2 COR 2:14 Interlinear View

1. Greek word
2. Greek lemma
3. OET-LV words
4. OET-RV words
5. Strongs
6. Role/Morphology
7. OET Gloss
8. VLT Gloss
9. CAPS codes
10. Confidence
11. OET tags
12. OET word #
1. τῷ
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····DMS
7. ¬the
8. ¬the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121392
1. Δέ
2. de
3. But
4. -
5. 11610
6. C·······
7. but
8. but
9. PS
10. Y60
11. 121393
1. Θεῷ
2. theos
3. to god
4. God
5. 23160
6. N····DMS
7. ˱to˲ god
8. ˱to˲ God
9. GN
10. Y60; Person=God
11. 121394
1. χάρις
2. χaris
3. thankfulness be
4. thankful
5. 54850
6. N····NFS
7. thankfulness ‹be›
8. thankfulness ‹be›
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121395
1. τῷ
2. ho
3. to the one
4. -
5. 35880
6. R····DMS
7. ˱to˲ the ‹one›
8. ˱to˲ the ‹one›
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121396
1. πάντοτε
2. pantote
3. always
4. -
5. 38420
6. D·······
7. always
8. always
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121397
1. θριαμβεύοντι
2. thriambeuō
3. triumphing
4. -
5. 23580
6. VPPA·DMS
7. triumphing
8. triumphing
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121398
1. ἡμάς
2. egō
3. us
4. -
5. 14730
6. R···1A·P
7. us
8. us
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121399
1. ἐν
2. en
3. in
4. -
5. 17220
6. P·······
7. in
8. in
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121400
1. τῷ
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····DMS
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121401
1. Χριστῷ
2. χristos
3. chosen one messiah
4. -
5. 55470
6. N····DMS
7. chosen_one/messiah
8. Messiah
9. WN
10. Y60; Person=Jesus; F121410
11. 121402
1. Ἰησοῦ
2. iēsous
3. -
4. -
5. 24240
6. N····GMS
7. Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa)
8. Jesus
9. UN
10. Person=Jesus
11. 121403
1. καί
2. kai
3. and
4. But and
5. 25320
6. C·······
7. and
8. and
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121404
1. τήν
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····AFS
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121405
1. ὀσμήν
2. osmē
3. aroma
4. aroma
5. 37440
6. N····AFS
7. aroma
8. aroma
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121406
1. τῆς
2. ho
3. of the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····GFS
7. ˱of˲ the
8. ˱of˲ the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121407
1. τῇ
2. ho
3. -
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····DFS
7. ˱to˲ the
8. ˱to˲ the
9. -
10. -
11. 121408
1. γνώσεως
2. gnōsis
3. knowledge
4. knowledge
5. 11080
6. N····GFS
7. knowledge
8. knowledge
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121409
1. αὐτοῦ
2. autos
3. of him
4. -
5. 8460
6. R···3GMS
7. ˱of˲ him
8. ˱of˲ him
9. -
10. Y60; R121402; Person=Jesus
11. 121410
1. φανεροῦντι
2. faneroō
3. revealing
4. reveals
5. 53190
6. VPPA·DMS
7. revealing
8. revealing
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121411
1. διʼ
2. dia
3. through
4. through
5. 12230
6. P·······
7. through
8. through
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121412
1. ἡμῶν
2. egō
3. us
4. -
5. 14730
6. R···1G·P
7. us
8. us
9. -
10. Y60; R120621; Person=Paul; R121076; R121078; R121382; Person=Titus
11. 121413
1. ἐν
2. en
3. in
4. -
5. 17220
6. P·······
7. in
8. in
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121414
1. παντί
2. pas
3. every
4. every
5. 39560
6. E····DMS
7. every
8. every
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121415
1. τόπῳ
2. topos
3. place
4. place
5. 51170
6. N····DMS
7. place
8. place
9. -
10. Y60
11. 121416

SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 2:12–17: Concerns and joys of an apostle

In this section Paul reviewed going to Troas to tell people about Jesus. The idiom “a door was opened” indicates that Paul had an opportunity to preach Jesus where many people would listen (2:12). He expected to meet Titus there, but Titus was not there, so Paul went to Macedonia (2:13). Titus later came to Macedonia and met with Paul (7:5).

