American Standard Version
2 Corinthians 2:15
15For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;
2 Corinthians 2:15 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
- New International Version (NIV)For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
- English Standard Version (ESV)For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,
- New King James Version (NKJV)For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
Context of 2 Corinthians 2:15
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. 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. For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish; 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? 17For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.
Read all of 2 Corinthians 22 Corinthians 2:15 word by word
ὅτι Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ θεῷ ἐν τοῖς σῳζομένοις καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις,Read the interlinear
Cross-references for 2 Corinthians 2:15
- Genesis 8:21And Jehovah smelled the sweet savor; and Jehovah said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake, for that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done.
- Exodus 29:18And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt-offering unto Jehovah; it is a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.
- Ezekiel 20:41As 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 5:2and 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.
- Philippians 4:18But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
- 2 Corinthians 4:3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:
- Isaiah 49:5And 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);
- 1 Corinthians 1:18For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:10and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 2:15
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 15For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ - The apostle still alludes to the case of a triumph; the conqueror always represented the person of Jupiter; as even the heathens supposed that God alone could give the victory: and as the punishment of death was inflicted on some of the captives, who had often rebelled and broken leagues and covenants; so others were spared, made tributaries, and often became allies. Alluding to this, the apostle says: We are…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 15For we are unto God - We who are his ministers, and who thus triumph. It is implied here that Paul felt that ministers were laboring for God, and felt assured that their labors would be acceptable to him. The object of Paul in the statement, in this and in the following verses, is undoubtedly to meet the charges of his detractors and enemies. He says, therefore, that whatever was the result of his labors in regard to the future salvation of people; yet…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 12-17Verses 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…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 15-16Incense 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).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1515. The order is in Greek, "For (it is) of Christ (that) we are a sweet savor unto God"; thus, the "for" justifies his previous words (2Co 2:14), "the savor of His (Christ's) knowledge." We not only scatter the savor; but "we are the sweet savor" itself (So 1:3; compare Joh 1:14, 16; Ep 5:2; 1Jo 2:27). in them that are saved--rather, "that are being saved ... that are perishing" (see on 1Co 1:18). As the light, though it blinds in darkness the weak, is…Read the comment
Topics related to 2 Corinthians 2:15
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 2
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
American Standard Version — 1901 — Public Domain
Commentaries