2 Corinthians 2:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} we are {G2070} unto God {G2316} a sweet savour {G2175} of Christ {G5547}, in {G1722} them that are saved {G4982}, and {G2532} in {G1722} them that perish {G622}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost;

Berean Standard Bible

For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 2:15, the Apostle Paul declares that he and his fellow ministers, and by extension all believers, are a "sweet savour of Christ" to God. This powerful metaphor, building on the imagery of a Roman triumphal procession, reveals the profound and dual impact of the gospel message: it is a life-giving aroma to those who are being saved, yet a scent of judgment and death to those who are perishing, with both outcomes ultimately pleasing and acceptable to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [2 Corinthians 2:14](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14 - God's Triumphal Procession"), where Paul introduces the vivid imagery of a Roman triumphal procession. In such a parade, incense was burned, signifying the general's victory and the captives' impending doom. Paul masterfully adapts this image, portraying God as the triumphant General leading believers in Christ, and the "fragrance" as Christ Himself, diffused through the ministry of His followers. Verse 15 then clarifies *who* this aroma is ("we are") and *to whom* it is directed ("unto God"), while simultaneously introducing the profound, contrasting effects it has on humanity, setting the stage for the weighty implications discussed in [2 Corinthians 2:16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Aroma of Life or Death").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman triumphal procession was a spectacular public event celebrating a general's decisive victory. The victorious general, his army, and the spoils of war, including high-ranking captives, would parade through the streets of Rome. Incense was burned throughout the procession, a symbol of victory and homage to the gods. For the victors and citizens, it was a celebratory fragrance; for the defeated captives, it was the scent of their impending execution. Paul leverages this widely understood cultural phenomenon to illustrate the pervasive and impactful nature of the gospel message, which, like the incense, has a dual and opposing effect depending on the spiritual state of the beholder. This imagery would have resonated deeply with his original audience.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - Believers as Christ's Aroma") contributes significantly to several key themes in 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God** in salvation and judgment, as the aroma is "unto God," implying His ultimate purpose and pleasure in both outcomes. Secondly, it highlights the **Identity and Mission of Believers** as instruments through whom Christ's presence is made known, regardless of human response. The idea that "we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ" emphasizes that the believer's very existence and ministry are an offering acceptable to God. Thirdly, it powerfully illustrates the **Dual Nature of the Gospel's Impact**, which brings life to some and accelerates judgment for others, a theme also explored in passages like [John 3:18-21](/john/3-18-21 "John 3:18-21 - Light and Darkness"). This verse also touches on the **Sufficiency of Christ**, as it is *His* aroma that believers bear, not their own.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sweet savour (Greek, _euōdía'_):** This word, derived from a compound meaning "good-scentedness," refers to a pleasant fragrance or aroma. In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), _euōdía_ is frequently used to describe the "pleasing aroma" of sacrifices offered to God (e.g., [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Sacrifice"), [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Pleasing Aroma to the Lord")). This background is crucial, as it imbues Paul's statement with the theological weight of an acceptable offering. Believers, in their lives and ministry, are presented as an offering whose "fragrance" is pleasing and acceptable to God because it is the aroma *of Christ*.
* **unto God (Greek, _theós'_):** The preposition "unto" (G1722, _en_) combined with "God" (G2316, _theós_) emphasizes the primary recipient and ultimate audience of this spiritual aroma. It is not primarily for human approval or reception, but for God Himself. This highlights that the effectiveness and acceptability of the believer's ministry are measured by God's perspective and pleasure, not solely by the visible results in human hearts. Our faithfulness in bearing Christ's aroma, even when rejected by some, is what truly matters to God.
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** This verb means "to save, deliver, or protect," often with spiritual connotations of being brought into a state of wholeness or salvation. In this context, it refers to those who are in the process of being saved, or who have embraced the gospel and are experiencing its life-giving power. For these individuals, the "sweet savour of Christ" is a fragrance that leads to spiritual life and healing, confirming their journey towards eternal salvation.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This verb means "to destroy fully, to perish, or to lose." It denotes a state of ruin, destruction, or eternal loss. In contrast to those who are being saved, "them that perish" refers to those who reject the gospel message and are consequently heading towards spiritual destruction. For them, the very same "sweet savour of Christ" becomes an aroma that confirms their condemnation, sealing their fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ":** Paul identifies himself and his fellow ministers (and by extension, all believers) as this "sweet savour" or fragrance. Crucially, this aroma is not their own inherent goodness but is "of Christ," meaning it emanates from Christ's presence and work within them. The phrase "unto God" underscores that the primary audience and recipient of this spiritual fragrance is God Himself, implying that their lives and ministry are an acceptable and pleasing offering to Him, much like a perfect sacrifice.
* **"in them that are saved":** This clause describes the first, positive effect of the "sweet savour of Christ." For those who are receptive to the gospel, who are being drawn to salvation, this aroma is life-giving and leads to spiritual vitality and wholeness. It is a fragrance that signifies hope, redemption, and eternal life, confirming their journey towards God.
* **"and in them that perish":** This clause presents the stark, contrasting effect. For those who reject Christ and are on a path to spiritual destruction, the very same "sweet savour of Christ" becomes an aroma of judgment. It does not mean that the aroma itself is unpleasant to God, but rather that its presence serves as a divine witness that intensifies the condemnation of those who refuse to believe, marking them for spiritual death.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - Believers as Christ's Aroma"). The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where believers are described as a "sweet savour of Christ." This extends the **Analogy** of the Roman triumphal procession from the preceding verse, transforming the physical incense into a spiritual fragrance that emanates from Christ through His followers. This metaphor is rich with Old Testament sacrificial imagery, where a "pleasing aroma" signified an acceptable offering to God. Furthermore, Paul uses stark **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by presenting the two opposing effects of this single aroma: it leads to salvation "in them that are saved" and to perishing "in them that perish." This dramatic contrast highlights the profound and decisive nature of the gospel's impact, demonstrating that the message of Christ is never neutral in its effect on humanity. The **Paradox** lies in the fact that the same "sweet savour" can have such diametrically opposed outcomes, yet both are ultimately "unto God," fulfilling His divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The concept of a "sweet savour" (or "pleasing aroma") is deeply rooted in Old Testament theology, where it consistently refers to sacrifices and offerings that were acceptable and delightful to God (e.g., Noah's sacrifice in [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Sacrifice"), or the burnt offerings in [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - A Pleasing Aroma to the Lord")). This background elevates the believer's life and ministry to the status of a spiritual offering, made acceptable not by their own merit, but by being "of Christ." This verse therefore underscores the profound truth that our existence and witness, empowered by the Spirit, are a perpetual act of worship, pleasing to God regardless of human response. It also emphasizes God's sovereignty over both salvation and judgment, as the gospel's dual effect ultimately serves His divine purposes.

* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Sweet-Smelling Sacrifice")
* [John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Came for Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - Believers as Christ's Aroma") profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian identity and mission. It reminds us that our lives, infused with the presence of Christ, are not passive or neutral; they actively emit a spiritual fragrance that has eternal consequences. This calls us to a life of intentional discipleship, where our character, words, and actions consistently reflect the beauty and truth of Christ. We are to be living epistles, diffusing the knowledge of Him everywhere we go. While the dual impact of the gospel can be sobering—knowing that our very presence might solidify some in their rejection—our primary focus remains on being faithful to God. Our ultimate validation comes from Him, not from the responses of others. This truth frees us from the burden of human approval and empowers us to faithfully represent Christ, trusting God with the outcome, knowing that our faithfulness itself is a "sweet savour" to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my daily life emit the "sweet savour of Christ"?**
* **How does understanding that my witness is "unto God" change my perspective on evangelism or ministry, especially when faced with rejection?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more intentionally live as an acceptable offering, diffusing the knowledge of Christ in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**How can the "sweet savour of Christ" be pleasing to God even in "them that perish"?**

Answer: The "sweet savour of Christ" is always inherently pleasing to God because it is the fragrance of His beloved Son, representing His truth, holiness, and redemptive plan. The "sweetness" is in the aroma itself, which is Christ. The dual effect described in [2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - Believers as Christ's Aroma") and [2 Corinthians 2:16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Aroma of Life or Death") does not mean the aroma changes its nature, but rather that it elicits different responses and outcomes depending on the spiritual state of the hearer. For those who reject Christ, the very presence of this divine truth serves as a witness that confirms their condemnation. God is glorified not only in salvation but also in righteous judgment, demonstrating His justice and sovereignty. Therefore, even in the judgment of those who perish, God's purposes are fulfilled, and His character is upheld, making the outcome, from His perspective, acceptable and just.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - Believers as Christ's Aroma") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the source and substance of this "sweet savour." He is the perfect sacrifice, whose life, death, and resurrection constitute the ultimate "sweet-smelling offering" to God, as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering"). Believers become this aroma because they are "in Christ," united with Him, and indwelt by His Spirit. Our ability to diffuse this fragrance is not from our own merit but from our participation in His triumph. Jesus Himself declared that He came to bring division, separating those who embrace Him from those who reject Him ([Luke 12:51](/luke/12-51 "Luke 12:51 - Jesus Brings Division")). Thus, the dual impact of the aroma—life to the saved and death to the perishing—is a direct outworking of Christ's mission and the inherent nature of His truth, which always demands a response. He is the light that reveals both salvation and condemnation ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Light Has Come Into the World")), and believers, as His body, extend this reality into the world, participating in His ongoing work of drawing some to life and revealing the judgment of others.

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

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.

1 Corinthians 1:18

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

Ezekiel 20:41

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.

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Genesis 8:21

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.

Exodus 29:18

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.

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.