2 Corinthians 2:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} thanks {G5485} be unto God {G2316}, which always {G3842} causeth {G2358} us {G2248} to triumph {G2358} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} maketh manifest {G5319} the savour {G3744} of his {G846} knowledge {G1108} by {G1223} us {G2257} in {G1722} every {G3956} place {G5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But thanks be to God, who in the Messiah constantly leads us in a triumphal procession and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of what it means to know him!

Berean Standard Bible

But 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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, transitioning from personal hardship, expresses profound gratitude to God, who consistently leads believers in a triumphant procession through Christ. This divine victory is not merely personal but serves a greater purpose: to manifest the distinctive fragrance of God's knowledge through believers in every place, thereby spreading the gospel's pervasive and impactful aroma to all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant shift in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. Immediately preceding [2 Corinthians 2:14](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14 - God's Triumph and the Aroma of Christ"), Paul describes his deep anxiety and distress in Troas, where he "had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother" ([2 Corinthians 2:13](/2_corinthians/2-13 "2 Corinthians 2:13 - Paul's Anxiety in Troas")). He then recounts his journey to Macedonia, where, despite external conflicts, God provided comfort ([2 Corinthians 7:5-6](/2_corinthians/7-5-6 "2 Corinthians 7:5-6 - Paul's Affliction and God's Comfort")). Thus, [2 Corinthians 2:14](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14 - God's Triumph and the Aroma of Christ") acts as a powerful doxology, a sudden outburst of praise that transcends his immediate circumstances and reasserts God's sovereign control and triumphant purpose in his ministry, regardless of personal trials. It sets the stage for the profound discussion of ministerial integrity and the nature of the New Covenant in the chapters that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "triumph" (Greek: *thriambeuō*) and "savour" (Greek: *osmē*) is deeply rooted in the Roman triumphal procession, a highly significant public spectacle in the ancient world. When a Roman general achieved a decisive victory, the Senate would grant him a "triumph," a grand parade through the streets of Rome. The procession included the victorious general, his army, captured enemies, and the spoils of war. Incense was burned along the route, creating a pervasive aroma. For the victorious soldiers and citizens, this fragrance was the "savour of victory," signifying honor, triumph, and celebration. However, for the captives being led to execution, the same aroma was the "savour of death," a grim harbinger of their impending doom. Paul masterfully employs this well-known cultural phenomenon to illustrate the dual impact of the gospel message, which brings life to those who believe and judgment to those who reject it, as further elaborated in [2 Corinthians 2:15-16](/2_corinthians/2-15-16 "2 Corinthians 2:15-16 - The Aroma of Christ").
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 2:14](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14 - God's Triumph and the Aroma of Christ") contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, emphasizing that God, not human effort, is the ultimate source of triumph in ministry and life. This aligns with Paul's consistent message that his sufficiency comes from God ([2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is from God")). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **The Gospel's Pervasive Impact**, using the sensory imagery of an "aroma" to convey how the knowledge of Christ spreads universally through believers. This foreshadows the discussion of the New Covenant ministry, which is characterized by the Spirit and brings life ([2 Corinthians 3:6-8](/2_corinthians/3-6-8 "2 Corinthians 3:6-8 - The Ministry of the Spirit")). Lastly, it touches on **Paul's Apostolic Authority and Integrity**, as he defends his ministry against critics by demonstrating that God is working through him, making manifest His knowledge "by us in every place," thereby validating his calling and the authenticity of the message he preaches, even amidst suffering, which he discusses extensively in [2 Corinthians 4:7-12](/2_corinthians/4-7-12 "2 Corinthians 4:7-12 - Treasure in Jars of Clay").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **triumph (Greek, _thriambeúō'_):** From G2358, meaning "to make an acclamatory procession, i.e. (figuratively) to conquer or (by Hebraism) to give victory." This word directly evokes the imagery of a Roman general leading a triumphal parade, emphasizing a public, decisive, and celebrated victory. It highlights that believers are not merely victorious, but are actively led by God in His victorious procession, participating in His conquest.
* **savour (Greek, _osmḗ'_):** From G3744, meaning "fragrance (literally or figuratively)." This term refers to an aroma or scent. In the context of the Roman triumph, it refers to the incense burned along the route. Paul uses this sensory image to describe the pervasive and inescapable influence of the knowledge of Christ, which, like a scent, spreads everywhere and has a distinct impact on those who encounter it.
* **knowledge (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** From G1108, meaning "knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge." This refers to the understanding and apprehension of God's truth, particularly as revealed in Christ. It is not merely intellectual information but a transformative, relational understanding of God and His redemptive plan, which believers are called to make manifest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now thanks be unto God":** Paul begins with an immediate and fervent expression of gratitude, shifting from his personal anxieties to a doxology. This highlights his deep theological conviction that all good things, and particularly triumph in ministry, originate from God. It sets a tone of worship and dependence on divine grace.
* **"which always causeth us to triumph in Christ":** This clause reveals the source and sphere of the believer's victory. God is the active agent ("causeth"), and the triumph is continuous ("always"). Crucially, this triumph is "in Christ," signifying that it is not achieved by human effort but is a participation in Christ's own decisive victory over sin, death, and spiritual powers. Believers are not just victorious, but are led *by* God *in* Christ's triumph, much like captives in a Roman procession, but here, paradoxically, they are also part of the victorious parade.
* **"and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.":** God's purpose in leading believers to triumph is to make His knowledge known. The "savour" (aroma) of His knowledge is made "manifest" (made apparent, revealed) through believers ("by us"). This implies that believers, through their lives, words, and ministry, are the instruments through which the distinctive, pervasive, and impactful truth of God in Christ is spread throughout the world ("in every place"). This aroma has a dual effect, bringing life to some and death to others, as elaborated in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, primarily drawing from the Roman triumphal procession. Paul casts God as the victorious General leading His people, the believers, in a triumphal parade. The believers are simultaneously the "conquered" (in the sense of being Christ's captives, bought with a price) and the participants in the victory, displaying the spoils of God's grace. The central image is the **olfactory imagery** of "the savour of his knowledge," comparing the pervasive influence of the gospel to the burning incense in a Roman triumph. This aroma is not just a pleasant scent but a powerful, inescapable presence that permeates "every place," signifying the universal reach and impact of God's work through His people. This vivid imagery effectively conveys the public, undeniable, and far-reaching nature of God's work through His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the Christian's identity and mission as participants in God's ongoing triumph through Christ. It underscores that our victories, whether over sin, temptation, or external opposition, are not self-generated but are divinely orchestrated, rooting our assurance in God's unfailing power and Christ's accomplished work. Furthermore, it defines the believer's purpose as being a conduit for the manifestation of God's knowledge, implying that our very lives, empowered by God, become a fragrant witness to His truth and character in the world. This truth transforms us into living epistles, read by all, radiating the essence of Christ wherever we go.

* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")
* [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Christ")
* [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 2:14 offers profound encouragement and a clear sense of purpose for believers today. It reminds us that even in seasons of personal struggle, anxiety, or apparent defeat, God is actively leading us in triumph through Christ. Our effectiveness in ministry and witness is not dependent on our strength or circumstances, but on God's consistent work through us. This perspective frees us from the burden of self-reliance and empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that our lives are meant to be a constant, pervasive witness to the knowledge of God. Every interaction, every place we inhabit, becomes an opportunity for the "fragrance" of Christ to be made manifest. This means that our character, our words, our actions, and our very presence should emanate the truth and grace of God, drawing others to Him and revealing His nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God to "cause you to triumph" rather than relying on your own strength?**
* **How can your daily life more intentionally manifest "the savour of His knowledge" to those around you?**
* **Considering the "aroma" imagery, what kind of "scent" do you believe your life is currently spreading about God's knowledge?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God "always causeth us to triumph in Christ"?**

Answer: This phrase uses the imagery of a Roman triumphal procession. It means that God is the one who consistently leads believers in a victorious parade, not just *to* victory, but *in* victory, as participants in Christ's own decisive triumph over sin, death, and spiritual forces. It signifies that our victory is not achieved by our own power but is a gift and an ongoing work of God through our union with Christ. Even amidst difficulties, God ensures that the ultimate outcome for believers in Christ is triumph, not defeat. This is a theological assurance that our standing in Christ guarantees ultimate victory, even if individual battles are tough.

**How do believers "make manifest the savour of his knowledge"?**

Answer: Believers make manifest the "savour" (aroma or fragrance) of God's knowledge by living lives that embody and proclaim the truth of the gospel. Just as incense in a Roman triumph permeated the air, so the presence and message of Christ's followers are meant to spread the distinctive "aroma" of God's character, salvation, and truth wherever they go. This happens through our words, our actions, our love, our integrity, and our very identity in Christ. Our lives become a living testimony, a spiritual fragrance that reveals God's knowledge to a world in need, as Paul further explains in [2 Corinthians 2:15-16](/2_corinthians/2-15-16 "2 Corinthians 2:15-16 - The Aroma of Christ") where this aroma is experienced differently by those who are perishing and those who are being saved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 2:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is precisely *in Christ* that believers are caused to triumph, for He is the victorious General who has already triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). Our participation in this triumph is not earned but is a gracious gift, a result of our union with Him by faith ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). Furthermore, the "savour of his knowledge" that is made manifest through us is none other than the knowledge of Christ Himself—His person, His redemptive work, and His saving truth. He is the very embodiment of God's wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Thus, as believers live out their calling, they are not merely spreading abstract information, but are radiating the very presence and character of the resurrected Christ, making Him known "in every place" as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the Lord of glory who has conquered all ([1 Corinthians 2:8](/1_corinthians/2-8 "1 Corinthians 2:8 - The Lord of Glory")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:37

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

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

2 Corinthians 2:15

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

2 Corinthians 2:16

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?

Romans 6:17

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Colossians 2:15

[And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.