2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians front

Introduction to 2 Corinthians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 2 Corinthians

1. Paul thanks God for the Corinthian Christians (1:1-11)
2. Paul explains his conduct and his ministry (1:12-7:16)
3. Paul speaks about contributing money for the Jerusalem church (8:1-9:15)
4. Paul defends his authority as an apostle (10:1-13:10)
5. Paul gives final greetings and encouragement (13:11-14)

Who wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians?

Paul was the author. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul started the church in Corinth. He was staying in the city of Ephesus when he wrote this letter.

What is the Book of 2 Corinthians about?

In 2 Corinthians, Paul continued to write about the conflicts among the Christians in the city of Corinth. It is clear in this letter that the Corinthians had obeyed his previous instructions to them. In 2 Corinthians, Paul encouraged them to live in a way that would please God.

Paul also wrote to assure them that Jesus Christ sent him as an apostle to preach the Gospel. Paul wanted them to understand this, because a group of Jewish Christians opposed what he was doing. They claimed Paul was not sent by God and he was teaching a false message. This group of Jewish Christians wanted Gentile Christians to obey the law of Moses.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Second Corinthians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Second Letter to the Church in Corinth.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the city of Corinth like?

Corinth was a major city located in ancient Greece. Because it was near the Mediterranean Sea, many travelers and traders came to buy and sell goods there. This resulted in the city having people from many different cultures. The city was famous for having people who lived in immoral ways. The people worshipped Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. As part of the ceremonies honoring Aphrodite, her worshipers had sexual intercourse with temple prostitutes.

What did Paul mean by “false apostles” (11:13)?

These were Jewish Christians. They taught that Gentile Christians had to obey the law of Moses in order to follow Christ. Christian leaders had met in Jerusalem and decided on the matter (See: Acts 15). However, it is clear that there were still some groups that disagreed with what the leaders in Jerusalem decided.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. Also, the word “you” is almost always plural and refers to the believers in Corinth. There are two exceptions to this: 6:2 and 12:9. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Forms of You)

How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in 2 Corinthians in the ULT?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, the ULT uses the following principles: * Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “holy people.” * The meaning in most passages in 2 Corinthians is a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 1:1; 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13) * Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “reserved for,” or “sanctified.”

The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.

What did Paul mean by expressions like “in Christ” and “in the Lord”?

This kind of expression occurs in 1:19, 20; 2:12, 17; 3:14; 5:17, 19, 21; 10:17; 12:2, 19; and 13:4. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. At the same time, he often intended other meanings as well. See, for example, “A door was opened for me in the Lord,” (2:12) where Paul specifically meant that a door was opened for Paul by the Lord.

Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What does it mean to be a “new creation” in Christ (5:17)?

Paul’s message was that God makes Christians part of a “new world” when a person believes in Christ. God gives a new world of holiness, peace, and joy. In this new world, believers have a new nature that has been given them by the Holy Spirit. Translators should try to express this idea.

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Corinthians?

• “and in your love for us” (8:7). Many versions, including the ULT and UST, read this way. However, many other versions read, “and in our love for you.” There is strong evidence that each reading is original. Translators should probably follow the reading preferred by other versions in their region.

(See: Textual Variants)

2 Corinthians 1

2 Corinthians 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The first paragraph reflects a common way to begin a letter in the ancient Near East.

Special Concepts

Paul’s integrity

People were criticizing Paul and saying he was not sincere. He refutes them by explaining his motives for what he was doing.

Comfort

Comfort is a major theme of this chapter. The Holy Spirit comforts Christians. The Corinthians probably were afflicted and needed to be comforted.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

Paul uses two rhetorical questions to defend himself against a charge of not being sincere. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

We

Paul uses the pronoun “we”. This likely represents at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.

Guarantee

Paul says the Holy Spirit is the guarantee, which means pledge or down-payment, of a Christian’s eternal life. Christians are securely saved. But they will not experience all of God’s given promises until after they die. The Holy Spirit is a personal guarantee that this will happen. This idea comes from a business term. A person gives some valuable item to another person as a “guarantee” that they will repay money. (See: eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever and save, saved, safe, salvation)

2 Corinthians 1:1

After Paul’s greeting to the church in Corinth, he writes about suffering and comfort through Jesus Christ. Timothy is with him as well. The word “you” throughout this letter refers to the people of the church in Corinth and to the rest of the Christians in that area. Possibly Timothy writes on parchment paper the words that Paul says.

Παῦλος…τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Κορίνθῳ

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. Alternate translation: “I, Paul … wrote this letter to you, the church of God that is in Corinth”

Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς

The word our indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Timothy and considered him to be their spiritual brother.

Ἀχαΐᾳ

Achaia is the name of a Roman province in the southern part of modern-day Greece. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Corinthians 1:2

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη

This is a common greeting that Paul uses in his letters.

2 Corinthians 1:3

εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May we always praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ

Alternate translation: “God, who is the Father”

ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως

These two phrases express the same idea in two different ways. Both phrases refer to God. (See: Parallelism)

ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως

This could mean: (1) the words mercies and all comfort describe the character of Father and God. (2) the words Father and God refer to one who is the source of mercies and all comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:4

παρακαλῶν ἡμᾶς ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν

Here, us and our include the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

2 Corinthians 1:5

ὅτι καθὼς περισσεύει τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς ἡμᾶς

Paul speaks of the sufferings of Christ as if they were objects that could increase in number. Alternate translation: “For just as Christ suffered greatly for our sake” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ

This could refer to: (1) the sufferings that Paul and Timothy experience because they preach the message about Christ. (2) the sufferings that Christ experienced on their behalf.

περισσεύει…ἡ παράκλησις ἡμῶν

Paul speaks of comfort as if it were an object that could increase in size. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 1:6

εἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα

Here the word we refers to Paul and Timothy, but not to the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

εἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But if people afflict us” (See: Active or Passive)

εἴτε παρακαλούμεθα

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if God comforts us” (See: Active or Passive)

τῆς ὑμῶν παρακλήσεως, τῆς ἐνεργουμένης

Alternate translation: “you experience effective comfort”

2 Corinthians 1:8

οὐ…θέλομεν ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not … uninformed, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “we want you to know” (See: Double Negatives)

ὅτι καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ὑπὲρ δύναμιν ἐβαρήθημεν

Paul and Timothy refer to their emotions of despair being like a heavy weight they have to carry. (See: Metaphor)

ὑπερβολὴν…ἐβαρήθημεν

The word burdened refers to the feeling of despair. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We were in complete despair” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 1:9

αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς τὸ ἀπόκριμα τοῦ θανάτου ἐσχήκαμεν

Paul and Timothy are comparing their feeling of despair to that of someone condemned to die. Alternate translation: “we were in despair like someone who is condemned to die” (See: Metaphor)

ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ

The words “be putting our trust” are left out of this phrase. Alternate translation: “but instead, be putting our trust in God” (See: Ellipsis)

τῷ ἐγείροντι τοὺς νεκρούς

Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “who causes the dead to live again” (See: Idiom)

2 Corinthians 1:10

θανάτου

Paul compares his feeling of despair as a result of the troubles that they experienced to a deadly peril or terrible danger. Alternate translation: “despair” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ἔτι ῥύσεται

Alternate translation: “he also will continue to rescue us”

2 Corinthians 1:11

συνυπουργούντων καὶ ὑμῶν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τῇ δεήσει

Alternate translation: “God will rescue us from danger as you, the people of the church of Corinth, also help us by praying with us”

τὸ εἰς ἡμᾶς χάρισμα

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the gracious favor which God has given to us” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 1:12

ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν…ἀνεστράφημεν

In these verses Paul uses the words our, we, and ourselves to refer to himself and Timothy and possibly others who served with them. These words do not include the people he was writing to. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἡ γὰρ καύχησις ἡμῶν αὕτη ἐστίν

The word boasting here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.

τὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως ἡμῶν

Paul speaks of not being guilty as if his conscience were a person that could testify. Alternate translation: “we know by our conscience” (See: Personification)

οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν χάριτι Θεοῦ

Here, fleshly represents human. Alternate translation: “We have not relied on human wisdom but on the grace of God” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 1:13

οὐ γὰρ ἄλλα γράφομεν ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ ἃ ἀναγινώσκετε ἢ καὶ ἐπιγινώσκετε

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative no … but, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “You can read and understand everything we write to you” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 1:14

καύχημα ὑμῶν

The word boasting here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.

2 Corinthians 1:15

Paul explains his sincere expectation with pure motives to come see the believers in Corinth after his first letter.

ταύτῃ τῇ πεποιθήσει

The word this refers to Paul’s previous comments about the Corinthians.

δευτέραν χάριν σχῆτε

Alternate translation: “you might benefit from me visiting you twice”

2 Corinthians 1:16

ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν

Alternate translation: “to assist me to continue on to Judea”

2 Corinthians 1:17

μήτι ἄρα τῇ ἐλαφρίᾳ ἐχρησάμην?

Paul uses this question to emphasize he was sure about his decision to visit the Corinthians. The expected answer to the question is “no”. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I was not hesitating.” or “I was confident in my decision.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ ἃ βουλεύομαι, κατὰ σάρκα βουλεύομαι, ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that his plans to visit the Corinthians were sincere. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to human standards, so that I would say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ ἃ βουλεύομαι, κατὰ σάρκα βουλεύομαι, ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?

This means that Paul did not say both that he would visit and that he would not visit at the same time. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to fleshly planning, so that I say ‘Yes, I will certainly visit’ and ‘No, I will definitely not visit’ at the same time!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?

The words yes and no are repeated for emphasis. (See: Doublet)

2 Corinthians 1:19

ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ γὰρ Υἱὸς, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός…οὐκ ἐγένετο ναὶ καὶ οὒ, ἀλλὰ ναὶ ἐν αὐτῷ γέγονεν.

Jesus says “Yes” concerning the promises of God, which means that he guarantees that they are true. Alternate translation: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ … does not say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ concerning God’s promises. Instead, he always says ‘Yes.’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ…Υἱὸς

Son of God is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

2 Corinthians 1:20

ὅσαι…ἐπαγγελίαι Θεοῦ, ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί

This means that Jesus guarantees all of the promises of God. Alternate translation: “all the promises of God are guaranteed in Jesus Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί…δι’ αὐτοῦ

Both occurrences of the word him refer to Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:21

ὁ δὲ βεβαιῶν ἡμᾶς σὺν ὑμῖν εἰς Χριστὸν καὶ χρίσας ἡμᾶς Θεός

This could mean: (1) Paul is saying that God confirms the relationship of him and his team with each other because they are in Christ. (2) Paul is saying that God confirms the relationship of him and his team, and the Corinthians, with Christ.

χρίσας ἡμᾶς

This could mean: (1) he sent us to preach the gospel. (2) he chose us to be his people.

2 Corinthians 1:22

ὁ καὶ σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς

Paul speaks of God showing that we belong to him as if God had put a mark on us as a sign that we belong to him. Alternate translation: “he has put his mark of ownership on us” or “he has shown that we belong to him” (See: Metaphor)

δοὺς τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν

Here the word hearts refers to the innermost part of a person. Alternate translation: “gave us the Spirit to live within each of us” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος

The Spirit is spoken of as if he was a partial downpayment toward eternal life. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 1:23

ἐγὼ δὲ μάρτυρα τὸν Θεὸν ἐπικαλοῦμαι ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχήν

Here, to be a witness refers to a person telling what they have seen or heard in order to settle an argument. Alternate translation: “I ask God to show what I say is true”

ὅτι φειδόμενος ὑμῶν

Alternate translation: “so that I might not cause you more suffering”

2 Corinthians 1:24

συνεργοί ἐσμεν τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν

Alternate translation: “we are working with you so that you may have joy”

τῇ…πίστει ἑστήκατε

Here, stand firm can refer to something that does not change. Alternate translation: “remain firm in your faith” (See: Idiom)

2 Corinthians 2

2 Corinthians 2 General Notes

Special Concepts

Harsh writing

In this chapter, Paul refers to a letter he previously wrote to the Corinthians. That letter had a harsh and corrective tone. Paul probably wrote it after the letter known as First Corinthians and before this letter. He implies that the church had to rebuke an erring member. Paul is now encouraging them to be gracious to that person. (See: grace, gracious and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Aroma

A sweet aroma is a pleasing smell. Scripture often describes things that are pleasing to God as having a pleasing aroma.

