1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians front

Introduction to 1 Corinthians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Corinthians

1. Divisions in the church (1:10-4:21)
2. Moral sins and irregularities (5:1-13)
3. Christians taking other Christians to court (6:1-20)
4. Marriage and related matters (7:1-40)
5. Misuse of Christian liberty; food sacrificed to idols, fleeing idolatry; women’s head coverings (8:1-13; 10:1-11:16)
6. Paul’s rights as an apostle (9:1-27)
7. The Lord’s Supper (11:17-34)
8. The gifts of the Holy Spirit (12:1-31)
9. Love (13:1-13)
10. The gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy and languages (14:1-40)
11. The resurrection of believers and the resurrection of Christ (15:1-58)
12. Closing: the contribution for Christians in Jerusalem, requests, and personal greetings (16:1-24)

Who wrote the Book of 1 Corinthians?

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. Paul 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 that met in Corinth. He was staying in the city of Ephesus when he wrote this letter.

What is the Book of 1 Corinthians about?

1 Corinthians is a letter that Paul wrote to the believers who were in the city of Corinth. Paul had heard that there were problems among the believers there. They were arguing with each other. Some of them did not understand some of the Christian teachings. And some of them were behaving badly. In this letter, Paul responded to them and encouraged them to live in a way that pleased God.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “First Corinthians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s First Letter to the Church in Corinth.” (See: INVALID translate/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 was the problem with meat sacrificed to idols?

Many animals were slaughtered and sacrificed to the false gods in Corinth. Priests and worshipers kept some of the meat. Much of the meat was sold in markets. Many Christians disagreed with each other over whether it was right for them to eat this meat, because it had been dedicated to a false god. Paul writes about this problem in 1 Corinthians.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in 1 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, 1 Corinthians 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.” (See: 1:2; 3:17)
• Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 6:1, 2; 14:33; 16:1, 15)
• 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.” (See: 1:2; 6:11; 7:14, 34)

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

What is the meaning of “flesh?”

Paul frequently used the terms “flesh” or “fleshly” to refer to Christians who did sinful things. However, it is not the physical world that is evil. Paul also described Christians who lived in a righteous way as “spiritual.” This is because they did what the Holy Spirit taught them to do. (See: INVALID bible/kt/flesh and INVALID bible/kt/righteous and INVALID bible/kt/spirit)

What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?

This kind of expression occurs in 1:2, 30, 31; 3:1; 4:10, 15, 17; 6:11, 19; 7:22; 9:1, 2; 11:11, 25; 12:3, 9, 13, 18, 25; 14:16; 15:18, 19, 22, 31, 58; 16:19, 24. 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, “those who have been dedicated in Christ Jesus” (1:2), where Paul specifically meant that Christian believers have been dedicated to Christ.

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

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 1 Corinthians?

For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. Translators are advised to follow the modern versions of the Bible. However, if in the translators’ region there are Bibles that read according to older versions of the Bible, the translators can follow those. If so, these verses should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to 1 Corinthians.

• “Therefore glorify God with your body.” Some older versions read “Therefore glorify God with your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (6:20)
• “I did this even though I myself was not under the law” (9:20). Some older versions leave this passage out.
• “for the sake of conscience--the conscience of the other man.” Some older versions read “for the sake of conscience: for the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord: the conscience of the other man.” (10:28)
• “and that I give my body to be burned” (13:3). Some older versions read, “and that I give my body so that I might boast.”
• “But if anyone does not recognize this, let him not be recognized” (14:38). Some older versions read, “But if anyone is ignorant of this, let him be ignorant.”

(See: INVALID translate/translate-textvariants)

1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The first three verses are a greeting. In the ancient Near East, this was a common way of starting a letter.

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 the words of verse 19, which are from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Disunity

In this chapter, Paul scolds the church for being divided and for following different apostles. (See: INVALID bible/kt/apostle)

Spiritual gifts

Spiritual gifts are specific supernatural abilities to help the church. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts to Christians after they come to believe in Jesus. Paul lists spiritual gifts in Chapter 12. Some scholars believe the Holy Spirit gave some of these gifts only in the early church to help establish the developing church. Other scholars believe all the gifts of the Spirit are still available to help all Christians throughout the church history. (See: INVALID bible/kt/faith)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

In this chapter, Paul refers to the return of Christ using two different phrases: “the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” and “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the Corinthians for dividing into factions and for relying on human wisdom. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Stumbling block

A stumbling block is a rock people stumble over. Here it means the Jews find it hard to believe that God allowed his Messiah to be crucified. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 1:1

Παῦλος

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Alternate translation: “I, Paul”

Σωσθένης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς

This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Sosthenes. Alternate translation: “Sosthenes the brother you and I know” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 1:2

τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ…ἐν Κορίνθῳ

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the intended audience. Alternate translation: “wrote this letter to you in Corinth who believe in God”

ἡγιασμένοις ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Here “sanctified” refers to people whom God has reserved to honor him. Alternate translation: “to those whom Christ Jesus has set apart for God” or “to those whom God has set apart for himself because they belong to Christ Jesus”

τῇ οὔσῃ…κλητοῖς ἁγίοις

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God has called to be holy people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τοῖς ἐπικαλουμένοις τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

The word “name” here is a metonym for person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “who call on the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

αὐτῶν καὶ ἡμῶν

The word “ours” includes Paul’s audience. Jesus is the Lord of Paul and the Corinthians and all the churches. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

1 Corinthians 1:3

Paul and Sosthenes wrote this letter to the Christians who belonged to the church in Corinth.

Unless otherwise noted, such words as “you” and “your” refer to Paul’s audience and so are plural. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

1 Corinthians 1:4

Paul describes the believer’s position and fellowship in Christ as they wait for his coming.

ἐπὶ τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ δοθείσῃ ὑμῖν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Paul speaks of grace as though it were a physical object that Jesus gives Christians as a gift. Alternate translation: “because Christ Jesus has made it possible for God to be kind to you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 1:5

ἐπλουτίσθητε ἐν αὐτῷ

Possible meanings are 1) “Christ has made you rich” or 2) “God has made you rich.”

ἐν παντὶ ἐπλουτίσθητε

Paul is speaking in general terms. Alternate translation: “made you rich with all kinds of spiritual blessings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ἐν παντὶ λόγῳ

God has enabled you to tell others about God’s message in many ways.

πάσῃ γνώσει

God has enabled you to understand God’s message in many ways.

1 Corinthians 1:6

τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐβεβαιώθη ἐν ὑμῖν

Possible meanings are 1) “you saw for yourselves that what we had said about Christ was true” or 2) “other people learned from seeing how you now live that what we and you say about Christ is true.”

1 Corinthians 1:7

ὥστε

“Because what I have just said is true”

ὑμᾶς μὴ ὑστερεῖσθαι ἐν μηδενὶ χαρίσματι

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you have every spiritual gift” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Possible meanings are 1) “the time when God will reveal the Lord Jesus Christ” or 2) “the time when our Lord Jesus Christ will reveal himself.”

1 Corinthians 1:8

ἀνεγκλήτους

There will be no reason for God to condemn you.

1 Corinthians 1:9

πιστὸς ὁ Θεὸς

“God will do everything he has said he will do”

τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: INVALID translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)

1 Corinthians 1:10

Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they are to live in unity with each other and that the message of the cross of Christ, not baptism by people, is what saves.

ἀδελφοί

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

“Name” here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by means of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες

“that you live in harmony with one another”

καὶ μὴ ᾖ ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα

“that you do not divide into separate groups among yourselves”

ἦτε…κατηρτισμένοι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοῒ καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ

“live in unity”

1 Corinthians 1:11

τῶν Χλόης

This refers to family members, servants, and others who are part of the household of which Chloe, a woman, is the head.

ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν

“you are in groups that quarrel one with another”

1 Corinthians 1:12

ἕκαστος ὑμῶν λέγει

Paul is expressing a general attitude of division.

1 Corinthians 1:13

μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός?

Paul wishes to emphasize the truth that Christ is not divided but one. “It is not possible to divide Christ in the way you are doing!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν

Paul wishes to emphasize that it was Christ, not Paul or Apollos, who was crucified. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It certainly was not Paul whom they put to death on the cross for your salvation!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε?

Paul wishes to emphasize that we all are baptized in the name of Christ. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It was not in the name of Paul that people baptized you!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου

“In the name of” here is a metonym for “by the authority of.” Alternate translation: “by Paul’s authority” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 1:14

οὐδένα ὑμῶν…εἰ μὴ

“only”

Κρίσπον

He was a synagogue ruler who became a Christian. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Γάϊον

He traveled with the Apostle Paul. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Corinthians 1:15

ἵνα μή τις εἴπῃ, ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ἐβαπτίσθητε

Here “name” represents “authority.” This means Paul did not baptize others because they may claim that they became Paul’s disciples. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For some of you might have claimed that I baptized you to make you my disciples” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 1:16

τὸν Στεφανᾶ οἶκον

This refers to the family members and slaves in the house where Stephanas, a man, was the head. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Corinthians 1:17

οὐ…ἀπέστειλέν με Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν

This means that baptism was not the primary goal of Paul’s ministry.

σοφίᾳ λόγου…μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul speaks of “words of human wisdom” as if they were people, the cross as a container, and of power as a physical thing that Jesus can put in that container. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “words of human wisdom…those words of human wisdom should not empty the cross of Christ of its power” or “words of human wisdom…people should not stop believing the message about Jesus and start thinking I am more important than Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 1:18

Paul emphasizes God’s wisdom rather than man’s wisdom.

ὁ λόγος…ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ

“the preaching about the crucifixion” or “the message of Christ’s dying on the cross”

μωρία ἐστίν

“is senseless” or “is silly”

τοῖς μὲν ἀπολλυμένοις

Here “dying” refers to the process of spiritual death.

δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν

“it is God working powerfully in us”

1 Corinthians 1:19

τὴν σύνεσιν τῶν συνετῶν ἀθετήσω

“I will confuse intelligent people” or “I will make the plans intelligent people make completely fail”

1 Corinthians 1:20

ποῦ σοφός? ποῦ γραμματεύς? ποῦ συνζητητὴς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου?

Paul emphasizes that truly wise people are nowhere to be found. Alternate translation: “Compared with the wisdom of the gospel, there are no wise people, no scholars, no debaters!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

γραμματεύς

a person who is recognized as someone who has studied a great deal

συνζητητὴς

a person who argues about what he knows or who is skilled in such arguments

οὐχὶ ἐμώρανεν ὁ Θεὸς τὴν σοφίαν τοῦ κόσμου?

Paul uses this question to emphasize what God has done to the wisdom of this world. Alternate translation: “God has shown that everything they call wisdom is really foolishness” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 1:21

τοὺς πιστεύοντας

Possible meanings are 1) “all who believe the message” or 2) “all who believe in Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:22

Here the word “we” refers to Paul and other Bible teachers. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

1 Corinthians 1:23

Χριστὸν ἐσταυρωμένον

“about Christ, who died on a cross” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

σκάνδαλον

Just as a person can stumble over a block on a road, so the message of salvation through the crucifixion of the Christ keeps Jews from believing in Jesus. Alternate translation: “not acceptable” or “very offensive” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 1:24

αὐτοῖς…τοῖς κλητοῖς

“to the people God calls”

Χριστὸν Θεοῦ δύναμιν, καὶ Θεοῦ σοφίαν

Possible meanings are 1) “God acted powerfully and wisely by sending Christ to die for us” or “through Christ God has shown how strong and wise he is.”

Θεοῦ δύναμιν

Another possible meaning is that Christ is powerful and it is through Christ that God saves us.

Θεοῦ σοφίαν

Another possible meaning is that God shows the content of his wisdom through Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:25

τὸ μωρὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, σοφώτερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐστίν, καὶ τὸ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἰσχυρότερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is speaking ironically about God’s foolishness and weakness. Paul knows God is not foolish or weak. Alternate translation: “what seems to be the foolishness of God is wiser than people’s wisdom, and what seems to be the weakness of God is stronger than the people’s strength” or 2) Paul is speaking from the point of view of the Greek people who may think God is foolish or weak. Alternate translation: “what people call God’s foolishness is really wiser than what people call wisdom, and what people call God’s weakness is really stronger than people’s strength” (See: INVALID translate/figs-irony)

1 Corinthians 1:26

Paul emphasizes the believer’s position before God.

οὐ πολλοὶ

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Very few of you”

σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα

“what most people would call wise”

εὐγενεῖς

“special because your family is important”

1 Corinthians 1:27

ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός…τοὺς σοφούς…ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός…τὰ ἰσχυρά

Paul repeats many of the same words in two sentences that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the difference between God’s way of doing things and how people think God should do them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

τὰ μωρὰ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τοὺς σοφούς

“God chose to use those whom the world thinks are foolish to shame those whom the world thinks are wise”

τὰ ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τὰ ἰσχυρά

“God chose to use those whom the world thinks are weak to shame those whom the world thinks are strong”

1 Corinthians 1:28

τὰ ἀγενῆ…καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα

the people whom the world rejects. Alternate translation: “people who are humble and rejected”

τὰ μὴ ὄντα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that which people usually regard as without value” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ

“nothing. He did this so he could show that the things that are held as valuable are really worthless”

τὰ μὴ ὄντα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “things that people think are worth money” or “things that people think are worth respect” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 1:30

ἐξ αὐτοῦ

This refers to the work of Christ on the cross.

ἡμῖν

These words refer to Paul, those with him, and the Corinthians. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὃς ἐγενήθη σοφία ἡμῖν ἀπὸ Θεοῦ

Possible meanings are 1) “Christ Jesus, who has made clear to us how wise God is” or 2) “Christ Jesus, who has given us God’s wisdom.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 1:31

ὁ καυχώμενος, ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω

“If a person boasts, he should boast about how great the Lord is”

1 Corinthians 2

1 Corinthians 02 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 the words of verses 9 and 16, which are from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Wisdom

Paul continues the discussion from the first chapter that contrasts human wisdom and God’s wisdom. For Paul, wisdom can be simple and human ideas foolish. He said the wisdom from the Holy Spirit is the only true wisdom. Paul uses the phrase “hidden wisdom” when he refers to previously unknown truths. (See: INVALID bible/kt/wise and INVALID bible/kt/foolish)

1 Corinthians 2:1

Paul contrasts human wisdom and God’s wisdom. He emphasizes that spiritual wisdom comes from God.

ἀδελφοί

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1 Corinthians 2:2

ἔκρινά τι εἰδέναι…εἰ μὴ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν

When Paul said that he “decided to know nothing” he exaggerated to emphasize that he decided focus on and teach about nothing other than Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “I decided to teach nothing…except Jesus Christ” or “I decided not to teach anything…except Jesus Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

1 Corinthians 2:3

κἀγὼ…ἐγενόμην πρὸς ὑμᾶς

“I was visiting with you”

ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ

Possible meanings are: 1) “physically weak” or 2) “feeling like I could not do what I needed to do.”

