What does 2 Corinthians 2:16 mean?

7 4 minutes read

To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:16

Explanation

2 Corinthians 2:16 presents a poignant contrast regarding the perception of the gospel message among different people. It states, “To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.” This metaphorical language first likens the apostles’ work and message to a “savour,” an aroma or scent. This scent has a different effect based on the spiritual state of each individual. For those who are perishing (unsaved or rejecting the gospel), the apostles’ message is “death unto death,” meaning it confirms their spiritual death and impending eternal separation from God. On the other hand, to those who are being saved (the believers who accept the gospel), the message is “life unto life,” affirming and enhancing their spiritual life leading to eternal life with God.

The phrase also reflects the dual nature of the gospel’s power and the varied reactions to it: it is either a message of condemnation or salvation. The second part of the verse, “And who is sufficient for these things?” suggests an acknowledgment of the weighty responsibility of delivering such a consequential message and the apostle’s sense of inadequacy in undertaking this task on his own.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, around the mid-50s AD, which was a prosperous and cosmopolitan city in Greece. The letter addressed various issues within the church including challenges to Paul’s authority, misunderstandings about his teachings, and prevailing moral issues within the Corinthian congregation. The verse in question is part of a defense of Paul’s ministry and his concern for the church, reflecting both the gravity of his mission and the seriousness with which he views the preaching of the gospel.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse acknowledges the sovereignty of God in the work of salvation. It points to the reality that the same message of the cross can have entirely opposite effects depending on the individual’s response. This can be seen as reflecting the doctrine of the irresistibility of grace for the elect and the hardening of the hearts of those who reject the gospel. It also emphasizes the responsibility and humility required of those who preach, knowing that the outcomes are ultimately in God’s hands.

Practical Applications

On a practical level, this verse challenges modern believers to consider the impact of their own witness to the gospel. It encourages a reflective approach, evaluating whether one’s life and words function as an aroma of life to those around them or not. It also promotes humility and reliance on God’s sufficiency in the face of such an important task, recognizing that the ability to influence someone’s spiritual direction is beyond human capability alone.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
Romans 9:22-23: “What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory?”
Ephesians 5:2: “And 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.”

Language Study

Significant Greek words in this verse include:

“Savour” (ὀσμὴ, osmē): This term generally means aroma or fragrance, used metaphorically here to illustrate the impact of the gospel message.
“Death” (θάνατος, thanatos): This word is used in the phrase twice, emphasizing the finality and seriousness of being spiritually dead or separated from God.
“Life” (ζωή, zōē): In contrast to death, zōē refers to life, especially life that is eternal and given by God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other religious traditions, the use of aroma as a metaphor is not unique to Christianity. Many religions use incense or fragrant offerings to represent spiritual principles. For example, in Hinduism, incense is offered to please the deities and create a divine atmosphere. In Buddhism, the fragrance of incense is often associated with the purification of one’s spirit.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse is largely metaphorical and theological in nature, the concept of scent as indicative of life or death can be mirrored in biological sciences. Scents are chemical signals that can denote safety, danger, or the presence of certain conditions—similar to how Paul uses the metaphor of an aroma to denote spiritual life or death.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentaries offer insights on this verse. For example:

John Calvin sees this passage as highlighting the seriousness of Paul’s apostolic ministry and the reality that the Gospel is “a deadly savour” to some because it hardens them in their state, while to others it is “quickening,” bringing them to eternal life.
The Matthew Henry Commentary notes the division of the world into two categories, those that are being saved and those that are perishing, with the ministry having correspondingly diverse effects on each.
The Pulpit Commentary observes the utter insufficiency that Paul feels in himself for these things, considering the nature of his ministry that deals with life and death. It suggests that Paul’s rhetorical question underscores the human inability to accept such responsibility without divine aid.