2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
unto God
G2316
θεῷ
unto God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῳζομένοις
them that are saved
G4982
σῳζομένοις
them that are saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
9 of 13
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
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.1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.Ezekiel 20:41I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.Philippians 4:18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.Genesis 8:21And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.2 Thessalonians 2:10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.Exodus 29:18And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.Exodus 29:25And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn them upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the LORD: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing ministry as primarily pleasing God free us from people-pleasing?
- Why does the same Gospel message produce salvation in some and hardening in others?
- How should the reality of rejection affect evangelistic methodology and expectations?
Analysis & Commentary
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).