2 Corinthians 2:16

2:16 to the latter an odor ¹  from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? ² 

2 Corinthians 3:5

3:5 Not that we are adequate ³  in ourselves to consider anything as if it were coming from ourselves, but our adequacy ⁴  is from God,

2 Corinthians 9:7

9:7 Each one of you should give ⁵  just as he has decided in his heart, ⁶  not reluctantly ⁷  or under compulsion, ⁸  because God loves a cheerful giver.

¹ 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 sn These things refer to the things Paul is doing in his apostolic ministry.

³ tn Or “competent.”

⁴ tn Or “competence.”

⁵ tn Or “must do.” The words “of you” and “should give” are not in the Greek text, which literally reads, “Each one just as he has decided in his heart.” The missing words are an ellipsis; these or similar phrases must be supplied for the English reader.

⁶ tn Or “in his mind.”

⁷ tn Or “not from regret”; Grk “not out of grief.”

⁸ tn Or “not out of a sense of duty”; Grk “from necessity.”