2 Corinthians 2:1

Because of his great love for them, Paul makes it clear that his rebuke in his first letter to them (the rebuke of their acceptance of the sin of immorality) caused him pain as well as pain to the church people in Corinth and the immoral man.

ἐν λύπῃ

Alternate translation: “in circumstances that would cause you pain”

2 Corinthians 2:2

εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ λυπῶ ὑμᾶς, καὶ τίς ὁ εὐφραίνων με, εἰ μὴ ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that neither he nor they would benefit if his coming to them would cause them pain. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If I caused you pain, the only ones who could cheer me up would be the very ones whom I had hurt.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the very one whom I had hurt” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 2:3

ἔγραψα τοῦτο αὐτὸ

Paul is referring to another letter that he had written to the Corinthian Christians, but which no longer exists. Alternate translation: “I wrote as I did in my previous letter” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μὴ…λύπην σχῶ ἀφ’ ὧν ἔδει με χαίρειν

Paul is speaking about the behavior of certain Corinthian believers who caused him emotional pain. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who should have made me rejoice might not hurt me” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ ἐμὴ χαρὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐστιν

Alternate translation: “what gives me joy is what gives you joy, too”

2 Corinthians 2:4

ἐκ γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως

Here the word affliction refers to emotional pain.

συνοχῆς καρδίας

Here the word heart refers to the location of the emotions. Alternate translation: “with extreme sorrow” (See: Metonymy)

διὰ πολλῶν δακρύων

Alternate translation: “with much crying”

2 Corinthians 2:6

ἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The punishment that the majority gave that person is sufficient” (See: Active or Passive)

ἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word * punishment*, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The way that the majority has punished that person is enough” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἱκανὸν

Alternate translation: “is sufficient”

2 Corinthians 2:7

μή πως τῇ περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ, καταποθῇ ὁ τοιοῦτος

This means to have a strong emotional response of too much sorrow. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We do not want too much sorrow to overwhelm him” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 2:8

Paul encourages the church in Corinth to show love and to forgive the person they have punished. He writes that he, also, has forgiven him.

κυρῶσαι εἰς αὐτὸν ἀγάπην

This means that they are to confirm their love for this man in the presence of all of the believers.

2 Corinthians 2:9

εἰς πάντα ὑπήκοοί ἐστε

This could mean: (1) the Corinthians are obedient to God in everything. (2) the Corinthians are obedient in everything that Paul has taught them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 2:10

δι’ ὑμᾶς

This could mean: (1) they are forgiven out of Paul’s love for them. (2) they are forgiven for their benefit.

2 Corinthians 2:11

οὐ γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὰ νοήματα ἀγνοοῦμεν

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not ignorant, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “For we know his plans well” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 2:12

Paul encourages the believers in Corinth by telling them of the opportunities he has had to preach the gospel in Troas and Macedonia.

εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ θύρας μοι ἀνεῳγμένης ἐν Κυρίῳ

Paul speaks of his opportunity to preach the gospel as if it were a door through which he was allowed to walk. (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ θύρας μοι ἀνεῳγμένης ἐν Κυρίῳ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Lord indeed opened a door to me to preach the gospel of Christ” or “The Lord gave me the opportunity to preach the gospel of Christ” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 2:13

οὐκ ἔσχηκα ἄνεσιν τῷ πνεύματί μου

Alternate translation: “My mind was troubled” or “I was worried”

Τίτον τὸν ἀδελφόν μου

Paul speaks of Titus as his spiritual brother.

ἀλλὰ ἀποταξάμενος αὐτοῖς

Alternate translation: “So I left the people of Troas”

2 Corinthians 2:14

τῷ…Θεῷ…τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ

Paul speaks of God as if he were a victorious general leading a victory parade and of himself and his coworkers as those who take part in that parade. This could mean: (1) God, who in Christ always causes us to share in his triumph. (2) God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph as those over whom he as gained victory. (See: Metaphor)

τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ, φανεροῦντι δι’ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

Paul speaks of the knowledge of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. Alternate translation: “He causes the knowledge of Christ to spread to everyone who hears us, just as the sweet smell of burning incense spreads to everyone near it” (See: Metaphor)

φανεροῦντι…ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

Alternate translation: “he spreads … everywhere we go”

2 Corinthians 2:15

Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ

Paul speaks of his ministry as if it were the pleasing smell of a burnt offering that someone offers to God. (See: Metaphor)

Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ

This could refer to: (1) the sweet aroma which is the knowledge of Christ. (2) the sweet aroma that Christ offers.

τοῖς σῳζομένοις

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom God is saving” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 2:16

ὀσμὴ

This refers back to 2 Corinthians 2:14, where Paul speaks of the knowledge of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. Alternate translation: “the knowledge of Christ is an aroma” (See: Metaphor)

ὀσμὴ ἐκ θανάτου εἰς θάνατον

This could mean: (1) the word death is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that causes death.” (2) this refers to an aroma of death that causes people to die. (See: Doublet)

οἷς

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to the ones whom God is saving” (See: Active or Passive)

ὀσμὴ ἐκ ζωῆς εἰς ζωήν

This could mean: (1) the word life is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that gives life.” (2) this refers to an aroma of life that gives people life. (See: Doublet)

πρὸς ταῦτα τίς ἱκανός?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is worthy to do the ministry that God has called them to do. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one is worthy of these things!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Corinthians 2:17

καπηλεύοντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, word is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “who sell God’s message to make money” (See: Metonymy)

εἰλικρινείας

Alternate translation: “pure motives”

κατέναντι Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ λαλοῦμεν

Alternate translation: “we speak as people who are joined to Christ” or “we speak with the authority of Christ”

κατέναντι Θεοῦ

Paul and his coworkers preach the gospel with the awareness that God is watching them. Alternate translation: “we speak in the presence of God” (See: Ellipsis)

2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul continues his defense. Paul views the Corinthian Christians as the proof of his work.

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

Paul alludes to God giving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. This represents the law of Moses. The law was good because it came from God. But God punished the Israelites because they disobeyed it. This chapter may be difficult for translators to understand if the Old Testament has not yet been translated. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and covenant and reveal, revealed, revelation)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Paul uses many metaphors used in this chapter to explain complex spiritual truths. It is unclear whether this makes Paul’s teachings easier or more difficult to understand. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“This is a covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit.”

Paul contrasts the old and new covenants. The new covenant is not a system of rules and regulations. Here, Spirit probably refers to the Holy Spirit. It may also refer to the new covenant being “spiritual” in nature. (See: spirit, wind, breath)

2 Corinthians 3:1

ἀρχόμεθα πάλιν ἑαυτοὺς συνιστάνειν?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that they are not bragging about themselves. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We are not beginning to praise ourselves again!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ μὴ χρῄζομεν, ὥς τινες, συστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἢ ἐξ ὑμῶν?

Paul used this question to express that the Corinthians already know about Paul and Timothy’s good reputation. The question prompts a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We certainly do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people do!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

συστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν

This refers to letters that people write to introduce and give their approval of someone else.

2 Corinthians 3:2

ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἡμῶν ὑμεῖς ἐστε

Paul speaks of the Corinthians as if they are a letter of recommendation. That they have become believers serves to validate Paul’s ministry to others. Alternate translation: “You yourselves are like our letter of recommendation” (See: Metaphor)

ἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν

Here the word hearts refers to their thoughts and emotions. This could mean: (1) Paul and his coworkers are sure about the Corinthians being their letter of recommendation. (2) Paul and his coworkers care very deeply for the Corinthians. (See: Metonymy)

ἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form with “Christ” as the implied subject, or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which Christ has written on our hearts” (See: Active or Passive)

γινωσκομένη καὶ ἀναγινωσκομένη ὑπὸ πάντων ἀνθρώπων

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that all people can know and read” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 3:3

ἐστὲ ἐπιστολὴ Χριστοῦ

Paul clarifies that Christ is the one who has written the letter. Alternate translation: “you are a letter that Christ has written” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διακονηθεῖσα ὑφ’ ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “brought by us”

ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος, οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις

Paul clarifies that the Corinthians are like a spiritual letter, not like a letter that humans write with physical objects.

ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος

The verb “written” is implied in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “not written with ink, but written with the Spirit of the living God” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not a letter that people wrote with ink but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις

The verb “written” is implied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “not a letter that was written on stone tablets, but a letter that was written on tablets of human hearts” (See: Ellipsis)

οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not a letter that people engraved on stone tablets but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote on tablets of human hearts” (See: Active or Passive)

πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις

Paul speaks of their hearts as if they are flat pieces of stone or clay upon which people engraved letters. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 3:4

πεποίθησιν δὲ τοιαύτην ἔχομεν

This refers to what Paul has just said. His confidence comes from knowing that the Corinthians are the validation of his ministry before God.

2 Corinthians 3:5

ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν ἱκανοί

Alternate translation: “qualified in ourselves” or “sufficient in ourselves”

λογίσασθαί τι ὡς ἐξ ἑαυτῶν

Here the word anything refers to anything pertaining to Paul’s apostolic ministry. Alternate translation: “to claim that anything we have done in ministry comes from our own efforts” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ

Alternate translation: “God gives us our sufficiency”

2 Corinthians 3:6

καινῆς διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος

Here the word letter means letters of the alphabet and refers to words that people write down. Alternate translation: “a covenant not based on commands that men have written” (See: Synecdoche)

οὐ γράμματος

The phrase the letter alludes to the Old Testament law. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀλλὰ Πνεύματος

The Holy Spirit is the one who establishes God’s covenant with people. Alternate translation: “but a covenant based on what the Spirit does” (See: Ellipsis)

τὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει

Paul speaks of the Old Testament law as a person who kills. (See: Personification)

τὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει

Following that law leads to spiritual death. Alternate translation: “the written law leads to death” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 3:7

Paul contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the superiority and freedom of the new covenant. He contrasts the veil of Moses with the clarity of present revelation. The time of Moses was a less clear picture of what is now revealed.

εἰ δὲ ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου…ἐγενήθη ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε

Paul emphasizes that although the law leads to death, it was still very glorious. (See: Irony)

ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου

Here, the ministry of death refers to the Old Testament law that God gave through Moses. Alternate translation: “the ministry that causes death because it is based on the law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν γράμμασιν ἐντετυπωμένη λίθοις

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God carved into stone with letters” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε

Alternate translation: “in so much glory that”

2 Corinthians 3:8

πῶς οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος ἔσται ἐν δόξῃ?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that the ministry of the Spirit does must be more glorious than “the ministry of death” because it leads to life. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “So the service that the Spirit does must be even more glorious!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος

Here, the ministry of the Spirit refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: “the ministry that gives life because it is based on the Spirit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 3:9

τῇ διακονίᾳ τῆς κατακρίσεως

Here, the ministry of condemnation refers to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: “the ministry that condemns people because it is based on the law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ

Here the phrase much more marks this phrase as an exclamation, not as a question. Alternate translation: “then the service of righteousness must abound in so much more glory” (See: Exclamations)

πολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ.

Paul speaks of the ministry of righteousness as if it were an object that could produce or multiply another object. He means that this ministry is far more glorious than the law, which also had glory. (See: Metaphor)

ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης

Here, the ministry of righteousness refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: “the ministry that makes people righteous because it is based on the Spirit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 3:10

καὶ γὰρ οὐ δεδόξασται, τὸ δεδοξασμένον…εἵνεκεν τῆς ὑπερβαλλούσης δόξης

The Old Testament law no longer appears glorious when compared with the new covenant, which is much more glorious.

τὸ δεδοξασμένον

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the law which God once made glorious” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τούτῳ τῷ μέρει

Alternate translation: “in this way”

2 Corinthians 3:11

τὸ καταργούμενον

This refers to “the ministry of condemnation,” which Paul speaks of as if it were an object capable of disappearing. Alternate translation: “that which was becoming useless” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 3:12

ἔχοντες οὖν τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα

The word Therefore refers to what Paul has just said. His hope comes from knowing that the new covenant has an eternal glory.

τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα

Alternate translation: “such confidence”

2 Corinthians 3:13

τὸ τέλος τοῦ καταργουμένου

The refers to the glory that shined on Moses’ face. Alternate translation: “the glory on Moses’ face as it faded away completely” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 3:14

ἀλλὰ ἐπωρώθη τὰ νοήματα αὐτῶν

Paul speaks of the minds of the Israelite people as objects that could be closed or made hard. This expression means that they were unable to understand what they saw. Alternate translation: “But the Israelites could not understand what they saw” (See: Metaphor)

ἄχρι γὰρ τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας

Here, the present day refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.

