2 Corinthians 2:16

2:16 to the latter an odor ¹  from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? ² 

2 Corinthians 3:5-6

3:5 Not that we are adequate ³  in ourselves to consider anything as if it were coming from ourselves, but our adequacy ⁴  is from God, 3:6 who made us adequate ⁵  to be servants of a new covenant ⁶  not based on the letter but on the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

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¹ tn The same Greek word (ὀσμή, osmh) translated “odor” here (in relation to the stench of death) has been translated “fragrance” in 2:14 and in the next phrase of the present verse. The word itself can describe a smell or odor either agreeable or disagreeable depending on the context (L&N 79.45).

² sn These things refer to the things Paul is doing in his apostolic ministry.

³ tn Or “competent.”

⁴ tn Or “competence.”

⁵ tn Or “competent.”

⁶ sn This new covenant is promised in Jer 31:31-34; 32:40.