2 Corinthians 2:16

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

To {G3739} the one {G3303} we are the savour {G3744} of death {G2288} unto {G1519} death {G2288}; and {G1161} to the other {G3739} the savour {G3744} of life {G2222} unto {G1519} life {G2222}. And {G2532} who {G5101} is sufficient {G2425} for {G4314} these things {G5023}?

Complete Jewish Bible

to the latter, we are the smell of death leading only to more death; but to the former, we are the sweet smell of life leading to more life. Who is equal to such a task?

Berean Standard Bible

To 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?

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 2:16, the Apostle Paul articulates the profound and dual impact of his gospel ministry: for some, the message of Christ becomes an aroma leading to spiritual death and judgment, while for others, it is a fragrance that ushers in spiritual life and eternal salvation. This verse underscores the non-neutral nature of the gospel and culminates in Paul's humble rhetorical question, acknowledging that no human is inherently sufficient for a ministry with such eternal consequences, thereby pointing to divine enablement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a powerful culmination of Paul's discussion regarding the nature and impact of his apostolic ministry. Immediately preceding it, in [2 Corinthians 2:14](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14 - God's Triumphal Procession"), Paul introduces the vivid imagery of a Roman triumphal procession. He portrays God as leading him and his fellow apostles in triumph, spreading "the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place." This sets the stage for the "savour" (aroma/fragrance) metaphor in verse 16, explaining the two distinct outcomes of this pervasive spiritual aroma. Paul's confidence, despite suffering and opposition, is rooted in God's sovereign leading and the inherent power of the gospel itself, not in his own abilities. The rhetorical question at the end of [2 Corinthians 2:16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Dual Impact of the Gospel") then serves as a bridge, leading into his subsequent discussion in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant Ministry") about the source of true sufficiency in ministry, which he clarifies is from God, not from human capabilities or external commendations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The metaphor of the "triumphal procession" (θρίαμβος, _thriambos_) would have been immediately recognizable to Paul's audience in Corinth, a major Roman city. A Roman triumph was a grand parade celebrating a victorious general and his army. Central to this procession was the burning of incense, which filled the air with a potent aroma. For the victorious general, his soldiers, and the Roman citizens, this fragrance symbolized triumph, glory, and life, signifying a successful campaign and the expansion of the empire. However, for the captives paraded in chains, destined for execution at the end of the procession, the very same aroma signified impending death, defeat, and judgment. Paul masterfully employs this dual symbolism to illustrate the contrasting effects of the gospel message. The pervasive "savour" of Christ, like the incense, is experienced by all, but its meaning and outcome are diametrically opposed depending on the spiritual state and response of the hearer.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes of [2 Corinthians 2:16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Dual Impact of the Gospel") are deeply interconnected with the broader theological landscape of the New Testament.
* **The Dual Impact of the Gospel:** The verse powerfully asserts that the gospel of Jesus Christ is never neutral. It acts as a dividing line, producing diametrically opposite effects. For those who reject Christ, the gospel hardens their hearts and confirms their condemnation, becoming a "savour of death unto death." This echoes the sentiment in [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Foolishness of the Cross"), where "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing." Conversely, for those who believe and embrace Christ, the same gospel brings spiritual life and leads to eternal life, acting as a "savour of life unto life." This transformative power is celebrated in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"), where Paul declares the gospel to be "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."
* **The Seriousness of Proclaiming the Gospel:** Paul's language underscores the immense weight and eternal consequences of ministry. Proclaiming the gospel is not a casual endeavor; it involves handling a message that determines eternal destinies. This highlights the profound responsibility of all who share the Christian message, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and integrity.
* **Divine Sufficiency in Ministry:** The rhetorical question, "And who is sufficient for these things?" is not an expression of doubt but a profound declaration of human inadequacy. Paul recognizes that no human being, by natural ability or wisdom, is capable of wielding a message with such life-and-death implications. This humility sets the stage for his powerful declaration in [2 Corinthians 3:5-6](/2_corinthians/3-5-6 "2 Corinthians 3:5-6 - Our Sufficiency is from God"), where he clarifies that "our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant." This theme emphasizes that true effectiveness in ministry flows from divine empowerment, not human strength.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Savour (Greek, _osmḗ'_):** From G3744, meaning "fragrance (literally or figuratively)." This word is central to Paul's metaphor, drawing on the Roman triumphal procession. It signifies a pervasive, inescapable influence, much like a strong scent that fills the air and affects everyone who encounters it. The "savour" is not merely a passive smell but an active emanation of Christ's presence and the gospel's inherent power.
