King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:15 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:15 in the King James Version says “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 2:15 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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?

17

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. corrupt: or, deal deceitfully with in Christ: or, of Christ

Read 2 Corinthians 2 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ—The phrase Christou euōdia (Χριστοῦ εὐωδία, "the fragrance of Christ") continues the triumphal procession metaphor. Apostles themselves become the incense—their lives and message exude Christ's aroma. The dative tō theō (τῷ θεῷ, "to God") indicates this fragrance primarily pleases God, regardless of human response. Ministry success is measured by God's pleasure, not popular acclaim.

In them that are saved, and in them that perish—The present passive participles sōzomenois (σῳζομένοις, "those being saved") and apollymenois (ἀπολλυμένοις, "those perishing") describe two groups experiencing the same Gospel message. The same proclamation produces opposite effects: life for some, death for others. This anticipates verse 16's stark question. Paul refuses to alter the message to increase appeal—the Gospel's offense is inherent, not a communication failure. Faithful preaching divides humanity into two camps, fulfilling Christ's prediction (Luke 2:34, John 9:39).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Roman triumphs, incense held different meanings: to victorious Romans it celebrated conquest, but to captives marching to execution it meant impending death. The same aroma meant life to victors and death to the defeated. Paul applies this dual significance to Gospel proclamation—identical message, opposite effects based on the hearer's response.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing ministry as primarily pleasing God free us from people-pleasing?
  2. Why does the same Gospel message produce salvation in some and hardening in others?
  3. How should the reality of rejection affect evangelistic methodology and expectations?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὅτι1 of 13

“For”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Χριστοῦ2 of 13

“of Christ”

G5547

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

εὐωδία3 of 13

“a sweet savour”

G2175

good-scentedness, i.e., fragrance

ἐσμὲν4 of 13

“we are”

G2070

we are

τῷ5 of 13
G3588

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

θεῷ6 of 13

“unto God”

G2316

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

ἐν7 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

τοῖς8 of 13
G3588

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

σῳζομένοις9 of 13

“them that are saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

καὶ10 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

ἐν11 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

τοῖς12 of 13
G3588

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

ἀπολλυμένοις13 of 13

“them that perish”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:21 Corinthians 1:18Ezekiel 20:41Philippians 4:18Genesis 8:212 Thessalonians 2:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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