Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "snuff" primarily refers to the practice of trimming the wicks of lamps or candles to maintain a steady and bright flame. This practice is mentioned in the context of the Tabernacle and Temple services, where maintaining the lamps was a significant aspect of the priestly duties.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 25:38 : "The wick trimmers and their trays must be of pure gold." This verse is part of the instructions given to Moses regarding the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle. The wick trimmers, or snuffers, were tools used by the priests to trim the wicks of the lamps on the golden lampstand (Menorah) to ensure they burned brightly and efficiently. The use of pure gold for these instruments underscores the sanctity and importance of the Tabernacle's furnishings. 2. Exodus 37:23 : "He also made its seven lamps, its wick trimmers, and trays of pure gold." This passage describes the craftsmanship of Bezalel, who was divinely inspired to create the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The inclusion of wick trimmers in the list of items made of pure gold highlights their role in the daily maintenance of the sacred space. 3. Leviticus 24:2-4 : "Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. Outside the veil of the testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning continually. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come." Although the term "snuff" is not explicitly mentioned, the tending of the lamps would have included the trimming of wicks to ensure a continuous and clear light, symbolizing the perpetual presence of God among His people. Symbolic Significance: The act of snuffing or trimming the wicks holds symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. The light of the lamps in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple represented the presence and guidance of God. By keeping the lamps burning brightly, the priests were fulfilling their duty to maintain the spiritual illumination and purity required in the worship of God. The process of trimming the wicks can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance and the need to remove anything that might hinder one's relationship with God. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, oil lamps were a primary source of light, and the maintenance of these lamps was a common household task. The biblical emphasis on the use of pure olive oil and the meticulous care of the lamps in the Tabernacle reflects the broader cultural practices of the time, while also elevating them to a sacred duty within the context of Israelite worship. The use of snuffers made of pure gold further illustrates the importance of the priestly role in maintaining the sanctity and order of the worship space. This attention to detail and the use of precious materials underscore the reverence and honor due to God in all aspects of worship. In summary, the concept of snuffing in the Bible, while seemingly mundane, carries deep spiritual and symbolic meaning, reflecting the broader themes of light, purity, and divine presence that permeate the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The part of a candle wick charred by the flame, whether burning or not.2. (v. t.) To crop the snuff of, as a candle; to take off the end of the snuff of. 3. (v. i.) To draw in, or to inhale, forcibly through the nose; to sniff. 4. (v. i.) To perceive by the nose; to scent; to smell. 5. (v. i.) To inhale air through the nose with violence or with noise, as do dogs and horses. 6. (v. i.) To turn up the nose and inhale air, as an expression of contempt; hence, to take offense. 7. (n.) The act of snuffing; perception by snuffing; a sniff. 8. (n.) Pulverized tobacco, etc., prepared to be taken into the nose; also, the amount taken at once. 9. (n.) Resentment, displeasure, or contempt, expressed by a snuffing of the nose. Greek 2885. kosmeo -- to order, arrange ... adorn, garnish, trim. From kosmos; to put in proper order, ie Decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick) -- adorn, garnish, trim. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2885.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 4289. machtah -- a fireholder, censer, snuff dish... 4288, 4289. machtah. 4290 . a fireholder, censer, snuff dish. Transliteration: machtah Phonetic Spelling: (makh-taw') Short Definition: firepans. ... /hebrew/4289.htm - 6k 5301. naphach -- to breathe, blow 7602. sha'aph -- to gasp, pant, pant after, long for Library To the Rev. A. Brandram Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences. The Church of Christ Napoleon Bonaparte. The Power of the Holy Ghost Degrees of Sin Private Property and the Common Good The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People The Life of Mr. William Vetch. Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification Thesaurus Snuff (6 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To crop the snuff of, as a candle; to take off the end of the snuff of. ... Multi-Version Concordance Snuff (6 Occurrences). ... /s/snuff.htm - 8k Snuff-trays (3 Occurrences) Snuff-dishes (3 Occurrences) Snuffers (8 Occurrences) Trimmers (8 Occurrences) Dishes (18 Occurrences) Snuffdishes (3 Occurrences) Wick (10 Occurrences) Firepan (2 Occurrences) Dipping (4 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “a bruised reed He will not break” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.org Snuff: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Snuff (6 Occurrences)Matthew 12:20 Exodus 25:38 Exodus 37:23 Numbers 4:9 Isaiah 42:3 Jeremiah 14:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |