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?

Other Translations of 2 Corinthians 2:16

New International Version

16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?

English Standard Version

16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficientOr competent for these things?

The Message

16 But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.

New King James Version

16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

New Living Translation

16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:16

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

(Read 2 Corinthians 2:12-17)

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 gospel is a savour of life unto life: as it quickened them at first when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life. Observe the awful impressions this matter made upon the apostle, and should also make upon us. The work is great, and of ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. But what we do in religion, unless it is done in sincerity, as in the sight of God, is not of God, does not come from him, and will not reach to him. May we carefully watch ourselves in this matter; and seek the testimony of our consciences, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that as of sincerity, so speak we in Christ and of Christ.