τὸ αὐτὸ κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης μένει

Just as the Israelites could not see the glory on Moses’ face because he covered his face with a veil, there is a spiritual veil that prevents people from understanding when they read the old covenant. (See: Metaphor)

ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης

Alternate translation: “when they hear someone read the old covenant”

μὴ ἀνακαλυπτόμενον, ὅτι ἐν Χριστῷ καταργεῖται

Here, it refers to “the same veil.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one removes the veil, because only in Christ does God remove it” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 3:15

ἀλλ’ ἕως σήμερον

Here the word today refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.

ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς

Here the word Moses refers to the Old Testament law that Moses wrote down. (See: Metonymy)

ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whenever someone reads the Mosaic law” (See: Active or Passive)

κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται

Here the word heart represents what people think. Alternate translation: “a veil prevents them from understanding” (See: Metonymy)

κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται

Here the people being unable to understand the old covenant is spoken of as if they have a veil that covers their heart the way a physical veil would cover their eyes. Alternate translation: “they are unable to understand what they are hearing” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 3:16

ἡνίκα…ἐὰν ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς Κύριον

Here, turn to is a metaphor that means to become loyal to someone. Alternate translation: “when a person starts to worship the Lord” or “when a person starts to trust in the Lord” (See: Metaphor)

περιαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα

God gives them the ability to understand. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God lifts the veil away” or “God gives them the ability to understand” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 3:18

ἡμεῖς δὲ πάντες

Here the word we refers to all believers, including Paul and the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ προσώπῳ, τὴν δόξαν Κυρίου κατοπτριζόμενοι

Unlike the Israelites who could not see God’s glory reflected on Moses’ face because he had covered it with a veil, there is nothing to prevent believers from seeing and understanding God’s glory. (See: Metaphor)

τὴν αὐτὴν εἰκόνα μεταμορφούμεθα

The Spirit is changing believers to be glorious like Jesus. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Lord is transforming us into his same glorious likeness” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν

This means that the Spirit is constantly increasing the glory of believers. Alternate translation: “from one amount of glory to another amount of glory”

καθάπερ ἀπὸ Κυρίου

Alternate translation: “just as this comes from the Lord”

2 Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins with the word “therefore.” This connects it to what the previous chapter teaches. How these chapters are divided may be confusing to the reader.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ministry

Paul ministers to people by telling them about Christ. He does not try to trick people into believing. If they do not understand the gospel, it is because the problem is ultimately spiritual. (See: spirit, wind, breath)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Life and death

Paul does not refer here to physical life and death. Life represents the new life a Christian has in Jesus. Death represents the old way of living before believing in Jesus. (See: life, live, living, alive and die, dead, deadly, death and faith)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Hope

Paul uses a repeated pattern in a purposeful way. He makes a statement. Then he denies a seemingly opposite or contradictory statement or gives an exception. Together these give the reader hope in difficult circumstances. (See: hope, hoped)

2 Corinthians 4:1

Paul writes that he is honest in his ministry by preaching Christ, not praising himself. He shows the death and the life of Jesus in how he lives so that life can work in the Corinthian believers.

ἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν

Both occurrences of the word we refers to Paul and his coworker, but not to the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν

This phrase explains how Paul and his coworkers have “this ministry.” It is a gift that God has given to them through his mercy. Alternate translation: “because God has shown us mercy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 4:2

ἀπειπάμεθα τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης

This means that Paul and his coworkers refused to do secret and shameful things. It does not mean that they had done these things in the past.

τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης

The word hidden describes the things that people do secretly. Things that are shameful should cause people who do them to feel ashamed. Alternate translation: “the things that people do secretly because they cause shame” (See: Hendiadys)

περιπατοῦντες ἐν πανουργίᾳ

Alternate translation: “living by deception”

μηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, word of God is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “we do not mishandle God’s message” (See: Metonymy)

μηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative nor distorting, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “we use the word of God correctly” (See: Double Negatives)

συνιστάνοντες ἑαυτοὺς πρὸς πᾶσαν συνείδησιν ἀνθρώπων

This means that they provide enough evidence for each person who hears them to decide whether they are right or wrong.

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, before God refers to God’s presence. God’s understanding and approval of Paul’s truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. Alternate translation: “with God as witness” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 4:3

εἰ δὲ καὶ ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν, ἐν τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον

This refers back to what Paul said starting in 2 Corinthians 3:14. There Paul explained that there is a spiritual veil that prevents people from understanding when they read the old covenant. In the same way, people are not able to understand the gospel. (See: Metaphor)

εἰ…ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν…ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if a veil covers our gospel, that veil covers it” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “the gospel that we preach”

2 Corinthians 4:4

ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου ἐτύφλωσεν τὰ νοήματα τῶν ἀπίστων

Paul speaks of the minds of unbelievers as if they had eyes, and their inability to understand as their minds being unable to see. Alternate translation: “the god of this world has prevented unbelievers from understanding” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου

This phrase refers to Satan. Alternate translation: “the god who rules this world”

μὴ αὐγάσαι τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ

As the Israelites could not see God’s glory that shined on Moses’ face because he covered it with a veil (2 Corinthians 3:13), unbelievers are not able to see Christ’s glory that shines in the gospel. This means that they are unable to understand “the gospel of the glory of Christ” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

Alternate translation: “the light that comes from the gospel”

τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Alternate translation: “the gospel about the Christ’s glory”

2 Corinthians 4:5

ἀλλὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν Κύριον, ἑαυτοὺς δὲ δούλους ὑμῶν

You can supply the missing verb for these phrases. Alternate translation: “but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and we proclaim ourselves as your servants” (See: Ellipsis)

διὰ Ἰησοῦν

Alternate translation: “because of Jesus”

2 Corinthians 4:6

ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψει

With this sentence, Paul refers to God creating light, as described in the book of Genesis.

ὃς ἔλαμψεν…πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, the illumination from the light represents the ability to understand. Just as God created light, he also creates understanding for believers. Alternate translation: “the one who caused light to shine … to enable us to understand the glory of God” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν

Here the word hearts refers to the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “in our minds” (See: Metonymy)

πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ

Alternate translation: “to show us the knowledge of the glory of God”

τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Just as God’s glory shone upon Moses’ face (2 Corinthians 3:7), it also shines upon the face of Jesus. This means that when Paul preaches the gospel, people are able to see and understand the message about God’s glory. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 4:7

ἔχομεν δὲ

Here the word we refers to Paul and his coworkers, but not to the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἔχομεν…τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν

Paul speaks of the gospel as if it were a* treasure* and their bodies as if they were breakable jars made out of clay. This emphasizes that they are of little value compared to the worth of the gospel that they preach. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 4:8

ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People afflict us in every way” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:9

διωκόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐνκαταλειπόμενοι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people persecute us but God does not forsake us” (See: Active or Passive)

καταβαλλόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people strike us down but do not destroy us” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:10

πάντοτε τὴν νέκρωσιν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι περιφέροντες

Paul speaks of his sufferings as if they are an experience of the death of Jesus. Alternate translation: “we are often in danger of dying, as Jesus died” or “we always suffer in such a way that we experience the death of Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ

This could mean: (1) our bodies will live again, because Jesus is alive. (2) the spiritual life that Jesus gives also may be shown in our bodies.

καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “other people may also see the life of Jesus in our bodies” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:11

ἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς, οἱ ζῶντες, εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν

Here, being handed over to death represents being in danger of dying because of being loyal to Jesus. Alternate translation: “for those of us who are alive, God is always leading us to face death because we are joined to Jesus” or “for people are always causing us who are alive to be in danger of dying because we are joined to Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν

God wants Jesus’ life to be shown in us. This could mean: (1) our bodies will live again, because Jesus is alive. (2) the spiritual life that Jesus gives also may be shown in our bodies. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Corinthians 4:10.

ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Corinthians 4:10. Alternate translation: “so other people may see the life of Jesus in our body” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:12

ὁ θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν

Paul speaks of death and life as if they are persons who can work. This means that they are always in danger of physical death so that the Corinthians can have spiritual life. (See: Personification)

2 Corinthians 4:13

τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως

Here the word spirit refers a person’s attitude and temperament. Alternate translation: “the same attitude of faith”

κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as the one who wrote these words” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα

This is a quote from the Psalms.

2 Corinthians 4:14

ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ…ἐγερεῖ

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “the one who caused the Lord Jesus to live again will also raise” or “God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise” (See: Idiom)

2 Corinthians 4:15

τὰ γὰρ πάντα δι’ ὑμᾶς

Here, all these things refers to all of the sufferings that Paul has described in previous verses.

ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as God spreads his grace to many more people, it” (See: Active or Passive)

τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ

Paul speaks of thanksgiving as if it were an object that could become larger by itself. Alternate translation: “more and more people may give thanks” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 4:16

Paul writes that the Corinthian difficulties are minor and do not last long when compared to the unseen eternal things.

διὸ οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not … discouraged, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “So we remain confident” (See: Double Negatives)

ὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος διαφθείρεται

This refers to their physical bodies decaying and dying. Alternate translation: “our physical bodies are getting weak and dying” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ

This refers to their inward, spiritual lives getting stronger. Alternate translation: “our spiritual beings are being strengthened day by day” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God is renewing our inward being more each day” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:17

τὸ γὰρ παραυτίκα ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως ἡμῶν…αἰώνιον βάρος δόξης, κατεργάζεται ἡμῖν

Paul speaks of his sufferings and the glory that God will give him as if they were objects that can be weighed. The glory far outweighs the suffering. (See: Metaphor)

καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν

The glory that Paul will experience is so heavy that no one can measure it. Alternate translation: “that cannot be measured” (See: Metaphor)

καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that no one can measure” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:18

τὰ βλεπόμενα, ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “things that we can see, but not the things that we cannot see” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα

You can supply the verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: “but we are watching for things that are unseen” (See: Ellipsis)

2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

New bodies in heaven

Paul knows that when he dies he will receive a much better body. Because of this, he is not afraid of being killed for preaching the gospel. So he tells others that they too can be reconciled to God. Christ will take away their sin and give them his righteousness. (See: good news, gospel, reconcile, reconciled, reconciliation and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

New creation

The old and new creation probably refers to how Paul illustrates the old and new self. These concepts are also the same as the old and new man. The term “old” probably does not refer to the sinful nature with which a person is born. It refers to the old way of living or the Christian formerly being bound to sin. The “new creation” is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: faith)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Home

The Christian’s home is no longer in the world. A Christian’s real home is in heaven. By using this metaphor, Paul emphasizes that the Christian’s circumstances in this world are temporary. It gives hope to those who are suffering. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly and Metaphor and hope, hoped)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The message of reconciliation”

This refers to the gospel. Paul calls for people who are hostile to God to repent and be reconciled to him. (See: repent, repentance and reconcile, reconciled, reconciliation)

2 Corinthians 5:1

Paul contrasts believers’ earthly bodies to the heavenly ones God will give.

ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ, οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἔχομεν

Here a temporary earthly dwelling is a metaphor for a person’s physical body. Here a permanent “building from God” is a metaphor for the new body that God will give believers after they die. (See: Metaphor)

ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if people destroy the earthly dwelling that we live in” or “if people kill our bodies” (See: Active or Passive)

οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

Here, house means the same thing as “building from God.” Here, hands is a synecdoche that represents the human as a whole. Alternate translation: “It is a house in heaven, not made by humans” (See: Synecdoche)

οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It is a house in heaven that humans did not make” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 5:2

ἐν τούτῳ στενάζομεν

Here, this means the same thing as “the earthly dwelling that we live in.” The word groan is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good.

τὸ οἰκητήριον ἡμῶν τὸ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐπενδύσασθαι ἐπιποθοῦντες

The words our dwelling that is from heaven means the same thing as “a building from God.” Paul speaks of the new body that believers receive after they die as if it were both a building and a piece of clothing that a person can put on. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 5:3

ἐνδυσάμενοι

Alternate translation: “by putting on our heavenly dwelling”

οὐ γυμνοὶ εὑρεθησόμεθα

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we will not be naked” or “God will not find us naked” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 5:4

οἱ ὄντες ἐν τῷ σκήνει

Paul speaks of the physical body as if it were a tent. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῷ σκήνει, στενάζομεν

The word tent refers to “the earthly dwelling that we live in.” The word groan is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good. See how you translated this in 2 Corinthians 5:2.

