2 Corinthians 2:16

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2 Corinthians 2:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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?

King James Version KJV

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?

American Standard Version ASV

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?

Bible in Basic English BBE

To the one it is a perfume of death to death; to the other a perfume of life to life. And who is enough for such things?

Free Bible Version FBV

To those who are dying it is the smell of decay, while to those who are being saved it is the scent of life! But who is up to such an assignment?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To the one we are the sauour of death, vnto death, and to the other the sauour of life, vnto life: and who is sufficient for these things?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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?

World English Bible WEB

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?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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?

Translation for Translators T4T

To those who are on the way to hell, our message is like [MET] a foul smell because it is about dying and being separated from God forever. But, to those on the way to heaven, the message that we teach is like a pure fragrant smell, because we tell them that they will live forever with God. As we think about that, we think ◄no one is able to do such important work for God!/how can anyone be able to do such important work for God?► [RHQ]

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 2:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Corinthians 2:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK οις μεν οσμη θανατου εις θανατον οις δε οσμη ζωης εις ζωην και προς ταυτα τις ικανος

οις hos, hē G3739 which Rel-DPM

μεν men G3303 on the other hand Particle

οσμη osmē G3744 aroma Noun-NSF

θανατου thanatos G2288 death Noun-GSM

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

θανατον thanatos G2288 death Noun-ASM

οις hos, hē G3739 which Rel-DPM

δε de G1161 then Conj

οσμη osmē G3744 aroma Noun-NSF

ζωης zōē G2222 life Noun-GSF

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

ζωην zōē G2222 life Noun-ASF

και kai G2532 and Conj

προς pros G4314 to/with Prep

ταυτα ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-APN

τις tis G5101 which? Interrog-NSM

ικανος hikanos G2425 sufficient Adj-NSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 2:16

οις hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-DPM

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

μεν men G3303 "on the other hand" Particle

This word means 'on the other hand' and is often used to contrast ideas. It appears in the New Testament, like in John and Romans, to show a difference between two things. It's usually translated as 'even' or 'indeed'.

Definition: μέν, conjunctive particle (originally a form of μήν), usually related to a following δέ or other adversative conjunction, and distinguishing the word or clause with which it stands from that which follows. It is generally untranslatable and is not nearly so frequent in NT as in cl. Like δέ, it never stands first in a clause. __1. Answered by δέ or some other particle: μὲν . . . δέ, indeed . . . but, Mat.3:11, Luk.3:16, al.; with pronouns, ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, one . . . another, Mat.21:35, al.; pl., Php.1:16, 17; ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δὲ . . . ὃ δέ, some . . . some . . . some, Mat.13:8; τοῦτο μὲν . . . τοῦτο δέ, partly . . . partly, Heb.10:33; μὲν . . . ἔπειτα, Jhn.11:6; μὲν . . . καί, Luk.8:5. __2. μέν solitarium, answered by no other particle: πρῶτον μέν (Bl., l.with), Rom.1:8 3:2, 1Co.11:18; μὲν οὖν in narrative, summing up what precedes or introducing something further (Bl., §78, 5), so then, rather, nay rather: Luk.11:28 (WH, μενοῦν), Act.1:6 9:31, al.; μὲν οὖν γε (Php.3:8, WH): see: μενοῦνγε. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 194 NT verses. KJV: even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 3:5; 1 Peter 1:20.

οσμη osmē G3744 "aroma" Noun-NSF

Aroma refers to a pleasant smell, like the fragrance of perfume in John 12:3. In a figurative sense, it can also describe the sweet smell of a sacrifice, like in Ephesians 5:2.

Definition: ὀσμή, -ῆς, ἡ (ὄζω), [in LXX chiefly for רֵיחַ ;] a smell, odour: Jhn.12:3; metaphorically (EV, savour), 2Co.2:14 2:16; of the effect of sacrifice (cf. נִיחוֹחַ רֵיחַ, Gen.8:21, al., see: εὐωδία), ὀ. εὐωδίας, Eph.5:2, Php.4:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: odour, savour See also: 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:18.

θανατου thanatos G2288 "death" Noun-GSM

This word means death, whether it's physical or spiritual. It's used in many places, like John 11:13 and Romans 8:38, to describe the end of life or separation from God. It's the opposite of life.

