Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:14

What does 2 Corinthians 2:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:14 means

Paul breaks into praise: God always leads believers in triumph in Christ and spreads the fragrance of his knowledge through them everywhere. He likely draws on the image of a Roman triumphal procession, with incense diffusing its scent. In Christ, God is the victorious leader; Paul and his coworkers are carried along, and their ministry broadcasts the knowledge of Christ like a sweet aroma. The emphasis is on God’s agency—“always leads”—and on the universality—“in every place.” Even detours and disappointments serve this purpose. Ministry is not ultimately about our plans succeeding but about God making Christ known through us.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But praise be to God who makes us strong to overcome in Christ, and makes clear through us in every place the value of the knowledge of him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to God <FI>are<Fi> thanks, who at all times is leading us in triumph in the Christ, and the fragrance of His knowledge He is manifesting through us in every place,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now thanks be to God, who always maketh us to triumph in Christ Jesus and manifesteth the odour of his knowledge by us in every place.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But thanks [be] toGod, who always leads us in triumph in the Christ, and makes manifest the odour of his knowledge through us in every place.

Context

After recounting anxiety and a change of plans, Paul reframes everything in worship. God turns even restless movements into a triumphant procession in Christ. Verses 15–16 will unpack the fragrance metaphor’s twofold effect: life to some, death to others, with the sobering question of sufficiency. Verse 17 will answer by contrasting sincere ministers with those who corrupt the message. This praise section binds Paul’s personal story to a theology of mission under God’s sovereign hand.

v.13I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia.

v.14This passage

v.15For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 8:37

    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9

    For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

  • Colossians 1:23

    if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:15

    For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;

  • 1 Corinthians 15:37

    and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not the body that shall be, but a bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other kind;

  • Romans 6:17

    But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

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