In religious symbolism, the question "what does God smell like" can be understood not literally, but as an invitation to reflect on spiritual presence and the divine essence expressed through the imagery of scent.

Divine Scent: A Metaphor for Spiritual Presence

In religious symbolism, the question "what does God smell like" can be understood not literally, but as an invitation to reflect on spiritual presence and the divine essence expressed through the imagery of scent. Here, scent becomes a metaphor symbolizing the quality of spiritual life and the perception of God. Thus, the aroma associated with the divine can represent the purity of the heart, the knowledge of God, spiritual transformation, and entry into the Kingdom of Heaven.

For example, one source explains in detail that all physical scents are images of spiritual reality, where the scent of the soul reflects the ultimate outcome of our spiritual vision. It states:
"All physical scents are images and symbols of spiritual reality. Spiritual scents emanate from bodiless spirits and depend on their quality, on the fabric of their good or evil thoughts and feelings." (source: link txt)

Thus, the question "what does God smell like?

" can be interpreted as a metaphorical description of how divine presence might be expressed—the fragrance of knowledge, love, sanctity, and spiritual life. This fragrance is inseparably linked to how a person perceives and embodies God within their soul, becoming the "fragrance of life" if their vision is directed toward God, or conversely, emanating the "scent of death" if one turns away from the spiritual path.