Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Overview:Smoking refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or a similar substance. While smoking as a practice is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the principles found in Scripture can be applied to understand a biblical perspective on the matter. Smoking, particularly of tobacco, became widespread in the modern era and is often associated with health risks and addiction.
Biblical Principles Related to Smoking:1.
Stewardship of the Body: The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. In
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , it states, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage suggests that believers are called to honor God with their bodies, which includes making choices that promote health and well-being.
2.
Addiction and Self-Control: Smoking is often associated with addiction, which can be seen as contrary to the biblical call for self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." The Bible encourages believers to exercise self-control and avoid being mastered by anything (
1 Corinthians 6:12).
3.
Impact on Others: The Bible emphasizes love and consideration for others.
Romans 14:13 advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Smoking can have harmful effects on others through secondhand smoke, and believers are encouraged to act in ways that do not harm or hinder others.
4.
Wisdom and Discernment:Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." Applying wisdom and discernment to lifestyle choices, including smoking, is a biblical principle. Understanding the health risks associated with smoking can guide believers in making wise decisions.
5.
Holiness and Purity: The call to holiness is a recurring theme in Scripture.
1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" Engaging in practices that harm the body or lead to addiction may be seen as inconsistent with the pursuit of holiness.
Historical Context and Cultural Considerations:While the Bible does not mention smoking explicitly, the cultural and historical context of biblical times did not include tobacco use as it is known today. Tobacco was introduced to Europe in the late 15th century and became widespread in the centuries that followed. The absence of direct references to smoking in Scripture requires believers to apply biblical principles to modern practices.
Health and Ethical Implications:Modern medical research has established the health risks associated with smoking, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular issues. From a biblical perspective, the ethical implications of knowingly engaging in a harmful practice can be considered in light of the command to love oneself and others.
Conclusion:While smoking is not directly addressed in the Bible, the principles of stewardship, self-control, love for others, wisdom, and holiness provide a framework for evaluating the practice. Believers are encouraged to consider these principles when making decisions about smoking and to seek guidance from Scripture and the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 6:19What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
Topicalbible.org1 Corinthians 10:13
There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Topicalbible.org
1 Corinthians 6:20
For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Topicalbible.org
1 Corinthians 3:17
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
Topicalbible.org
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Smoke.
2. (a. & n.) from Smoke.
Greek
2370. thumiao -- to burn incense... burn incense. From a derivative of thuo (in the sense of
smoking); to fumigate,
ie Offer aromatic fumes -- burn incense. see GREEK thuo.
...Strong's Hebrew
6226. ashen --smoking... 6225, 6226. ashen. 6227 .
smoking. Transliteration: ashen Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-shane') Short Definition:
smoking. Word Origin
...953b. Bor Ashan -- "smoking pit," a place in Judah
Bor Ashan. 953a, 953b. Bor Ashan. 954 . "smoking pit," a place in Judah.
Transliteration: Bor Ashan Short Definition: Bor-ashan....
3544. keheh -- dim, dull, faint
... somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness,smoking. From kahah; feeble, obscure --
somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness,smoking. see HEBREW kahah....
7002. qitter -- incense
... Word Origin from the same as qitor Definition incense NASB Word Usagesmoking
sacrifices (1). incense. From qatar; perfume -- incense. see HEBREW qatar....
6227. ashan -- smoke
... Short Definition: smoke. Word Origin from an unused word Definition smoke
NASB Word Usage smoke (24),smoking (1). smoke. From ashan...
Library
Tobacco.
... A small quantity of tobacco received into the system bysmoking, chewing, or snuffing
is carried through the circulation to the skin, lungs, liver, kidneys...
The Millennium in Relation to Israel.
... "And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold asmoking
furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces....
Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
... 19 He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the
streets.20 A bruised reed shall he not break, andsmoking flax shall he not...
Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of...
... CHRIST THE ARRESTER OF INCIPIENT EVIL AND THE NOURISHER OF INCIPIENT GOOD. 'A bruised
reed shall He not break, and thesmoking flax shall He not quench.......
Strength in the Weak.
... "He is Faithful that Promised." "A bruised reed shall He not break, andsmoking
flax shall He not quench.""Matthew 12:20. Strength in the Weak....
The Story of an Opium Smoker
... village of Southern Springs. He came from a once wealthy clan, now reduced
through opiumsmoking to comparative poverty. He had not...
The Three Fates
... There was a boy opposite me in thesmoking-car who wanted to appear very smart and
manly. He wassmoking a cigar and looking very much traveled....
Temperance and the Teen Age
... Cigarettesmoking is bad for anybody. It harms the growing tissue, dulls the conscience,
stunts the growth, and steals the brainpower of growing boys....
Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... "A bruised reed shall he not break, andsmoking flax shall he not quench,
till he send forth judgment unto victory""Matthew 12:20....
In the Sod Cellar
... John, being not fully warned of the dreadful consequences of using tobacco, and
yet determined to become a man, kept onsmoking until he so accustomed his...
Thesaurus
Smoking (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Smoking (9 Occurrences).
... He won't quench a
smoking flax,
until he leads justice to victory. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT).
...Smoke (98 Occurrences)
... mist. 3. (n.) Anything unsubstantial, as idle talk. 4. (n.) The act ofsmoking,
esp. ofsmoking tobacco; as, to have a smoke. 5. (n...
Smoldering (4 Occurrences)
... Matthew 12:20 a bruised reed he shall not break, andsmoking flax he shall not quench,
till he may put forth judgment to victory, (See NAS RSV NIV)....
Shaking (162 Occurrences)
... Exodus 19:18 And all the mountain of Sinai wassmoking, for the Lord had come down
on it in fire: and the smoke of it went up like the smoke of a great burning...
Flax (11 Occurrences)
... Flax (11 Occurrences). Matthew 12:20 He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench
asmoking flax, until he leads justice to victory. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)...
Rezin (11 Occurrences)
... spirits of the men of Judah, that Isaiah was commissioned by the Lord to assure
them that the schemes of "these two tails ofsmoking firebrands" (Isaiah 7:4...
Furnace (35 Occurrences)
... When it was heated by a fire made within, the dough was spread over the heated surface,
and thus was baked. "Asmoking furnace and a burning lamp" (Genesis 15...
Quench (14 Occurrences)
... Matthew 12:20 He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench asmoking flax, until
he leads justice to victory. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)....
Victory (71 Occurrences)
... Matthew 12:20 He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench asmoking flax, until
he leads justice to victory. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Burning (415 Occurrences)
... Genesis 15:17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark,
behold asmoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces...
Resources
What is the Christian view of smoking? Is smoking a sin? | GotQuestions.orgI am a Christian who is addicted to smoking. How can I quit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.orgSmoking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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