2 Corinthians 2:16

Translations

Modern

To the one we are an odor that brings death, to the other a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?

Traditional

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?

Literal

…to one indeed a smell from death to death, but to one a smell from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Latin

…aliis quidem odor mortis in mortem: aliis autem odor vitæ in vitam. Et ad hæc quis tam idoneus?

Original

Greek

English

To the one we are an odor that brings death, to the other a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?

Notes

2 Corinthians 2:15–16

Incense was scattered along the parade route of a victorious Roman general, and people received it in two ways. For the captives heading to the arena and death, it smelled like death and doom. For the victors, it was a life-giving perfume. This is similar to those who share the good news about Jesus. It either leads to eternal life or seals the fate of those who reject it (compare 1 Corinthians 1:18).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Paul’s Role as an Apostle

Related verses

2 Corinthians 3:5–6
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
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,”
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.”
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,
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
Acts 13:45–47
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying.
Acts 20:26–27
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
2 Corinthians 12:11
I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Binding and Loosing Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Aroma Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Promises To, Joys of Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Triumphs of Victorious Generals

2 Corinthians 2:16

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