βαρούμενοι

Paul refers to the difficulties that the physical body experiences as if they were heavy objects that are difficult to carry. (See: Metaphor)

οὐ θέλομεν ἐκδύσασθαι…ἐπενδύσασθαι

Paul speaks of the body as if it were clothing for our spirit. Here, to be unclothed refers to the death of the physical body; “to be clothed” refers to having the resurrection body that God will give. (See: Metaphor)

ἐκδύσασθαι

Alternate translation: “to be without clothes” or “to be naked”

ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς

Paul speaks of life as if it were an animal that eats the mortal. The physical body that will die will be replaced by a resurrection body that will live forever. (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that life may swallow up what is mortal” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 5:5

ὁ δοὺς ἡμῖν τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος

The Spirit is spoken of as if he were a partial down payment toward eternal life. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Corinthians 1:22. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 5:6

Because believers will have a new body and have the Holy Spirit as a pledge, Paul reminds them to live by faith that they may please the Lord. He continues by reminding them to persuade others because: (1) believers will appear at the judgment seat of Christ. (2) Christ who died for believers in love.

ἐνδημοῦντες ἐν τῷ σώματι

Paul speaks of the physical body as if it were a place where a person dwells. Alternate translation: “while we are living in this earthly body” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκδημοῦμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου

Alternate translation: “we are not at home with the Lord” or “we are not in heaven with the Lord”

2 Corinthians 5:7

διὰ πίστεως…περιπατοῦμεν, οὐ διὰ εἴδους

Here, walk is a metaphor for “live” or “behave.” Alternate translation: “we live according to faith, not according to what we see” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 5:8

εὐδοκοῦμεν, μᾶλλον ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ τοῦ σώματος

Here the word body refers to the physical body.

ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν Κύριον

Alternate translation: “at home with the Lord in heaven”

2 Corinthians 5:9

εἴτε ἐνδημοῦντες εἴτε ἐκδημοῦντες

The phrases “with the Lord” and “from the Lord” may be supplied from the previous verses. Alternate translation: “whether we are at home with the Lord or away from the Lord” (See: Ellipsis)

εὐάρεστοι αὐτῷ εἶναι

Alternate translation: “to please the Lord”

2 Corinthians 5:10

ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ βήματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Alternate translation: “before Christ to be judged”

κομίσηται ἕκαστος

Alternate translation: “each person may receive what he deserves for”

τὰ διὰ τοῦ σώματος

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the things he has done in the physical body” (See: Active or Passive)

εἴτε ἀγαθὸν εἴτε κακὸν

Alternate translation: “whether those things were good or bad”

2 Corinthians 5:11

εἰδότες…τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου

Alternate translation: “knowing what it means to fear the Lord”

ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν

This could mean: (1) we persuade people of the truth of the gospel. (2) we persuade people that we are legitimate apostles. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Θεῷ…πεφανερώμεθα

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God clearly sees what kind of people we are” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι

Alternate translation: “that you are also convinced of it”

2 Corinthians 5:12

ἵνα ἔχητε

Alternate translation: “so you may have something to say to”

τοὺς ἐν προσώπῳ καυχωμένους, καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ

Here the word face refers to outward expressions of things like ability and status. The word heart refers to the inward character of a person. Alternate translation: “those who praise their own actions, but do not care about what they really are in their inner being” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 5:13

εἴτε…ἐξέστημεν…εἴτε σωφρονοῦμεν

Paul is speaking about the way others think of him and his coworkers. Alternate translation: “if people think we are crazy … if people think we are sane” (See: Idiom)

2 Corinthians 5:14

ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ

This could refer to: (1) our love for Christ. (2) Christ’s love for us.

ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν

Alternate translation: “died for all people”

2 Corinthians 5:15

τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι

Alternate translation: “for him who for their sake died and whom God caused to live again” or “for Christ, who died for their sake and whom God raised”

τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι

Here, for the one could refer: (1) only to who died. (2) to both who died and was raised.

2 Corinthians 5:16

Because of Christ’s love and death, we are not to judge by human standards. We are appointed to teach others how to be united with and have peace with God through Christ’s death and receive God’s righteousness through Christ.

ὥστε

Here, Therefore refers to what Paul has just said about living for Christ instead of living for self.

2 Corinthians 5:17

καινὴ κτίσις

Paul speaks of the person who believes in Christ as if God had created a new person. Alternate translation: “he is a new person” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν

Here, The old things refers to the things that characterized a person before they trusted in Christ.

ἰδοὺ

The word behold here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

2 Corinthians 5:18

τὰ…πάντα

Here, all these things refers to what Paul has just said in the previous verse about new things replacing old things.

τὴν διακονίαν τῆς καταλλαγῆς

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word reconciliation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the ministry of reconciling people to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 5:19

ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ

Here, the world refers to the people in the world. Alternate translation: “in Christ, God was reconciling mankind to himself” (See: Metonymy)

θέμενος ἐν ἡμῖν τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς

God has given Paul the responsibility to spread the message that God is reconciling people to himself.

τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς

Alternate translation: “the message about reconciliation”

2 Corinthians 5:20

ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has appointed us as Christ’s representatives” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ…πρεσβεύομεν

Alternate translation: “we are those who speak for Christ”

καταλλάγητε τῷ Θεῷ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let God reconcile you to himself” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 5:21

τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησεν

Alternate translation: “God made Christ become the sacrifice for our sin”

ἡμῶν…ἡμεῖς

Here the words us and we are inclusive and refer to all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν

Alternate translation: “Christ, the one who never sinned”

ἵνα ἡμεῖς γενώμεθα δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ

The phrase the righteousness of God refers to the righteousness that God requires and which comes from God. Alternate translation: “so that we might have God’s righteousness in us through Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 2 and 16-18, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Servants

Paul refers to Christians as servants of God. God calls Christians to serve him in all circumstances. Paul describes some of the difficult circumstances in which he and his companions served God.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Contrasts

Paul uses four pairs of contrasts: righteousness versus lawlessness, light versus darkness, Christ versus Satan, and the temple of God versus idols. These contrasts show a difference between Christians and non-Christians. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and light, luminary, shine, brighten, enlighten and darkness)

Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions to teach his readers. All of these questions make essentially the same point: Christians should not intimately fellowship with those who live in sin. Paul repeats these questions for emphasis. (See: Rhetorical Question and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

We

Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.

2 Corinthians 6:1

Paul summarizes how working together for God is supposed to be.

συνεργοῦντες

Paul is implying that he and Timothy are working with God. Alternate translation: “working together with God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ, παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς

Paul pleads with the Corinthians to allow the grace of God to be effective in their lives. If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not … in vain, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “we beg you to make use of the grace that you have received from God” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 6:2

λέγει γάρ

This introduces a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. Alternate translation: “for God says in scripture” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἰδοὺ

The word Behold here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

2 Corinthians 6:3

μηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν

Paul speaks of anything that would prevent a person from trusting in Christ as if it were a physical object over which that person trips and falls. Alternate translation: “we do not want to do anything that will prevent people from believing our message” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ μωμηθῇ ἡ διακονία

The word discredited refers to people speaking badly about Paul’s ministry, and working against the message he proclaims. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no oner will be able to speak badly about our ministry” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 6:4

συνιστάντες

When Paul uses we here, he is referring to himself and Timothy. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἐν παντὶ συνιστάντες ἑαυτοὺς ὡς Θεοῦ διάκονοι

Alternate translation: “we prove that we are God’s servants by all that we do”

Θεοῦ διάκονοι: ἐν ὑπομονῇ πολλῇ, ἐν θλίψεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν στενοχωρίαις

Paul mentions these difficult situations in which they proved that they are God’s servants.

2 Corinthians 6:6

ἐν ἁγνότητι…ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ

Paul lists several moral virtues that they maintained in difficult situations that proved that they are God’s servants.

2 Corinthians 6:7

ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας, ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ

Their dedication to preach the gospel in the power of God proves that they are God’s servants.

ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας

Alternate translation: “by speaking God’s message about truth” or “by speaking God’s true message”

ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ

Alternate translation: “by showing God’s power to people”

διὰ τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν

Paul speaks of their righteousness as if it is weapons that they use to fight spiritual battles. (See: Metaphor)

τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης

Alternate translation: “righteousness as our armor” or “righteousness as our weapons”

τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν

This could mean: (1) there is a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other. (2) they are completely equipped for battle, able to fend off attacks from any direction.

2 Corinthians 6:8

Paul lists several extremes of how people think about him and his ministry. (See: Merism)

ὡς πλάνοι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people accuse us of being deceitful” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 6:9

ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as if people did not know us and yet people still know us well” (See: Active or Passive)

ὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we work as if people are punishing us for our actions but not as if they have condemned us to death” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 6:11

τὸ στόμα ἡμῶν ἀνέῳγεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

Alternate translation: “We have spoken honestly to you”

ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται

Paul speaks of his great affection for the Corinthians as having a heart that is open. Alternate translation: “we love you very much” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται

Here, heart is a metonym for a person’s emotions. (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 6:12

οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν

Paul speaks of the Corinthians lack of love for him as if their inner parts were squeezed into a tight space. (See: Metaphor)

οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We have not restrained you” or “We have not given you any reason to stop loving us” (See: Active or Passive)

στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν

Here, inner parts is a metonym for a person’s emotions. (See: Metonymy)

στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but your own hearts are restraining you” or “but you have stopped loving us for your own reasons” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 6:13

πλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς

Paul urges the Corinthians to love him as he has loved them. Alternate translation: “love us back” or “love us much as we have loved you” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 6:14

μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες ἀπίστοις

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not … unbelievers, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “Only be tied together with believers” (See: Double Negatives)

μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες

Paul speaks of working together toward a common purpose as if it were two animals tied together to pull a plow or cart. Alternate translation: “Do not team up” or “Do not have a close relationship” (See: Metaphor)

τίς γὰρ μετοχὴ δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἀνομίᾳ

This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “For righteousness can have no association with lawlessness.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος?

Paul asks this question to emphasize that light and darkness cannot coexist since light dispels darkness. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And light can have no fellowship with darkness!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος?

The words light and darkness refer to the moral and spiritual qualities of believers and unbelievers. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 6:15

τίς δὲ συμφώνησις Χριστοῦ πρὸς Βελιάρ

This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no agreement between Christ and Beliar!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Βελιάρ

Beliar is another name for the devil. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἢ τίς μερὶς πιστῷ μετὰ ἀπίστου?

This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And a believer shares nothing in common with an unbeliever!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Corinthians 6:16

τίς δὲ συνκατάθεσις ναῷ Θεοῦ μετὰ εἰδώλων?

This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And there is no agreement between the temple of God and idols!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος

Here, we refers not only to Paul and his associates, but includes all Christians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος

Paul speaks of Christians as forming a temple for God to dwell in. Alternate translation: “we are like the temple where the living God dwells” (See: Metaphor)

ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω

This is an Old Testament quotation that speaks of God being with the people in two different ways that mean the same thing. (See: Parallelism)

ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω

The words dwell among speak of living where others live, while the words walk among speak of being with them as they go about their lives. Alternate translation: “I will be with them and help them” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 6:17

Paul quotes portions from the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah and Ezekiel.

ἀφορίσθητε

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “set yourselves apart” or “allow me to set you apart” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative no unclean, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “touch only things that are clean” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In verses 2-4, Paul finishes his defense. He then writes about Titus’ return and the comfort it brought.

Special concepts in this chapter

Clean and unclean

Christians are “clean” in the sense that God has cleansed them from sin. They do not need to be concerned with being clean according to the law of Moses. Ungodly living can still make a Christian unclean. (See: clean, wash and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Sadness and sorrow

The words “sad” and “sorrow” in this chapter indicate that the Corinthians were upset to the point of repenting. (See: repent, repentance)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

We

Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.

Original situation

This chapter discusses in detail a previous situation. We can figure out some aspects of this situation from the information in this chapter. But it is best not to include this type of implicit information in a translation. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 7:1

ἀγαπητοί

Alternate translation: “you whom I love” or “dear friends”

καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς

Here Paul is saying to stay away from any form of sin that would affect one’s relationship with God.

ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην

Alternate translation: “striving to be holy”

ἐν φόβῳ Θεοῦ

Alternate translation: “out of deep respect for God”

2 Corinthians 7:2

Having already warned the people of Corinth about other leaders who were striving to get these Corinthian believers to follow them, Paul reminds the people of the way he feels about them.

χωρήσατε ἡμᾶς

This refers back to what Paul said starting in 2 Corinthians 6:11 about them opening their hearts to him. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

χωρήσατε ἡμᾶς

Paul speaks of the Corinthians loving him as if they were opening their hearts to him. Alternate translation: “Make room for us in your hearts” or “Love us and accept us” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 7:3

πρὸς κατάκρισιν οὐ λέγω

Here, Paul refers back to what he has just said about not having wronged anyone. Alternate translation: “I do not say this to accuse you of having done wrong.”

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν ἐστε

Paul speaks of his and his associates’ great love for the Corinthians as if they held them in their hearts. Alternate translation: “you are very dear to us” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὸ συναποθανεῖν καὶ συνζῆν

This means that Paul and his associates will continue to love the Corinthians no matter what happens. Alternate translation: “whether we live or whether we die” (See: Idiom)

2 Corinthians 7:4

πεπλήρωμαι τῇ παρακλήσει

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You fill me with comfort” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑπερπερισσεύομαι τῇ χαρᾷ

Paul speaks of joy as if it is a liquid that fills him until he overflows. Alternate translation: “I am extremely joyful” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “despite all our hardships”

2 Corinthians 7:5

ἐλθόντων ἡμῶν εἰς Μακεδονίαν

Here the word we refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Corinthians or Titus. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οὐδεμίαν ἔσχηκεν ἄνεσιν ἡ σὰρξ ἡμῶν

Here, our flesh refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “we had no rest” or “we were very tired” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we experienced every kind of trouble” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔξωθεν μάχαι, ἔσωθεν φόβοι

Here, without could mean: (1) “outside of our bodies.” (2) “outside of the church.” The word within refers to their inward emotions. Alternate translation: “by conflicts with other people and by fears within ourselves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 7:7

ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει ᾗ παρεκλήθη ἐφ’ ὑμῖν

Paul received comfort from knowing that the Corinthians had comforted Titus. Alternate translation: “by learning about the comfort that Titus had received from you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 7:8

ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη

This refers to Paul’s previous letter to these Corinthian believers where he rebuked them for their acceptance of a believer’s sexual immorality with his father’s wife.

βλέπω ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη

Alternate translation: “when I learned that my letter”

2 Corinthians 7:9

οὐχ ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not because what I said in my letter distressed you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν μηδενὶ ζημιωθῆτε ἐξ ἡμῶν

This means that although the letter caused them sorrow, they eventually benefited from the letter because it led them to repentance. Alternate translation: “so that we did not harm you in any way” (See: Idiom)

2 Corinthians 7:10

ἡ γὰρ κατὰ Θεὸν λύπη, μετάνοιαν εἰς σωτηρίαν…ἐργάζεται

The word repentance may be repeated to clarify its relationship to what precedes it and what follows it. Alternate translation: “For godly sorrow produces repentance, and repentance leads to salvation” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀμεταμέλητον

This could mean: (1) Paul has no regret that he caused them sorrow because that sorrow led to their repentance and salvation. (2) the Corinthians will not regret experiencing sorrow because it led to their repentance and salvation.

ἡ δὲ τοῦ κόσμου λύπη, θάνατον κατεργάζεται

This kind of sorrow leads to death instead of salvation because it does not produce repentance. Alternate translation: “Worldly sorrow, however, leads to spiritual death” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 7:11

ἀλλὰ ἀπολογίαν

Here the word what makes this statement an exclamation. Alternate translation: “your determination to prove you were innocent was very great!” (See: Exclamations)

ἀλλὰ ἐκδίκησιν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that someone should carry out justice” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 7:12

τοῦ φανερωθῆναι τὴν σπουδὴν ὑμῶν, τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that you would know that your good will toward us is sincere” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, before God refers to God’s presence. See how you translated this in 2 Corinthians 4:2.

2 Corinthians 7:13

διὰ τοῦτο παρακεκλήμεθα

Here the phrase this reason refers to the way the Corinthians responded to Paul’s previous letter, as he described in the previous verse. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “This is what encourages us” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀναπέπαυται τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ πάντων ὑμῶν

Here the word spirit refers to a person’s temperament and disposition. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all of you refreshed his spirit” or “all of you made him stop worrying” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 7:14

ὅτι εἴ τι αὐτῷ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κεκαύχημαι

Alternate translation: “For although I boasted to him about you”

οὐ κατῃσχύνθην

Alternate translation: “you did not disappoint me”

ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν ἡ ἐπὶ Τίτου ἀλήθεια ἐγενήθη

Alternate translation: “you proved to Titus that our boasting about you was true”

2 Corinthians 7:15

τὴν πάντων ὑμῶν ὑπακοήν

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word obedience, you could express the same idea with the verb, “obey.” Alternate translation: “how all of you obeyed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐδέξασθε αὐτόν

Here, fear and trembling share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: “you welcomed him with great reverence” (See: Doublet)

μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου

This could refer to: (1) great reverence for God. (2) great reverence for Titus.

2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 8 and 9 begin a new section. Paul writes about how churches in Greece helped needy believers in Jerusalem.

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 15.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gift to the church in Jerusalem

The church in Corinth started preparing to give money to the poor believers in Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia also had given generously. Paul sends Titus and two other believers to Corinth to encourage the Corinthians to give generously. Paul and the others will carry the money to Jerusalem. They want people to know it is being done honestly.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

We

Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.

Paradox

A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. These words in verse 2 are a paradox: “the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity.” In verse 3 Paul explains how their poverty produced riches. Paul also uses riches and poverty in other paradoxes. (2 Corinthians 8:2)

2 Corinthians 8:1

Having explained his changed plans and his ministry direction, Paul talks about giving.

τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δεδομένην ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Μακεδονίας

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the grace that God has given to the churches of Macedonia” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 8:2

ἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν καὶ ἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν, ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν

Paul speaks of joy and poverty as if they were living things that can produce generosity. Alternate translation: “because of the people’s great joy and extreme poverty, they have become very generous” (See: Personification)

ἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν

Paul speaks of joy as if it were a physical object that could increase in size or quantity. (See: Metaphor)

ἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν…τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν

Though the churches of Macedonia have suffered testings of affliction and poverty, by God’s grace, they have been able to collect money for the believers in Jerusalem.

τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν

The word riches emphasizes the greatness of their generosity. Alternate translation: “a very great generosity”

2 Corinthians 8:4

τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους

Paul is referring to providing money to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “this ministry of providing for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 8:6

καθὼς προενήρξατο

Paul is referring to the collection of money from the Corinthians for the believers in Jerusalem.

καὶ ἐπιτελέσῃ εἰς ὑμᾶς καὶ τὴν χάριν ταύτην

Titus was to help the Corinthians to complete the collection of money. Alternate translation: “he should encourage you to finish collecting and giving your generous gift” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 8:7

ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε

Paul speaks of the Corinthian believers as if they should produce physical goods. Alternate translation: “make sure you do well in giving for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 8:8

διὰ τῆς ἑτέρων σπουδῆς…τὸ τῆς ὑμετέρας ἀγάπης γνήσιον δοκιμάζων

Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously by comparing them with the generosity of the Macedonian churches. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 8:9

τὴν χάριν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν

In this context, the word grace emphasizes the generosity with which Jesus had blessed the Corinthians.

δι’ ὑμᾶς ἐπτώχευσεν, πλούσιος ὤν

Paul speaks of Jesus before his incarnation as being rich, and of his becoming human as becoming poor. (See: Metaphor)

ὑμεῖς τῇ ἐκείνου πτωχείᾳ πλουτήσητε

Paul speaks of the Corinthians becoming spiritually rich as a result of Jesus becoming human. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 8:10

ἐν τούτῳ

Here the word this refers to Corinthians collecting money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “with regard to the collection” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 8:11

καθάπερ ἡ προθυμία τοῦ θέλειν

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word readiness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “just as you were eager and desired to do it” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καὶ τὸ ἐπιτελέσαι

Alternate translation: “complete it” or “finish it”

2 Corinthians 8:12

καθὸ ἐὰν ἔχῃ

Alternate translation: “if it is proportional to what the person giving has”

2 Corinthians 8:13

This verse refers back to collecting money for the believers in Jerusalem.

ἵνα ἄλλοις ἄνεσις, ὑμῖν θλῖψις

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you may relieve others and burden yourselves” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐξ ἰσότητος

Alternate translation: “so that there would be equality”

2 Corinthians 8:14

ἵνα καὶ τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα γένηται εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα

Since the Corinthians are acting in the present time, it is implied that the believers in Jerusalem will also help them at some time in the future. Alternate translation: “this is also so that in the future their abundance may supply your need”

2 Corinthians 8:15

καθὼς γέγραπται

Here Paul quotes from Exodus. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language.If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as Moses wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἠλαττόνησεν

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not … too little, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “had all he needed” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 8:16

τῷ διδόντι τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ Τίτου

Here, heart refers to the emotions. This means that God caused Titus to love them. Alternate translation: “the one who made Titus care for you as much as I do” (See: Synecdoche)

τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν

Alternate translation: “the same enthusiasm” or “same deep concern”

2 Corinthians 8:17

ὅτι τὴν μὲν παράκλησιν ἐδέξατο

Paul is referring to his asking Titus to return to Corinth and complete the collection. Alternate translation: “For he not only agreed to our request that he help you with the collection” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 8:18

μετ’ αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “with Titus”

τὸν ἀδελφὸν, οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος…διὰ πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the brother whom believers among all of the churches praise” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 8:19

οὐ μόνον

Alternate translation: “not only do believers among all of the churches praise him”

καὶ χειροτονηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the churches also selected him” (See: Active or Passive)

σὺν τῇ χάριτι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν

This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to carry out this act of generosity”

προθυμίαν ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “our eagerness to help”

2 Corinthians 8:20

ἐν τῇ ἁδρότητι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν

This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word administration, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “concerning the way we are handling this generous gift” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 8:21

προνοοῦμεν γὰρ καλὰ

Alternate translation: “We are careful to handle this gift in an honorable way”

ἐνώπιον Κυρίου…ἐνώπιον ἀνθρώπων

Alternate translation: “in the Lord’s opinion … in people’s opinion”

2 Corinthians 8:22

αὐτοῖς

The word them refers to Titus and the previously mentioned brother.

2 Corinthians 8:23

κοινωνὸς ἐμὸς καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς συνεργός

Alternate translation: “he is my partner who works with me to help you”

ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν

Here, our brothers refers to the two other men who will accompany Titus.

ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the churches have sent them” (See: Active or Passive)

δόξα Χριστοῦ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word glory, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they will cause people to honor Christ” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 9, which is quoted from the Old Testament.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Paul uses three agricultural metaphors. He uses them to teach about giving to needy believers. The metaphors help Paul explain that God will reward those who give generously. Paul does not say how or when God will reward them. (See: Metaphor and reward, prize, deserve)

2 Corinthians 9:1

Paul continues on the subject of giving. He wants to make sure that the collection of their offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem takes place before he comes so that it does not seem as though he takes advantage of them. He talks about how giving blesses the giver and glorifies God.

τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους

This refers to the collection of money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the ministry for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 9:2

Ἀχαΐα

When Paul refers to Achaia, he is talking about a Roman province located in southern Greece where Corinth is located. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἀχαΐα παρεσκεύασται

Here the word Achaia refers to the people who live in this province, and specifically to the people of the church in Corinth. Alternate translation: “the people of Achaia have been preparing” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 9:3

τοὺς ἀδελφούς

Here, the brothers refers to Titus and the two men who accompany him.

μὴ τὸ καύχημα ἡμῶν, τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, κενωθῇ

Paul does not want others to think that the things that he had boasted about the Corinthians were false.

