Bible Dictionary
SNEEZE
To sneeze is to forcefully expel air through the nose. Scripture records the child’s repeated sneezing when restored to life, while a related expression describes the flashing snorts of Leviathan.
Definition
To sneeze is to forcefully expel air through the nose. Scripture records sneezing in the account of a child restored to life, while a related expression describes the snorting of Leviathan.
Biblical Usage
The child sneezed seven times before opening his eyes in the account of restoration to life. In the description of Leviathan, the term is better understood as snorting that flashes forth light.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>snez (zorer, Pho`el-form zarar): "The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes" (2Ki 4:35). "Sneezing," better "snorting," is found in the description of Leviathan (the crocodile): "His sneezings (`atsishah) flash forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning" (Job 41:18 (Hebrew 10)).</p><p>See NEESING.</p>