* **Death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** From G2288, meaning "death (literally or figuratively)." In this context, "death" refers not only to physical cessation but primarily to spiritual death—separation from God, leading to eternal condemnation. The repetition "death unto death" emphasizes a progression or intensification, indicating that the gospel, when rejected, confirms and deepens the hearer's already existing spiritual deadness, leading to ultimate spiritual demise.
* **Life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** From G2222, meaning "life (literally or figuratively)." This term signifies spiritual life, a vibrant, eternal relationship with God that begins at conversion and culminates in eternal glory. Like "death unto death," "life unto life" suggests a progression: the gospel brings initial spiritual life and continues to sustain and deepen that life, leading to eternal vitality in Christ.
* **Sufficient (Greek, _hikanós'_):** From G2425, meaning "competent (as if coming in season), i.e. ample (in amount) or fit (in character)." Paul's rhetorical question, "And who is sufficient for these things?" uses this word to highlight the overwhelming nature of the task of gospel ministry. It emphasizes that human ability alone is utterly inadequate for a calling that carries such profound, eternal consequences, thereby pointing to the necessity of divine empowerment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death":** For those who are perishing, the very message of the gospel, proclaimed by Paul and his co-workers, becomes an aroma that signifies and hastens their spiritual demise. Like the incense for the Roman captives, the gospel, though inherently life-giving, becomes a catalyst for judgment for those who reject it. It seals their condemnation and confirms their state of spiritual deadness, leading them further into eternal separation from God.
* **"and to the other the savour of life unto life.":** In stark contrast, for those who are being saved—those who respond in faith to the gospel—the same message is an aroma of life. It initiates spiritual life, regenerating their hearts and bringing them into a living relationship with God. This life is not static but progresses, leading them into deeper spiritual vitality and ultimately to eternal life in Christ. The gospel, for them, is the very breath of God, bringing healing and redemption.
* **"And who [is] sufficient for these things?":** Paul concludes with a profound rhetorical question. He is not expressing doubt in his calling or the gospel's power, but rather emphasizing the staggering weight and eternal implications of his ministry. No human being, by their own strength, wisdom, or merit, is inherently capable or "sufficient" to bear such a message that carries the power of life and death. This question humbly points beyond human ability to the divine source of true sufficiency, setting the stage for his subsequent theological reflections.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 2:16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Dual Impact of the Gospel") to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the extended metaphor of the "aroma" or "savour" (Greek: _osmḗ_). This metaphor is rooted in the Roman triumphal procession (introduced in [2 Corinthians 2:14](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14 - God's Triumphal Procession")), where incense was burned, creating an aroma that signified triumph and life for the victors, but death and judgment for the captives. Paul applies this powerful image to the gospel, demonstrating how the same message has diametrically opposed effects based on the hearer's response. Closely related is **Antithesis**, the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, seen vividly in "death unto death" versus "life unto life." This stark contrast highlights the absolute and non-neutral nature of the gospel's impact. Finally, Paul uses a **Rhetorical Question** ("And who is sufficient for these things?"). This is not a request for information but a powerful way to express a self-evident truth: no human is inherently capable of such a weighty ministry. It serves to emphasize Paul's humility and to direct the reader's attention to God as the sole source of true sufficiency, a theme he elaborates on in the subsequent chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth of [2 Corinthians 2:16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Dual Impact of the Gospel") resonates throughout biblical theology, affirming that the gospel is not merely information but a divine power that elicits an unavoidable, eternally significant response. It underscores God's sovereignty in salvation and judgment, revealing that the same message of grace, when rejected, becomes a catalyst for hardening and condemnation, not because God desires anyone to perish, but because human rebellion against truth inevitably leads to spiritual darkness. Conversely, for those who embrace it, the gospel is the very breath of God, bringing spiritual regeneration and an unfolding journey of life. This dual effect highlights the inherent holiness and justice of God, who offers salvation freely, but also holds humanity accountable for their response to His revealed truth.