1 Corinthians 2:4

πειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις

words that sound wise and with which the speaker hopes to cause people to do or believe something

1 Corinthians 2:6

Paul interrupts his main argument to explain what he means by “wisdom” and to whom he desires to speak.

δὲ λαλοῦμεν

The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Paul begins to explain that true wisdom is God’s wisdom.

σοφίαν…λαλοῦμεν

The abstract noun “wisdom” can be stated as the adjective, “wise.” Alternate translation: “speak wise words” or “speak a wise message” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

τοῖς τελείοις

“mature believers”

1 Corinthians 2:7

πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων

“before God created anything”

εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν

“in order to ensure our future glory”

1 Corinthians 2:8

τὸν Κύριον τῆς δόξης

“Jesus, the glorious Lord”

1 Corinthians 2:9

ἃ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ…ἀνέβη, ἃ…ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν

This is an incomplete sentence. Some translations make it a complete sentence: “Things that no eye…imagined; these are the things…who love him.” Others leave it incomplete but show that it is incomplete by using non-final punctuation here and beginning the next verse as a continuation of this verse: “‘Things that no eye…imagined, the things…who love him’—”

ἃ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ εἶδεν, καὶ οὖς οὐκ ἤκουσεν, καὶ ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἀνέβη

This is a triplet referring to all parts of a person to emphasize that no man has ever been aware of the things that God has prepared. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἃ ἡτοίμασεν ὁ Θεὸς τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν

The Lord has created in heaven wonderful surprises for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2:11

τίς γὰρ οἶδεν ἀνθρώπων τὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, εἰ μὴ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows what a person is thinking except the person himself. Alternate translation: “No one knows what a person is thinking except that person’s spirit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου

This refers to a person’s inner being, his own spiritual nature.

τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐδεὶς ἔγνωκεν, εἰ μὴ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “only the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

1 Corinthians 2:12

Here the word “we” includes both Paul and his audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ χαρισθέντα ἡμῖν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God freely gave to us” or “that God has kindly given us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 2:13

ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος, πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες

The Holy Spirit communicates God’s truth to believers in the Spirit’s own words and gives them his own wisdom.

ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος, πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες

“The Spirit explains uses his own spiritual wisdom to explain spiritual words”

1 Corinthians 2:14

Here the word “we” includes both Paul and his audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

ψυχικὸς…ἄνθρωπος

the non-Christian person, who has not received the Holy Spirit

ὅτι πνευματικῶς ἀνακρίνεται

“because understanding these things requires the aid of the Spirit”

1 Corinthians 2:15

ὁ…πνευματικὸς

“The believer who has received the Spirit”

1 Corinthians 2:16

τίς γὰρ ἔγνω νοῦν Κυρίου, ὃς συμβιβάσει αὐτόν?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows the mind of the Lord. No one is as wise as the Lord. Alternate translation: “No one can know the mind of the Lord, so no one can teach him anything he does not already know” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 3

1 Corinthians 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verses 19 and 20.

Special concepts in this chapter

Fleshly people

The Corinthian believers were immature because of their unrighteous actions. He calls them “fleshly,” meaning acting as nonbelievers. This term is used in opposition to those who are “spiritual.” Christians following their “flesh” are acting foolishly. They are following the wisdom of the world. (See: INVALID bible/kt/righteous, INVALID bible/kt/flesh, INVALID bible/kt/spirit and INVALID bible/kt/foolish and INVALID bible/kt/wise)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

There are many metaphors in this chapter. Paul uses “babies” and “milk” to illustrate spiritual immaturity. He uses the metaphors of planting and watering to describe the roles he and Apollos played in growing the church in Corinth. Paul uses other metaphors to help teach spiritual truths to the Corinthians and to help them to understand his teachings. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:1

Paul now reminds the Corinthian believers of how they are actually living instead of behaving as their position before God is. He then reminds them that the person who teaches them is not as important as God who gives their growth.

ἀδελφοί

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

πνευματικοῖς

people who obey the Spirit

σαρκίνοις

people who follow their own desires

ὡς νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ

The Corinthians are compared to children very young in age and understanding. Alternate translation: “as to very young believers in Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:2

γάλα ὑμᾶς ἐπότισα, οὐ βρῶμα

The Corinthians can understand only easy truths like babies who can drink only milk. They are not mature enough to understand greater truths like older children who now can eat solid food. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

οὐδὲ νῦν δύνασθε

It is implied that they are not ready to understand more difficult teachings. Alternate translation: “you still are not ready to understand the harder teachings about following Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 3:3

ἔτι…σαρκικοί

still behaving according to sinful or worldly desires

οὐχὶ σαρκικοί ἐστε καὶ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖτε?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for their sinful behavior. “Walking” here is a metaphor for “judging your behavior,” deciding what is good and bad. Alternate translation: “you should be ashamed because you are behaving according to your sinful desires and you are using human standards to decide whether your behavior is good or bad!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:4

οὐκ ἄνθρωποί ἐστε?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “you should be ashamed because you are living the same way people who do not have the Spirit live” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 3:5

τί οὖν ἐστιν Ἀπολλῶς? τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος?

Paul is emphasizing that he and Apollos are not the original source of the gospel, and therefore the Corinthians should not follow them. Alternate translation: “It is wrong to form groups to follow Apollos or Paul!” or (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος?

Paul is speaking of himself as though he were speaking of someone else. Alternate translation: “I am not important!” or “Who am I?” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-123person)

διάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε

Paul answers his own question by saying that he and Apollos are God’s servants. Alternate translation: “Paul and Apollos are servants of Christ, and you believed in Christ because we served him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

διάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε, καὶ ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ Κύριος ἔδωκεν

This can be stated with the understood information. Alternate translation: “We are servants through whom youbelieved. We are only people to whom the Lord gave tasks” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Corinthians 3:6

ἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα

The knowledge of God is compared to a seed which must be planted in order to grow. Alternate translation: “When I preached God’s word to you, I was like one who plants seeds in a garden” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν

As seeds need water, faith needs further teaching in order for it to grow. Alternate translation: “and when Apollos continued to teach you God’s word, he was like one who waters a garden” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ηὔξανεν

As plants grow and develop, so faith and knowledge in God also grow and become deeper and stronger. Alternate translation: “but God caused you to grow” or “but just as God causes plants to grow, he causes you to grow spiritually” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:7

οὔτε ὁ φυτεύων ἐστίν τι…ἀλλ’ ὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός

Paul stresses that neither he nor Apollos is responsible for the believers’ spiritual growth, but it is God’s doing.

ὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός

Here to give growth means to cause growth. The abstract noun “growth” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “it is God who causes you to grow” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

1 Corinthians 3:8

ὁ φυτεύων…καὶ ὁ ποτίζων, ἕν εἰσιν

Paul speaks of telling people the good news and teaching those who have accepted it as if they were planting and watering plants. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἕν εἰσιν

Possible meanings are “one” are 1) “united in purpose” or 2) “equal in importance.”

μισθὸν

an amount of money that a worker receives for his work

1 Corinthians 3:9

ἐσμεν

This refers to Paul and Apollos but not the Corinthian church. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Θεοῦ…συνεργοί

Paul considers himself and Apollos as working together.

Θεοῦ γεώργιον

Possible meanings are 1) being God’s garden represents belonging to God. Alternate translation: “You are like a garden that belongs to God” or 2) being God’s garden represents God causing us to grow. Alternate translation: “You are like a garden that God makes grow” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Θεοῦ οἰκοδομή

Possible meanings are 1) being God’s building represents belonging to God. Alternate translation: “and you are like a building that belongs to God” or 2) being God’s building represents God causing us to become what he wants. Alternate translation: “and you are like a building that God is constructing” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:10

κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “According to the task that God freely gave me to do” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

θεμέλιον ἔθηκα

Paul equates his teaching of faith and salvation in Jesus Christ to laying a foundation for a building. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἄλλος…ἐποικοδομεῖ

Paul is referring to the person or people who are teaching the Corinthians at that time as if they are carpenters who are constructing the building above the foundation. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἕκαστος

This refers to God’s workers in general. Alternate translation: “let each person who serves God”

1 Corinthians 3:11

θεμέλιον…ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι, παρὰ τὸν κείμενον

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “no one can lay a foundation other than the foundation that I, Paul, have laid” or “I have already laid the only foundation that anyone can lay” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 3:12

Paul speaks of what builders usually do when constructing a building to describe what the teachers in Corinth are actually doing. Builders usually only use gold, silver, or precious stones as decorations on buildings.

εἰ δέ τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην

The building materials used to build a new building are being compared to the spiritual values used to build a person’s behavior and activities during his lifetime. Alternate translation: “Whether a person builds with valuable materials that will last or with cheap materials that burn easily” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

λίθους τιμίους

“expensive stones”

1 Corinthians 3:13

ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will show everyone what the builder has done” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει

The “daylight” here is a metaphor for the time when God will judge everyone. When God shows everyone what these teachers have done, it will be like the sun has come up to reveal what happened during the night. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ὅτι ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται; καὶ ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον, ὁποῖόν ἐστιν, τὸ πῦρ αὐτὸ δοκιμάσει

Just as fire will reveal the strengths or destroy the weaknesses of a building, God’s fire will judge man’s efforts and activities. Alternate translation: “God will use fire to show the quality of his work” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:14

The terms “a person” and “anyone’s” and “he” and “himself” refer to believers.

τὸ ἔργον μενεῖ

“work lasts” or “work survives”

1 Corinthians 3:15

εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if the fire destroys anyone’s work” or “if the fire ruins anyone’s work” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ζημιωθήσεται

The abstract noun “loss” can be expressed with the verb “lose.” Alternate translation: “he will lose his reward” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but God will save him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 3:16

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐστε, καὶ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You act as though you do not know that you are God’s temple and the Spirit of God lives in you!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 3:18

μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω

Nobody should believe the lie that he himself is wise in this world.

ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ

according to the way people who do not believe decide what is wise

μωρὸς γενέσθω

“that person should be willing to have people who do not believe call him a fool” (See: INVALID translate/figs-irony)

1 Corinthians 3:19

ὁ δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτῶν

God traps the people who think they are clever and uses their own schemes to trap them.

1 Corinthians 3:20

Κύριος γινώσκει τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν, ὅτι εἰσὶν μάταιοι

“The Lord knows that what people who think they are wise plan to do is futile”

μάταιοι

useless

1 Corinthians 3:23

ὑμεῖς δὲ Χριστοῦ, Χριστὸς δὲ Θεοῦ

“you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God”

1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 04 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pride

Paul contrasts the Corinthians being proud with the apostles being humble. The Corinthian believers had no reason to be proud. All that they had, and all they were, was a gift from God. (See: INVALID bible/kt/apostle)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. He describes the apostles as servants. Paul speaks of a victory parade where the apostles are the prisoners who will be killed. He uses a rod to stand for punishment. He calls himself their father because he is their “spiritual father.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID bible/kt/spirit)

Irony

Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians for being proud. The Corinthian believers are reigning but the apostles are suffering. (See: INVALID translate/figs-irony)

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md)

1 Corinthians 4:1

Having just reminded the people not to be proud concerning who taught them about the Lord and who had baptized them, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that all believers are to be humble servants.

1 Corinthians 4:2

ὧδε λοιπὸν ζητεῖται ἐν τοῖς οἰκονόμοις

Paul is speaking of himself as if he were speaking about other people. Alternate translation: “we are required to be” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

1 Corinthians 4:3

ἐλάχιστόν ἐστιν, ἵνα ὑφ’ ὑμῶν ἀνακριθῶ

Paul is comparing the difference between human judgment and God’s judgment. Man’s judgment is not important compared to God’s true judgment upon man.

1 Corinthians 4:4

οὐδὲν…ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα

“I have not heard anyone accuse me of doing wrong”

οὐκ ἐν τούτῳ δεδικαίωμαι; ὁ δὲ ἀνακρίνων με Κύριός ἐστιν

“that lack of accusation does not prove I am innocent. The Lord knows if I am innocent or guilty”

1 Corinthians 4:5

ὥστε

“Because what I have just said is true”

ὃς καὶ φωτίσει τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους, καὶ φανερώσει τὰς βουλὰς τῶν καρδιῶν

Here “bring to light the hidden things of darkness” is a metaphor for making known to everyone things that were done in secret. Here “heart” is a metonym for people’s thoughts and intentions. Alternate translation: “Like a light that shines on things in darkness, God will show what people have secretly done and what they secretly planned” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 4:6

ἀδελφοί

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

δι’ ὑμᾶς

“for your welfare”

1 Corinthians 4:7

σε…ἔχεις…ἔλαβες…ἔλαβες…καυχᾶσαι…λαβών

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” here are singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

τίς γάρ σε διακρίνει?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians who think they are better than those who heard the gospel from someone else. Alternate translation: “For there is no difference between you and others.” or “For you are not superior to other people.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τί δὲ ἔχεις ὃ οὐκ ἔλαβες?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that they did not earn the things they have. Alternate translation: “Everything that you have is what you have freely received.” or “God gave to you everything that you have for free!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τί καυχᾶσαι ὡς μὴ λαβών?

Paul was rebuking them for boasting in what they had. Alternate translation: “you should not boast as if you had not done so.” or “you have no right to boast!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ὡς μὴ λαβών

The phrase “done so” refers to freeling receiving what they had. Alternate translation: “as you had not freely received it” or “as if you had earned it”

1 Corinthians 4:8

Paul uses irony here to shame the Corinthians and make them realize that they are sinning when they are proud of themselves and their teachers. (See: INVALID translate/figs-irony)

1 Corinthians 4:9

ὁ Θεὸς ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους…ἀπέδειξεν

Paul expresses two ways how God has put his apostles on display for the world to see. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους…ἀπέδειξεν

God has displayed the apostles just like prisoners at the end of a Roman military parade, who are humiliated before their execution. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ὡς ἐπιθανατίους

God put the apostles on display like men who are about to be executed. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ἀγγέλοις καὶ ἀνθρώποις

Possible meanings are 1) “the world” consists of both supernatural (“angels”) and natural (“human beings”) or 2) the list consists of three items: “to the world, to angels, and to human beings.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

1 Corinthians 4:10

ἡμεῖς μωροὶ…ἄτιμοι

Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians so they will think about what he is saying. (See: INVALID translate/figs-irony)

ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι

“People treat you Corinthians as though you are important people”

ἡμεῖς…ἄτιμοι

“people shame us apostles”

1 Corinthians 4:11

ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας

“Until now” or “Up to now”

κολαφιζόμεθα

This refers to hitting with the hand, not with whips or clubs. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people beat us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἀστατοῦμεν

Paul means that they had places to stay, but they had to move around from place to place. They had no fixed home.