In 2:14, Paul stopped talking about his travels. Instead, he thanked God for leading him. Paul compared God’s leading to a victory parade (2:14). He explained that believers represent Jesus (2:15–16b). He indicated that such ministry is difficult (2:16c). He also explained that he and the other evangelists do not preach as a way to earn money (2:17).

Other examples of headings for this section are:

Paul’s Mission as Christ’s Spokesman (GW)

The ways God leads

Paragraph 2:14–17

Paul changed themes here. Paul began this letter talking to the believers in Corinth about shared concerns. At 2:12, he began to tell them that he wanted to talk with Titus about his concerns.

But in 2:14–17 he thanked God for his leading and described the life following him. In some languages it is more natural to begin a new section here. The GNT has the heading “Paul’s Anxiety in Troas” for the section 2:12–13 and the heading “Victory through Christ” for the section 2:14–17.

2:14a

But thanks be to God,

¶ But may we all thank God,
¶ Now/So, God is to be thanked!

But: Here the Greek conjunction indicates contrast between the previous theme and the new theme. But the conjunction also indicates contrast between his anxiety in 2:13 and his assurance in 2:14–17. Translate in a way that indicates that contrast.

thanks be to God: This clause thanks God without speaking to him directly. For example:

I thank God (GW)

In some languages it is more natural to use direct speech in this context. For example:

I say “thank you” to God

2:14b

who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ

who always leads us^(excl) in a victory parade through Christ
He always leads us in public display in the cause of Christ as a general leads a victory parade of soldiers and captives.

who always leads us triumphantly as captives: This clause tells the reader more about God. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that there are other gods and that only this one leads us triumphantly as captives. If that is true in your language, translate this clause in a way that tells more about God. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

He always leads us in triumphal procession

leads us triumphantly as captives: The Romans had a custom where a victorious general had a victory parade in Rome. His soldiers were in the parade. Some of his prisoners were also in the parade. The prisoners became slaves or were executed. However, Paul does not say whether he saw himself as one of the soldiers or as one of the prisoners. There are several ways to interpret this clause:

Paul implies both of the metaphors of soldiers and slaves. He used both metaphors elsewhere in his letters and may intend them both here. Early in his life, Paul fought against the followers of Jesus, but God conquered him and he began to follow Jesus. Paul saw himself as a slave to Jesus and suffered in serving him. He may have expected to be killed for serving Jesus. Being led as God’s prisoner demonstrated God’s greatness. On the other hand, Paul followed orders from God like a good soldier. He was victorious in spreading the gospel. So then, the translation should either: (a) refer to both the soldiers and the prisoners. An example is:
leads us like a general in a victory parade of soldiers and prisoners (b) not refer to either the soldiers or the prisoners. An example is:
leads us in a victory parade (NIV, NJB, NRSV, NABRE, NET, ESV)
Paul saw himself as God’s prisoner. He was God’s slave and suffered in serving him. He may have expected to be killed for serving Jesus. Being led as God’s prisoner demonstrated God’s greatness. For example:
we are always led by God as prisoners in…victory procession (GNT) (BSB, GNT, NLT, REB)
Paul saw himself as God’s victorious soldier. Paul was victorious through Jesus in spreading the gospel. He began many new groups of believers. For example:
leads us in triumph (RSV) (RSV, NASB, GW, NCV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).Martin (p. 46) says, “Paul is the conquered slave exposed to public ridicule (1 Corinthians 4:9, 10, 13)…and, at the same time, ‘he is the joyful participant in Christ’s victory celebration.’” You should not follow interpretation (3), because that interpretation of the Greek word is not well supported in Greek texts. Because the BSB follows interpretation (2), the NIV is in the Display.

