2 Corinthians 2:16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?

◄ 2 Corinthians 2:16 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?

English Standard Version
to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

New American Standard Bible
to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?

King James Bible
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?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. And who is competent for this?

International Standard Version
To some people we are a deadly fragrance, while to others we are a living fragrance. Who is qualified for this?

American Standard Version
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?

Douay-Rheims Bible
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?

Darby Bible Translation
to the one an odour from death unto death, but to the others an odour from life unto life; and who is sufficient for these things?

Young's Literal Translation
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?

Cross References

Numbers 15:3
And will make an offering by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet smell to the LORD, of the herd or of the flock:

Luke 2:34
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

John 9:39
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

1 Peter 2:7
To you therefore which believe he is precious: but to them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

2:12-17 A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. To him be the praise and glory of all, while the success of the gospel is a good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. In ancient triumphs, abundance of perfumes and sweet odours were used; so the name and salvation of Jesus, as ointment poured out, was a sweet savour diffused in every place. Unto some, the gospel is a savour of death unto death. They reject it to their ruin. Unto others, the gospel is a savour of life unto life: as it quickened them at first when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life. Observe the awful impressions this matter made upon the apostle, and should also make upon us. The work is great, and of ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. But what we do in religion, unless it is done in sincerity, as in the sight of God, is not of God, does not come from him, and will not reach to him. May we carefully watch ourselves in this matter; and seek the testimony of our consciences, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that as of sincerity, so speak we in Christ and of Christ.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

16. savour of death unto death … of life unto life—an odor arising out of death (a mere announcement of a dead Christ, and a virtually lifeless Gospel, in which light unbelievers regard the Gospel message), ending (as the just and natural consequence) in death (to the unbeliever); (but to the believer) an odor arising out of life (that is, the announcement of a risen and living Saviour), ending in life (to the believer) (Mt 21:44; Lu 2:34; Joh 9:39).

who is sufficient for these things?—namely, for diffusing aright everywhere the savor of Christ, so diverse in its effects on believers and unbelievers. He here prepares the way for one purpose of his Epistle, namely, to vindicate his apostolic mission from its detractors at Corinth, who denied his sufficiency. The Greek order puts prominently foremost the momentous and difficult task assigned to him, "For these things, who is sufficient?" He answers his own question (2Co 3:5, 6), "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God, who hath made us able (Greek, 'sufficient') ministers," &c.