1 Corinthians 4:12

λοιδορούμενοι, εὐλογοῦμεν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people revile us, we bless them” or “When people scorn us, we bless them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

διωκόμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people persecute us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 4:13

δυσφημούμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people slander us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ὡς περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐγενήθημεν, πάντων περίψημα ἕως ἄρτι

“People began to consider us—and they still consider us—to be the garbage of the world”

1 Corinthians 4:14

οὐκ ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς γράφω ταῦτα, ἀλλ’…νουθετῶ

“I do not intend to shame you, but to improve you” or “I am not trying to shame you, but I want to correct you”

νουθετῶ

tell someone that what they are doing is wrong and will cause bad things to happen

τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ

Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, they are like his spiritual children. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 4:15

μυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς

This is an exaggeration of the number of people guiding them, to emphasize the importance of the one spiritual father. Alternate translation: “very many guardians” or “a large crowd of guardians” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ἐν…Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα

Paul is emphasizing firstly that his relationship with the Corinthians is most importantly “in Christ,” secondly that it came because he told them the good news, and thirdly that he is the one who is like a father to them. Alternate translation: “it was because God joined you to Christ when I told you the good news that I was the one who became your father”

ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα

Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, he is like a father to them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 4:17

μου τέκνον, ἀγαπητὸν καὶ πιστὸν ἐν Κυρίῳ

“whom I love and whom I teach about the Lord as if he were my own child”

1 Corinthians 4:18

δέ

This word indicates that Paul is shifting his topic to rebuking the arrogant behavior of the Corinthian believers.

1 Corinthians 4:19

ἐλεύσομαι…πρὸς ὑμᾶς

“I will visit you”

1 Corinthians 4:21

τί θέλετε?

Paul was making a last appeal to the Corinthians, as he has been rebuking them for the errors they had made. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you want to happen now” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἐν ῥάβδῳ ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἢ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, πνεύματί τε πραΰτητος?

Paul is offering the Corinthians two opposing attitudes he could use when approaching them. Alternate translation: “If you want, I can come to punish you, or I can come to show you how much I love you by being gentle with you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

πραΰτητος

“of kindness” or “of tenderness”

1 Corinthians 5

1 Corinthians 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 13.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemisms

Paul uses euphemisms to describe sensitive topics. This chapter deals with sexual immorality of one church member. (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism and INVALID bible/other/fornication)

Metaphor

Paul uses an extended comparison using many metaphors. Yeast represents evil. The loaf probably represents the whole congregation. The unleavened bread represents living purely. So the whole passage means: Don’t you know that a little evil will affect the whole congregation? So get rid of the evil so you can live purely. Christ has been sacrificed for us. So let us be sincere and truthful and not wicked and behaving badly. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor, INVALID bible/kt/evil, INVALID bible/kt/unleavenedbread and INVALID bible/kt/purify and INVALID bible/kt/passover)

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md)

1 Corinthians 5:1

Paul now specifically states about what sin of theirs he has heard, and how the Corinthian believers are proud of their acceptance of that man and his sin.

ἥτις οὐδὲ ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that not even the Gentiles permit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

γυναῖκά τινα τοῦ πατρὸς ἔχειν

“A man among you is commiting adultery with his father’s wife”

γυναῖκά…πατρὸς

the wife of his father, but probably not his own mother

1 Corinthians 5:2

οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἐπενθήσατε

This rhetorical question is used to scold the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You should mourn over this instead!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἵνα ἀρθῇ ἐκ μέσου ὑμῶν ὁ, τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο ποιήσας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must remove the one who did this from among you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 5:3

παρὼν…τῷ πνεύματι

“I am with you in spirit.” Being with them in spirit represents caring about them or wanting to be with them. Alternate translation: “I care about you” or “I want to be with you”

ἤδη κέκρικα…τὸν οὕτως τοῦτο κατεργασάμενον

Possible meanings are 1) “I have decided what you should do with the one who did this” or 2) “I have found the person who did this guilty”

1 Corinthians 5:4

συναχθέντων ὑμῶν

“When you are together” or “When you meet together”

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ

Possible meanings are 1) the name of the Lord Jesus is a metonym that represents his authority. Alternate translation: “with the authority of our Lord Jesus” or 2) being assembled in the Lord’s name implies meeting together to worship him. Alternate translation: “to worship our Lord Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 5:5

παραδοῦναι τὸν τοιοῦτον τῷ Σατανᾷ

Handing the man over to Satan represents not allowing the man to be part of their group so that Satan would be allowed to harm him. Alternate translation: “make this man leave your group so that Satan can harm him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

εἰς ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός

Possible meanings are 1) “flesh” refers to his physical body. Alternate translation: “so that Satan may harm his body” or 2) “flesh” is a metaphor for the sinful nature. Alternate translation: “so that his sinful nature will be destroyed” or “so that he will not continue to live according to his sinful nature” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἵνα τὸ πνεῦμα σωθῇ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God may save his spirit on the day of the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 5:6

οὐ καλὸν τὸ καύχημα ὑμῶν

“Your boasting is bad”

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι μικρὰ ζύμη, ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ?

Just as a little yeast spreads throughout a whole loaf of bread, so can a little sin impact the entire fellowship of believers. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 5:7

τὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός

As the Passover lamb covered the sins of Israel by faith each year, so did Christ’s death cover the sins of all who trust in Christ by faith for eternity. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord has sacrificed Christ, our Passover lamb” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 5:9

πόρνοις

This refers to people who claim to believe in Christ but behave in this manner.

1 Corinthians 5:10

τοῖς πόρνοις τοῦ κόσμου τούτου

people who have chosen to live an immoral lifestyle, who are not believers

τοῖς πλεονέκταις

“those who are greedy” or “those who are willing to be dishonest to get what others have”

ἅρπαξιν

This means people who cheat to get others’ property.

ὠφείλετε…ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελθεῖν

“you would need to avoid all people”

1 Corinthians 5:11

Paul tells them how to treat believers in the church who refuse to be corrected for their involvement in sexual immorality and other obvious sins before others.

τις…ὀνομαζόμενος

“anyone who calls himself”

ἀδελφὸς

Here this means a fellow Christian, either a man or a woman.

1 Corinthians 5:12

τί…μοι τοὺς ἔξω κρίνειν?

Paul is emphasizing that he is not the one to judge people outside the church. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am not the one who should judge people who do not belong to the church” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οὐχὶ τοὺς ἔσω ὑμεῖς κρίνετε?

Paul is scolding the Corinthians. “you should know that you are the ones who should judge those who are inside the church” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 6

1 Corinthians 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Lawsuits

Paul teaches that a Christian should not take another Christian to court before a non-Christian judge. It is better to be cheated. Christians will judge the angels. So they should be able to solve problems among themselves. It is especially bad to use a court to cheat another believer. (See: INVALID bible/kt/judge)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The temple of the Holy Spirit is an important metaphor. It refers to the place where the Holy Spirit stays and is worshiped. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md)

1 Corinthians 6:1

Paul then explains how believers are to settle disagreements with other believers.

πρᾶγμα

disagreement or argument

τολμᾷ…κρίνεσθαι…τῶν ἁγίων?

Paul is emphasizing that Christians must resolve disagreements among themselves. Alternate translation: “he should not dare to go…saints!” or “he should be fear God and not go…saints!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 6:2

ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ ἅγιοι τὸν κόσμον κρινοῦσιν?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians for acting like they do not know. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

καὶ εἰ ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος, ἀνάξιοί ἐστε κριτηρίων ἐλαχίστων?

Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. Alternate translation: “you will judge the world in the future, so you should be able to settle this matter now.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 6:3

βιωτικά

“stop arguments about things that have to do with this life”

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἀγγέλους κρινοῦμεν

Paul is surprised that they do not seem to know. Alternate translation: “You know that we will judge the angels.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

κρινοῦμεν

Paul includes himself and the Corinthians. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

μήτι γε βιωτικά?

Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. Alternate translation: “Because we know we will judge the angels, we can also be sure that God will enable us to judge matters in this life.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 6:4

βιωτικὰ μὲν οὖν κριτήρια ἐὰν ἔχητε, τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε?

Possible meanings are 1) this is a rhetorical question or 2) this is a statement, “When in the past you have settled matters that are important in this life, you have not handed off disputes between Christians to be settled by unbelievers” or 3) this is a command, “When you settle matters that are important in this life, it is even to those who have no standing in the church that you should hand off disputes to be settled!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

βιωτικὰ μὲν οὖν κριτήρια ἐὰν ἔχητε, τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε?

“If you are called upon to make decisions about daily life” or “If you must settle matters that are important in this life”

τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for how they are handling these cases. Possible meanings are that 1) “you should stop giving such cases to people who are outside the church.” or 2) “you could give such cases even to members of the church who are not well regarded by other believers.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 6:5

πρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῖν

“to your dishonor” or “to show how you have failed in this matter”

οὕτως οὐκ ἔνι ἐν ὑμῖν οὐδεὶς σοφὸς, ὃς δυνήσεται διακρῖναι ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You should be ashamed that you cannot find a wise believer to settle arguments between believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

διακρῖναι

argument or disagreement

1 Corinthians 6:6

ἀλλὰ ἀδελφὸς μετὰ ἀδελφοῦ κρίνεται, καὶ τοῦτο ἐπὶ ἀπίστων?

“believers who have disputes with each other ask unbelieving judges to make decisions for them”

1 Corinthians 6:7

ἤδη…ἥττημα…ἐστιν

“is already a failure”

διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀδικεῖσθε? διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀποστερεῖσθε?

Paul continues to shame the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “It would be better to let others wrong you and cheat you than to take them to court.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 6:8

ἀδελφούς

All believers in Christ are brothers and sisters of each other. “your own fellow believers”

1 Corinthians 6:9

ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι

Paul emphasizes that they should already know this truth. Alternate translation: “You already know that” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

κληρονομήσουσιν

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Θεοῦ Βασιλείαν οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν

God will not judge them as righteous at the judgment, and they will not enter eternal life.

μαλακοὶ, οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται

Possible meanings are 1) this is a merism for all homosexual activity or 2) Paul is naming two different activities. (See: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

μαλακοὶ, οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται

Possible meanings are 1) men who allow other men to sleep with them or 2) men who allow men who pay them to sleep with them or 3) men who allow other men to sleep with them as part of a religious activity.

ἀρσενοκοῖται

men who sleep with other men

1 Corinthians 6:10

κλέπται

people who steal from others

πλεονέκται

people who are willing to use evil means to take others’ property

1 Corinthians 6:11

ἀπελούσασθε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has cleansed you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἡγιάσθητε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has set you apart for himself” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐδικαιώθητε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has made you right with him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

“Name” here is a metonym for the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 6:12

Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that God wants them pure because Christ has bought them with his death. Their bodies are now God’s temple. He does so by saying what the Corinthians might say and then correcting them.

πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is answering what some Corinthians might be thinking, “Some say, ‘I can do anything’” or 2) Paul is actually saying what he thinks is true, “God allows me to do anything.”

ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει

Paul is answering whoever says, “Everything is lawful for me.” Alternate translation: “but not everything is good for me”

οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not allow these things to rule over me like a master” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 6:13

τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν; ὁ δὲ Θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is correcting what some Corinthians might be thinking, “food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” by answering that God will do away with both the stomach and food or 2) Paul actually agrees that “food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” but he is adding that God will do away with both of them.

τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν; ὁ δὲ Θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει

One possible meanings is that the speaker is speaking indirectly of the body and sex, but you should translate this literally as “stomach” and “food.”

καταργήσει

“destroy”

1 Corinthians 6:14

τὸν Κύριον ἤγειρεν

“caused the Lord to live again”

1 Corinthians 6:15

οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν?

The word translated as “members” refers to parts of a body. Our belonging to Christ is spoken of as if we were parts of his body. We belong to him so much that even our bodies belong to him. Paul uses this question to remind the people of something they should already know. Alternate translation: “You should know that your bodies belong to Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἄρας οὖν τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη? μὴ γένοιτο!

Paul uses this question to emphasize how wrong it is for someone who belongs to Christ to go to a prostitute. Alternate translation: “I am part of Christ. I will not take my body and join myself to a prostitute!” or “We are parts of Christ’s body. We must not take our bodies and join ourselves to prostitutes!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

μὴ γένοιτο

“That should never happen!” or “We must never do that!”

1 Corinthians 6:16

ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι…σῶμά ἐστιν?

Paul begins to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing a truth that they already know. “I want to remind you that…her.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ, ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν

This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when a man joins his body to the body of a prostitute, it is as if their bodies become one body” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 6:17

ὁ…κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ, ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν

This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the Lord joins his spirit to the spirit of a person, it is as if their spirits become one spirit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 6:18

φεύγετε

Paul speaks of a person rejecting sexual sin as if that person were running away from danger. Alternate translation: “Get away from” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τὴν πορνείαν. πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν…δὲ

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is showing that sexual sin is especially bad because it is not only against others but against the sinner’s own body or 2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: “immorality! Some of you are saying, ‘Every sin that a person commits is outside the body,’ but I say that” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος

“evil deed that a person does”

1 Corinthians 6:19

ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι…ἀπὸ Θεοῦ? καὶ οὐκ ἐστὲ ἑαυτῶν

Paul is continuing to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing what they already know. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you…God and that you are not your own.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν

the body of each individual Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit

ναὸς τοῦ…Ἁγίου Πνεύματός

A temple is dedicated to divine beings, and it is also where they dwell. In the same way, each Corinthian believer’s body is like a temple because the Holy Spirit is present within them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 6:20

ἠγοράσθητε γὰρ τιμῆς

God paid for the freedom of the Corinthians from the slavery of sin. This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “God paid for your freedom” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

δὴ

“Because what I have just said is true”

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul begins to answer a series of questions that the Corinthians may have asked him. The first question is about marriage. The second question is about a slave trying to become free, a Gentile becoming a Jew, or a Jew becoming a Gentile.

Special concepts in this chapter

Divorce

Paul says married Christians should not divorce. A Christian married to an unbeliever should not leave their husband or wife. If the unbelieving husband or wife leaves, this is not a sin. Paul advises that, because of the difficult times and being near to time that Jesus will return, it is acceptable to remain unmarried. (See: INVALID bible/kt/believe and INVALID bible/kt/sin)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemisms

Paul uses many euphemisms to discreetly refer to sexual relations. This is often a sensitive topic. Many cultures do not wish to speak openly about these matters. (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

1 Corinthians 7:1

Paul gives the believers some specific instructions on marriage.

