Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:15

What does 2 Corinthians 2:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:15 means

Paul describes believers as a sweet aroma of Christ to God among both the saved and the perishing. The primary audience of the fragrance is God—he delights in the reflection of his Son’s work in his servants. Yet the same aroma circulates among people with differing outcomes. The message centered on Christ is pleasing to God regardless of human response, because it faithfully displays his Son. For those being saved, it signals life; for those rejecting, it exposes judgment. The minister’s task is not to adjust the scent, but to bear Christ faithfully, trusting God with the varied effects.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For we are a sweet perfume of Christ to God in those who are getting salvation and in those who are going to destruction;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because of Christ a sweet fragrance we are to God, in those being saved, and in those being lost;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For we are the good odour of Christ unto God, in them that are saved and in them that perish.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For we are a sweet odour of Christ toGod, in the saved and in those that perish:

Context

Expanding the triumphal image, Paul highlights that the ministry’s fragrance is Christ himself, pleasing to God. This prepares for verse 16’s sharp bifurcation: the aroma becomes life to some and death to others, raising the weighty question of who could be adequate for such a task. The flow underscores both the glory and gravity of gospel work, paving the way for Paul to deny mercenary motives and affirm his sincerity and divine commissioning in verse 17.

v.14But 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.

v.15This passage

v.16to the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18

    For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:3

    And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:

  • Exodus 29:25

    And thou shalt take them from their hands, and burn them on the altar upon the burnt-offering, for a sweet savor before Jehovah: it is an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

  • Ezekiel 20:41

    As a sweet savor will I accept you, when I bring you out from the peoples, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you in the sight of the nations.

  • Ephesians 5:2

    and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

  • Isaiah 49:5

    And now saith Jehovah that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered unto him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God is become my strength);

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