Definition: θάνατος, -ου, ὁ (θνήσκω), [in LXX chiefly for מָוֶת ,מוּת, sometimes דֶּבֶר ;] death; __1. of the death of the body, whether natural or violent: Jhn.11:13, Php.2:27, Heb.7:23, al; opposite to ζωή, Rom.8:38, Php.1:20; of the death of Christ, Rom.5:10, Php.3:10, Heb.2:9; ῥυέσθαι (σώζειν) ἐκ θ., 2Co.1:10, Heb.5:7; περίλυπος ἕως θανάτου, Mat.26:38, Mrk.14:34; μέχρι (ἄχρι), Php.2:8, Rev.2:10; πληγὴ θανάτου, a deadly wound. Rev.13:3; ἰδεῖν θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; γεύεσθαι θανάτου, Mrk.9:1; ἔνοχος θανάτου, Mrk.14:64; θανάτῳ τελευτᾶν ( Exo.21:17, מוּת יוּמָת), Mrk.7:10; death personified, Rom.6:9, 1Co.15:26, Rev.21:4; pl., of deadly perils, 2Co.11:23. __2. Of spiritual death: Jhn.5:24 8:51, Rom.7:10, Jas.1:15, 5:20, 1Jn.3:14 5:16, al.; of eternal death, Rom.1:32 7:5, al.; ὁ θ. ὁ δεύτερος, Rev.2:11 21:8 (cf. Cremer, 283ff.; DB, iii, 114ff.; DCG, i, 791f.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: X deadly, (be…) death See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 7:10; Hebrews 2:9.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

θανατον thanatos G2288 "death" Noun-ASM

This word means death, whether it's physical or spiritual. It's used in many places, like John 11:13 and Romans 8:38, to describe the end of life or separation from God. It's the opposite of life.

Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: X deadly, (be…) death See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 7:10; Hebrews 2:9.

οις hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-DPM

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

οσμη osmē G3744 "aroma" Noun-NSF

Aroma refers to a pleasant smell, like the fragrance of perfume in John 12:3. In a figurative sense, it can also describe the sweet smell of a sacrifice, like in Ephesians 5:2.

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: odour, savour See also: 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:18.

ζωης zōē G2222 "life" Noun-GSF

In the Bible, this word for life refers to both physical and spiritual existence, as seen in Luke 16:25 and Romans 5:10. It describes the life we have now and the life we'll have after rising from the dead. It's used to talk about the importance of living a good life.

Definition: ζωή, -ῆς, ἡ (ζάω), [in LXX chiefly for חַיִּים ;] life (in Hom., Hdt., = βίος, which see; later, existence, vita quâ vivimus, as distinct from βίος, vita quam vivimus; opposite to θάνατος); __1. of natural life: Luk.16:25, Act.8:33, 1Co.15:19, 1Ti.4:8, Heb.7:3, Jas.4:14; πνεῦμα ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; ψυχὴ ζωῆς ( Gen.1:30), Rev.16:3; of the life of one risen from the dead, Rom.5:10, Heb.7:16. __2. Of the life of the kingdom of God, the present life of grace and the life of glory which is to follow (Dalman, Words, 156ff.; Westc, Epp. Jo., 214ff.; Cremer, 272ff.): Jhn.6:51, 53 Rom.7:10 8:6, 10 Php.2:16, Col.3:4, 2Pe.1:3; αἰώνος (reff. supr.; DCG, i, 538a, ii, 30f.), Jhn.4:36 12:50 17:3, 1Jn.1:2, al.; τ. φῶς τῆς ζ., Jhn.8:12; ὁ Λόγος τ. ζ., 1Jn.1:1; ὁ ἄρτος τ. ζ., Jo 6:35, 48; δικαίωσις ζωῆς, Rom.5:18; μετάνοια εἰς ζ., Act.11:18; ἐν αὐτῷ ζ. ἦν, Jhn.1:4; ζ. ἡ ἐν. Χ. Ἰ., 2Ti.1:1; τὰ πρὸς ζωήν, 2Pe.1:3, al.; στέφανος τῆς ζ., Jas.1:12, Rev.2:10; χάρις ζωῆς (genitive expl.), 1Pe.3:7; ζ. καὶ εἰρήνη, Rom.8:6; ζ. καὶ ἀφθαρσία, 2Ti.1:10; ἀνάστασις ζωῆς, Jhn.5:29; βίβλος ζωῆς, Php.4:3, Rev.3:5; ξύλον ζωῆς, Rev.2:7; ὕδωρ ζωῆς, Rev.22:17; meton., of that which has life: τ. πνεῦμα, Rom.8:10; ῥήματα, Jhn.6:63; of one who gives life, Jhn.11:25 14:6, 1Jn.1:2; ἡ ἐντολή, Jhn.12:50. SYN.: see: βίος. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 127 NT verses. KJV: life(-time) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; John 6:68; 1 Peter 3:7.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