δὲ

Paul is introducing a new topic in his teaching.

ὧν ἐγράψατε

The Corinthians had written a letter to Paul to ask for answers to certain questions.

καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is quoting what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: “you wrote, ‘It is good for a man not to touch a woman.’” or 2) Paul is saying what he really thinks. Alternate translation: “my answer is that yes, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

καλὸν

“It is most helpful”

ἀνθρώπῳ

Possible meanings are 1) “a man” refers to a married man. Alternate translation: “a husband” or 2) “a man” refers to any man.

γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι

Possible meanings are 1) “touch a woman” is a euphemism for having sexual relations. Alternate translation: “not to have sexual relations with his wife for a while” or 2) “touch a woman” is a metonym for marry. Alternate translation: “not to marry” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 7:2

διὰ δὲ

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is responding to what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: “That is true, but because” or 2) Paul is saying what he really thinks.

διὰ δὲ τὰς πορνείας, ἕκαστος

“But because Satan tempts people to commit sexual sin, each” or “But we desire to commit sexual sin because of our sinful nature, so each”

1 Corinthians 7:3

ὀφειλὴν

Both husbands and wives are obligated to regularly sleep with their spouses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

ὁμοίως…καὶ ἡ γυνὴ τῷ ἀνδρί

The words “should give” and “sexual rights” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “likewise the wife should give to her husband his sexual rights” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Corinthians 7:5

μὴ ἀποστερεῖτε ἀλλήλους

The word “deprive” means to keep from someone something that the other person has the right to receive. “Do not refuse to have marital relations with your spouse” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἵνα σχολάσητε τῇ προσευχῇ

in order to have a period of especially deep prayer

σχολάσητε

“commit yourselves”

πάλιν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ἦτε

“sleep together again”

διὰ τὴν ἀκρασίαν ὑμῶν

“because after some days, your sexual desires will be harder to keep under control”

1 Corinthians 7:6

τοῦτο δὲ λέγω κατὰ συνγνώμην, οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγήν

Possible meanings are Paul is telling the Corinthians that he is allowing them, but not commanding them, 1) to marry and sleep together or 2) to stop sleeping together for a time.

1 Corinthians 7:7

εἶναι ὡς καὶ ἐμαυτόν

Either Paul had never married or his wife had died. It is unlikely that he had been through a divorce.

ἀλλὰ ἕκαστος ἴδιον ἔχει χάρισμα ἐκ Θεοῦ; ὁ μὲν οὕτως, ὁ δὲ οὕτως

“God enables people to do different things. He enables one person to do one thing and another person to do something different”

1 Corinthians 7:8

τοῖς ἀγάμοις

“this those who are not married”

ταῖς χήραις

“to women whose husband has died”

καλὸν

See how you translated this in 1 Corinthians 7:1.

1 Corinthians 7:9

πυροῦσθαι

“to live with the constant desire to sleep with someone”

1 Corinthians 7:10

ἀπὸ…μὴ χωρισθῆναι

Paul’s readers knew no difference between separating and divorcing. To stop living with someone was to end the marriage. Alternate translation: “should not divorce”

1 Corinthians 7:11

τῷ ἀνδρὶ καταλλαγήτω

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “she should make peace with her husband and return to him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μὴ ἀφιέναι

Paul’s readers knew no difference between divorcing and simply separating. To do either was to end the marriage. Alternate translation: “should not separate from”

1 Corinthians 7:12

συνευδοκεῖ

willing or satisfied

1 Corinthians 7:13

ἄνδρα

This is the same Greek word as for “man.”

1 Corinthians 7:14

ἡγίασται γὰρ ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ ἄπιστος ἐν τῇ γυναικί

Possible meanings are 1) “For God has set apart the unbelieving husband for himself because of his believing wife” or 2) “God treats the unbelieving husband as he would treat a son for the sake of his believing wife” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ὁ ἀνὴρ…τῇ γυναικί

These are the same Greek words as for “man” and “woman.”

ἡγίασται ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄπιστος ἐν τῷ ἀδελφῷ

Possible meanings are 1) “God has set apart the unbelieving wife for himself because of her husband who believes” or 2) “God treats the unbelieving wife as he would treat a daughter for the sake of her husband who believes” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τῷ ἀδελφῷ

the believing man or husband

ἅγιά ἐστιν

Possible meanings are 1) “God has set them apart for himself” or 2) “God treats them as he would treat his own children” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 7:15

οὐ δεδούλωται ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις

Here “brother” and “sister” refers to a Christian husband or wife. Here “not bound to their vows” is a metaphor that mean the person is not obligated to do what they vowed to do. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “In such cases, God does not require the believing spouse to continue to obey the marriage vow” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 7:16

οἶδας, γύναι…τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις…οἶδας, ἄνερ…τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

τί…οἶδας, γύναι, εἰ τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις

Paul uses a question to cause women to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving husband.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τί οἶδας, ἄνερ, εἰ τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις

Paul uses a question to cause men to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving wife.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 7:17

ἑκάστῳ

“each believer”

οὕτως ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις πάσαις διατάσσομαι

Paul was teaching believers in all the churches to act in this manner.

1 Corinthians 7:18

περιτετμημένος τις ἐκλήθη?

Paul was addressing the circumcised ones (the Jews). Alternate translation: “To the circumcised ones, when God called you to believe, you had already been circumcised” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ κέκληταί τις?

Paul was now addressing the uncircumcised ones. Alternate translation: “To the uncircumcised ones, when God called you to believe, you were not circumcised” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 7:20

Here the words “us” and “we” refer to all Christians and include Paul’s audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

ἐν τῇ κλήσει…μενέτω

Here “calling” refers to the work or social position in which you were involved. Alternate translation: “live and work as you did”

1 Corinthians 7:21

ἐκλήθης…σοι…δύνασαι

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” and the command “be” here are singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

δοῦλος ἐκλήθης? μή σοι μελέτω

This can be stated as a statement. Alternate translation: “To those who were slaves when God called you to believe, I say this: do not be concerned” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 7:22

ἀπελεύθερος Κυρίου

This freeman is forgiven by God and therefore free from Satan and sin.

1 Corinthians 7:23

τιμῆς ἠγοράσθητε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Christ bought you by dying for you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 7:24

ἀδελφοί

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

ἐκλήθη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when God called us to believe in him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 7:25

περὶ δὲ τῶν παρθένων, ἐπιταγὴν Κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω

Paul knows no teaching of Jesus that speaks about this situation. Alternate translation: “The Lord has not commanded me to say anything to people who have never married”

γνώμην…δίδωμι

“I tell you what I think”

ὡς ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ Κυρίου, πιστὸς εἶναι

“because, by the Lord’s mercy, I am trustworthy”

1 Corinthians 7:27

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if he were speaking to each person, so all these instances of “you” and the command “do not seek” here are singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

δέδεσαι γυναικί? μὴ ζήτει

Paul uses this question to introduce a possible condition. The question can be translated as a phrase with “if.” Alternate translation: “If you are married, do not” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

μὴ ζήτει λύσιν

“Do not try to divorce her” or “Do try to separate from her”

μὴ ζήτει…γυναῖκα

“do not try to get married”

1 Corinthians 7:28

ἐγὼ…ὑμῶν φείδομαι

The word “this” refers to the kinds of worldly trouble that married people might have. Alternate translation: “I want to help you not to have worldly trouble” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 7:29

ὁ καιρὸς συνεσταλμένος ἐστίν

“There is little time” or “Time is almost gone”

1 Corinthians 7:30

οἱ κλαίοντες

cry or grieve with tears

1 Corinthians 7:31

οἱ χρώμενοι τὸν κόσμον

“those who deal every day with unbelievers”

ὡς μὴ καταχρώμενοι

“should show by their actions that they have their hope in God”

1 Corinthians 7:32

ἀμερίμνους

“Free” here is an idiom which means the ability to live without constantly thinking about.” Alternate translation: “without needing to worry” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

μεριμνᾷ

“focused on”

1 Corinthians 7:34

μεριμνᾷ

“he is trying to please God and please his wife at the same time”

1 Corinthians 7:35

βρόχον

restriction

εὐπάρεδρον

“can concentrate on”

1 Corinthians 7:36

ἀσχημονεῖν ἐπὶ

“not being kind to” or “not honoring”

τὴν παρθένον αὐτοῦ

Possible meanings are 1) “the woman whom he promised to marry” or 2) “his virgin daughter.”

γαμείτωσαν

Possible meanings are 1) “He should marry his fiancée” or 2) “He should let his daughter get married.”

1 Corinthians 7:37

ὃς δὲ ἕστηκεν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἑδραῖος

Here “standing firm” is a metaphor for deciding something with certainty. Here “heart” is metonym for a person’s mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “But if he has decided firmly in his own mind” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 7:39

γυνὴ δέδεται ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς

Here “bound” is a metaphor for a close relationship between people in which they support each other emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Here it means the union of marriage. Alternate translation: “A woman is married to her husband” or “A woman is united with her husband” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ

“until he dies”

ᾧ θέλει

“anyone she wants”

ἐν Κυρίῳ

“if the new husband is a believer”

1 Corinthians 7:40

τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην

“my understanding of God’s word”

μακαριωτέρα

more contented, more joyful

οὕτως μείνῃ

“remains unmarried”

1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In Chapters 8-10, Paul answers the question: “Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?”

Special concepts in this chapter

Meat sacrificed to idols

Paul answers this question by saying that idols are gods that do not really exist. Therefore nothing is wrong with the meat. Christians are free to eat it. However, someone who does not understand this may see a Christian eating it. They may then be encouraged to eat the meat as an act of worship to the idol.

1 Corinthians 8:1

“We” means Paul and, though specifically writing to the Corinthian believers, includes all believers. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

Paul reminds the believers that though idols have no power, believers must be careful not to affect the weaker believers who might think they care about the idols. He tells believers to be careful with the liberty believers have in Christ.

περὶ δὲ

Paul uses this phrase to move on to the next question the Corinthians had asked him.

τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων

Gentile worshipers would offer grain, fish, fowl, or meat, to their gods. The priest would burn a portion of it on the altar. Paul is speaking of the portion the priest would give back for the worshiper to eat or sell in the market.

ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ

“Knowledge puffs people up.” Here “puffs up” is a metaphor for making someone proud. The abstract noun “knowledge” can be expressed with the verb “know.” Alternate translation: “Knowledge makes people proud” or “People who think that they know a lot become proud” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ

The abstract noun “love” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “but when we love people, we build them up” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. Alternate translation: “love strengthens people” or “when we love people, we strengthen them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 8:2

δοκεῖ ἐγνωκέναι τι

“believes he knows everything about something”

1 Corinthians 8:3

οὗτος ἔγνωσται ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows that person” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 8:4

“We” and “us” here refer to all believers and include Paul’s audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

οἴδαμεν ὅτι οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ, καὶ ὅτι οὐδεὶς Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς

Paul is probably quoting phrases that some Corinthians used. Being “nothing” represents having no power. Alternate translation: “We all know, as you yourselves like to say, that an idol in this world has no power and that there is no God but one” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 8:5

λεγόμενοι θεοὶ

“things that people call gods”

θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κύριοι πολλοί

Paul does not believe that many gods and many lords exist, but he recognizes that the pagans believe they do.

1 Corinthians 8:6

ἀλλ’ ἡμῖν εἷς Θεὸς

“Yet we know that there is only one God”

1 Corinthians 8:7

Paul is speaking here of “weak” brothers, people who cannot separate food sacrificed to idols from the worship of those idols. If a Christian eats food that has been sacrificed to an idol, weak brothers might think that God will allow them to worship the idol by eating the food. Even if the eater has not worshiped the idol and is simply eating the food, he has still corrupted his weak brothers’ conscience.

πᾶσιν…τινὲς

“all people…some people who are now Christians”

μολύνεται

ruined or harmed

1 Corinthians 8:8

βρῶμα…ἡμᾶς οὐ παραστήσει τῷ Θεῷ

Paul speaks of food as though it were a person who could make God welcome us. Alternate translation: “food does not give us favor with God” or “the food we eat does not make God pleased with us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

οὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν, ὑστερούμεθα; οὔτε ἐὰν φάγωμεν, περισσεύομεν

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Some people might think that if we do not eat some things, God will love us less. But they are wrong. Those who think that God will love us more if we do eat those things are also wrong” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

1 Corinthians 8:9

τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν

believers not strong in their faith

1 Corinthians 8:10

ἴδῃ τὸν ἔχοντα

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so these words are singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ

what he understands to be right and wrong

οἰκοδομηθήσεται, εἰς…ἐσθίειν

“encouraged to eat”

1 Corinthians 8:11

τῇ σῇ γνώσει

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “your” here is singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

ἀπόλλυται…ὁ ἀσθενῶν

The brother or sister who is not strong in his or her faith will sin or lose his or her faith.

1 Corinthians 8:13

διόπερ

“Because what I have just said is true”

εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει

“Food” here is a metonym for the person eating the food. Alternate translation: “if I cause by eating” or “if I, because of what I eat, cause” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 09 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul defends himself in this chapter. Some people claimed that he was trying to gain financially from the church.

Special concepts in this chapter

Earning money from the church

People accused Paul of just wanting money from the church. Paul answered that he rightfully could get money from the church. The Old Testament taught that those who worked should get their living from their work. He and Barnabas purposefully never used this right and earned their own living.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors teach complex truths. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Contextualization

This passage is important because Paul “contextualizes” ministering the gospel to different audiences. This means that Paul makes himself and the gospel understandable without his actions hindering the gospel being received. The translator should take extra care to preserve aspects of this “contextualization” if possible. (See: INVALID bible/kt/goodnews)

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize various points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md)

1 Corinthians 9:1

Paul explains how he uses the liberty he has in Christ.

οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐλεύθερος

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of the rights he has. Alternate translation: “I am a free person.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is and the rights he has. Alternate translation: “I am an apostle.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οὐχὶ Ἰησοῦν τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν ἑόρακα

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is. Alternate translation: “I have seen Jesus our Lord.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οὐ τὸ ἔργον μου ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of their relationship to him. Alternate translation: “You believe in Christ because I have worked the way the Lord wants me to.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 9:2

ἡ…σφραγίς μου τῆς ἀποστολῆς, ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ

“Proof” here is a metonym for the evidence needed to prove something. Alternate translation: “you are evidence I can use to prove that the Lord has chosen me to be an apostle” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 9:3

ἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία…ἐμὲ…αὕτη:

Possible meanings are 1) the words that follow are Paul’s defense or 2) the words in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 are Paul’s defense. Alternate translation: “This is my defense…me.”

