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 4:12

4:12 As a result, ³  death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. ⁴ 

2 Corinthians 4:10-11

4:10 always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, ⁵  so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible ⁶  in our body. 4:11 For we who are alive are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible ⁷  in our mortal body. ⁸ 

2 Corinthians 5:4

5:4 For we groan while we are in this tent, ⁹  since we are weighed down, ¹⁰  because we do not want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

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 “So then.”

⁴ tn Grk “death is at work in us, but life in you”; the phrase “is at work in” is repeated in the translation for clarity.

⁵ tn The first clause of 2 Cor 4:10 is elliptical and apparently refers to the fact that Paul was constantly in danger of dying in the same way Jesus died (by violence at least). According to L&N 23.99 it could be translated, “at all times we live in the constant threat of being killed as Jesus was.”

⁶ tn Or “may also be revealed.”

⁷ tn Or “may also be revealed.”

⁸ tn Grk “mortal flesh.”

⁹ sn See the note in 5:1 on the phrase the tent we live in.

¹⁰ tn Or “we are burdened.”