### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rêyach**, represented by `{{H7381}}`, refers to an **odor**, **savour**, **scent**, or **smell**. Derived from a root meaning to blow `{{H7306}}`, it evokes the idea of an aroma being carried. It appears **58 times** across **55 unique verses** in the Bible, encompassing everything from the aroma of a sacrifice to the fragrance of nature and the figurative scent of a person's reputation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7381}}` is used in several key contexts. Its most prominent use is for the "sweet **savour**" of an offering made by fire `{{H801}}`, signifying God's acceptance. After the flood, the LORD smelled a sweet **savour** from Noah's sacrifice and pledged never again to curse the ground [[Genesis 8:21]]. This concept becomes central to the sacrificial system, where offerings are intended to create a sweet **savour** that makes atonement for sin [[Leviticus 4:31]]. Beyond the altar, the word describes the natural **smell** of a field [[Genesis 27:27]], the fragrance of garments [[Song of Solomon 4:11]], and even a person's reputation, which could be made to be abhorred [[Exodus 5:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the contexts in which **rêyach** appears:
* `{{H5207}}` **nîychôwach** (sweet (odour)): This adjective, meaning restful or pleasant, is frequently paired with `{{H7381}}` in sacrificial law to describe the **savour** that is acceptable to God [[Genesis 8:21]].
* `{{H5930}}` **ʻôlâh** (burnt offering): This refers to a holocaust, an offering that ascends in smoke. The purpose of many a burnt **offering** was to create a sweet **savour** for the LORD [[Exodus 29:18]].
* `{{H6999}}` **qâṭar** (to burn incense, sacrifice): This verb describes the action of turning an offering into fragrant smoke. Priests were instructed to **burn** offerings on the altar to produce this pleasing **savour** [[Leviticus 1:9]].
* `{{H887}}` **bâʼash** (to smell bad; to be abhorred): Providing a direct contrast, this word is used when the Israelites' **savour** was made **to be abhorred** in the sight of Pharaoh, signifying a repulsive reputation [[Exodus 5:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7381}}` is significant, often linking the physical sense of smell to spiritual truths.
* **Divine Acceptance and Atonement:** The "sweet **savour**" of an offering is a tangible sign of God's acceptance. This aroma is linked directly to making **an atonement** and receiving forgiveness [[Leviticus 4:31]]. Conversely, God's refusal to **smell** the **savour** of offerings signifies judgment and the rejection of worship [[Leviticus 26:31]].
* **The Aroma of Worship:** Whether offered correctly to God or illicitly to idols, the **savour** represents the essence of worship ascending to the divine. The law details the elements required to create an acceptable **savour** [[Numbers 15:3]], while the prophets condemn the "sweet **savour**" offered to idols [[Ezekiel 6:13]].
* **Metaphor for Identity and State:** The **scent** of a person or nation can serve as a metaphor for their character and condition. Moab is described as a nation whose **scent** has not changed, indicating its long-standing complacency [[Jeremiah 48:11]]. In contrast, God promises to restore Israel so that its **smell** will be as glorious as Lebanon [[Hosea 14:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7381}}` moves beyond the simple sense of **smell** to carry significant theological weight. It serves as a physical indicator of a spiritual reality, primarily whether an act of worship is received with divine pleasure or displeasure. From the acceptable sacrifices on the altar of the LORD to the scent of nature and the figurative **savour** of a nation's reputation, **rêyach** connects the tangible world of aromas to the profound concepts of atonement, divine favor, and spiritual identity.
TRV