1 Corinthians 9:4

μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We have the absolute right to receive food and drink from the churches.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἔχομεν

Here “we” refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

1 Corinthians 9:5

μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν ἀδελφὴν, γυναῖκα περιάγειν, ὡς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπόστολοι, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ τοῦ Κυρίου, καὶ Κηφᾶς?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “If we have believing wives, we have a right to take them with us just as the other apostles take them, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 9:6

ἢ μόνος ἐγὼ καὶ Βαρναβᾶς, οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν μὴ ἐργάζεσθαι?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You seem to think that the only people you think need to work to earn money are Barnabas and me.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 9:7

τίς στρατεύεται ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ποτέ?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that no soldier has to buy his own supplies.” or “We all know that every soldier receives his supplies from the government.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τίς φυτεύει ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐσθίει?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that the one who plants a vineyard will always eat its fruit.” or “We all know that no one expects someone who plants a vineyard not to eat its fruits.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἢ τίς ποιμαίνει ποίμνην, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ γάλακτος τῆς ποίμνης, οὐκ ἐσθίει?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that those who tend flocks get their drink from the flocks.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 9:8

μὴ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον, ταῦτα λαλῶ

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You seem to think that I am saying these things based on merely human authority.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἢ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα οὐ λέγει?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You act as if you do not know that this is what is written in the law.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 9:9

οὐ φιμώσεις

Moses was speaking to the Israelites as if they were one person, so this command is singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

μὴ τῶν βοῶν μέλει τῷ Θεῷ?

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that it is not the oxen that God cares most about.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 9:10

ἢ δι’ ἡμᾶς πάντως λέγει?

Paul asks a question to emphasize the statement he is making. Alternate translation: “Instead, God was certainly speaking about us.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

δι’ ἡμᾶς

Here “us” refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

1 Corinthians 9:11

μέγα εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῶν τὰ σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν?

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Alternate translation: “you should know without me telling you that it is not too much for us to receive material support from you.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 9:12

εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς ὑμῶν ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν, οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς?

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Here “we” refers to Paul and Barnabas. Alternate translation: “Others exercised…you, so you know without me telling you that we have this right even more.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive and INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς…ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν

Paul and the Corinthians both know that others exercised the right. “Since others exercised this right”

ἄλλοι

other workers of the gospel

τῆς…ἐξουσίας

the right to have the believers at Corinth provide for the living expenses of those who told them the good news

μή τινα ἐνκοπὴν δῶμεν

“be a burden to” or “stop the spread of”

1 Corinthians 9:13

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ τὰ ἱερὰ ἐργαζόμενοι, τὰ ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ ἐσθίουσιν

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οἱ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ παρεδρεύοντες, τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ συνμερίζονται?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that those who serve at the altar get some of the foods and meat that people offer on the altar.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 9:14

ἐκ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ζῆν

The words “the gospel” here are a metonym for 1) the people to whom they tell the gospel, “receive their food and other things they need from those to whom they teach the good news,” or 2) the result of working to tell the gospel, “receive their food and other things they need because they work to tell the good news.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 9:15

τούτων

“these things that I deserve”

ἵνα οὕτως γένηται ἐν ἐμοί

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so you will do something for me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὸ καύχημά μου…κενώσει

“take away this opportunity I have to boast”

1 Corinthians 9:16

ἀνάγκη…μοι ἐπίκειται

“I must preach the gospel”

οὐαὶ…μοί ἐστιν, ἐὰν

“may I suffer misfortune if”

1 Corinthians 9:17

εἰ…ἑκὼν τοῦτο πράσσω

“if I preach willingly” or “if I preach because I want to”

εἰ δὲ ἄκων

The words “I do this” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “But if I do this unwillingly” or “But if I do this even though I do not want to” or “But if I do this because I was forced to do it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

οἰκονομίαν πεπίστευμαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I must do this work that God trusted me to complete” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 9:18

τίς οὖν μού ἐστιν ὁ μισθός?

Paul is preparing them for the new information he is going to give them. Alternate translation: “This is my reward.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἵνα εὐαγγελιζόμενος ἀδάπανον, θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

“My reward for preaching is that I can preach without receiving payment”

θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

“preach the gospel”

εἰς τὸ μὴ καταχρήσασθαι τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ

“so not ask people to support me as I travel and preach”

1 Corinthians 9:19

ἐλεύθερος…ὢν ἐκ πάντων

“Free from all” here is an idiom meaning the ability to live without thinking of what one must do for others. Alternate translation: “I am able to live without serving others” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τοὺς πλείονας κερδήσω

“persuade others to believe” or “help others trust in Christ”

1 Corinthians 9:20

ἐγενόμην…ὡς Ἰουδαῖος

“I acted like a Jew” or “I practiced Jewish customs”

ὡς ὑπὸ νόμον

“I became like one committed to following the demands of the Jewish leadership, accepting their understanding of the Jewish scriptures”

1 Corinthians 9:21

ἀνόμοις

“who do not obey the laws of Moses”

1 Corinthians 9:24

Paul explains that he uses the liberty he has in Christ to discipline himself.

οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι οἱ ἐν σταδίῳ τρέχοντες, πάντες μὲν τρέχουσιν, εἷς δὲ λαμβάνει τὸ βραβεῖον?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “Let me remind you that although all runners run the race, only one runner receives the prize.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τρέχουσι

Paul compares living the Christian life and working for God to running a race and being an athlete. As in a race, the Christian life and work require strict discipline on the part of the runner, and, as in a race, the Christian has a specific goal. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

οὕτως τρέχετε, ἵνα καταλάβητε

Paul is speaking of the reward God will give his faithful people as if it were a prize given for an athletic contest. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 9:25

φθαρτὸν στέφανον…ἄφθαρτον

A wreath is a bunch of leaves twisted together. Wreaths were given as prizes to athletes who won games and races. Paul speaks of eternal life as if it were a wreath that would never dry up. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 9:26

ἐγὼ…οὕτως τρέχω, ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως; οὕτως πυκτεύω, ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων

Here “running” and “boxing” are both metaphors for living the Christian life and serving God. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I know very well why I am running, and I know what I am doing when I box” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

1 Corinthians 9:27

μή…αὐτὸς ἀδόκιμος γένωμαι

This passive sentence can be rephrased to an active form. The judge of a race or competition is a metaphor for God. Alternate translation: “the judge will not disqualify me” or “God will not say that I have failed to obey the rules” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 8-10 together answer the question: “Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?”

In this chapter, Paul uses the exodus to warn people not to sin. Then, he returns to discussing meat offered to idols. He uses the Lord’s Supper as an example. (See: INVALID bible/kt/sin)

Special concepts in this chapter

Exodus

Paul uses the experiences of Israel leaving Egypt and roaming the desert as a warning to the believers. Although the Israelites all followed Moses, they all died on the way. None of them reached the Promised Land. Some worshiped an idol, some tested God, and some grumbled. Paul warns Christians not to sin. We can resist temptation because God provides a way of escape. (See: INVALID bible/kt/promisedland)

Eating meat sacrificed to idol

Paul discusses meat offered to idols. Christians are allowed to eat, but it may hurt others. So when buying meat or eating with a friend, do not ask if it has been offered to idols. But if someone tells you it has been offered to idols, don’t eat it for the sake of that person. Do not offend anyone. Seek to save them instead. (See: INVALID bible/kt/save)

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md)

1 Corinthians 10:1

Paul reminds them of the example of their ancient Jewish fathers’ experiences with immorality and idolatry.

οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν

Paul is referring to the time of Moses in the book of Exodus when Israel fled through the Red Sea as the Egyptian army pursued them. The word “our” refers to himself and the Corinthians and is inclusive. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

διὰ τῆς θαλάσσης διῆλθον

This sea is known by two names, the Red Sea and the Sea of Reeds.

διὰ…διῆλθον

“walked through” or “traveled through”

1 Corinthians 10:2

πάντες εἰς τὸν Μωϋσῆν ἐβαπτίσαντο

“All followed and were committed to Moses”

ἐν τῇ νεφέλῃ

by the cloud that represented the presence of God and led the Israelites during the day

1 Corinthians 10:4

τὸ αὐτὸ πνευματικὸν ἔπιον πόμα…πνευματικῆς…πέτρας

“drank the same water that God supernaturally brought out of the rock…supernatural rock”

ἡ…πέτρα ἦν ὁ Χριστός

The “rock” was a literal, physical rock, so it would be best to translate this literally. If your language cannot say that a rock “was” a person’s name, treat the word “rock” as a metonym for the power of Christ that worked through the rock. Alternate translation: “it was Christ who worked through that rock” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 10:5

οὐκ…ηὐδόκησεν

“displeased” or “angry” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

τοῖς πλείοσιν αὐτῶν

the Israelite fathers

κατεστρώθησαν

“God scattered their dead bodies around” or “God killed them and scattered their bodies”

ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

the desert land between Egypt and Israel through which the Israelites wandered for 40 years

1 Corinthians 10:7

εἰδωλολάτραι

people who worship idols

ἐκάθισεν…φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν

“sat down to eat a meal”

παίζειν

Paul is quoting the Jewish scriptures. His readers would have understood from this one word that the people were worshiping an idol by singing and dancing and engaging in sexual activities, not simply enjoying innocent fun. (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

1 Corinthians 10:8

ἔπεσαν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες

“God killed 23,000 people in one day”

1 Corinthians 10:9

ὑπὸ τῶν ὄφεων ἀπώλλυντο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “did. As a result, snakes destroyed them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 10:10

γογγύζετε

complaining

ἀπώλοντο ὑπὸ τοῦ ὀλοθρευτοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “did. As a result, an angel of death destroyed them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 10:11

ταῦτα…συνέβαινεν ἐκείνοις

“God punished our ancestors”

τυπικῶς

Here “us” refers to all believers. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων

“the last days”

1 Corinthians 10:12

μὴ πέσῃ

does not sin or reject God

1 Corinthians 10:13

πειρασμὸς ὑμᾶς οὐκ εἴληφεν, εἰ μὴ ἀνθρώπινος

This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “The temptations that affect you are temptations that all people experience” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

ὃς οὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι ὑπὲρ ὃ δύνασθε

“He will only allow you to be tempted in ways that you are strong enough to resist”

οὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will not allow anyone to tempt you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 10:14

Paul continues to remind them to be pure and to stay away from idolatry and immorality as he talks about communion, which represents the blood and body of Christ.

φεύγετε ἀπὸ τῆς εἰδωλολατρίας

Paul is speaking of the practice of worshiping idols as if it were a physical thing like a dangerous animal. Alternate translation: “do all you can to get away from worshiping idols” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 10:16

τὸ ποτήριον τῆς εὐλογίας

Paul is speaking of God’s blessing as though it were the wine in the cup used in the ritual of the Lord’s Supper. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ὃ εὐλογοῦμεν

“for which we thank God”

οὐχὶ κοινωνία ἐστὶν τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know, that the cup of wine that we share represents us sharing in the blood of Christ. Alternate translation: “we share in the blood of Christ.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τὸν ἄρτον ὃν κλῶμεν, οὐχὶ κοινωνία τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐστιν?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know. Alternate translation: “We share in the body of Christ when we share bread.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

κοινωνία

“taking part in” or “equally participating with others in”

1 Corinthians 10:17

ἄρτος

a single unit of baked bread that is sliced or broken into pieces before it is eaten

1 Corinthians 10:18

οὐχὶ οἱ ἐσθίοντες τὰς θυσίας, κοινωνοὶ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου εἰσίν

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. Alternate translation: “those who eat the sacrifices share in the activities and the blessings of the altar” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 10:19

τί οὖν φημι?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. Alternate translation: “Let me review what I am saying.” or “This is what I mean.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἢ ὅτι εἴδωλόν τὶ ἐστιν?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not saying that an idol is something real.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

ὅτι εἰδωλόθυτόν τὶ ἐστιν

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not saying that food sacrificed to an idol is not important.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Corinthians 10:21

οὐ δύνασθε ποτήριον Κυρίου πίνειν, καὶ ποτήριον δαιμονίων

Paul speaks of a person drinking from the same cup as the demon as evidence that that person is a friend of the demon. Alternate translation: “It is impossible for you to be true friends with both the Lord and demons” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

οὐ δύνασθε τραπέζης Κυρίου μετέχειν, καὶ τραπέζης δαιμονίων

“It is impossible for you to be truly one with the Lord’s people and also with demons”

1 Corinthians 10:22

ἢ παραζηλοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this question in their minds. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that it is not right to make the Lord jealous.”

παραζηλοῦμεν

to anger or irritate

μὴ ἰσχυρότεροι αὐτοῦ ἐσμεν?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this question in their minds. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that we are not stronger than God.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 10:23

Paul again reminds them of the law of liberty and doing everything for the benefit of others.

πάντα ἔξεστιν

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is answering what some Corinthians might be thinking, “Some say, ‘I can do anything’” or 2) Paul is actually saying what he thinks is true, “God allows me to do anything.” This should be translated as in 1 Corinthians 6:12.

οὐ πάντα συμφέρει

“some things are not beneficial”

οὐ πάντα οἰκοδομεῖ

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “not everything strengthens people” or “some things do not strengthen people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 10:27

ὑμῖν…μηδὲν ἀνακρίνοντες διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν

“you. God wants you to eat the food with a clear conscience”

1 Corinthians 10:28

ἐὰν δέ τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ…μὴ ἐσθίετε…τὸν μηνύσαντα

Some translations put this verse, continuing to “and not yours” in the next verse, in parentheses because 1) the forms of “you” and “eat” here are singular, but Paul uses the plural form immediately before and after this sentence, and 2) the words “For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience?” in the next verse seem to build on “eat whatever is set before you without asking questions of conscience” (1 Corinthians 10:27) rather than “the conscience of the other man.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

ὑμῖν εἴπῃ…μὴ ἐσθίετε…τὸν μηνύσαντα

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” and the command “do not eat” here are singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

1 Corinthians 10:29

συνείδησιν δὲ λέγω, οὐχὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ

Some translations put these words, along with the words in the verse before this one, in parentheses because 1) the form of “yours” here is singular, but Paul uses the plural form immediately before and after this sentence, and 2) the words “For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience?” in this verse seem to build on “eat whatever is set before you without asking questions of conscience” (1 Corinthians 10:27) rather than “the conscience of the other man.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

οὐχὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “yours” here is singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

ἵνα τί γὰρ…συνειδήσεως?

Possible meanings for this question, along with the question in the next verse, are 1) the word “for” refers back to 1 Corinthians 10:27. Alternate translation: “I am not to ask questions of conscience, so why…conscience?” or 2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: “As some of you might be thinking, ‘For why…conscience?’”

ἵνα τί…ἡ ἐλευθερία μου κρίνεται ὑπὸ ἄλλης συνειδήσεως?

