# it is an aroma

"the knowledge of Christ is an aroma." This refers back to [2 Corinthians 2:14](../02/14.md), where Paul speaks of the knowledge of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# an aroma from death to death

Possible meanings are 1) that the word "death" is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means "an aroma that causes death" or 2) "an aroma of death that causes people to die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-doublet]])

# the ones being saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the ones whom God is saving" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])

# aroma from life to life

Possible meanings are 1) that the word "life" is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means "an aroma that gives life" or 2) "an aroma of life that gives people life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-doublet]])

# Who is worthy of these things?

"Who is qualified to do these things?" The phrase "these things" refers to preaching God's message about Christ. Paul uses a rhetorical question to express amazement that anyone could be worthy of doing this. Alternate translation: 'Who is worthy to spread the knowledge of Christ?" or "It is amazing that anyone is worthy of these things!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]])