* [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")
* [Acts 13:46](/acts/13-46 "Acts 13:46 - Turning to the Gentiles")
* [1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "1 Peter 2:7-8 - Christ, the Cornerstone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 2:16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Dual Impact of the Gospel") offers a sobering yet empowering perspective for every believer, particularly those engaged in sharing the gospel. It reminds us that the message we carry is not a trivial matter or a mere human opinion; it is a divine aroma with eternal consequences. This truth should instill in us a profound sense of humility, recognizing that any effectiveness in ministry is solely by God's power, not our own eloquence or wisdom. It also calls us to boldness and faithfulness in proclamation, knowing that the Spirit of God is at work, using our words to bring either life or judgment. We are not responsible for the outcome, but for the faithful delivery of the message. This verse encourages us to trust God with the results, understanding that the diverse responses to the gospel are part of His sovereign plan, and that even in rejection, His character is vindicated. Our calling is to be faithful conduits of Christ's fragrance, leaving the spiritual discernment and ultimate response to the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "savour of death unto death" challenge my assumptions about the universal appeal or acceptance of the gospel?**
* **In what ways does this verse deepen my sense of responsibility and humility when sharing my faith?**
* **How does Paul's rhetorical question, "And who is sufficient for these things?" encourage me to rely more fully on God's power rather than my own abilities in ministry?**
* **Considering the dual impact, how should my approach to evangelism be shaped by the understanding that the gospel is never neutral?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God intends for some people to perish?**

Answer: This verse highlights the *outcome* of the gospel's proclamation, not necessarily God's *desire* for anyone to perish. The Bible is clear that God desires all people to come to repentance and knowledge of the truth ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience")). However, humanity's response to God's truth is not neutral. For those who harden their hearts and reject the light, the very truth that brings life to others becomes a confirmation of their existing spiritual deadness, leading to further condemnation. The "savour of death unto death" describes the inevitable consequence of rejecting the life-giving message of Christ, not a divine predetermination of their destruction without choice. God presents the choice, and the gospel reveals the heart's true condition.

**What is the "savour" or "aroma" Paul is referring to?**

Answer: The "savour" (Greek: _osmḗ_) refers to the pervasive and inescapable influence of Christ's presence and the gospel message itself. As explained in [2 Corinthians 2:14](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14 - God's Triumphal Procession"), Paul uses the metaphor of the incense burned during a Roman triumphal procession. This aroma filled the air and had a dual meaning: for the victors, it signified life and triumph; for the captives destined for execution, it signaled death. Similarly, the "aroma of Christ" is the pervasive reality of His person and work, made manifest through the preaching of the gospel. It is not merely a pleasant smell but a potent spiritual force that impacts everyone who encounters it, leading to either life or death depending on their response.

**How can we be "sufficient for these things" if Paul implies no one is?**

Answer: Paul's rhetorical question, "And who is sufficient for these things?" is a profound statement of human inadequacy, not a declaration of impossibility for ministry. He is emphasizing that no human being, by their own strength, wisdom, or merit, is inherently capable of wielding a message with such eternal, life-or-death implications. However, this humility immediately sets the stage for his subsequent teaching in [2 Corinthians 3:5-6](/2_corinthians/3-5-6 "2 Corinthians 3:5-6 - Our Sufficiency is from God"), where he clarifies: "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant." Therefore, believers are "sufficient" for gospel ministry not by their own power, but by the empowering grace and Spirit of God who works through them. Our sufficiency is found *in Christ* and *from God*.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 2:16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Dual Impact of the Gospel") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who embodies the "savour" of both life and death. Jesus came into the world as the light, and His very presence and message became the dividing line for humanity. As [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Light and Darkness") declares, "This is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." For those who embrace Him in faith, Jesus is the source of eternal life, fulfilling His promise in [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Life Through Faith in Jesus") that "whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned." He is the resurrection and the life ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and through His atoning sacrifice, He offers redemption and spiritual vitality. Conversely, for those who reject Him, Jesus becomes a stumbling block and a rock of offense ([1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "1 Peter 2:7-8 - Christ, the Cornerstone")), and His very coming seals their condemnation, as He Himself stated in [John 12:48](/john/12-48 "John 12:48 - The Word Will Judge"). Thus, Christ Himself is the ultimate "savour" – the one whose life, death, and resurrection bring either spiritual life or spiritual death, depending on humanity's response to Him. He is the one for whom Paul and all believers are called to be an aroma, spreading His fragrance throughout the world.

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

2 Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

2 Corinthians 3:6

¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

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.

1 Peter 2:7

Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

1 Peter 2:8

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Luke 2:34

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto 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;

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.