The speaker wants the hearer to answer the question in his mind. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that no one should be able to say I am doing wrong just because that person has ideas about right and wrong that are different from mine.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 10:30

εἰ ἐγὼ χάριτι μετέχω, τί βλασφημοῦμαι ὑπὲρ οὗ ἐγὼ εὐχαριστῶ?

The speaker wants the hearer to answer the question in his mind. Alternate translation: “I partake of the meal with gratitude, so no one should insult me for that for which I gave thanks.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

εἰ ἐγὼ…μετέχω

If Paul is not quoting what some Corinthians might be thinking, the “I” represents those who eat meat with thankfulness. “If a person partakes” or “When a person eats”

χάριτι

“and thank God for it” or “and thank the person who gave it to me for it”

1 Corinthians 10:32

ἀπρόσκοποι καὶ Ἰουδαίοις γίνεσθε, καὶ Ἕλλησιν

“Do not displease Jews or Greeks” or “Do not make Jews or Greeks angry”

1 Corinthians 10:33

πάντα…ἀρέσκω

“make all people glad”

μὴ ζητῶν τὸ ἐμαυτοῦ σύμφορον

“I do not do things I desire for myself”

τῶν πολλῶν

as many people as possible

1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the beginning of a new section of the letter (Chapters 11-14). Paul now talks about proper church services. In this chapter, he deals with two different problems: women in the church services (verses 1-16) and the Lord’s Supper (verses 17-34).

Special concepts in this chapter

Proper conduct in a church service

Disorderly women

Paul’s instructions here are debated among scholars. There may have been women who were abusing their Christian freedom and causing disorder in the church by going against established cultural customs. The disorder that their actions created would have caused him to be concerned.

The Lord’s Supper

There were problems in how the Corinthians were handling the Lord’s Supper. They did not act in a unified manner. During the feast celebrated along with the Lord’s Supper, some of them ate their own food without sharing. Some of them got drunk while the poor people remained hungry. Paul taught that the believers dishonored Christ’s death if they participated in the Lord’s Supper while they were sinning or while they were in broken relationships with each other. (See: INVALID bible/kt/sin and INVALID bible/kt/reconcile)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the people for their unwillingness to follow the rules for worship he has suggested. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The head

Paul uses “head” as a metonym for authority in verse 3 and also to refer to a person’s actual head in verse 4 and following. Since they are so close together, it is likely that Paul intentionally used “head” in this way. This would show that the ideas in these verses were connected. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 11:1

After reminding them to follow him the way he follows Christ, Paul gives some specific instructs in how women and men are to live as believers.

1 Corinthians 11:2

πάντα μου μέμνησθε

“you think of me at all times” or “you always try act as I would want you to act” The Corinthians had not forgotten who Paul was or what he had taught them.

1 Corinthians 11:3

θέλω δὲ

Possible meanings are 1) “Because of this, I want” or 2) “However, I want.”

ἡ κεφαλὴ…ἐστιν

has authority over

κεφαλὴ…γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ

Possible meanings are 1) “men are to have authority over women” or 2) “the husband is to have authority over the wife”

1 Corinthians 11:4

κατὰ κεφαλῆς ἔχων

“and does so after placing a cloth or veil over his head”

καταισχύνει τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ

Possible meanings are 1) “brings disgrace on himself” or 2) “brings disgrace on Christ, who is his head.”

1 Corinthians 11:5

γυνὴ προσευχομένη…καταισχύνει τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτῆς

Possible meanings are 1) “woman who prays…brings disgrace on herself” or 2) “wife who prays…brings disgrace on her husband.”

ἀκατακαλύπτῳ τῇ κεφαλῇ

That is, without the cloth that was worn on the top of the head and that covered the hair and shoulders.

τῇ ἐξυρημένῃ

as if she had removed all the hair on her head with a razor

1 Corinthians 11:6

εἰ…αἰσχρὸν γυναικὶ

It was a mark of disgrace or humiliation for a woman to have her hair shaved off or cut short.

κατακαλύπτεται

place on her head the cloth that was worn on the top of the head and that covered the hair and shoulders

1 Corinthians 11:7

οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) “must not cover his head” or 2) “does not need to cover his head” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

δόξα ἀνδρός

Just as man reflects God’s greatness, the woman reflects the man’s character.

1 Corinthians 11:8

οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἀνὴρ ἐκ γυναικός, ἀλλὰ γυνὴ ἐξ ἀνδρός.

God made the woman by taking a bone from the man and making the woman from that bone. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not make the man from the woman. Instead, he made the woman from the man” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 11:9

γὰρ οὐκ…διὰ τὸν ἄνδρα

These words and all of 1 Corinthians 11:8 could be put in parentheses so that the reader can see that the word “this” in “this is why…the angels” clearly refers back to the words “the woman is the glory of the man” in 1 Corinthians 11:7.

1 Corinthians 11:10

ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς

Possible meanings are 1) “to symbolize that she has man as her head” or 2) “to symbolize that she has the authority to pray or prophesy.”

1 Corinthians 11:11

πλὴν…ἐν Κυρίῳ

“While what I have just said is all true, the most important thing is this: in the Lord”

ἐν Κυρίῳ

Possible meanings are 1) “among Christians, who belong to the Lord” or 2) “in the world as created by God.”

οὔτε γυνὴ χωρὶς ἀνδρὸς, οὔτε ἀνὴρ χωρὶς γυναικὸς ἐν Κυρίῳ

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “the woman depends on the man, and the man depends on the woman” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

1 Corinthians 11:12

τὰ…πάντα ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ

“God created everything”

1 Corinthians 11:13

ἐν ὑμῖν αὐτοῖς κρίνατε

“Judge this issue according to the local customs and church practices you know”

πρέπον ἐστὶν γυναῖκα ἀκατακάλυπτον, τῷ Θεῷ προσεύχεσθαι?

Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. This can be stated in active form. “To honor God, a woman should pray to God with a covering on her head.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 11:14

οὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς…αὐτῷ ἐστιν;

Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. Alternate translation: “Nature itself even teaches you…for him.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς…αὐτῷ ἐστιν;

He is speaking of the way people in society normally act as if it were a person who teaches. Alternate translation: “You know just from looking at the way people normally act…for him.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

1 Corinthians 11:15

ὅτι ἡ κόμη…δέδοται αὐτῇ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For God created woman with hair” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 11:17

As Paul talks about communion, the Lord’s supper, he reminds them to have right attitudes as well as unity. He reminds them that if they fail in those things when taking communion, they will become sick and die, as has already happened to some of them.

τοῦτο δὲ παραγγέλλων, οὐκ ἐπαινῶ, ὅτι

Another possible meaning is “as I give you these instructions, there is something for which I cannot praise you: when”

τοῦτο…παραγγέλλων

“the instructions I am about to talk about”

συνέρχεσθε

“gather together” or “meet”

οὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖσσον, ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ ἧσσον

“you do not help each other; instead, you harm each other”

1 Corinthians 11:18

ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ

“as believers.” Paul is not talking about being inside a building.

σχίσματα ἐν ὑμῖν ὑπάρχειν

“you divide yourselves into opposing groups”

1 Corinthians 11:19

δεῖ γὰρ καὶ αἱρέσεις ἐν ὑμῖν εἶναι

Possible meanings 1) The word “must” indicates that this situation is likely to happen. Alternate translation: “For there will probably be factions among you” or 2) Paul was using irony to shame them for having factions. Alternate translation: “For you seem to think that there must be factions among you” or “For you seem to think that you must divide yourselves” (See: INVALID translate/figs-irony)

αἱρέσεις

opposing groups of people

ἵνα καὶ οἱ δόκιμοι φανεροὶ γένωνται ἐν ὑμῖν

Possible meanings are 1) “so that people will know the most highly regarded believers among you” or 2) “so that people can display this approval to the others among you.” Paul may have been using irony, saying the opposite of what he wanted the Corinthians to understand, to shame them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-irony)

δόκιμοι

Possible meanings are 1) “whom God approves” or 2) “whom you, the church, approve.”

1 Corinthians 11:20

συνερχομένων

“gather together”

οὐκ ἔστιν Κυριακὸν δεῖπνον φαγεῖν

“you may believe you are eating the Lord’s Supper, but you do not treat it with respect”

1 Corinthians 11:22

ἐσθίειν καὶ πίνειν

“in which to gather for a meal”

καταφρονεῖτε

hate or treat with dishonor and disrespect

καταισχύνετε

embarrass or cause to feel shame

τί εἴπω ὑμῖν? ἐπαινέσω ὑμᾶς ἐν τούτῳ?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “I can say nothing good about this. I cannot praise you.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 11:23

ἐγὼ γὰρ παρέλαβον ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου, ὃ καὶ παρέδωκα ὑμῖν, ὅτι ὁ Κύριος

“For it was from the Lord that I heard what I told you, and it was this: the Lord”

ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ᾗ παρεδίδετο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “on the night that Judas Iscariot betrayed him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 11:24

ἔκλασεν

“he pulled pieces from it”

τοῦτό μού ἐστιν τὸ σῶμα

“The bread I am holding is my body”

1 Corinthians 11:25

τὸ ποτήριον

It is best to translate this literally. The Corinthians knew which cup he took, so it is not simply “a cup” or “some cup” or “any cup.” Possible meanings are that it was 1) the cup of wine that one would expect him to use or 2) the third or fourth of the four cups of wine that the Jews drank at the Passover meal.

τοῦτο ποιεῖτε, ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε

“Drink from this cup, and as often as you drink from it”

1 Corinthians 11:26

τὸν θάνατον τοῦ Κυρίου καταγγέλλετε

teach about the crucifixion and resurrection

ἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ

Where Jesus comes to can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “until Jesus comes back to the earth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 11:27

ἂν ἐσθίῃ τὸν ἄρτον ἢ πίνῃ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ Κυρίου

“eats the bread of the Lord or drinks the cup of the Lord”

1 Corinthians 11:28

δοκιμαζέτω

Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how “test the quality” is translated in 1 Corinthians 3:13. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 11:29

μὴ διακρίνων τὸ σῶμα

Possible meanings are 1) “and does not recognize that the church is the body of the Lord” or 2) “and does not consider that he is handling the Lord’s body.”

1 Corinthians 11:30

ἀσθενεῖς καὶ ἄρρωστοι

These words mean almost the same thing and can be combined, as in UST.

κοιμῶνται ἱκανοί

“Sleep” here is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “and some of you have died” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism).

ἱκανοί

If this would sound like Paul is talking to those who have died, you may need to make explicit that he is not. Alternate translation: “some of the members of your group” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 11:31

διεκρίνομεν

Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 11:28. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

οὐκ ἂν ἐκρινόμεθα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not judge us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 11:32

κρινόμενοι…ὑπὸ Κυρίου, παιδευόμεθα, ἵνα μὴ…κατακριθῶμεν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord judges us, he disciplines us, so that he will not condemn us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 11:33

συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν

gather to eat a meal together before celebrating the Lord’s Supper

ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε

“allow the others to arrive before beginning the meal”

1 Corinthians 11:34

ἐν οἴκῳ ἐσθιέτω

“let him eat before attending this gathering”

μὴ εἰς κρίμα

“it will not be an occasion for God to discipline you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

This chapter begins a new section. Chapters 12-14 discuss spiritual gifts within the church.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Church, the body of Christ

This is an important metaphor in Scripture. The Church has many different parts. Each part has different functions. They combine to make one church. All of the different parts are necessary. Each part is to be concerned for all the other parts, even those that seem less important. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”

In reading the Old Testament, the Jews would have substituted the word “Lord” for the word “Yahweh.” This sentence probably means that no one can say that Jesus is Yahweh, God in the flesh, without the Holy Spirit’s influence drawing them to accept this truth. If this statement is translated poorly, it can have unintended theological consequences.

1 Corinthians 12:1

Paul lets them know that God has given special gifts to believers. These gifts are to help the body of believers.

οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν

This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “I want you to know” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

1 Corinthians 12:2

ἦτε, πρὸς τὰ εἴδωλα τὰ ἄφωνα ὡς ἂν ἤγεσθε, ἀπαγόμενοι

Here “led astray” is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. Being led astray to idols represents being wrongly persuaded to worship idols. The phrases “were led astray” and “you were led by them” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you were persuaded in some way to worship idols who cannot speak” or “you believed lies somehow and so you worshiped idols who cannot speak” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 12:3

οὐδεὶς ἐν Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λαλῶν, λέγει

Possible meanings are 1) “no Christian who has the Spirit of God in him can say” or 2) “no one who is prophesying by the power of the Spirit of God can say.”

ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς

“God will punish Jesus” or “God will make Jesus suffer”

1 Corinthians 12:6

ὁ ἐνεργῶν τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν

“causes everyone to have them”

1 Corinthians 12:7

ἑκάστῳ…δίδοται

This can be stated in active form. God is the one who does the giving (1 Corinthians 12:6). Alternate translation: “God gives to each one” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 12:8

ᾧ μὲν…διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος δίδοται λόγος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “by means of the Spirit God gives to one person the word” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

λόγος

“the message”

διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος

God gives the gifts through the work of the Spirit.

σοφίας…γνώσεως

The difference between these two words is not as important here as the fact that God gives them both by the same Spirit.

λόγος σοφίας

Paul is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “wise words” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hendiadys)

λόγος γνώσεως

Paul is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “words that show knowldge” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hendiadys)

δίδοται

This can be stated in active form. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8. Alternate translation: “God gives” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 12:9

ἄλλῳ…χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων ἐν τῷ ἑνὶ Πνεύματι

The words “are given” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit are given” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Corinthians 12:10

ἄλλῳ προφητεία

The phrase “is given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another prophecy is given by the same Spirit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

ἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν

The phrase “are given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another various kinds of tongues are given by the same Spirit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

γένη γλωσσῶν

Here “tongues” represents languages. Alternate translation: “the ability to speak different languages” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἄλλῳ…ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν

The phrase “is given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another the interpretation of tongues is given by the same Spirit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν

This is the ability to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying. Alternate translation: “the ability to interpret what is said in other languages”

1 Corinthians 12:11

τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα

God gives the gifts through the work of the one and only Holy Spirit. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8.

1 Corinthians 12:12

Paul continues to talk of the variety of gifts God gives believers, God gives different gifts to different believers, but Paul wants them to know that all believers are made into one body, which is called the body of Christ. For this reason believers should have unity.

1 Corinthians 12:13

γὰρ ἐν ἑνὶ Πνεύματι ἡμεῖς πάντες…ἐβαπτίσθημεν

Possible meanings are 1) the Holy Spirit is the one who baptizes us, “For one Spirit baptized us” or 2) that the Spirit, like the water of baptism, is the medium through which we are baptized into the body, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

εἴτε…δοῦλοι, εἴτε ἐλεύθεροι

“Bound” here is a metonym for “slaves.” Alternate translation: “whether slave-people or free-people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πάντες ἓν Πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave all of us the same Spirit, and we share the Spirit as people might share a drink” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 12:17

ποῦ ἡ ἀκοή?…ποῦ ἡ ὄσφρησις?