ζωην zōē G2222 "life" Noun-ASF

Usage: Occurs in 127 NT verses. KJV: life(-time) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; John 6:68; 1 Peter 3:7.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

προς pros G4314 "to/with" Prep

A preposition showing direction or relationship, like towards or with something, as seen in Mark 5:11 and John 18:16. This means indicating movement or direction. It's about showing proximity or connection.

Definition: πρός, prep. with genitive, dative, accusative __I. I. C. genitive, of motion from a place, from the side of, hence metaphorically, in the interests of, Act.27:34 (cf. Page, in l.). __II. II. C. dative, of local proximity, hard by, near, at: Mrk.5:11, Luk.19:37, Jhn.18:16 20:11, 12 Rev.1:13. __III. C. accusative, of motion or direction towards a place or object, to, towards. __1. Of place, __(a) after verbs of motion or of speaking and other words with the idea of direction: ἔρχομαι, ἀναβαίνω, πορεύομαι, λέγω, ἐπιστολή, etc., Mat.3:14, Mrk.6:51, Luk.11:5, Jhn.2:3, Act.9:2, al. mult.; metaphorically, of mental direction, hostile or otherwise, Luk.23:12, Jhn.6:52, 2Co.7:4, Eph.6:12, Col.3:13, al.; of the issue or end, Luk.14:32, Jhn.11:4, al.; of purpose, Mat.26:12, Rom.3:26, 1Co.6:5, al.; πρὸς τό, with inf., denoting purpose (cf. M, Pr., 218, 220; Lft., Notes, 131), Mat.5:28, Mrk.13:22, Eph.6:11, 1Th.2:9, al.; __(b) of close proximity, at, by, with: Mat.3:10, Mrk.11:4, Luk.4:11, Act.3:2, al.; after εἶναι, Mat.13:56, Mrk.6:3, Jhn.1:1, al. __2. 2. Of time, __(a) towards (Plat., Xen., LXX: Gen.8:11, al.): Luk.24:29; __(b) for: πρὸς καιρόν, Luk.8:13, 1Co.7:5; πρὸς ὥραν, Jhn.5:35, al.; πρὸς ὀλίγον, Jas.4:14. __3. Of relation __(a) toward, with: Rom.5:1, 2Co.1:12, Col.4:5, 1Th.4:12, al.; __(b) with regard to: Mat.19:8, Mrk.12:12, Rom.8:31, al.; __(with) pertaining to, to: Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; __(d) according to: Luk.12:47, 2Co.5:10, Gal.2:14, Eph.3:4 4:14; __(e) in comparison with: Rom.8:18. __IV. In composition: towards (προσέρχομαι), to (προσάγω), against (προσκόπτω), besides (προσδαπανάω) . (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 655 NT verses. KJV: about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2:4.

ταυτα ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-APN

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.

τις tis G5101 "which?" Interrog-NSM

This interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions like who, which, or what, as seen in Matthew 3:7 and Mark 11:28. It seeks information about a person or thing. This term is essential in direct and indirect questions.

Definition: τίς, neut., τί, genitive, τίνος, interrog. pron., [in LXX for מָה ,מִי ;] in masc. and fem., who, which, what?; in neut., which, what?, used both in direct and in indirect questions. __I. I. As subst., __1. 1. masc., fem.: τίς; who, what?, Mat.3:7 26:68; Mrk.11:28, Luk.9:9, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Act.7:52, Heb.1:5, al; before ἐκ (= genitive partit.), Mat.6:27, Luk.14:28, Jhn.8:46; = ποῖος, Mrk.4:41 6:2, Luk.19:3, Act.17:19, al.; = πότερος (M, Pr., 77), Mat.21:31 27:17, Luk.22:27, al.; = ὅς or ὅστις (rare in cl.; cf. Bl., §50, 5; M, Pr., 93), Act.13:25. __2. Neut.: τί; what?, Mat.5:47 11:7, Mrk.10:3, al.; χάριν τίνος, 1Jn.3:12; διὰ τί, Mat.9:11, al.; εἰς τί, Mat.14:31, al.; elliptically, ἵνα τί (sc. γένηται), why, Mat.9:5, al.; τί οὖν, Rom.3:9 6:1, 15 1Co.14:15, al.; τί γάρ, Rom.3:3, Phi 1:18; τί ἐμοὶ (ὑμῖν) καὶ σοί, see: ἔγω. __II. As adj.: who? what? which?, Mat.5:46, Luk.14:31, Jhn.2:18, al. __III. As adv.: = διὰ τι (τί ὅτι), why, Mat.6:28, Mrk.4:40, Luk.6:46, Jhn.18:23, al.; in rhet. questions, = a negation, Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Co.5:12 7:16, al. in exclamations (like Heb. מָה), how (2Ki.6:20, Psa.3:2, al.), Luk.12:49. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 514 NT verses. KJV: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:11.

