King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:14 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:14 in the King James Version says “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 2:14 · KJV

Context

12

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

13

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

14

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.

15

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

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?

Read 2 Corinthians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ—The verb thriambeuonti (θριαμβεύοντι, "to lead in triumphal procession") evokes Roman military triumph ceremonies where generals paraded captives through Rome's streets. Paul daringly applies this image to apostolic ministry—but with a twist: apostles are not the triumphant generals but the captive slaves in Christ's procession. God in Christ leads the triumph; Paul is the displayed prize of grace.

And maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place—In Roman triumphs, incense was burned throughout the procession route. Paul transforms this into spiritual metaphor: osmēn tēs gnōseōs autou (ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ, "the aroma of His knowledge") spreads through apostolic preaching. The term phaneroō (φανερόω, "to make manifest, reveal") indicates God reveals Himself through ministerial suffering. Paul's hardships—anxiety over Corinth, leaving open doors—paradoxically spread Christ's fragrance. This inverts worldly success metrics: faithfulness in weakness manifests God's power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman triumphal processions were spectacular events where victorious generals paraded through Rome with captives, spoils, and burning incense. Only the Senate could grant a triumph. Citizens lined streets as incense filled the air. Paul's audience would immediately grasp the imagery's power—but would be shocked by his reversal: Christ triumphs, and apostles are His willing captives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's portrayal of apostles as captive slaves challenge success-oriented ministry?
  2. What does it mean that ministerial suffering spreads the knowledge of Christ?
  3. How is Christ's triumph displayed through our weakness rather than our strength?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Τῷ1 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 23

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

θεῷ3 of 23

“be unto God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

χάρις4 of 23

“thanks”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

τῷ5 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντοτε6 of 23

“which always”

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

θριαμβεύοντι7 of 23

“causeth”

G2358

and a derivative of g0680 (meaning a noisy iambus, a hymn sung in festal processions in honor of the god bacchus); to make an acclamatory procession,

ἡμᾶς8 of 23

“us”

G2248

us

ἐν9 of 23

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ10 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστῷ11 of 23

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ12 of 23

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν13 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀσμὴν14 of 23

“the savour”

G3744

fragrance (literally or figuratively)

τῆς15 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γνώσεως16 of 23

“knowledge”

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

αὐτοῦ17 of 23
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

φανεροῦντι18 of 23

“maketh manifest”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

δι'19 of 23

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἡμῶν20 of 23

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐν21 of 23

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

παντὶ22 of 23

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τόπῳ·23 of 23

“place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:2Romans 8:372 Corinthians 2:15-16Romans 6:172 Corinthians 9:15Colossians 2:15

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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