• 2 Corinthians 2:14
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 14 Τῷ To the δὲ but θεῷ God χάρις thanks τῷ to the (one) πάντοτε always θριαμβεύοντι leading in triumph ἡμᾶς us ἐν in τῷ the χριστῷ Christ καὶ and τὴν the ὀσμὴν odor τῆς of the γνώσεως knowledge αὐτοῦ of him φανεροῦντι to (one) manifesting δι’ through ἡμῶν us ἐν in παντὶ every τόπῳ· place;

  • 2 Corinthians Study Notes—Chapter 2
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 2:14

      leads us in a triumphal procession: The Greek word thri·am·beuʹo, meaning “to lead in a triumphal procession,” occurs only two times in the Scriptures, each time in a somewhat different illustrative setting. (2Co 2:14; Col 2:15) A Roman triumphal procession was an official parade held to thank the deities and to glorify a victorious general. Triumphal processions were portrayed in sculptures and paintings and on coins. They were also illustrated in literary and theatrical works. A representation of the June 71 C.E. triumph can be seen on the relief panels of the Arch of Titus in Rome. These panels depict Roman soldiers carrying sacred vessels taken from the ruined temple in Jerusalem.

      spreads the fragrance: Or “makes the fragrance perceptible.” This part of the metaphor is probably drawn from the practice of burning incense along the way of a victory procession, or triumph. Paul likens the spreading of the knowledge about God to the spreading of a fragrance.