ικανος hikanos G2425 "sufficient" Adj-NSM

In the Bible, this word means being sufficient or competent, like having enough skills or resources to get the job done. Jesus used it to describe John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11. It can also refer to having a strong character.

Definition: ἱκανός, -ή, -όν (ἵκω, ἱκάνω, to reach, attain), [in LXX for דַּי, etc. ;] __1. of persons, suffcient, competent, fit: with inf., Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:7, Luk.3:16, 1Co.15:9, 2Co.3:6, 2Ti.2:2; before πρός, 2Co.2:16; before ἵνα, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6. __2. Of things, in number, quantity or size, sufficient, enough, much, many: absol., ἱκανοί, Luk.7:11 (WH, R, omit) Luk.8:32, Act.12:12 14:21 19:19, 1Co.11:30; ὄχλος ἱ., Mrk.10:46, Luk.7:12, Act.11:24, 26 19:26; κλαυθμός, Act.20:37; ἀργύρια, Mat.28:12; λαμπάδες, Act.20:8; λόγοι, Luk.23:9; φῶς, Act.22:6; ἱ, ἐστιν (cf. לָכֶם רַב, LXX ἱκανούσθω, Deu.3:26), Luk.22:38; τὸ ἱ. ποιεῖν (Lat. satisfacere; cf. Jer.48:30), Mrk.15:15; τὸ ἱ. λαμβάνειν (Lat. satis accipere; see M, Pro.20:1-30 f.), Act.17:9; of time, ἡμέραι ἱ., Act.9:23, 43 18:18 27:7; ἱ. χρόνος, Luk.8:27, Act.8:11 14:3 27:9; pl., Luk.20:9; ἐκ χρόνων ἱ., Luk.23:8; ἀπὸ ἱ. ἐτῶν, Rom.15:23 (WH); ἐφ ̓ ἱκανόν (cf. 2Ma.8:25), Act.20:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 41 NT verses. KJV: able, + content, enough, good, great, large, long (while), many, meet, much, security, sore, sufficient, worthy See also: 1 Corinthians 11:30; Acts 20:11; Matthew 28:12.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 2:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 2:16

Context — Triumph in Christ

14But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. 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 that brings death, 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

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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. And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2	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.”
3	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.
4	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,
5	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.
6	Acts 13:45–47	But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
7	Acts 20:26–27	Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.
8	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.

2 Corinthians 2:16 Summary

According to 2 Corinthians 2:16, as believers, we are either an odor of death and demise to those who are perishing, or a fragrance that brings life to those who are being saved. This means that the message of the Gospel is powerful and can have a profound impact on people's lives, as seen in Romans 1:16. We can be a fragrance that brings life to others by sharing the message of the Gospel with love and sincerity, and trusting God to qualify us for this task, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:10 and 2 Corinthians 3:5. By doing so, we can point people to the love and salvation of Christ, and fulfill our calling as ministers of the Gospel, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be an odor of death and demise to some people?

According to 2 Corinthians 2:16, as believers, we are an odor of death and demise to those who are perishing, meaning that the message of the Gospel is a reminder of their sinful state and their need for salvation, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 1:18, where the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.

How can we be a fragrance that brings life to others?

As Christians, we can be a fragrance that brings life to others by sharing the message of the Gospel with love, compassion, and sincerity, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:14, where it says that God spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him through us, and in Ephesians 5:2, where we are called to walk in love, just as Christ loved us.

What is the task that Paul is referring to in this verse?

