King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:16 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:16 in the King James Version says “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 f... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

2 Corinthians 2:16 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life—The doubled phrases ek thanatou eis thanaton (ἐκ θανάτου εἰς θάνατον, "from death unto death") and ek zōēs eis zōēn (ἐκ ζωῆς εἰς ζωήν, "from life unto life") suggest movement and intensification. For those rejecting the Gospel, spiritual death deepens into eternal death; for believers, spiritual life progresses toward eternal life. The same message accelerates both trajectories.

And who is sufficient for these things?—Paul's question kai pros tauta tis hikanos (καὶ πρὸς ταῦτα τίς ἱκανός, "and for these things who is adequate?") expresses the weight of ministry. The rhetorical answer is "no one"—apart from divine enabling (3:5-6). Preaching that determines eternal destinies creates crushing responsibility. Only false ministers approach this casually. Paul's question invites verses 17 and 3:1-6's answer: sufficiency comes from God, not human adequacy. Recognizing insufficiency paradoxically qualifies for ministry, while self-confidence disqualifies.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient rhetoric prized the orator's skill in persuasion. Paul's confession of inadequacy contradicted rhetorical culture's confidence. He rejects both sophistic manipulation (peddling God's word, v. 17) and self-sufficient eloquence. True ministry acknowledges dependence on God's Spirit, not human technique or charisma.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the Gospel's life-or-death stakes affect preaching and evangelism?
  2. Why is feeling inadequate for ministry actually a qualification rather than disqualification?
  3. How does the Gospel's inherent power differ from persuasive human rhetoric?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
οἷς1 of 17

To

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μὲν2 of 17

the one

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ὀσμὴ3 of 17

the savour

G3744

fragrance (literally or figuratively)

θάνατον4 of 17

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

εἰς5 of 17

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

θάνατον6 of 17

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

οἷς7 of 17

To

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὲ8 of 17

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ὀσμὴ9 of 17

the savour

G3744

fragrance (literally or figuratively)

ζωήν10 of 17

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

εἰς11 of 17

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ζωήν12 of 17

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 17

And

G2532

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

πρὸς14 of 17

for

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ταῦτα15 of 17

these things

G5023

these things

τίς16 of 17

who

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἱκανός17 of 17

is sufficient

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)


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 2:16 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 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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