2 Corinthians 2:16 - Triumph in Christ (2024)

Audio Crossref Comment Greek

Verse (Click for Chapter)

New International Version
To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?New Living Translation
To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?English Standard Version
to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?Berean Standard Bible
To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?Berean Literal Bible
to one indeed an odor from death to death, and to the other a fragrance from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?King James Bible
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?New King James Version
To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?New American Standard Bible
to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?NASB 1995
to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?NASB 1977
to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?Legacy Standard Bible
to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?Amplified Bible
to the latter one an aroma from death to death [a fatal, offensive odor], but to the other an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is adequate and sufficiently qualified for these things?Christian Standard Bible
To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things?Holman Christian Standard Bible
To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. And who is competent for this? American Standard Version
to the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?English Revised Version
to the one a savour from death unto death; to the other a savour from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?GOD'S WORD® Translation
To some people we are a deadly fragrance, while to others we are a life-giving fragrance. Who is qualified to tell about Christ?Good News Translation
For those who are being lost, it is a deadly stench that kills; but for those who are being saved, it is a fragrance that brings life. Who, then, is capable for such a task? International Standard Version
To some people we are a deadly fragrance, while to others we are a living fragrance. Who is qualified for this? Majority Standard Bible
To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?NET Bible
to the latter an odor from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?New Heart English Bible
to the one a stench from death to death; to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?Webster's Bible Translation
To the one we are the savor of death to death; and to the other the savor of life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?Weymouth New Testament
to the last-named an odor of death predictive of death, and to the others an odor of life predictive of life. And for such service as this who is competent?World English Bible
to the one a stench from death to death, to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
to one, indeed, a fragrance of death to death, and to the other, a fragrance of life to life; and who is sufficient for these things?Berean Literal Bible
to one indeed an odor from death to death, and to the other a fragrance from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?Young's Literal Translation
to the one, indeed, a fragrance of death to death, and to the other, a fragrance of life to life; and for these things who is sufficient?Smith's Literal Translation
Truly to those an odor of death into death; and to those an odor of life into life. And who sufficient for these things?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
To the one indeed the odour of death unto death: but to the others the odour of life unto life. And for these things who is so sufficient? Catholic Public Domain Version
To the one, certainly, the fragrance is of death unto death. But to the other, the fragrance is of life unto life. And concerning these things, who is so suitable?New American Bible
to the latter an odor of death that leads to death, to the former an odor of life that leads to life. Who is qualified for this?New Revised Standard Version
to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
To the one the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is worthy of these things?Aramaic Bible in Plain English
To the latter, the stench of death for death, and to the former, the fragrance of The Life for life. And who shall be worthy for these things?

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
to the one, we are the odor of death ending in death; to the other, the odor of life ending in life: and who is sufficient for these things?Godbey New Testament
unto the latter a savour from death unto death; but unto the former a savour from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?Haweis New Testament
To the one we are the odour of death unto death, to the other the odour of life unto life: and who is sufficient for these things?Mace New Testament
by the one my preaching is taken as a deadly poison, to the other it is a reviving potion, and who is so sufficient for such a commission?Weymouth New Testament
to the last-named an odor of death predictive of death, and to the others an odor of life predictive of life. And for such service as this who is competent?Worrell New Testament
to the one class a savor of death unto death, and to the other a savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?Worsley New Testament
to these indeed we are an odor of death to death; to those an odor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Triumph in Christ
15For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task? 17For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.…

Cross References

Isaiah 8:14-15
And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. / Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.”1 Peter 2:7-8
To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.Romans 9:33
as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.John 3:19-21
And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”1 Corinthians 1:23-24
but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.1 Peter 2:6
For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.Luke 2:34
Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,John 9:39
Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.”Matthew 21:42-44
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? / Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. / He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”Romans 11:7-10
What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, / as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” / And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. ...1 John 5:10-12
Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him; whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given about His Son. / And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. / Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.John 12:46-48
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. / As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. / There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Treasury of Scripture

To the one we are the smell of death to death; and to the other the smell of life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

the savour of death.

Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

Acts 13:45-47 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming…

who.

2 Corinthians 3:5,6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; …

2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

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Adequate Aroma Competent Death Enough Equal Fragrance Indeed Life Odor Odour Others Perfume Savor Savour Service Smell Stench Sufficient Sweet Task

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Adequate Aroma Competent Death Enough Equal Fragrance Indeed Life Odor Odour Others Perfume Savor Savour Service Smell Stench Sufficient Sweet Task

2 Corinthians 2

1. Having shown the reason why he came not to them,
6. he requires them to forgive and to comfort that excommunicated person,
10. even as he himself upon true repentance had forgiven him;
12. declaring why he departed from Troas to Macedonia,
14. and the happy success which God gave to his preaching in all places.

