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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/2-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/47_2Co_02_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 2:15 - Triumph in Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/2-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/2-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm" title="2 Corinthians 2:14">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 2:15 <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm" title="2 Corinthians 2:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/2.htm">New International Version</a> For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For we are a sweet perfume of Christ to God in those being saved and in those perishing: <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish; <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> For we are a sweet savour of Christ unto God, in them that are being saved, and in them that are perishing; <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and among those who are dying. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> For we are like a sweet-smelling incense offered by Christ to God, which spreads among those who are being saved and those who are being lost. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> To God we are the aroma of the Messiah among those who are being saved and among those who are being lost. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing-- <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved, and in those who perish; <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For we are to God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For we are a fragrance of Christ grateful to God in those whom He is saving and in those who are perishing; <a href="/web/2_corinthians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God in those who are saved and in those who perish: <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> we are a refreshing fragrance to God because of Christ, in those being saved, and in those being lost; <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For we are a sweet perfume of Christ to God in those being saved and in those perishing: <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> because of Christ a sweet fragrance we are to God, in those being saved, and in those being lost; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For we are to God a sweet odor of Christ, in the saved, and in the host:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For we are the good odour of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ for God, both with those who are being saved and with those who are perishing. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> For we are the aroma of Christ for God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For we are a sweet savour to God through Christ, in those who are saved and in those who perish: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For we are a sweet fragrance to God in The Messiah among those who have life and among those who perish;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For, through God, we are a sweet odor of Christ, among the saved, and among the lost: <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> because we are a sweet savour of Christ unto God, among those who are saved, and among those who perish; <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For we are a sweet odour of Christ to God in those who are saved, and in those who perish. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for God is pleased to accept my christian labours, in favour both of those who are in a saving, and of those who are in a ruinous state: <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For we are a fragrance of Christ grateful to God in those whom He is saving and in those who are perishing; <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> because we are to God a sweet savor of Christ, in those who are being saved, and in those who are perishing; <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For we are the sweet odor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, yea and in them that perish: <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=372" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/2.htm">Triumph in Christ</a> …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. 15<a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: esmen (V-PIA-1P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">we are</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">to God</a> <a href="/greek/2175.htm" title="2175: euōdia (N-NFS) -- A sweet smell, fragrance. From a compound of eu and a derivative of ozo; good-scentedness, i.e. Fragrance.">the sweet aroma</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">among</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who are</a> <a href="/greek/4982.htm" title="4982: sōzomenois (V-PPM/P-DMP) -- To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.">being saved</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who are</a> <a href="/greek/622.htm" title="622: apollymenois (V-PPM/P-DMP) -- From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.">perishing.</a> 16To 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?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a> and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Philippians 4:18</a> I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a> Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a> you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. <a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Romans 15:16</a> to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a> For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">2 Corinthians 4:3-4</a> And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a> So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">2 Corinthians 5:20</a> Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14-16</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. / The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. / “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. <a href="/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3</a> Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/genesis/8-21.htm">Genesis 8:21</a> When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done. <a href="/exodus/29-18.htm">Exodus 29:18</a> Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. <a href="/leviticus/1-9.htm">Leviticus 1:9</a> The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. <a href="/leviticus/2-2.htm">Leviticus 2:2</a> and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For we are to God a sweet smell of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:a sweet.<a href="/genesis/8-21.htm">Genesis 8:21</a> And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.<a href="/exodus/29-18.htm">Exodus 29:18,25</a> And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD… <a href="/ezekiel/20-41.htm">Ezekiel 20:41</a> I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.in them.<a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">2 Corinthians 4:3,4</a> But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: … <a href="/isaiah/49-5.htm">Isaiah 49:5,6</a> And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength… <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a> For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Aroma</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-53.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Fragrance</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-30.htm">Grateful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-18.htm">Lost</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Odour</a> <a href="/john/12-7.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-18.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Perishing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-10.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-2.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Saving</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Savor</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Savour</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Sweet</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Aroma</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-17.