2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Apostolic Ministry

2:14 But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession ¹  in Christ ²  and who makes known ³  through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place. 2:15 For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing – 2:16 to the latter an odor ⁴  from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? ⁵ 

[2:14]  ¹ tn Or “who always causes us to triumph.”

[2:14]  ² tn Or “in the Messiah.”

[2:14]  ³ tn Or “who reveals.”

[2:16]  ⁴ tn The same Greek word (ὀσμή, osmh) translated “odor” here (in relation to the stench of death) has been translated “fragrance” in 2:14 and in the next phrase of the present verse. The word itself can describe a smell or odor either agreeable or disagreeable depending on the context (L&N 79.45).

[2:16]  ⁵ sn These things refer to the things Paul is doing in his apostolic ministry.