Berean Study Bible

To the one
This phrase introduces a dichotomy, a common rhetorical device used by Paul to contrast two groups or outcomes. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the differing responses to the message of the Gospel. The Greek word "ἑνί" (heni) implies a singular focus, indicating that the message of Christ is perceived differently by distinct groups of people.

an odor of death and demise
The imagery of "odor" or "fragrance" is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the time, where incense and sacrifices were common. The Greek word "ὀσμή" (osmē) refers to a smell or scent, which in this context is associated with death. This reflects the reaction of those who reject the Gospel, perceiving it as a message of judgment and condemnation. Historically, the idea of death as an "odor" can be linked to the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, where the smell of burning offerings was both a literal and symbolic representation of sin and atonement.

to the other
This phrase shifts the focus to a contrasting group, those who accept the Gospel. The Greek "ἑτέρῳ" (heterō) signifies another of a different kind, emphasizing the stark difference in perception and reception of the Gospel message.

a fragrance that brings life
Here, the "fragrance" is a positive and life-giving aroma. The Greek "ζωῆς" (zōēs) for "life" underscores the transformative power of the Gospel for believers. This imagery is reminiscent of the "sweet-smelling aroma" of sacrifices that were pleasing to God, as seen in the Old Testament. For believers, the Gospel is not just a message but a source of eternal life, echoing the resurrection power of Christ.

And who is qualified for such a task?
This rhetorical question highlights the gravity and responsibility of spreading the Gospel. The Greek "ἱκανός" (hikanos) for "qualified" suggests sufficiency or competence. Paul is acknowledging the immense challenge and divine calling required to be a messenger of such a powerful and divisive message. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding of ministry as a divine vocation, requiring God's empowerment and guidance.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) To the one we are the savour of death unto death.--As with other instances of St. Paul's figurative language, we note the workings of a deeply, though unconsciously, poetic imagination. Keeping the image of the triumph in his mind, he thinks of the widely different impression and effect which the odour of the incense would work in the two classes of the prisoners. To some it would seem to be as a breath from Paradise, giving life and health; to others its sweetness would seem sickly and pestilential, coming as from a charnel house, having in it the "savour of death," and leading to death as its issue.

And who is sufficient for these things?--The question forced itself on St. Paul's mind as it forces itself on the mind of every true teacher, Who can feel qualified for a work which involves such tremendous issues? If we ask how it was that he did not draw back from it altogether, the answer is found in other words of his: "God has made us able (sufficient) ministers of the New Testament" (2Corinthians 3:6); "our sufficiency is of God" (2Corinthians 3:5). It is obvious that even here he assumes his sufficiency, and gives in the next verse the ground of the assumption.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - The savour of death unto death; rather, a savour from death to death. To those who are perishing, the incense of the Name of Christ which our work enables them to breathe, seems to rise from death, and to lead to death. They (for here again the outlines of the metaphor shift) are like the doomed captives, who, as they breathed the incense on the day of triumph, knew where that triumph would lead them before the victors can climb the Capitol. To them it would seem to bring with it not "airs from heaven," but wafts from the abyss. So Christ was alike for the fall and for the rising again of many (Luke 2:34). To some he was a Stone of stumbling (Acts 4:11; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:8), which grinds to powder those on whom it falls (Matthew 21:44). This contrast between the intended effect of the gospel as the power and wisdom of God, and its accidental effect, through man's sin and blindness which converts it into a source of judgment, is often alluded to in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23, 24; John 3:19; John 9:39; John 15:22, etc.). St. Paul is fond of intensified expressions, like "from death unto death," as in Romans 1:17; "from faith to faith," etc. (2 Corinthians 4:17). Savour of life unto life; rather, a savour from life, as before. It came from the Source of life; it is issued in the sole reality of life. Similarly the rabbis spoke of the Law as "an aroma" alike of death and of life. "Why are the words of the Law likened to princes (Proverbs 8:6)? Because, like princes, they have the power to kill and to give life. Rays said to those that walk on its right, the Law is a medicine of life; to those that walk on the left side, a medicine of death" ('Shabbath,' f. 88, 2; 'Yoma,' f. 72, 2) Everything is as a two-edged sword. All Christian privileges are, as they are used, either blessings or banes (Wordsworth). And who is sufficient for these things? St. Paul always implies that nothing but the grace of God could enable him to discharge the great duty laid upon him (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 15:10). Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

To [the] one,
οἷς (hois)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

[we are]
μὲν (men)
Conjunction
Strong's 3303: A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.

an odor
ὀσμὴ (osmē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3744: A smell, odor, savor. From ozo; fragrance.

of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

death
θανάτου (thanatou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.

[and]
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

demise;
θάνατον (thanaton)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.

to the other,
οἷς (hois)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

a fragrance
ὀσμὴ (osmē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3744: A smell, odor, savor. From ozo; fragrance.

that brings life.
ζωῆς (zōēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

who [is]
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

qualified
ἱκανός (hikanos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

for
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

such [a task]?
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

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2 Corinthians 2:16 Catholic BibleNT Letters: 2 Corinthians 2:16 To the one a stench from death (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)

2 Corinthians 2:16 - Triumph in Christ (2024)
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