Genesis 8:21 - Exposition

And the Lord (Jehovah) smelled —as is done by drawing the air in and out through the nostrils; from the root ruach, to breathe; high; to smell— a sweet savor . Reach hannichoach literally, an odor of satisfaction, acquiescence, or rest; from nuach, to rest, with an allusion to Noah's name (vide Genesis 5:29 ); ο ̓ σμη Ì ν ευ ̓ ωδι ì ας ( LXX .); (cf. Le Genesis 2:12 ; Genesis 26:31 ; Numbers 15:3 ; Ezekiel 6:13 ). The meaning is that the sacrifice of the patriarch was as acceptable to God as refreshing odors are to the senses of a man; and that which rendered it acceptable was