רֵיחַ

The Hebrew noun *reakh* broadly refers to a smell or odor. Its semantic range extends from pleasant aromas, such as incense and offerings, to foul stenches connected with decay or divine displeasure. The word is often found in cultic contexts, particularly in the Pentateuch, where it describes the “sweet savor” of sacrifices acceptable to the Lord. This “sweet savor” signifies God's gracious acceptance of the offering and, by extension, the worshipper. It indicates a favorable disposition from God toward His people and their worship, suggesting an atmosphere of peace and communion.

Beyond the sacrificial system, *reakh* can describe natural, pleasant scents, such as the smell of fields or garments, as seen in the blessings of Isaac upon Jacob. Conversely, it can also denote an abhorrent smell, reflecting disgust or judgment, which is far from being a "sweet savor" in God's nostrils. The flexibility of its meaning underscores the spectrum of human and divine perception regarding odors, from delight to revulsion.

In theological usage, especially concerning sacrifices, *reakh* is not merely a physical sensation but a metaphorical expression of God's emotional response. A "sweet savor" suggests propitiation and satisfaction, indicating that the offering has achieved its purpose of reconciliation or worship. This contrasts sharply with offerings that produce an offensive odor, which would symbolize God's rejection or condemnation. The concept of *reakh* thus becomes a powerful idiom for the presence or absence of divine favor and blessing. It is found 56 times in the Hebrew Bible.