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Fragrance</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/romans/16-4.htm">Grateful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">Lost</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Odour</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">Perishing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-5.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/titus/2-11.htm">Saving</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Savor</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Savour</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Sweet</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 2</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">Having shown the reason why he came not to them,</a> 6. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-6.htm">he requires them to forgive and to comfort that excommunicated person,</a> 10. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">even as he himself upon true repentance had forgiven him;</a> 12. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-12.htm">declaring why he departed from Troas to Macedonia,</a> 14. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">and the happy success which God gave to his preaching in all places.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, reminding them of their role as representatives of Christ. This aligns with the biblical theme of living for God's glory, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>, where believers are encouraged to do everything for the glory of God.the sweet aroma of Christ The imagery of a "sweet aroma" is reminiscent of Old Testament sacrificial offerings, such as those described in <a href="/leviticus/1-9.htm">Leviticus 1:9</a>, where sacrifices were a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This metaphor suggests that believers' lives, when lived in accordance with Christ's teachings, are pleasing to God. It also reflects the sacrificial nature of Christ's own life and death, which was the ultimate offering to God.among those who are being saved This phrase indicates the presence and influence of believers within the community of the saved. It suggests an ongoing process of salvation, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a>, where believers are encouraged to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. The community of the saved is not static but dynamic, growing in faith and understanding.and those who are perishing Here, Paul acknowledges the dual response to the gospel message. The concept of "perishing" is a common theme in the New Testament, referring to those who reject the message of Christ, as seen in <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16-18</a>. This phrase underscores the reality of spiritual death for those outside of Christ, contrasting with the life offered to those who believe. The presence of believers serves as a testimony to both groups, highlighting the stark difference in their eternal destinies.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, writing to the church in Corinth to address various issues and to defend his apostleship. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges, where Paul established a church. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, a diverse group of believers facing internal and external challenges. 4. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> Central to the message, representing the source of the "sweet aroma" that believers are to God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/those_being_saved_and_those_perishing.htm">Those Being Saved and Those Perishing</a> Two groups of people who respond differently to the message of Christ, representing believers and non-believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_aroma_of_christ.htm">The Aroma of Christ</a> Believers are called to embody the character and love of Christ, becoming a "sweet aroma" to God. This involves living a life that reflects Christ's sacrificial love and righteousness. <a href="/topical/w/witness_to_the_world.htm">Witness to the World</a> Our lives should be a testimony to both believers and non-believers. The way we live can attract others to Christ or cause them to reject Him, highlighting the importance of our witness. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_reactions.htm">Understanding Reactions</a> Not everyone will respond positively to the message of Christ. We should be prepared for varied reactions, understanding that our role is to faithfully represent Christ regardless of the outcome. <a href="/topical/l/living_sacrifices.htm">Living Sacrifices</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, which is our spiritual act of worship. This involves daily surrender and obedience to God's will. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_ministry.htm">Encouragement in Ministry</a> Knowing that we are a "sweet aroma" to God can encourage us in our ministry efforts, even when faced with opposition or indifference from the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 2</a> <a href="/q/can_temptation_exist_without_sin.htm">What is the indescribable gift?</a> <a href="/q/what_happens_in_the_apocalypse_of_moses.htm">Have you obeyed the Gospel of God?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_vivification_mean.htm">What does vivification mean?</a> <a href="/q/christian_view_on_wearing_scents.htm">What is the Christian perspective on wearing fragrances?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ.--If we believe this Epistle to have been written from Philippi, it is interesting to note the recurrence of the same imagery of a "sweet savour" in the Epistle to that Church (<a href="/philippians/4-18.htm" title="But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.">Philippians 4:18</a>). Here the mind of the writer turns to the sterner, sadder side of the Roman triumph. Some who appeared in that triumph were on their way to deliverance, some on their way to perish (this is the exact rendering of the words translated saved and lost), and this also has its analogue in the triumph of Christ. He does not shrink from that thought. In his belief in the righteousness and mercy of Christ, he is content to leave the souls of all men to His judgment. He will not the less do his work as incense-bearer, and let the "sweet savour" of the knowledge of God be wafted through the words which it has been given him to utter. All things are for His glory, for His righteousness will be seen to have been working through all.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ. The undeveloped metaphor involved in these words is that "we and our preaching diffuse to God's glory the knowledge of Christ which is as a sweet savour." The apostles are identified with their work; they were as the incense, crushed and burned, but diffusing everywhere a waft of perfume. St. Paul is still thinking of the incense burnt in the streets of Rome during a triumph - "Dabimusque Divis Tura benignis" (Horace, 'Od.,' 4:2.51) - though his expression recalls the "odour of a sweet smell," of <a href="/leviticus/1-9.htm">Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17</a> (comp. <a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a>); see on this passage the excellent note of Bishop Wordsworth. In them that are saved, and in them that perish; rather, among those who are perishing and those who are being saved (comp. <a href="/acts/2-47.htm">Acts 2:47</a>). The odour is fragrant to God, though those who breathe it may be variously affected by it. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. we are ἐσμὲν (esmen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. to God Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. [the] sweet aroma εὐωδία (euōdia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2175.htm">Strong's 2175: </a> A sweet smell, fragrance. From a compound of eu and a derivative of ozo; good-scentedness, i.e. Fragrance. of Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. among ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. those who are τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. being saved σωζομένοις (sōzomenois) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4982.htm">Strong's 4982: </a> To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. those who are τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. perishing. ἀπολλυμένοις (apollymenois) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are a sweet aroma (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 2:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 2:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 2:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 2:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>