
/s/savors.htm - 6k

Savory (7 Occurrences)

/s/savory.htm - 8k

Tasting (9 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Taste. 2. (n.) The act of perceiving or tasting by the organs of taste;
the faculty or sense by which we perceive or distinguish savors. ...
/t/tasting.htm - 9k

Savorest (2 Occurrences)

/s/savorest.htm - 7k

Spotted (9 Occurrences)
... The "garment spotted (verb, spiloomai) by the flesh" of Jude 1:23 is, as Calvin
has para-phrased it, anything that in any way savors of sin or temptation. ...
/s/spotted.htm - 12k

Spot (42 Occurrences)
... The "garment spotted (verb, spiloomai) by the flesh" of Jude 1:23 is, as Calvin
has para-phrased it, anything that in any way savors of sin or temptation. ...
/s/spot.htm - 24k

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