This can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “you could not hear anything…you could not smell anything” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 12:19

τὰ…ἓν μέλος

The word “member” is a general word for the parts of the body, like the head, arm, or knee. Alternate translation: “the same part of the body”

ποῦ τὸ σῶμα?

This can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “there would be no body” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 12:21

χρείαν σου οὐκ ἔχω

“I do not need you”

1 Corinthians 12:23

ἀτιμότερα

“less important”

τὰ ἀσχήμονα ἡμῶν

This probably refers to the private parts of the body, which people keep covered. (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

1 Corinthians 12:25

μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι, ἀλλὰ

“the body may be unified, and”

1 Corinthians 12:26

δοξάζεται μέλος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone gives honor to one member” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 12:27

ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε

Here the word “now” is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

1 Corinthians 12:28

πρῶτον ἀποστόλους

Possible meanings are 1) “the first gift I will mention is apostles” or 2) “the most important gift is apostles.”

ἀντιλήμψεις

“those who provide help to other believers”

κυβερνήσεις

“those who govern the church”

κυβερνήσεις

an individual who can speak in one or more foreign languages without having studied that language

1 Corinthians 12:29

μὴ πάντες ἀπόστολοι? μὴ πάντες προφῆται? μὴ πάντες διδάσκαλοι? μὴ πάντες δυνάμεις?

Paul is reminding his readers of what they already know. Alternate translation: “Only some of them are apostles. Only some of them are prophets. Only some of them are teachers. Only some of them do powerful deeds.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 12:30

μὴ πάντες χαρίσματα ἔχουσιν ἰαμάτων?

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them have gifts of healing.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

μὴ πάντες γλώσσαις λαλοῦσιν?

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them speak with tongues.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

μὴ πάντες διερμηνεύουσιν?

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them interpret tongues.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

διερμηνεύουσιν

This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

1 Corinthians 12:31

ζηλοῦτε…τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ μείζονα

Possible meanings are 1) “You must eagerly seek from God the gifts that best help the church.” or 2) “You are eagerly looking for gifts that you think are greater because you think they are more exciting to have.”

1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul seems to interrupt his teaching about spiritual gifts. However, this chapter probably serves a larger function in his teaching.

Special concepts in this chapter

Love

Love is the most important characteristic of the believer. This chapter fully describes love. Paul tells why love is more important than the gifts of the Spirit. (See: INVALID bible/kt/love)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Paul uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He uses these metaphors to instruct the Corinthians, especially on difficult topics. Readers often need spiritual discernment to understand these teachings. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 13:1

Having just talked about the gifts that God gave to believers, Paul emphasizes what is more important.

ταῖς γλώσσαις…τῶν ἀγγέλων

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is exaggerating for the sake of effect and does not believe that people speak the language that angels use or 2) Paul thinks that some who speak in tongues actually speak the language that angels use. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

γέγονα χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον

I have become like instruments that make loud, annoying sounds (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

χαλκὸς

a large, thin, round metal plate that is hit with a padded stick to make a loud sound (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

1 Corinthians 13:3

παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου

The phrase “to be burned” can be made active. Alternate translation: “I allow those who persecute me to burn me to death” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 13:4

ἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ…οὐ φυσιοῦται

Here Paul speaks about love as if it were a person. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

1 Corinthians 13:5

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

οὐ παροξύνεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to make it angry quickly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 13:6

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

οὐ χαίρει ἐπὶ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, συνχαίρει δὲ τῇ ἀληθείᾳ

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “It rejoices only in righteousness and truth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

1 Corinthians 13:7

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

1 Corinthians 13:12

βλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι’ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι

Mirrors in Paul’s day were made of polished metal rather than glass and provided a dim, vague reflection.

βλέπομεν…ἄρτι

Possible meanings are 1) “now we see Christ” or 2) “now we see God.”

τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον

“but then we will see Christ face to face” This means that we will be physically present with Christ. (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἐπιγνώσομαι

The word “Christ” is understood. Alternate translation: “I will know Christ fully” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

καθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “just as Christ has known me fully” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 13:13

πίστις, ἐλπίς, ἀγάπη

These abstract nouns can be expressed in phrases with verbs. Alternate translation: “we must trust the Lord, be confident that he will do what he has promised, and love him and others” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul returns to discussing spiritual gifts.

Some translations set what is quoted from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the words of verse 21.

Special concepts in this chapter

Tongues

Scholars disagree on the exact meaning of the gift of tongues. Paul describes the gift of tongues as a sign for unbelievers. It does not serve the whole church, unless someone interprets what is spoken. It is very important that the church uses this gift properly.

Prophecy

Scholars disagree on the exact meaning of prophecy as a spiritual gift. Paul says prophets can build up the entire church. He describes prophecy as a gift for believers. (See: INVALID bible/kt/prophet)

1 Corinthians 14:1

Paul wants them to know that though teaching is more important because it instructs people, it must be done with love.

διώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην

Paul speaks of love as if it were a person. “Follow after love” or “Work hard to love people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

μᾶλλον…ἵνα προφητεύητε

“and work especially hard to be able to prophesy”

1 Corinthians 14:3

οἰκοδομὴν

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “to strengthen them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 14:4

οἰκοδομεῖ

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “strengthens people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 14:5

μείζων δὲ ὁ προφητεύων

Paul is emphasizing that the gift of prophecy is greater than the gift of speaking in tongues. Alternate translation: “The one who prophesies has a greater gift” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

διερμηνεύῃ

This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

1 Corinthians 14:6

τί ὑμᾶς ὠφελήσω

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not benefit you.” or “I will not have done anything that helps you.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 14:7

διαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ

This refers to sounds of different pitch that make up the melody, not to the difference between a flute sound and a harp sound.

πῶς γνωσθήσεται τὸ αὐλούμενον

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: “no one will know what tune the flute or harp is playing.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 14:8

τίς παρασκευάσεται εἰς πόλεμον?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: “no one would know when it is time to prepare for battle.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 14:10

οὐδὲν ἄφωνον

This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “they all have meaning” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

1 Corinthians 14:12

πνευμάτων

“being able to do things that show that the Spirit controls you”

πρὸς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ζητεῖτε ἵνα περισσεύητε

Paul speaks of the church as if it were a house that one could build and of the work of building the church as if it were something one could harvest. Alternate translation: “to succeed greatly in making God’s people more able to serve God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 14:13

διερμηνεύῃ

This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

1 Corinthians 14:14

ὁ…νοῦς μου ἄκαρπός ἐστιν

The mind not understanding what is being prayed and, therefore, receiving no benefit from the prayer is spoken of as if the “mind is unfruitful.” Alternate translation: “I do not understand it in my mind” or “my mind does not benefit from the prayer, because I do not understand the words I am saying” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 14:15

τί…ἐστιν

Paul is introducing his conclusion. Alternate translation: “This is what I will do.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

προσεύξομαι τῷ Πνεύματι…προσεύξομαι…τῷ νοΐ…ψαλῶ τῷ Πνεύματι…ψαλῶ…τῷ νοΐ

Prayers and songs must be in a language that the people present can understand.

τῷ νοΐ

“with words that I understand”

1 Corinthians 14:16

εὐλογῇς…τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ…λέγεις

Though “you” is singular here, Paul is addressing everyone who prays only in the spirit, but not with the mind. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

πῶς ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν…οὐκ οἶδεν?

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “the outsider will never be able to say ‘Amen’…saying.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τοῦ ἰδιώτου

Possible meanings are 1) “another person” or 2) “people who are new to your group.”

ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν

“be able to agree” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

1 Corinthians 14:17

σὺ μὲν…εὐχαριστεῖς

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

ὁ ἕτερος οὐκ οἰκοδομεῖται

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “the other person is not strengthened” or “what you say does not strengthen any outsider who might hear you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 14:19

ἢ μυρίους λόγους ἐν γλώσσῃ

Paul was not counting words, but used exaggeration to emphasize that a few understandable words are far more valuable than even a great number of words in a language that people cannot understand. Alternate translation: “10,000 words” or “a great many words” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

1 Corinthians 14:20

Paul tells them that speaking in different languages was told ahead of time by the prophet Isaiah many years before this speaking in other languages happened at the start of Christ’s church.

μὴ παιδία γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν

Here “children” is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate translation: “do not think like children” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 14:21

ἐν τῷ νόμῳ γέγραπται

This can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: “The prophet wrote these words in the law:” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐν ἑτερογλώσσοις καὶ ἐν χείλεσιν ἑτέρων

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

1 Corinthians 14:22

Paul gives specific instructions on an orderly way to use gifts in the church.

οὐ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν, ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἀπίστοις

This can be expressed positively and combined with the other positive statement. Alternate translation: “only for believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives and INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

1 Corinthians 14:23

οὐκ ἐροῦσιν ὅτι μαίνεσθε?

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “they would say that you are insane.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Corinthians 14:24

ἐλέγχεται ὑπὸ πάντων, ἀνακρίνεται ὑπὸ πάντων

Paul says basically the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate translation: “he would realize that he is guilty of sin because he hears what you are saying” (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

1 Corinthians 14:25

τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ φανερὰ γίνεται

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s thoughts. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God would reveal to him the secrets of his heart” or “He would recognize his own private inner thoughts” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πεσὼν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον, προσκυνήσει τῷ Θεῷ

“Fall on his face” here is an idiom, meaning to bow down. Alternate translation: “He would bow down and worship God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Corinthians 14:26

τί οὖν ἐστιν, ἀδελφοί?

Paul uses a question to introduce the next part of his message. Alternate translation: “Because everything I have just told you is true, this is what you need to do, my fellow believers.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἑρμηνίαν

This means a telling of what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how “interpret” is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

1 Corinthians 14:27

καὶ ἀνὰ μέρος

“and they should speak one after another” or “and they should speak one at a time”

διερμηνευέτω

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “interpret what they said” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

διερμηνευέτω

This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how “interpret” is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

1 Corinthians 14:29

προφῆται…δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν

Possible meanings are 1) only two or three prophets speak at any one meeting or 2) only two or three prophets take turns speaking at any one time.

προφῆται δὲ δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to what they say” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 14:30

ἐὰν…ἄλλῳ ἀποκαλυφθῇ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if God gives someone insight” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 14:31

καθ’ ἕνα…προφητεύειν

Only one person should prophesy at a time.

πάντες…παρακαλῶνται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you may encourage all” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 14:33

οὐ…ἐστιν ἀκαταστασίας ὁ Θεὸς

God does not create confusing situations by making people all speak at the same time.

1 Corinthians 14:34

σιγάτωσαν

Possible meanings are 1) stop speaking, 2) stop speaking when someone is prophesying, or 3) be absolutely silent during the church service.

1 Corinthians 14:36

ἢ ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐξῆλθεν, ἢ εἰς ὑμᾶς μόνους κατήντησεν?

Paul emphasizes that the Corinthians are not the only ones who understand what God wants Christians to do. Alternate translation: “The word of God did not come from you in Corinth; you are not the only people who understand God’s will.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ

“Word of God” here is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “God’s message” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Corinthians 14:37

ἐπιγινωσκέτω

A true prophet or truly spiritual person will accept Paul’s writings as coming from the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:38

ἀγνοείτω

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you should not recognize him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 14:39

τὸ λαλεῖν μὴ κωλύετε γλώσσαις

Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues at a church gathering is permissible and acceptable.

1 Corinthians 14:40

πάντα δὲ εὐσχημόνως καὶ κατὰ τάξιν γινέσθω

Paul is stressing that church gatherings should be held in an orderly manner. Alternate translation: “But do all things properly and in order” or “But do everything in an orderly, appropriate way”

1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Resurrection

This chapter includes a very important teaching about the resurrection of Jesus. The Greek people did not believe that a person could live after they died. Paul defends the resurrection of Jesus. He teaches why it is important to all believers. (See: INVALID bible/kt/resurrection and INVALID bible/kt/believe)

Special concepts in this chapter

Resurrection

Paul presents the resurrection as the ultimate proof that Jesus is God. Christ is the first of many who God will raise to life. The resurrection is central to the gospel. Few doctrines are as important as this one. (See: INVALID bible/kt/goodnews and INVALID bible/other/raise)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Paul uses many different figures of speech in this chapter. He uses them to express difficult theological teachings in a way that people can understand.

1 Corinthians 15:1

Paul reminds them that it is the gospel that saves them and he tells them again what the gospel is. Then he gives them a short history lesson, which ends with what will yet happen.

γνωρίζω…ὑμῖ

“help you remember”

ἐν ᾧ…ἑστήκατε

Paul is speaking of the Corinthians as if they were a house and the gospel as if it were the foundation on which the house was standing. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:2

σῴζεσθε

This can be stated in active form. “God will save you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν

“the message I preached to you”

1 Corinthians 15:3

ἐν πρώτοις

Possible meanings are 1) as the most important of many things or 2) as the first in time .

ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν

“to pay for our sins” or “so that God could forgive our sins”

κατὰ τὰς Γραφάς

Paul is referring to the writings of the Old Testament.

1 Corinthians 15:4

ἐτάφη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they buried him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐγήγερται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God raised him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐγήγερται

“was caused to live again”

1 Corinthians 15:5

If you need for verse 5 to be a complete sentence, end 1 Corinthians 15:4 with a comma so that verse 5 completes the sentence begun in 1 Corinthians 15:3.

ὤφθη

“showed himself to”

1 Corinthians 15:6

πεντακοσίοις

500 (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

τινὲς…ἐκοιμήθησαν

“Sleep” here is a common euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “some have died” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

1 Corinthians 15:8

ἔσχατον…πάντων

“Finally, after he had appeared to the others”

τῷ ἐκτρώματι

This is an idiom by which Paul may mean that he became a Christian much later than the other apostles. Or perhaps he means that, unlike the other apostles, he did not witness Jesus’ three-year-long ministry. Alternate translation: “someone who missed the experiences of the others” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Corinthians 15:10

χάριτι…Θεοῦ, εἰμι ὅ εἰμι

God’s grace or kindness has made Paul as he is now.

ἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ, οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη

Paul is emphasizing through litotes that God worked through Paul. Alternate translation: “because he was kind to me, I was able to do much good work” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ σὺν ἐμοί

Paul speaks of the work he was able to do because God was kind to him as if that grace were actually doing the work. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) this is literally true, and God actually did the work and kindly used Paul as a tool or 2) Paul is using a metaphor and saying that God was kind to let Paul do the work and to make Paul’s work have good results. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:12

πῶς λέγουσιν ἐν ὑμῖν τινες, ὅτι ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν?