2 Corinthians 9:4

εὕρωσιν ὑμᾶς ἀπαρασκευάστους

Alternate translation: “find you unprepared to give”

2 Corinthians 9:5

τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, ἵνα προέλθωσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς

From Paul’s perspective, the brothers are going. Alternate translation: “the brothers to come to you beforehand” (See: Go and Come)

μὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not as something that we forced you to give” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 9:6

ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει; καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις, ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει

Paul uses the image of a farmer sowing seeds to describe the results of giving. As a farmer’s harvest is based on how much he sows, so will God’s blessings be little or much based on how generously the Corinthians give. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 9:7

καθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ

Here, heart refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “just as he has determined” (See: Metonymy)

μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words sorrow and compulsion, you could express the same idea with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “not because he feels guilty or because someone is compelling him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ Θεός

God wants people to give gladly to help provide for fellow believers.

2 Corinthians 9:8

δυνατεῖ δὲ ὁ Θεὸς, πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς

Here, grace is spoken of as if it were a physical object of which a person can have more than he can use. As a person gives financially to other believers, God also gives to the giver everything he needs. Alternate translation: “God is able to give you more than you need” (See: Metaphor)

χάριν

Here, grace refers to the physical things a Christian needs, not to the need for God to save him from his sins.

περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν

Alternate translation: “so that you may be able to do more and more good deeds”

2 Corinthians 9:9

καθὼς γέγραπται

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “This is just as the writer wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 9:10

ὁ…ἐπιχορηγῶν

Alternate translation: “God who supplies”

ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν

Here the word bread refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food to eat” (See: Metonymy)

χορηγήσει καὶ πληθυνεῖ τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν

Paul speaks of the Corinthians’ possessions as if they are seeds and of giving to others as if they were sowing seeds. Alternate translation: “will also supply and multiply your possessions so that you can sow them by giving them to others” (See: Metaphor)

αὐξήσει τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν

Paul compares the benefits that the Corinthians will receive from their generosity to that of a harvest. Alternate translation: “God will bless you even more for your righteousness” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν

Here, righteousness refers to the righteous actions of the Corinthians in giving their resources to the believers in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 9:11

πλουτιζόμενοι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will enrich you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἥτις κατεργάζεται δι’ ἡμῶν, εὐχαριστίαν τῷ Θεῷ

The word which refers to the Corinthian’s generosity. Alternate translation: “Because of your generosity, those who receive the gifts we bring them will thank God” or “and when we give your gifts to those who need them, they will give thanks to God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 9:12

ὅτι ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας ταύτης

Here, service refers to Paul and his companions bringing the contribution to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “For our carrying out this service for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀλλὰ καὶ περισσεύουσα διὰ πολλῶν εὐχαριστιῶν τῷ Θεῷ

Paul speaks of the Corinthian believers’ act of service as if it were a liquid of which there is more than a container can hold. Alternate translation: “It also causes many deeds for which people will thank God” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 9:13

διὰ τῆς δοκιμῆς τῆς διακονίας ταύτης

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Because this service has tested and proven you” (See: Active or Passive)

δοξάζοντες τὸν Θεὸν ἐπὶ τῇ ὑποταγῇ τῆς ὁμολογίας ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἁπλότητι τῆς κοινωνίας εἰς αὐτοὺς καὶ εἰς πάντας

Paul says that the Corinthians will glorify God both by being faithful to Jesus and by giving generously to other believers who have need.

2 Corinthians 9:15

ἐπὶ τῇ ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ αὐτοῦ δωρεᾷ

This gift could refer to: (1) “the very great grace” that God has given to the Corinthians, which has led them to be so generous. (2) Jesus Christ, whom God gave to all believers.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 17.

In this chapter, Paul returns to defending his authority. He also compares the way he speaks and the way he writes.

Special concepts in this chapter

Boasting

“Boasting” is often thought of as bragging, which is not good. But in this letter “boasting” means confidently exulting or rejoicing.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

In verses 3-6, Paul uses many metaphors from war. He probably uses them as part of a larger metaphor about Christians being spiritually at war. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

“Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for a person’s sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: flesh)

2 Corinthians 10:1

Paul shifts the subject from giving to affirming his authority to teach as he does.

διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ

If your language does not use abstract noun for the ideas behind the word meekness and gentleness, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “I am humble and gentle as I do so, because Christ has made me that way” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 10:2

τοὺς λογιζομένους ἡμᾶς

Alternate translation: “who think of us”

ὡς κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας

Here, flesh is a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “are acting from human motives” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 10:3

ἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες

Here, walking is a metaphor for “living.” Alternate translation: “we live our lives in the flesh” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες

Here, flesh is a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: “we live our lives in physical bodies” (See: Metonymy)

οὐ…στρατευόμεθα

Paul speaks of his trying to persuade the Corinthians to believe him and not the false teachers as if he were fighting a physical war. These words should be translated literally. (See: Metaphor)

οὐ κατὰ σάρκα στρατευόμεθα

The word flesh is: (1) a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: “fight against our enemies using physical weapons” (2) a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “wage war in sinful ways” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 10:4

τὰ…ὅπλα τῆς στρατείας ἡμῶν οὐ σαρκικὰ, ἀλλὰ δυνατὰ τῷ Θεῷ πρὸς καθαίρεσιν ὀχυρωμάτων, λογισμοὺς καθαιροῦντες

Paul speaks of godly wisdom showing human wisdom to be false as if it were a weapon with which he was destroying an enemy stronghold. Alternate translation: “the weapons we fight with … show people that what our enemies say is completely wrong” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ σαρκικὰ

The word fleshly is: (1) a metonym for merely physical. Alternate translation: “are not physical” (2) a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “are not sinful” or “do not enable us to do wrong” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 10:5

πᾶν ὕψωμα ἐπαιρόμενον

Paul is still speaking with the metaphor of a war, as if “the knowledge of God” were an army and every high thing were a wall that people had made to keep the army out. Alternate translation: “every false argument that proud people think of to protect themselves”

πᾶν ὕψωμα

Alternate translation: “everything that proud people do”

ἐπαιρόμενον κατὰ τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul speaks of arguments as if they were a wall standing high against an army. The phrase rises up mean “stands tall,” not that the “high thing” is floating up into the air. Alternate translation: “people use so they will not have to know who God is” (See: Metaphor)

αἰχμαλωτίζοντες πᾶν νόημα εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul speaks of people’s thoughts as if they were enemy soldiers whom he captures in battle. Alternate translation: “we show how all the false ideas those people have are wrong and teach the people to obey Christ” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 10:6

ἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν

Here, act of disobedience is a metonym for the people who commit those acts. Alternate translation: “punish every one of you who disobey us” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 10:7

τὰ κατὰ πρόσωπον βλέπετε

This could be: (1) a command. (2) a statement. Alternate translation: “You are looking only at what you can see with your eyes.” Some think this is a rhetorical question that may also be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Are you looking at what is clearly in front of you?” or “You seem unable to see what is clearly in front of you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοῦτο λογιζέσθω πάλιν ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῦ

Alternate translation: “he needs to remember”

καθὼς αὐτὸς Χριστοῦ, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς

Alternate translation: “we belong to Christ just as much as he does”

2 Corinthians 10:8

εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν ὑμῶν

Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. Alternate translation: “to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 10:9

ἂν ἐκφοβεῖν ὑμᾶς

Alternate translation: “I am trying to frighten you”

2 Corinthians 10:11

τοῦτο λογιζέσθω ὁ τοιοῦτος

Alternate translation: “I want such people to be aware”

οἷοί ἐσμεν τῷ λόγῳ δι’ ἐπιστολῶν ἀπόντες, τοιοῦτοι καὶ παρόντες τῷ ἔργῳ

Alternate translation: “we will do the same things when we are there with you that we have written about in our letters while we have been away from you”

ἐσμεν

Here, we refers to Paul’s ministry team but not to the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

2 Corinthians 10:12

ἐνκρῖναι ἢ συνκρῖναι ἑαυτούς, τισιν

Alternate translation: “to say we are as good as some”

αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες καὶ συνκρίνοντες ἑαυτοὺς ἑαυτοῖς

Both of these clauses mean essentially the same thing. (See: Parallelism)

αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες

Paul is speaking of goodness as though it were something whose length people could measure. Alternate translation: “they look at each other and try to see who is better” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ συνιᾶσιν

Alternate translation: “show everyone that they do not know anything”

2 Corinthians 10:13

Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules, those things over which he has authority as being within the borders or “limits” of his land, and those things not under his authority as being beyond the “limits.” (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχησόμεθα

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will not boast about things over which we have no authority” or “will boast only about things over which we have authority” (See: Idiom)

κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος, οὗ ἐμέρισεν ἡμῖν ὁ Θεὸς

Alternate translation: “about things under the authority that God has given us to do”

μέτρου, ἐφικέσθαι ἄχρι καὶ ὑμῶν

Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules. Alternate translation: “and you are within the border of our authority” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 10:14

οὐ…ὑπερεκτείνομεν ἑαυτούς

Alternate translation: “we did not go beyond our borders”

2 Corinthians 10:15

οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχώμενοι

This is an idiom. See how similar words were translated in 2 Corinthians 10:13. Alternate translation: “And we have not boasted about things over which we have no authority” or “We have not boasted only about things over which we have authority” (See: Idiom)

2 Corinthians 10:16

ἀλλοτρίῳ κανόνι

Alternate translation: “an area that God has assigned to someone else”

2 Corinthians 10:17

ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω

Alternate translation: “let … boast about what the Lord has done”

2 Corinthians 10:18

ὁ ἑαυτὸν συνιστάνων

This means that he provides enough evidence for each person who hears him to decide whether he is right or wrong. See how “recommend ourselves” is translated in 2 Corinthians 4:2.

οὐ…ἐστιν δόκιμος

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is not whom the Lord approves” (See: Active or Passive)

ὃν ὁ Κύριος συνίστησιν

You can make explicit the understood information. Alternate translation: “the one whom the Lord recommends is the one of whom the Lord approves” (See: Ellipsis)

2 Corinthians 11

2 Corinthians 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul continues defending his authority.

Special concepts in this chapter

False teaching

The Corinthians were quick to accept false teachers. They taught things about Jesus and the gospel that were different and not true. Unlike these false teachers, Paul sacrificially served the Corinthians. (See: good news, gospel)

Light

Light is commonly used in the New Testament as a metaphor. Paul here uses light to indicate the revealing of God and his righteousness. Darkness describes sin. Sin seeks to remain hidden from God. (See: light, luminary, shine, brighten, enlighten, righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and darkness and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Paul begins this chapter with an extended metaphor. He compares himself to the father of a bride who is giving a pure, virgin bride to her bridegroom. Wedding practices change depending on the cultural background. But the idea of helping to present someone as a grown and holy child is explicitly pictured in this passage. (See: Metaphor and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Irony

This chapter is full of irony. Paul is hoping to shame the Corinthian believers with his irony.

“You tolerate these things well enough!” Paul thinks that they should not tolerate the way the false apostles treated them. Paul does not think they are really apostles at all.

The statement, “For you gladly put up with fools. You are wise yourselves!” means that the Corinthian believers think they were very wise but Paul does not agree.

“I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that.” Paul is speaking about behavior he thinks is very wrong in order to avoid it. He is speaking as if he thinks he is wrong for not doing it. He uses a rhetorical question also as irony. “Did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted?” (See: Irony and apostle, apostleship and Rhetorical Question)

Rhetorical questions

In refuting the false apostles claiming to be superior, Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions. Each question is coupled with an answer: “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were out of my mind.) I am more.”

He also uses a series of rhetorical questions to empathize with his converts: “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who has caused another to fall into sin, and I do not burn within?”

“Are they servants of Christ?”

This is sarcasm, a special type of irony used to mock or insult. Paul does not believe these false teachers actually serve Christ, only that they pretend to do so.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 30 is a paradox: “If I must boast, I will boast about what shows my weaknesses.” Paul does not explain why he would boast in his weakness until 2 Corinthians 12:9. (2 Corinthians 11:30)

2 Corinthians 11:1

ἀνείχεσθέ μου μικρόν τι ἀφροσύνης

Alternate translation: “you would allow me allow me to act like a fool”

2 Corinthians 11:2

ζηλῶ…ὑμᾶς Θεοῦ ζήλῳ

These words speak of a good, strong desire that the Corinthians be faithful to Christ, and that no one should persuade them to leave him.