You may want to:

Explain this Roman custom in your translation. For example:
leads us as a general leads a victory parade of soldiers and captives
Translate literally and explain the Roman custom in a footnote. For example:
The Romans had a custom in which a victorious general had a victory parade in Rome. His soldiers were in the parade as well as some of his prisoners. The prisoners were often executed or made slaves. Like a soldier, Paul did as God commanded and was victorious. Like a prisoner, Paul often referred to himself as God’s slave.
The Romans had a custom in which a victorious general had a victory parade in Rome. His soldiers were in the parade as well as some of his prisoners. The prisoners were often executed or made slaves.
Paul used metaphors of both soldiers and slaves elsewhere in his letters. He implied both metaphors here. Paul saw himself as a slave to Jesus serving him completely. He may have expected to be killed for serving Jesus. Being led as God’s prisoner demonstrated God’s greatness.
On the other hand, Paul followed orders from God like a good soldier. He was victorious in spreading the gospel.

in Christ: This phrase probably means “through our union with Christ” or “in the cause of Christ.” Their relationship with Jesus enables believers to remain joyful as God leads them through all circumstances. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

God who always gives us in Christ a part in his triumphal procession (NJB)

in union with Christ (GNT)

through Christ (NCV)

2:14c

and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

and who spreads the scent/aroma of knowing Christ everywhere through us.
God also causes more and more people to know Christ through our work/ministry. That knowledge spreads everywhere like a smell spreads.

and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him: The BSB and other English versions put the phrase through us at the beginning of the clause, probably to emphasize it. But in the Greek, the phrase the fragrance of the knowledge of Him is emphasized. Emphasizing that phrase here is difficult in English. If possible, emphasize the phrase the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

and through us: This phrase indicates that God enables his apostles to spread the gospel of Jesus. For example:

God uses us to make the knowledge about Christ spread everywhere (GNT)

spreads everywhere: God (2:14a) causes the fragrance to spread. The Greek here indicates a continuing action.

the fragrance of the knowledge of Him: This metaphor indicates that the knowledge of Him is like a fragrance. The metaphor may refer to:

A fragrance is something that people smell but do not see. In the same way, believers tell others about Jesus, but true knowledge of Him occurs by faith and not by sight.
A fragrance can smell good to some people and bad to others. It depends on the things they relate the smell to. For example, some people like the smell of the sea and others do not.

A metaphor allows people to connect the two parts in various interesting ways. Try to translate this metaphor as a metaphor. But if that is not possible, try using a simile. For example:

the knowledge about Christ…like a sweet fragrance (GNT)

In some languages this metaphor is confusing. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him (NET)
God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It’s like a fragrance that fills the air. (GW)
Only use the metaphor in 2:15–16 and not here. For example:
the knowledge of him

fragrance: During the victory parade people burned incense or fragrant spices. The Greek word can refer to both good and bad smells. In 2:15–16 the smell is both good and bad, depending on who smells it. If possible, the word you use should be general. It should not refer only to good smells or only to bad smells. For example:

scent (JBP)

Many English versions use the word fragrance, which refers to a good smell, because God is completely pleased with what Jesus did. But some people reject Jesus and so consider it a bad smell.

the knowledge of Him: The pronoun Him probably refers to Christ. For example:

the knowledge about Christ (GNT)

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases

δὲ

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: τῷ Δέ Θεῷ χάρις τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμάς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ καί τήν ὀσμήν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ φανεροῦντι διʼ ἡμῶν ἐν παντί τόπῳ)

Here, the word But introduces a new section. Paul will not speak again about Titus and his travel plans until [7:5](../07/05.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section or topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [But now,]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / exclamations

