osme denotes a scent, used literally of ointment's fragrance and figuratively in descriptions of knowledge, sacrifice, and gifts.

The term most often occurs in figurative descriptions of knowledge being made known and of offerings or gifts pleasing to God; John 12:3 shows its concrete use for the fragrance that filled a house from ointment.

1. Figurative scent in knowledge and offerings · dominant

   In 2 Corinthians 2:14, the accusative singular form occurs in the clause about God revealing knowledge in every place; the APB renders this as revealing “the aroma of the knowledge of him.” In 2 Corinthians 2:16, the nominative singular form is described in the paired relations “from death to death” and “from life to life,” while Ephesians 5:2 and Philippians 4:18 place the accusative form in descriptions of a sacrifice or gifts offered to God.

   2 Corinthians 2:142 Corinthians 2:16Ephesians 5:2Philippians 4:18
2. Fragrance from ointment · rare

   In John 12:3, the genitive singular form occurs with ointment after Mary anoints Jesus' feet, and the house is said to be filled with its fragrance. The APB renders the result as “the fragrance of the ointment.”

   John 12:3

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “aroma” in the Corinthians and Philippians clauses and “fragrance” for the ointment in John 12:3 and the offering in Ephesians 5:2. These renderings confirm the verses' scent imagery rather than establish separate lexical meanings.