2 Corinthians 2:14

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Τῷ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

θεῷ

G2316

be unto God

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

χάρις

G5485

thanks

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

τῷ

G3588

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

πάντοτε

G3842

which always

every when, i.e., at all times

θριαμβεύοντι

G2358

causeth

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,

ἡμᾶς

G2248

ἐν

G1722

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

#10

τῷ

G3588

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

#11

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

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

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

τὴν

G3588

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

#14

ὀσμὴν

G3744

the savour

fragrance (literally or figuratively)

#15

τῆς

G3588

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

#16

γνώσεως

G1108

knowledge

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

#17

αὐτοῦ

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

#18

φανεροῦντι

G5319

maketh manifest

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

#19

δι'

G1223

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

#20

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#21

ἐν

G1722

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

#22

παντὶ

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

#23

τόπῳ·

G5117

place

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?