The task that Paul is referring to in 2 Corinthians 2:16 is the ministry of sharing the Gospel with others, as seen in the surrounding verses, where he talks about being a sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing, and in 1 Corinthians 3:5, where he says that he and Apollos are servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

How can we know if we are qualified for this task?

According to 2 Corinthians 2:16, it is God who qualifies us for the task of sharing the Gospel with others, and as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:10, where it says that we are given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ, and in 2 Corinthians 3:5, where it says that our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can be a fragrance that brings life to those around me, and how can I share the message of the Gospel with love and sincerity?
How do I respond when I am rejected or persecuted for sharing the Gospel, and what can I learn from the example of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8-12?
What are some things that I can do to ensure that I am not peddling the word of God for profit, but rather speaking the truth in love, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:17 and Ephesians 4:15?
How can I trust God to qualify me for the task of sharing the Gospel, even when I feel unqualified or inadequate, and what are some promises in Scripture that I can hold onto, such as 2 Corinthians 3:5 and Philippians 4:13?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one we are the savour of death unto death,.... Who are for death, or appointed to it; see Jeremiah 43:11.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 2:16

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?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16

As sweet smells, which are to some pleasant and comfortable, are to others pernicious and deadly; so it is with the sweet savour of the gospel. The report which we in all places make of Christ, to some, through their unbelief and hardness of heart, and fondness of their lusts, proveth but the savour of death unto death, hardening their hearts to their eternal ruin and destruction; but to such who, being ordained to eternal life, believe our reports, and embrace the gospel, and live up to the precepts and rule of it, our preaching proves a cause of spiritual and of eternal life, to which that leadeth. And who is sufficient for these things? And oh how great a work is this! What man, what angel, is sufficient for it? It is a mighty work to preach the gospel as we ought to preach it.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16

16 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? Ver. 16. The savour of death] Aristotle writeth, that vultures are killed with oil of roses. Swine (saith Pliny) cannot live in some parts of Arabia, by reason of the sweet scent of aromatical trees there growing in every wood. Tigers are enraged with perfumes. Vipera interficitur palmis, Snakes are killed with palm dates, saith Pausanias. Moses killed the Egyptian, saved the Israelite. Obededom was blessed for the ark, the Philistines were cursed. The sun of the gospel shining upon one that is ordained to eternal life reviveth and quickeneth him; but lighting upon a child of death it causeth him to stink more abominably. Gregory in his Morals saith that "this word is like the planet Venus, which unto some is Lucifer, a bright morning star arising in their hearts, whereby they are roused up, and stirred from iniquity; but to the other is Hesperus, an evening star, whereby they are brought to bed, and laid asleep in impiety." Oecumenius tells us, that the fragrance of precious ointment is wholesome for doves, but kills the beetle, columbam vegetal, scarabaeum necat, &c. And who is sufficient] And yet now who is it almost that thinks not himself sufficient for that sacred and tremendous function of the ministry "Who am I?" saith Moses; "Who am I not?" saith our upstart. Bradford was hardly persuaded to become a preacher. Latimer leaped when he laid down his bishopric, being discharged, as he said, of such a heavy burthen. Luther was wont to say, that if he were again to choose his calling, he would dig, or do anything rather than take upon him the office of a minister; so said reverend Mr Whately of Banbury once in my hearing.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16

(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” (2 Corinthians 3:6); “our sufficiency is of God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). It is obvious that even here he assumes his sufficiency, and gives in the next verse the ground of the assumption.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16