ἡρμοσάμην γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἀνδρὶ, παρθένον ἁγνὴν παραστῆσαι τῷ Χριστῷ

Paul speaks of his care for the Corinthian believers as if he had promised another man that he would prepare his daughter to marry him and he is most concerned that he be able to keep his promise to the man. Alternate translation: “for I was like a father who promised to present his daughter to one husband. I promised to keep you as a pure virgin so I could give you to Christ” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 11:3

φοβοῦμαι δὲ, μή πως ὡς ὁ ὄφις ἐξηπάτησεν Εὕαν ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτοῦ, φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἁπλότητος καὶ τῆς ἁγνότητος τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστόν

Alternate translation: “But I am afraid that somehow your thoughts might be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness”

φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν

Paul speaks of thoughts as if they were animals that people could lead along the wrong path. Alternate translation: “someone might cause you to believe lies” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 11:4

εἰ μὲν γὰρ ὁ ἐρχόμενος

Alternate translation: “When anyone comes and”

πνεῦμα ἕτερον…ὃ οὐκ ἐλάβετε, ἢ εὐαγγέλιον ἕτερον ὃ οὐκ ἐδέξασθε

Alternate translation: “a different spirit than the Holy Spirit, or a different gospel than you received from us”

καλῶς ἀνέχεσθε

See how these words were translated in 2 Corinthians 11:1. Alternate translation: “you are dealing correctly with these things”

2 Corinthians 11:5

τῶν ὑπέρλίαν ἀποστόλων

Paul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say there are. Alternate translation: “those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else” (See: Irony)

2 Corinthians 11:6

οὐ τῇ γνώσει

This negative phrase emphasizes the positive truth that he is trained in knowledge. Alternate translation: “I am certainly trained in knowledge” (See: Litotes)

οὐ τῇ γνώσει

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word knowledge, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I am trained to know what they know” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 11:7

ἢ ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησα ἐμαυτὸν ταπεινῶν, ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑψωθῆτε, ὅτι δωρεὰν τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγέλιον εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν?

Paul is beginning to claim that he treated the Corinthians well. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I think we agree that I did not sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted” (See: Rhetorical Question)

δωρεὰν τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγέλιον εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν

Alternate translation: “I preached the gospel of God to you without expecting anything from you in return”

2 Corinthians 11:8

ἄλλας ἐκκλησίας ἐσύλησα

This is an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul received money from churches who were not obligated to give to him. Alternate translation: “I accepted money from other churches” (See: Hyperbole)

τὴν ὑμῶν διακονίαν

The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I could serve you at no cost” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 11:9

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ ἐλθόντες

These brothers were probably all male.

ἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω

Paul speaks of someone for whom one has to spend money as if they were heavy items that people have to carry. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω

The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I have done all I can to make sure you do not have to spend money so that I can be with you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν…ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω

Alternate translation: “I never will be a burden to you”

2 Corinthians 11:10

ἔστιν ἀλήθεια Χριστοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ

Paul is emphasizing that because his readers know that he tells the truth about Christ, they can know that he is telling the truth here. “As surely as you know that I truly know and proclaim the truth about Christ, you can know that what I am about to say is true”

ἡ καύχησις αὕτη οὐ φραγήσεται εἰς ἐμὲ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to make me stop boasting and stay silent” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ καύχησις αὕτη…εἰς ἐμὲ

This refers to what Paul spoke about starting in (2 Corinthians 11:7).

2 Corinthians 11:11

διὰ τί? ὅτι οὐκ ἀγαπῶ ὑμᾶς?

Paul uses rhetorical questions to emphasize love for the Corinthians. These questions can be combined or made into a statement. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can combine them or express them as statements. Alternate translation: “Is it because I do not love you that I do not want to be a burden to you?” or “I will continue to keep you from paying for my needs because this shows others that I love you” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ Θεὸς οἶδεν

You can make explicit the understood information. Alternate translation: “God knows I love you” (See: Ellipsis)

2 Corinthians 11:12

ἵνα ἐκκόψω τὴν ἀφορμὴν τῶν θελόντων ἀφορμήν, ἵνα ἐν ᾧ καυχῶνται, εὑρεθῶσιν καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς

Paul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can carry away. Alternate translation: “so that I might make it impossible for those who are trying to get people to regard them as highly as they respect us” (See: Metaphor)

εὑρεθῶσιν

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will think highly of them” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 11:13

οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι

Alternate translation: “I do what I do because people like them”

ἐργάται δόλιοι

Alternate translation: “dishonest workers”

μετασχηματιζόμενοι εἰς ἀποστόλους

Alternate translation: “are not apostles, but they try to make themselves look like apostles”

2 Corinthians 11:14

οὐ θαῦμα

By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many “false apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:13). Alternate translation: “we should expect this” (See: Litotes)

αὐτὸς…ὁ Σατανᾶς μετασχηματίζεται εἰς ἄγγελον φωτός

Alternate translation: “Satan is not an angel of light, but he tries to make himself look like an angel of light”

ἄγγελον φωτός

Here, light is a metaphor for righteousness. Alternate translation: “an angel of righteousness” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 11:15

οὐ μέγα…εἰ

By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many “false apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:13). Alternate translation: “we should certainly expect to see” (See: Litotes)

καὶ οἱ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ μετασχηματίζονται ὡς διάκονοι δικαιοσύνης

Alternate translation: “his servants are not servants of righteousness, but they try to make themselves look like servants of righteousness”

2 Corinthians 11:16

γε κἂν ὡς ἄφρονα δέξασθέ με, ἵνα κἀγὼ μικρόν τι καυχήσωμαι

Alternate translation: “receive me as you would receive a fool: let me talk, and consider my boasting the words of a fool”

2 Corinthians 11:18

κατὰ σάρκα

Here the metonym flesh refers to man in his sinful nature and his achievements. Alternate translation: “about their own human achievements” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 11:19

ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων

See how a similar phrase was translated in 2 Corinthians 11:1. Alternate translation: “you … accept me when I act like a fool”

φρόνιμοι ὄντες

Paul is shaming the Corinthians by using irony. Alternate translation: “thinking that you are wise, even through you are not” (See: Irony)

2 Corinthians 11:20

εἴ τις ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ, εἴ τις κατεσθίει

Paul is using exaggeration when he speaks of some people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves or devouring them. (See: Hyperbole)

ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ

Paul speaks of people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves. Alternate translation: “makes you follow rules they have thought of” (See: Metaphor)

κατεσθίει

Paul speaks of the super-apostles’ taking people’s material resources as if they were eating the people themselves. Alternate translation: “takes all your property” (See: Metaphor)

λαμβάνει

A person takes advantage of another person by knowing things that the other person does not and using that knowledge to help himself and harm the other person.

2 Corinthians 11:21

κατὰ ἀτιμίαν λέγω ὡς ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠσθενήκαμεν!

Paul is using irony to tell the Corinthians that it was not because he was weak that he treated them well. Alternate translation: “I am not ashamed to say that we had the power to harm you, but we treated you well” (See: Irony)

ἐν ᾧ…ἄν τις τολμᾷ…τολμῶ κἀγώ

Alternate translation: “in whatever anyone boasts about … I will dare to boast about it also”

2 Corinthians 11:22

Ἑβραῖοί εἰσιν? κἀγώ. Ἰσραηλεῖταί εἰσιν? κἀγώ. σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ εἰσιν? κἀγώ.

Paul is asking and answering questions the Corinthians might be asking to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “They want you to think they are important and to believe what they say because they are Hebrews and Israelites and descendants of Abraham. Well, so am I!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Corinthians 11:23

διάκονοι Χριστοῦ εἰσιν? (παραφρονῶν λαλῶ), ὑπὲρ ἐγώ

Paul continues asking and answering questions the Corinthians might be asking to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “They say they are servants of Christ—I speak as though I were out of my mind—but I am more” (See: Rhetorical Question)

παραφρονῶν λαλῶ

Alternate translation: “I speak as though I were unable to think well”

ὑπὲρ ἐγώ

You can make explicit the understood information. Alternate translation: “I am more a servant of Christ than they are” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐν κόποις περισσοτέρως

Alternate translation: “I have worked harder”

ἐν φυλακαῖς περισσοτέρως

Alternate translation: “I have been in prisons more often”

ἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως

Here, beyond measure is an idiom that means he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: “I have been beaten very many times” (See: Idiom)

ἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως

This is exaggerated to emphasize that he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: “I have been beaten too many times to bother counting” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐν θανάτοις πολλάκις

Alternate translation: “and I have almost died many times”

2 Corinthians 11:24

τεσσεράκοντα παρὰ μίαν

This was a common expression for being whipped 39 times. In Jewish law the most they were allowed to whip a person at one time was forty lashes. So they commonly whipped a person thirty-nine times so that they would be guilty of whipping someone too many times if the accidentally counted wrong.

2 Corinthians 11:25

ἐραβδίσθην

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people beat me with wooden rods” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐλιθάσθην

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people threw stones at me until they thought I was dead” (See: Active or Passive)

νυχθήμερον ἐν τῷ βυθῷ πεποίηκα

Paul was referring to floating in the water after the ship he was on sank.

2 Corinthians 11:26

κινδύνοις ἐν ψευδαδέλφοις

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and in danger from people who claimed to be brothers in Christ, but who betrayed us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 11:27

γυμνότητι

Here Paul exaggerates to show his need of clothing. Alternate translation: “without enough clothing to keep me warm” (See: Hyperbole)

2 Corinthians 11:28

ἡ ἐπίστασίς μοι ἡ καθ’ ἡμέραν, ἡ μέριμνα πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν

Paul knows that God will hold him responsible for how well the churches obey God and speaks of that knowledge as if it were a heavy object pushing him down. Alternate translation: “I know that God will hold me accountable for the spiritual growth of all the churches, and so I always feel like a heavy object is pushing me down” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 11:29

τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ?

This rhetorical question emphasizes that Paul cares about people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone is weak, I feel that weakness also.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ?

The word weak is probably a metaphor for a spiritual condition, but no one is sure what Paul is speaking of, so it is best to use the same word here. Alternate translation: “I am weak whenever anyone else is weak.” (See: Metaphor)

τίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι?

Here Paul’s anger is spoken of as a burning inside him. (See: Metaphor)

τίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι?

Paul uses this question to express his anger when a fellow believer is caused to sin. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone causes a brother to sin, I am angry.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

σκανδαλίζεται

Paul speaks of sin as if it were tripping over something and then falling. Alternate translation: “has been led to sin” or “has thought that God would permit him to sin because of something that someone else did” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 11:30

τὰ τῆς ἀσθενείας

Alternate translation: “what shows how weak I am”

2 Corinthians 11:31

οὐ ψεύδομαι

Paul is using litotes to emphasize that he is telling the truth. Alternate translation: “I am telling the absolute truth” (See: Litotes)

2 Corinthians 11:32

ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἁρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν πόλιν

Alternate translation: “the governor whom King Aretas had appointed had told men to guard the city”

πιάσαι με

Alternate translation: “so that they might catch and arrest me”

2 Corinthians 11:33

ἐν σαργάνῃ, ἐχαλάσθην

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “some people put me in a basket and lowered me to the ground” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ

Paul uses the governor’s hands as metonymy for the governor. Alternate translation: “from the governor” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul continues defending his authority in this chapter.

When Paul was with the Corinthians, he proved himself to be an apostle by his powerful deeds. He had not ever taken anything from them. Now that he is coming for the third time, he will still not take anything. He hopes that when he visits, he will not need to be harsh with them. (See: apostle, apostleship)

Special concepts in this chapter

Paul’s vision

Paul now defends his authority by telling about a wonderful vision of heaven. Although he speaks in the third person in verses 2-5, verse 7 indicates that he was the person who experienced the vision. It was so great, God gave him a physical handicap to keep him humble. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)

Third heaven

Many scholars believe the “third” heaven is the dwelling place of God. This is because Scripture also uses “heaven” to refer to the sky (the “first” heaven) and the universe (the “second” heaven).

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions as he defends himself against his enemies who accused him: “For how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that I was not a burden to you?” “Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same way? Did we not walk in the same steps?” and “Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you?” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Sarcasm

Paul uses sarcasm, a special type of irony, when he reminds them how he had helped them at no cost. He says, “Forgive me for this wrong!” He also uses regular irony when he says: “But, since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceit.” He uses it to introduce his defense against this accusation by showing how impossible it was to be true. (See: Irony)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 5 is a paradox: “I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.” Most people do not boast about being weak. This sentence in verse 10 is also a paradox: “For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” In verse 9, Paul explains why both of these statements are true. (2 Corinthians 12:5)

2 Corinthians 12:1

In defending his apostleship from God, Paul continues to state specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.

