In biblical terminology, the term "snuffed" is often associated with the extinguishing or putting out of a flame or light. This imagery is used metaphorically in Scripture to convey the cessation of life, the end of a period of influence, or the removal of something that was once vibrant or active.

Old Testament Usage

The concept of snuffing out a light is found in the Old Testament, where it is often used to describe the end of life or the removal of divine favor. In Job 18:5-6 , Bildad the Shuhite speaks of the wicked, saying, "Indeed, the light of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out." Here, the extinguishing of light symbolizes the downfall and judgment of the wicked.

In the context of the tabernacle and temple, the priests were instructed to maintain the lamps continually, ensuring they were never snuffed out. This is seen in Exodus 27:20-21 , where the Israelites are commanded to bring pure oil for the light, "to keep the lamps burning continually." The perpetual light symbolized God's eternal presence and guidance among His people.

New Testament Usage

While the specific term "snuffed" is not directly used in the New Testament, the concept of extinguishing is present. In Matthew 25:8 , in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the foolish virgins say to the wise, "Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out." This parable emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and vigilance, as the extinguishing of the lamps represents a lack of preparedness for the coming of the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ.

Theological Implications

The imagery of snuffing out a light carries significant theological implications. It serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and the consequences of turning away from God. The extinguishing of a lamp or light is often associated with divine judgment and the removal of God's presence or blessing.

In a broader sense, the concept of being "snuffed out" can also relate to the brevity and fragility of human life. James 4:14 reminds believers, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This serves as a call to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing the transient nature of earthly existence.

Practical Application

For believers, the imagery of snuffing out a light serves as a reminder to remain vigilant in faith and to keep the flame of devotion burning brightly. It encourages a life of holiness, continual prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to sustain one's spiritual light. The call to be a "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14) underscores the responsibility of Christians to reflect Christ's light in a darkened world, ensuring that their witness is not snuffed out by sin or neglect.

In summary, the biblical concept of "snuffed" serves as a powerful metaphor for the end of life, the removal of divine favor, and the importance of spiritual vigilance. It calls believers to maintain their spiritual fervor and to live in a manner that honors God, ensuring that their light shines brightly for His glory.(imp. & p. p.) of Snuff.

Limitations.
... rose. It can even defy death. Medical skill holds the life here that otherwise
would have been snuffed out. Great buildings go up. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks with world winners/limitations.htm

Care of the Speaker's Throat
... prove efficacious. Nothing should be snuffed up the nose except under the
direction of a physician, lest it cause deafness. Many ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/care of the speakers throat.htm

Model Speeches
... "Already has the age caught the spirit of our institutions. It has already
ascended the Andes, and snuffed the breezes of both oceans. ...
/.../kleiser/successful methods of public speaking/study of model speeches.htm

The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands
... very well; they were judged insufficient for the purpose; for Andrew said, "What
are they among so many?" The boy's candle seemed to be quite snuffed out: so ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the lads loaves in the.htm

Christ Manifesting Himself to his People
... If I have not gone within an inch of the pearly gates I am not here; if I have not
sometimes snuffed the incense from the censers of the glorified and heard ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christ manifesting himself to his.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... The wild asses did stand in the forests; they snuffed up the wind like a dragon;
their eyes did fail, because there was no grass." [1154] Moreover, ye have ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

"My Times are in Thy Hand"
... They say, "He has made a great mistake: he is an old bigot; he has snuffed himself
out." This is easier said than done. The candle shines still. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/my times are in thy.htm

Christ About his Father's Business
... "Stand aside! "they say. But brethren, do not mind about that. If you cannot
bear to be huffed and snuffed, there is little good in you. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christ about his fathers business.htm

Herod and Peter.
... people. Elevated upon his throne, the puny wretch snuffed up, with
self-complacency, the incense offered by his worshippers. "But ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm

The Church of Christ
... I know what it is with some of you; you shined brightly once, but your candle
has not been snuffed lately, and so it does not shine so well. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the church of christ.htm

Snuffed (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Snuffed (8 Occurrences). ... Proverbs 13:9 The light of the
righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. ...
/s/snuffed.htm - 8k

Snuffers (8 Occurrences)

/s/snuffers.htm - 11k

Lamp (45 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked
is snuffed out. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/lamp.htm - 28k

Elihu (11 Occurrences)
... The friends, however, have exhausted their resources, and through three discourses
have been silent, as it were, snuffed out of existence. ...
/e/elihu.htm - 15k

Dragons (17 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 14:6 And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the
wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass. ...
/d/dragons.htm - 11k

Brightly (4 Occurrences)
... high, (WEY). Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but
the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. (WEB NIV). Jeremiah ...
/b/brightly.htm - 7k

Shines (15 Occurrences)
... day. (WEB NAS RSV). Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. (WEB NIV). ...
/s/shines.htm - 10k

Snuff-dishes (3 Occurrences)
Snuff-dishes. Snuffdishes, Snuff-dishes. Snuffed . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Snuffdishes, Snuff-dishes. Snuffed . Reference Bible.
/s/snuff-dishes.htm - 7k

Snuff (6 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 14:6 And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the
wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass. ...
/s/snuff.htm - 8k

Failed (58 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Jeremiah 14:6 And the wild asses stood in the high places, they snuffed up
the wind like dragons; their eyes failed, because there was no grass. (WBS). ...
/f/failed.htm - 23k

What is the divine spark? | GotQuestions.org

Snuffed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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