Verse 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death] There are several sayings among the ancient Jewish writers similar to this. In Debarim Rabba, sec. i. fol. 248, it is said: "As the bee brings home honey to its owner, but stings others; so it is with the words of the law;" : סם חיים לישראל sam chaiyim leyisrael, "They are a savour of lives to the Israelites:" וסם המות לאומות העולם vesam hammaveth leomoth haolam, "And a savour of death to the people of this world." The learned reader may see much more to this effect in Schoettgen. The apostle's meaning is plain: those who believe and receive the Gospel are saved; those who reject it, perish. The meaning of the rabbins is not less plain: the Israelites received the law and the prophets as from God, and thus possessed the means of salvation; the Gentiles ridiculed and despised them, and thus continued in the path of death. The same happens to the present day to those who receive and to those who reject the Gospel: it is the means of salvation to the former, it is the means of destruction to the latter; for they are not only not saved because they do not believe the Gospel, but they are condemned because they reject it. For how can they escape who neglect so great a salvation? The sun which nourishes the tree that is planted in a good soil, decomposes and destroys it if plucked up and laid on the surface. That the saved, σωζομενοι, and they that perish, απολλυμενοι mean those who receive and obey the Gospel, and those who reject it and live and die in sin, needs no proof. No other kinds of reprobate and elect, in reference to the eternal world, are known in the BOOK of GOD, though they abound in the books of men. The Jews were possessed with such an exalted opinion of their own excellence that they imagined that all the love and mercy of God were concentrated among themselves, and that God never would extend his grace to the Gentiles. Such sentiments may become JEWS but when we find some Gentiles arrogating to themselves all the salvation of God, and endeavouring to prove that he has excluded the major part even of their own world-the Gentiles, from the possibility of obtaining mercy; and that God has made an eternal purpose, that the death of Christ shall never avail them, and that no saving grace shall ever be granted to them, and that they shall infallibly and eternally perish; what shall we say to such things? It is Judaism in its worst shape: Judaism with innumerable deteriorations. The propagators of such systems must answer for them to God. Who is sufficient for these things?] Is it the false apostle that has been labouring to pervert you? Or, is it the men to whom God has given an extraordinary commission, and sealed it by the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost?

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 2:16

16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life] The reading accepted by most recent editors is ‘a savour arising from death and resulting in death,’ and ‘a savour arising from life and resulting in life,’ according to a construction common to St Paul, of which the most remarkable instance, perhaps, is Romans 1:17. The Gospel is a savour arising from death, because it proclaims the Death of Christ as the foundation of all reconciliation. Cf. John 9:39; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 1 Corinthians 15:14-18; 1 Peter 2:7-8. To those only who believe in a risen, ascended, living Christ, is the Gospel a savour arising from, and tending to life. Dr Plumptre remarks on the way in which the figure of the triumphal procession is kept before the reader. To some of those who were being led in procession the odour of the incense “would seem as a breath from Paradise, giving life and health; to others its sweetness would seem sickly and pestilential, coming as from a charnel house.”And who is sufficient for these things?] The thought occurs to the Apostle that the wondrous effects consequent on the first proclamation of Christ’s Gospel are far above unassisted human powers. Cf. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16. But he defers the consideration of this topic to ch. 2 Corinthians 3:5, confining himself at present (see next verse) to assigning the reason for his exclamation, namely, that he can fearlessly appeal to what was above man’s natural ability, the transparent honesty, and thorough faithfulness to God, of his preaching. Perhaps also the Apostle intends to convey the idea that what may be an easy task for those who proclaim a spurious Gospel, is one that demands the utmost watchfulness on the part of the genuine minister of Christ.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one - To those who perish. We are the savour of death unto death - We are the occasion of deepening their condemnation, and of sinking them lower into ruin.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16

16. Savour of death unto death—An odour savouring of, and tending unto, and resulting in, death. Unpardoned prisoners, who were to be executed on the arrival of the victor at the Capitol, were often in the procession.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 2:16

	Sermon	Description
	Growing in the Grace of God #14 - Characters of New Covenant Life & Service Part 2 by Bob Hoekstra	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the New Covenant ministry in transforming people into living messages of Christ. He uses the example of Stephen in Acts 7, who b
	Homiletics: The Preacher's Prayer Life - Part 4 by Tim Conway	This sermon emphasizes the vital importance of prayer in the life of a preacher, highlighting the need for deep communion with God, dependence on Him, and the cultivation of a stro
	Accept the Mind of Christ by J. Stuart Holden	J. Stuart Holden emphasizes the profound claim that believers have the mind of Christ, highlighting how this is justified when one responds to Jesus Christ, unites with Him in fait
	The Word of Men and the Word of God by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of receiving the gospel not as the word of men, but as the word of God, emphasizing the vital distinction between the two. He delves into
	Epistle 111 by George Fox	George Fox warns believers to speak plainly and truthfully, allowing their words to reflect the light of Christ within them. He emphasizes that words should be life-giving and root
	The Making of a Prophet by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that prophetic ministry is an eternal function rooted in God's divine counsel, not merely a role one can adopt. He illustrates this through the symbolis
	The Nature and Universality of Spiritual Death by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the nature and universality of spiritual death, emphasizing the dreadful state of the soul separated from God, dead in transgressions and sins. He vivi