τῷ & Θεῷ χάρις

¬the & ˱to˲_God thankfulness_‹be›

Here, the phrase thanks be to God is an exclamatory phrase that communicates Paul’s thankfulness. Use an exclamation form that is natural in your language for communicating thanks. Alternate translation: [we thank God] or [we give glory to God]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / exclusive

ἡμᾶς & ἡμῶν

Here, the word us does not include the Corinthians. It could refer to: (1) Paul and those who proclaim the gospel with him. Alternate translation: [us who preach … us] (2) just Paul. Alternate translation: [me … me]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς

¬the ˱to˲_the_‹one› always triumphing the (Some words not found in SR-GNT: τῷ Δέ Θεῷ χάρις τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμάς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ καί τήν ὀσμήν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ φανεροῦντι διʼ ἡμῶν ἐν παντί τόπῳ)

Here Paul speaks as if God were a leader who had won a victory and set up a parade or triumphal procession to celebrate. In this parade, Paul and his fellow workers could be either or both of the following: (1) prisoners who have been conquered and who are put in the parade to illustrate the victory. This is the normal meaning of the word in other places. Alternate translation: [always parading us as his captives] or [always showing that he leads us] (2) soldiers who helped win the victory and who are celebrating. This is not the normal meaning of the word, but it is possible and fits the context well. Alternate translation: [always having us participate in his triumphal parade] or [always helping us to conquer]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ

in the Messiah

Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in Christ, or united to Christ, explains why or how they are involved in the triumphal procession. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that union with Christ is the reason or the means for participating in the procession. Alternate translation: [because of our union with Christ] or [by means of our union with Christ]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / exmetaphor

τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ, φανεροῦντι δι’ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

Here Paul speaks as if the knowledge of him were an aroma, a smell or odor. In this case, the context implies that this is a pleasing or good smell. He speaks in this way to indicate that everyone hears and reacts to the message about Christ, just like everyone smells and reacts to a strong odor. Also, just like a smell fills a whole room, so the good news fills every place on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea by using a simile or plain language. Consider using a form that you can continue to use in the following two verses, in which Paul continues the aroma metaphor. Alternate translation: [making known through us and in every place the knowledge of him, which is like an good smell] or [powerfully revealing through us the knowledge of him, which is spreading into every place]

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ

Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe an aroma that is knowledge. In other words, the possessive indicates what the aroma stands for. Then, Paul indicates that this knowledge is about him, meaning Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [the aroma, which is knowledge about him] or [the aroma, that is, knowing him]

Note 8 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ

˱of˲_the knowledge ˱of˲_him

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: [that is knowing him]

Note 9 topic: writing-pronouns

αὐτοῦ

˱of˲_him

Here, the word him could refer to: (1) God generally. Alternate translation: [of God] (2) Christ specifically. Alternate translation: [of Christ]

Note 10 topic: figures-of-speech / hyperbole

ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

in in (Some words not found in SR-GNT: τῷ Δέ Θεῷ χάρις τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμάς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ καί τήν ὀσμήν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ φανεροῦντι διʼ ἡμῶν ἐν παντί τόπῳ)

Here Paul speaks as if God used him and his fellow workers to make God known in every place. The Corinthians would have understood him to mean that God uses them to make God known in many places, or in every place that they visit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea clearer. Alternate translation: [in every place we go] or [throughout the world]

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)

Note: The OET-RV is still only a first draft, and so far only a few words have been (mostly automatically) matched to the Hebrew or Greek words that they’re translated from.

Acknowledgements: The SR Greek text, lemmas, morphology, and VLT gloss are all thanks to the CNTR.

OET interlinear 2 COR 2:14

SR Greek word order (including unused variant words in grey)

Section 2:12–17: Concerns and joys of an apostle

Paragraph 2:14–17

2:14a

2:14b

2:14c

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)

OET interlinear 2 COR 2:14

SR Greek word order (including unused variant words in grey)

Section 2:12–17: Concerns and joys of an apostle

Paragraph 2:14–17

2:14a

2:14b

2:14c

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)

OET interlinear 2 COR 2:14