### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ósphrēsis**, represented by `{{G3750}}`, refers to **smell (the sense)** or the act of smelling. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its significance is derived entirely from its specific context, where it is used as part of a larger metaphor about spiritual unity and diversity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G3750}}` is found in a rhetorical question posed by the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Corinthians, he illustrates the concept of the church as a single body with many different parts, each with a unique function. He asks, "If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the **smelling**?" [[1 Corinthians 12:17]]. This highlights the necessity of every function, even those that might seem less prominent, for the body to be complete.
### Related Words & Concepts
In its sole appearance, `{{G3750}}` is presented alongside other senses to emphasize diversity. The related words in this context are:
* `{{G189}}` **akoḗ**: Meaning **hearing**, it represents another essential function. Paul uses its absence in a hypothetical, all-seeing body to show the absurdity of a church without diverse gifts [[1 Corinthians 12:17]].
* `{{G3788}}` **ophthalmós**: Defined as **the eye**, it is used as the primary example of a single, vital part that cannot constitute the whole body on its own [[1 Corinthians 12:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3750}}` is found exclusively within its metaphorical use in 1 Corinthians.
* **The Body of Christ:** The term is used to illustrate that the church, like a human body, requires a variety of members with different gifts to be whole and functional.
* **Interdependence of Gifts:** By placing the sense of **smelling** alongside sight and hearing, the passage argues that no single spiritual gift is sufficient. The health of the body depends on the mutual cooperation of all its parts.
* **Value of All Members:** The inclusion of **smelling** underscores the idea that every member of the church has a God-given purpose and value, regardless of how prominent or visible their role may be.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3750}}` is a highly specific term whose biblical importance comes from its singular mention. It is not a broad theological concept on its own, but it plays a crucial role in the analogy of the body of Christ in [[1 Corinthians 12:17]]. The word powerfully illustrates that for the church to be complete, it needs the full spectrum of spiritual gifts, just as a body needs all its senses, including the sense of **smell**.
TRV