2 COR 2:14 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=small word differences Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

Key: khaki:verbs, light-green:nominative/subject, orange:accusative/object, pink:genitive/possessor, cyan:dative/indirect object.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT But thanks be to God, always leading us in triumphal procession in Christ and making known through us the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place.

UST Now we praise God! He is the one who, because he has united us to the Messiah, continually includes us as he conquers his enemies. Further, he uses us to reveal to people in many places what God is like.

BLB But thanks be to God, the One always leading us in triumph in Christ, and through us in every place making manifest the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

AICNT But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the fragrance of the knowledge of him in every place.

OEB All thanks to God, who, through our union with the Christ, leads us in one continual triumph, and uses us to spread the sweet perfume of the knowledge of him in every place.

WEBBE Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.

WMBB Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Messiah, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.

NET But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and who makes known through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place.

LSV and to God [is] thanks, who at all times is leading us in triumph in the Christ, and the fragrance of His knowledge He is revealing through us in every place;

FBV But praise be to God, who always leads us in a triumphal procession in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet scent of his knowledge wherever we go!

TCNT But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere.

T4T However, before I tell you any more about that, I want to thank God for what he is doing. As a great leader of fighting men causes all his prisoners to take part in his victory parade [MET], God leads us who are his workers to always be victorious over Satan because of our(exc) close relationship with Christ. God causes people to come to know Jesus Christ as a result of our (exc) teaching his message. That message is like [MET] the smell of perfume.

LEB But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and who reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of him through us in every place.

BBE But praise be to God who makes us strong to overcome in Christ, and makes clear through us in every place the value of the knowledge of him.

Moff Wherever I go, thank God, he makes my life a constant pageant of triumph in Christ, diffusing the perfume of his knowledge everywhere by me.

Wymth But to God be the thanks who in Christ ever heads our triumphal procession, and by our hands waves in every place that sweet incense, the knowledge of Him.

ASV But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.

DRA Now thanks be to God, who always maketh us to triumph in Christ Jesus, and manifesteth the odour of his knowledge by us in every place.

YLT and to God [are] thanks, who at all times is leading us in triumph in the Christ, and the fragrance of His knowledge He is manifesting through us in every place,

Drby But thanks [be] to [fn]God, who always leads us in triumph in the Christ, and makes manifest the odour of his knowledge through us in every place.

2.14 Elohim

RV But thanks be unto God, which always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savour of his knowledge in every place.
(But thanks be unto God, which always leadeth/leads us in triumph in Christ, and maketh/makes manifest through us the savour of his knowledge in every place. )

SLT Grace to God, always leading us to triumph in Christ, and making manifest the order of his knowledge by us in every place.

Wbstr Now thanks be to God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.

KJB-1769 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.
(Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh/makes manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. )

KJB-1611 Now thankes bee vnto God, which alwayes causeth vs to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the sauour of his knowledge by vs in euery place.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above)

Bshps Nowe thankes be vnto God, whiche alwayes geueth vs the victorie in Christe, and openeth the sauour of his knowledge by vs in euery place.
(Now thanks be unto God, which always giveth/gives us the victory in Christ, and openeth/opens the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.)

Gnva Now thankes be vnto God, which alwaies maketh vs to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the sauour of his knowledge by vs in euery place.
(Now thanks be unto God, which always maketh/makes us to triumph in Christ, and maketh/makes manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. )

Cvdl Yet thankes be vnto God, which all waye geueth vs the victory in Christ, and openeth ye fauoure of his knowlege by vs in euery place.
(Yet thanks be unto God, which all way giveth/gives us the victory in Christ, and openeth/opens ye/you_all favour of his knowledge by us in every place.)

TNT Thankes be vnto God which alwayes geveth vs the victorie in Christ and openeth the saver of his knowledge by vs in every place.
(Thanks be unto God which always geveth us the victory in Christ and openeth/opens the saver of his knowledge by us in every place. )

Wycl And Y do thankyngis to God, that euere more makith vs to haue victorie in Crist Jhesu, and schewith bi vs the odour of his knowing in ech place;
(And I do thankings to God, that ever more maketh/makes us to have victory in Christ Yhesu, and schewith by us the odour of his knowing in each place;)

Luth Aber GOtt sei gedankt, der uns allezeit Sieg gibt in Christo und offenbaret den Geruch seiner Erkenntnis durch uns an allen Orten.
(But God be gedankt, the/of_the us/to_us/ourselves at_all_times victory gives in Christo and revealed the odour his knowledge through us/to_us/ourselves at/to all/everyone places.)

ClVg Deo autem gratias, qui semper triumphat nos in Christo Jesu, et odorem notitiæ suæ manifestat per nos in omni loco:[fn]
(to_God however graces, who/which always triumphat us in/into/on to_Christ/Messiah Yesu, and smell notitiæ his/her_own obvioust through us in/into/on all instead: )

2.14 Odorem notitiæ, etc. Id est Christum, qui velut odor procedens a Patre notificat eum invisibilem: sicut aliqua res quæ non videtur, per odorem cognoscitur, et in quo loco sit, intelligitur. Vel miracula vel doctrinæ verba quibus ad notitiam ejus venitur nomine odoris intellige.

2.14 Odorem notitiæ, etc. That it_is Christ/Messiah, who/which like/as smell proceeding from Father notificat him invisibilem: like some thing which not/no it_seems, through smell is_known, and in/into/on where instead be, understood. Or miracles or doctrines words to_whom to knowledge his is_coming by_name smell intellige.

UGNT τῷ δὲ Θεῷ χάρις, τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ, καὶ τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ, φανεροῦντι δι’ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ.
(tōi de Theōi ⱪaris, tōi pantote thriambeuonti haʸmas en tōi Ⱪristōi, kai taʸn osmaʸn taʸs gnōseōs autou, fanerounti di’ haʸmōn en panti topōi.)

SBL-GNT Τῷ δὲ θεῷ χάρις τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ καὶ τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ φανεροῦντι διʼ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ·
(Tōi de theōi ⱪaris tōi pantote thriambeuonti haʸmas en tōi Ⱪristōi kai taʸn osmaʸn taʸs gnōseōs autou fanerounti diʼ haʸmōn en panti topōi;)

RP-GNT Τῷ δὲ θεῷ χάρις τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ χριστῷ, καὶ τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ φανεροῦντι δι' ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ.
(Tōi de theōi ⱪaris tōi pantote thriambeuonti haʸmas en tōi ⱪristōi, kai taʸn osmaʸn taʸs gnōseōs autou fanerounti di' haʸmōn en panti topōi.)

TC-GNT Τῷ δὲ Θεῷ χάρις τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ, καὶ τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ φανεροῦντι δι᾽ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ.
(Tōi de Theōi ⱪaris tōi pantote thriambeuonti haʸmas en tōi Ⱪristōi, kai taʸn osmaʸn taʸs gnōseōs autou fanerounti di haʸmōn en panti topōi. )

Key for above GNTs: yellow:punctuation differs, orange:accents differ, red:words differ (from our SR-GNT base).

SOTN 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)

UTN 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]

Parallel 2 COR 2:14

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

Paragraph 2:14–17

2:14a

2:14b

2:14c

Parallel 2 COR 2:14