2 Corinthians 2:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
Τῷ
G3588
Τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
be unto God
G2316
θεῷ
be unto God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
χάρις
thanks
G5485
χάρις
thanks
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
4 of 23
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θριαμβεύοντι
causeth
G2358
θριαμβεύοντι
causeth
Strong's:
G2358
Word #:
7 of 23
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,
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνώσεως
knowledge
G1108
γνώσεως
knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
16 of 23
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 23
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
φανεροῦντι
maketh manifest
G5319
φανεροῦντι
maketh manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
18 of 23
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Ephesians 5:2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.Romans 6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.2 Corinthians 9:15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.Psalms 106:47Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.Colossians 2:15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.Song of Solomon 1:3Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.Romans 15:19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Psalms 148:14He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's portrayal of apostles as captive slaves challenge success-oriented ministry?
- What does it mean that ministerial suffering spreads the knowledge of Christ?
- How is Christ's triumph displayed through our weakness rather than our strength?
Analysis & 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.