ἐλεύσομαι…εἰς

Alternate translation: “I will continue talking, but now about”

ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις Κυρίου

This could mean: (1) Paul uses the words visions and revelations to mean the same thing in hendiadys for emphasis. Alternate translation: “things that the Lord has allowed only me to see” (2) Paul is speaking of two different things. Alternate translation: “secret things that the Lord has let me see with my eyes and other secrets that he has told me about” (See: Hendiadys)

2 Corinthians 12:2

οἶδα ἄνθρωπον ἐν Χριστῷ

Paul is actually speaking of himself as if he were speaking of someone else, but this should be translated literally if possible.

εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα

Paul continues to describe himself as if this happened to another person. “I do not know if this man was in his physical body or in his spiritual body”

τρίτου οὐρανοῦ

Here, the third heaven refers to the dwelling place of God rather than the sky or outer space (the planets, stars, and the universe).

2 Corinthians 12:4

ἡρπάγη εἰς τὸν Παράδεισον

Paul continues his account of what happened to “this man” (verse 3). If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God took this man into paradise. (2) an angel took this man into paradise. If possible, it would be best not to name the one who took the man: “someone took him up to paradise” or “they took him up to paradise.”

ἡρπάγη

Here, caught up refers to being suddenly and forcefully held and taken.

τὸν Παράδεισον

Here, paradise could refer to: (1) heaven. (2) the third heaven. (3) a special place in heaven.

2 Corinthians 12:5

τοῦ τοιούτου

Alternate translation: “of that person”

οὐ καυχήσομαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will boast only of my weaknesses”

2 Corinthians 12:6

μή τις εἰς ἐμὲ λογίσηται ὑπὲρ ὃ βλέπει με, ἢ ἀκούει ἐξ ἐμοῦ

Alternate translation: “no one will give me more credit than what he sees in me or hears from me”

2 Corinthians 12:7

This verse reveals that Paul was speaking about himself beginning in 2 Corinthians 12:2.

τῇ ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων

Alternate translation: “because those revelations were so much greater than anything anyone else had ever seen”

ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave me a thorn in the flesh” or “God allowed me to have a thorn in the flesh” (See: Active or Passive)

σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί

Here Paul’s physical problems are compared to a thorn piercing his flesh. Alternate translation: “an affliction” or “a physical problem” (See: Metaphor)

ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ

Alternate translation: “a servant of Satan”

μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι

Alternate translation: “I would not become too proud”

2 Corinthians 12:8

τρὶς

Paul put the words three times at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that he had prayed many times about his “thorn” (2 Corinthians 12:7).

ὑπὲρ τούτου

Alternate translation: “about this thorn in the flesh,” or “about this affliction”

2 Corinthians 12:9

ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου

Alternate translation: “I will be kind to you, and that is all you need”

ἡ γὰρ δύναμις ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται

Alternate translation: “for my power works best when you are weak”

ἐπισκηνώσῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul speaks of the power of Christ as if it were a tent built over him. This could mean: (1) people might see that Paul has the power of Christ. (2) Paul truly has the power of Christ. (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 12:10

εὐδοκῶ ἐν ἀσθενείαις, ἐν ὕβρεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν διωγμοῖς, καὶ στενοχωρίαις, ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ

This could mean: (1) Paul is content in weaknesses, insults, troubles, persecutions, and distressing situations if these things come because I belong to Christ. (2) Paul is content in weakness if these things cause more people to know Christ.

ἐν ἀσθενείαις

Alternate translation: “when I am weak”

ἐν ὕβρεσιν

Alternate translation: “when people try to make me angry by saying that I am a bad person”

ἐν ἀνάγκαις

Alternate translation: “when I am suffering”

στενοχωρίαις

Alternate translation: “when there is trouble”

ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι

Paul is saying that when he is no longer strong enough to do what needs to be done, Christ, who is more powerful than Paul could ever be, will work through Paul to do what needs to be done. However, it would be best to translate these words literally, if your language allows.

2 Corinthians 12:11

γέγονα ἄφρων

Alternate translation: “I am acting like a fool”

ὑμεῖς με ἠναγκάσατε

Alternate translation: “You forced me to talk this way”

ἐγὼ…ὤφειλον ὑφ’ ὑμῶν συνίστασθαι

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you should have praised me” (See: Active or Passive)

συνίστασθαι

See how you translated similar phrases in (3:1) and (4:2). Alternate translation: “been praised” or “been recommended”

οὐδὲν γὰρ ὑστέρησα

By using the negative form, Paul is saying strongly that those Corinthians who think that he is inferior are wrong. Alternate translation: “For I am just as good as” (See: Litotes)

τῶν ὑπέρλίαν ἀποστόλων

Paul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say they are. See how this is translated in 2 Corinthians 11:5. Alternate translation: “those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else” (See: Irony)

2 Corinthians 12:12

τὰ μὲν σημεῖα τοῦ ἀποστόλου κατειργάσθη

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form with emphasis on the signs, or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it is the true signs of an apostle that I performed” (See: Active or Passive)

σημείοις τε, καὶ τέρασιν, καὶ δυνάμεσιν

These are the “signs of an apostle” that Paul performed “with all perseverance.”

2 Corinthians 12:13

τί γάρ ἐστιν ὃ ἡσσώθητε ὑπὲρ τὰς λοιπὰς ἐκκλησίας, εἰ μὴ ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν?

Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians are wrong to accuse him of wanting to do them harm. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I treated you the same way I treated all the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

αὐτὸς ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν

Alternate translation: “I did not ask you for money or other things I needed”

χαρίσασθέ μοι τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην!

Paul is being ironic to shame the Corinthians. Both he and they know that he has done them no wrong, but they have been treating him as though he has wronged them. (See: Irony)

τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην

Here, this wrong refers to not asking them for money and other things he needed.

2 Corinthians 12:14

ἀλλὰ ὑμᾶς

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but what I want is that you love and accept me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐ…ὀφείλει τὰ τέκνα τοῖς γονεῦσιν θησαυρίζειν

Young children are not responsible for saving money or other goods to give to their healthy parents.

2 Corinthians 12:15

ἐγὼ…ἥδιστα δαπανήσω καὶ ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι

Paul speaks of his work and his physical life as if it were money that he or God could spend. Alternate translation: “I will gladly do any work and gladly allow God to permit people to kill me” (See: Metaphor)

ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν

The word souls is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “for you” or “so you will live well” (See: Metonymy)

εἰ περισσοτέρως ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶν, ἧσσον ἀγαπῶμαι?

This rhetorical question to emphasize that the Corinthians should love Paul. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If I love you so much, you should not love me so little.” or “If I love you so much, you should love me more than you do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

περισσοτέρως

It is not clear what it is that Paul’s love is more than. It is probably best to use “very much” or a “so much” that can be compared to “so little” later in the sentence.

2 Corinthians 12:16

ἀλλὰ ὑπάρχων πανοῦργος δόλῳ, ὑμᾶς ἔλαβον

Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians who think he lied to them even if he did not ask them for money. Alternate translation: “but others think I was deceptive and used trickery” (See: Irony)

2 Corinthians 12:17

μή τινα ὧν ἀπέσταλκα πρὸς ὑμᾶς, δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐπλεονέκτησα ὑμᾶς?

Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is “no.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one that I sent to you has taken advantage of you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Corinthians 12:18

μήτι ἐπλεονέκτησεν ὑμᾶς Τίτος?

Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is “no.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Titus certainly did not take advantage of you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν

Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Alternate translation: “We all walk in the same spirit.” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν

Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is “yes.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all have the same attitude and live alike.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν?

Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is “yes.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all walk in the same steps.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν?

Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Alternate translation: “We all do things the same way.” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 12:19

πάλαι δοκεῖτε ὅτι ὑμῖν ἀπολογούμεθα?

Paul uses this question to acknowledge something that the people may have been thinking. He does this so that he can assure them that it is not true. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Perhaps you think that all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

κατέναντι Θεοῦ

Paul speaks of God knowing everything Paul does as if God were physically present and observed everything Paul said and did. Alternate translation: “With God as witness” or “In the presence of God” (See: Metaphor)

ὑπὲρ τῆς ὑμῶν οἰκοδομῆς

Paul speaks of knowing how to obey God and desiring to obey him as if it were physical growth. Alternate translation: “so that you would know God and obey him better” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 12:20

οὐχ οἵους θέλω, εὕρω ὑμᾶς

Alternate translation: “I may not like what I find” or “I may not like what I see you doing”

κἀγὼ εὑρεθῶ ὑμῖν οἷον οὐ θέλετε

Alternate translation: “you might not like what you see in me”

μή πως ἔρις, ζῆλος, θυμοί, ἐριθεῖαι, καταλαλιαί, ψιθυρισμοί, φυσιώσεις, ἀκαταστασίαι

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. This could mean: (1) some of you will be arguing with us, jealous of us, suddenly becoming very angry with us, trying to take our places as leaders, speaking falsely about us, telling about our private lives, being proud, and opposing us as we try to lead you. (2) some of you will be arguing with each other, jealous of each other, suddenly becoming very angry with each other, quarreling with each other over who will be the leader, speaking falsely about each other, telling about each other’s private lives, being proud, and opposing those whom God has chosen to lead you. (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 12:21

πενθήσω πολλοὺς τῶν προημαρτηκότων,

Alternate translation: “I will be grieved because many of them have not given up their old sins”

μὴ μετανοησάντων ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ πορνείᾳ, καὶ ἀσελγείᾳ

This could mean: (1) Paul is saying almost the same thing three times for emphasis. Alternate translation: “did not stop commiting the sexual sins that they practiced” (2) Paul is speaking of three different sins. (See: Parallelism)

ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word impurity, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “of secretly thinking about and desiring things that do not please God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

πορνείᾳ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sexual immorality, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “of doing sexually immoral deeds” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀσελγείᾳ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word lustful indulgence, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “doing things that satisfy immoral sexual desire” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul finishes defending his authority. He then concludes the letter with a final greeting and blessing.

Special concepts in this chapter

Preparation

Paul instructs the Corinthians as he prepares to visit them. He is hoping to avoid needing to discipline anyone in the church so he can visit them joyfully. (See: disciple)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Power and weakness

Paul repeatedly uses the contrasting words “power” and “weakness” in this chapter. The translator should use words that are understood to be opposites of each other.

“Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”

Scholars are divided over what these sentences mean. Some scholars say that Christians are to test themselves to see whether their actions align with their Christian faith. The context favors this understanding. Others say these sentences mean that Christians should look at their actions and question whether they are genuinely saved. (See: faith and save, saved, safe, salvation)

2 Corinthians 13:1

ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων καὶ τριῶν σταθήσεται πᾶν ῥῆμα

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Believe that someone has done something wrong only after two or three people have said the same thing” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 13:2

τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν

Alternate translation: “all you other people”

2 Corinthians 13:4

καὶ…ἐσταυρώθη

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they crucified him” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 13:5

ἐν ὑμῖν

Here, in you could mean: (1) Jesus is living inside each individual. (2) Jesus is living among them, part of and the most important member of the group.

2 Corinthians 13:7

μὴ ποιῆσαι ὑμᾶς κακὸν μηδέν

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not … wrong, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “you will do everything right” (See: Double Negatives)

δόκιμοι

Alternate translation: “to be great teachers and live the truth”

2 Corinthians 13:8

οὐ…δυνάμεθά τι κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας

Alternate translation: “we are not able to keep people from learning the truth”

2 Corinthians 13:9

τὴν ὑμῶν κατάρτισιν

Alternate translation: “that you may become spiritually mature”

2 Corinthians 13:10

εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν.

Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Corinthians 10:8. Alternate translation: “to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 13:11

Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian believers.

καταρτίζεσθε

Alternate translation: “Work toward maturity”

τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε

Alternate translation: “live in harmony with one another”

2 Corinthians 13:12

ἐν ἁγίῳ φιλήματι

Alternate translation: “with Christian love”

οἱ ἅγιοι

Alternate translation: “those whom God has set apart for himself”