### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **osmḗ**, represented by `{{G3744}}`, means fragrance, odour, or savour, used in both a literal and figurative sense. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses**, carrying significant theological weight beyond its simple definition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3744}}` has both a literal and a metaphorical application. Literally, it describes the physical scent that filled a room when Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly ointment; the house "was filled with the **odour** of the ointment" [[John 12:3]]. Figuratively, the term is used to represent the spiritual impact and acceptability of actions or messages. The apostles manifest "the **savour** of his knowledge" in every place [[2 Corinthians 2:14]]. This spiritual **savour** has a dual effect, becoming a **savour** of life for some and a **savour** of death for others [[2 Corinthians 2:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the context in which `{{G3744}}` is used:
* `{{G2175}}` **euōdía** (good-scentedness, i.e. fragrance): This word is often paired directly with `{{G3744}}` to describe a pleasing aroma, such as Christ’s sacrifice being a "sweetsmelling **savour**" [[Ephesians 5:2]].
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): The concept of a pleasing odour is frequently connected to a **sacrifice**. A gift from believers is called an "odour of a sweet smell, a **sacrifice** acceptable" [[Philippians 4:18]].
* `{{G4376}}` **prosphorá** (presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice): This term for an **offering** is also linked to a pleasing aroma, as seen in Christ giving himself as an "**offering** and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour" [[Ephesians 5:2]].
* `{{G3464}}` **mýron** (perfumed oil): The literal use of `{{G3744}}` is directly tied to this word, where the "odour" is produced by the costly **ointment** [[John 12:3]].
* `{{G2101}}` **euárestos** (fully agreeable): This describes the result of a pleasing spiritual "odour," such as a sacrifice that is **wellpleasing** to God [[Philippians 4:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3744}}` is primarily centered on the concept of acceptable sacrifice and spiritual influence.
* **Aroma of Sacrifice:** The term elevates an act of giving into something spiritually pleasing to God. Christ’s death is the ultimate example, presented as an **offering** and **sacrifice** with a "sweetsmelling **savour**" [[Ephesians 5:2]]. Similarly, the generosity of the Philippian church is described as an **odour** and a sacrifice that is **wellpleasing** to God [[Philippians 4:18]].
* **Aroma of Knowledge:** The word is used to metaphorically describe the spreading of God's knowledge through believers. Paul states that God "maketh manifest the **savour** of his knowledge by us in every place" [[2 Corinthians 2:14]].
* **Aroma of Life and Death:** The gospel message, represented as a **savour**, has a dividing effect. To those being saved, it is a "**savour** of life unto life," but to those who are perishing, it becomes a "**savour** of death unto death" [[2 Corinthians 2:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3744}}` moves from a simple, literal description of a fragrance to a profound metaphor. It illustrates how the sacrifice of Christ, the generosity of believers, and the proclamation of the gospel are perceived in the spiritual realm. The word captures the idea that our actions and witness emit a spiritual **savour** that is either a pleasing offering to God or a scent that signifies life or death to those who encounter it.
TRV