Paul is using this question to begin a new topic. Alternate translation: “you should not be saying that there is no resurrection of the dead!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἐγήγερται

made alive again

1 Corinthians 15:13

εἰ…ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν, οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται

Paul is using a hypothetical case to argue that there is a resurrection of the dead. He knows that Christ has been raised and so infers that there is a resurrection. To say that there is no resurrection is to say that Christ has not been raised, but this is false because Paul has seen the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:8). (See: INVALID translate/figs-hypo)

οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has not even raised Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 15:15

Paul wants them assured that Christ rose from the dead.

εὑρισκόμεθα…ψευδομάρτυρες τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul is arguing that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then they are bearing false witness or lying about Christ’s coming alive again.

εὑρισκόμεθα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone will realize that we are” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 15:17

ματαία ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν, ἔτι ἐστὲ ἐν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν

Their faith is based on Christ having risen from the dead, so if that did not happen, their faith will do them no good.

1 Corinthians 15:19

πάντων ἀνθρώπων

“of everyone, including believers and non-believers”

ἐλεεινότεροι πάντων ἀνθρώπων ἐσμέν

“people should feel sorry for us more than they do for anyone else”

1 Corinthians 15:20

νυνὶ…Χριστὸς

“as it is, Christ” or “this is the truth: Christ”

ἀπαρχὴ

Here “firstfruits” is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “who is like the first part of the harvest” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἀπαρχὴ τῶν κεκοιμημένων

“Raised” here is an idiom for “caused to live again.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has raised Christ, who is the firstfruits of those who died” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Corinthians 15:21

δι’ ἀνθρώπου θάνατος

The abstract noun “death” can be expressed with the verb “die.” Alternate translation. “people die because of what one man did” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

καὶ δι’ ἀνθρώπου ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν

The abstract noun “resurrection” can be expressed with the verb “raise.” Alternate translation: “people are raised from the dead because of another man” or “people will become alive again because of what one man did” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

1 Corinthians 15:23

ἀπαρχὴ

Here “firstfruits” is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “who is like the first part of the harvest” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:24

Here the words “he” and “his” refer to Christ.

καταργήσῃ πᾶσαν ἀρχὴν, καὶ πᾶσαν ἐξουσίαν, καὶ δύναμιν

“he will stop those people who rule, who have authority, and who have power from doing what they are doing”

1 Corinthians 15:25

ἄχρι οὗ θῇ πάντας τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ

Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated. Alternate translation: “until God has completely destroyed all of Christ’s enemies” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Corinthians 15:26

ἔσχατος ἐχθρὸς καταργεῖται ὁ θάνατος

Paul speaks of death here as if it were a person whom God will kill. Alternate translation: “The final enemy that God will destroy is death itself” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-personification)

1 Corinthians 15:27

πάντα…ὑπέταξεν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ

Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated. See how “put…under his feet” is translated in 1 Corinthians 15:25. Alternate translation: “God has completely destroyed all of Christ’s enemies” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Corinthians 15:28

ὑποταγῇ αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα

This can stated as active. Alternate translation: “God has made all things subject to Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

αὐτὸς ὁ Υἱὸς, ὑποταγήσεται

This can stated as active. Alternate translation: “the Son himself will become subject” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

αὐτὸς ὁ Υἱὸς

In the previous verses he was referred to as “Christ.” Alternate translation: “Christ, that is, the Son himself”

ὁ Υἱὸς

This is an important title that describes the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: INVALID translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)

1 Corinthians 15:29

ἐπεὶ τί ποιήσουσιν, οἱ βαπτιζόμενοι ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν?

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Otherwise it would be useless for Christians to receive baptism for the dead.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

εἰ ὅλως νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται, τί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν?

Paul uses a hypothetical situation to argue that the dead are raised. To say that the dead are not raised is to say that people should not be baptized for the dead. But some people, probably some members of the church in Corinth, are baptized for the dead, so he infers those people are baptized for the dead because they believe that the dead are raised. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hypo)

νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God does not raise the dead” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

οὐκ ἐγείρονται

“are not caused to live again”

τί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there would be no reason for them to have people baptize them on behalf of dead people.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 15:30

τί καὶ ἡμεῖς κινδυνεύομεν πᾶσαν ὥραν

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. The reason he and others were in danger is that some people were angry that they taught that Jesus will raise people from death. Alternate translation: “If people will not rise from the dead, we gain nothing by being in danger every hour for teaching that people will rise.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Corinthians 15:31

καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω

This exaggeration means he was in danger of dying. He knew that some people wanted to kill him because they did not like what he was teaching. Alternate translation: “Every day I am in danger of dying” or “Every day I risk my life!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

νὴ τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν

Paul uses this statement as evidence that he faces death every day. Alternate translation: “You can know that this is true, because you know about my boasting in you” or “You can know that this is true, because you know about how much I boast in you”

τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν, ἀδελφοί, ἣν ἔχω ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν

Paul boasted in them because of what Christ Jesus had done for them. Alternate translation: “my boasting in you, which I do because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done for you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν

“the way I tell other people how good you are”

1 Corinthians 15:32

εἰ…ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ…τί μοι τὸ ὄφελος…οὐκ ἐγείρονται

Paul wants the Corinthians to understand without him having to tell them. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “I gained nothing…by fighting with beasts at Ephesus…not raised.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ

Paul is referring to something that he actually did. Possible meanings are 1) Paul was speaking figuratively about his arguments with learned pagans or other conflicts with people who wanted to kill him or 2) he was actually put into the arena to fight against dangerous animals. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

φάγωμεν καὶ πίωμεν, αὔριον γὰρ ἀποθνῄσκομεν

Paul concludes that if there is no further life after death, it is better for us to enjoy this life as we can, for tomorrow our life will end without any further hope.

1 Corinthians 15:33

φθείρουσιν ἤθη χρηστὰ ὁμιλίαι κακαί

If you live with bad people, you will act like them. Paul is quoting a common saying.

1 Corinthians 15:34

ἐκνήψατε

“You must think seriously about this”

1 Corinthians 15:35

Paul gives some specifics about how the resurrection of the believers’ bodies will take place. He gives a picture of natural and spiritual bodies and compares the first man Adam with the last Adam, Christ.

ἀλλ’ ἐρεῖ τις, πῶς ἐγείρονται οἱ νεκροί? ποίῳ δὲ σώματι ἔρχονται?

Possible meanings are 1) The person is asking sincerely or 2) the person is using the question to mock the idea of a resurrection. Alternate translation: “But some will say that they cannot imagine how God will raise the dead, and what kind of body God would give them in the resurrection.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἐρεῖ τις

“someone will ask”

ποίῳ…σώματι ἔρχονται

That is, will it be a physical body or a spiritual body? What shape will the body have? What will the body be made of? Translate using the most general question that someone who wants to know the answers to these questions would ask.

1 Corinthians 15:36

ἄφρων! σὺ ὃ σπείρεις

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so both instances of “you” here are singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

ἄφρων! σὺ

“You do not know about this at all”

ὃ σπείρεις, οὐ ζῳοποιεῖται, ἐὰν μὴ ἀποθάνῃ

A seed will not grow unless it is first buried underground. In the same way, a person has to die before God can resurrect him. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:37

ὃ σπείρεις, οὐ τὸ σῶμα τὸ γενησόμενον

Paul uses the metaphor of the seed again to say that God will resurrect the dead body of the believer, but that body will not appear as it was. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ὃ σπείρεις

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

1 Corinthians 15:38

ὁ…Θεὸς δίδωσιν αὐτῷ σῶμα, καθὼς ἠθέλησεν

“God will decide what kind of body it will have”

1 Corinthians 15:39

σὰρξ

In the context of animals, “flesh” may be translated as “body,” “skin,” or “meat.”

1 Corinthians 15:40

σώματα ἐπουράνια

Possible meanings are 1) the sun, moon, stars, and other visible lights in the sky or 2) heavenly beings, such as angels and other supernatural beings.

σώματα ἐπίγεια

This refers to humans.

ἑτέρα μὲν ἡ τῶν ἐπουρανίων δόξα, ἑτέρα δὲ ἡ τῶν ἐπιγείων

“the glory that heavenly bodies have is different from the glory of human bodies”

δόξα

Here “glory” refers to the relative brightness to the human eye of objects in the sky.

1 Corinthians 15:42

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “What goes into the ground…what comes out of the ground” or “What people bury…what God raises” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐγείρεται

“is caused to live again”

ἐν φθορᾷ…ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ

“can rot…cannot rot”

1 Corinthians 15:43

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground…it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it…God raises it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 15:44

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground…it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it…God raises it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 15:46

ἀλλ’ οὐ πρῶτον τὸ πνευματικὸν, ἀλλὰ τὸ ψυχικόν, ἔπειτα τὸ πνευματικόν

“The natural being came first. The spiritual being is from God and came later.”

ψυχικόν

created by earthly processes, not yet connected to God

1 Corinthians 15:47

ὁ πρῶτος ἄνθρωπος ἐκ γῆς, χοϊκός

God made the first man, Adam, from the dust of the earth. (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

χοϊκός

dirt

1 Corinthians 15:48

ὁ ἐπουράνιος

Jesus Christ

οἱ…ἐπουράνιοι

“those who belong to God”

1 Corinthians 15:49

ἐφορέσαμεν τὴν εἰκόνα…φορέσωμεν καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα

“have been just like…will also be just like”

1 Corinthians 15:50

Paul wants them to realize that some believers will not die physically but will still get a resurrected body through Christ’s victory.

σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ κληρονομῆσαι οὐ δύναται, οὐδὲ ἡ φθορὰ, τὴν ἀφθαρσίαν κληρονομεῖ

Possible meanings are 1) the two sentences mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “human beings who will surely die cannot inherit the permanent kingdom of God” or 2) the second sentence finishes the thought begun by the first. Alternate translation: “weak human beings cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither do those who will certainly die inherit a kingdom that will last forever” (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα

Those who inhabit a body that is doomed to die. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

κληρονομῆσαι

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἡ φθορὰ, τὴν ἀφθαρσίαν

“can rot…cannot rot.” See how these words are translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.

1 Corinthians 15:51

πάντες…ἀλλαγησόμεθα

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “God will change us all” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Corinthians 15:52

ἀλλαγησόμεθα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will change us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ

It will happen as fast as it takes for a person to blink his or her eye.

ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι

“when the last trumpet sounds”

οἱ νεκροὶ ἐγερθήσονται

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise the dead” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐγερθήσονται

“caused to live again”

ἄφθαρτοι

“in a form that cannot rot.” See how a similar phrase is translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.

1 Corinthians 15:53

τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο…ἀφθαρσίαν

“this body that can rot…cannot rot.” See how similar phrases are translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.

δεῖ…ἐνδύσασθαι

Paul is speaking of God making our bodies so they will never die again as if God were putting new clothes on us. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:54

ὅταν…τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀφθαρσίαν

Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming imperishable is spoken of as if being imperishable was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this perishable body has become imperishable” or “when this body that can rot can no longer rot” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀθανασίαν

Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming immortal is spoken of as if being immortal was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this mortal body has become immortal” or “when this body that can die can no longer die” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:55

ποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ νῖκος? ποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ κέντρον?

Paul speaks as if death were a person, and he uses this question to mock the power of death, which Christ has defeated. Alternate translation: “Death has no victory. Death has no sting.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-apostrophe and INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

σου…σου

These are singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

1 Corinthians 15:56

τὸ…κέντρον τοῦ θανάτου ἡ ἁμαρτία

It is through sin that we are destined to face death, that is to die.

ἡ…δύναμις τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ νόμος

God’s law that was passed down by Moses defines sin and shows us how we sin before God.

1 Corinthians 15:57

τῷ διδόντι ἡμῖν τὸ νῖκος

“has defeated death for us”

1 Corinthians 15:58

Paul wants believers, while they work for the Lord, to remember the changed, resurrected bodies that God is going to give them.

ἑδραῖοι γίνεσθε, ἀμετακίνητοι

Paul speaks of someone who lets nothing stop him from carrying out his decisions as if he could not be physically moved. Alternate translation: “be determined” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

περισσεύοντες ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ τοῦ Κυρίου πάντοτε

Paul speaks of efforts made in working for the Lord as if they were objects that a person could acquire more of. Alternate translation: “Always work for the Lord faithfully” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul briefly covers many topics in this chapter. It was common in the ancient Near East for the last part of letters to have personal greetings.

Special concepts in this chapter

Preparation for his coming

Paul gave practical instructions to help prepare the Corinthian church for his visit. He told them to start collecting money every Sunday for the believers in Jerusalem. He hoped to come and spend the winter with them. He told them to help Timothy when he came. He had hoped Apollos would go to them, but Apollos did not think it was the right time. Paul also told them to obey Stephanus. Finally, he sent his greetings to everyone.

1 Corinthians 16:1

In his closing notes, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers to collect money for the needy believers in Jerusalem. He reminds them that Timothy will come to them before he goes to Paul.

εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους

Paul was collecting money from his churches for the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem and Judea.

ὥσπερ διέταξα

“as I gave specific instructions”

1 Corinthians 16:2

θησαυρίζων

Possible meanings are: 1) “keep it at home” or 2) “leave it with the church”

ἵνα μὴ ὅταν ἔλθω, τότε λογεῖαι γίνωνται

“so that you will not have to collect more money while I am with you”

1 Corinthians 16:3

οὓς ἐὰν δοκιμάσητε

Paul is telling the church to choose some of their own people to take their offering to Jerusalem. “whomever you choose” or “the people you appoint”

δι’ ἐπιστολῶν…πέμψω

Possible meanings are 1) “I will send with letters that I will write” or 2) “I will send with letters that you will write.”

1 Corinthians 16:6

ὑμεῖς με προπέμψητε, οὗ ἐὰν πορεύωμαι

This means they might give Paul money or other things he needs so that he and his ministry team could continue to travel.

1 Corinthians 16:7

οὐ θέλω…ὑμᾶς ἄρτι…ἰδεῖν

Paul is stating that he wants to visit for a long time later, not just for a short time soon.

1 Corinthians 16:8

τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς

Paul would stay in Ephesus until this festival, which came in May or June, 50 days after Passover. He would then travel through Macedonia, and later try to arrive in Corinth before winter started in November.

1 Corinthians 16:9

θύρα…ἀνέῳγεν μεγάλη

Paul speaks of the opportunity God has given him to win people to the gospel as if it were a door that God had opened so he could walk through it. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 16:10

βλέπετε ἵνα ἀφόβως γένηται πρὸς ὑμᾶς

“see that he has no cause to fear being with you”

1 Corinthians 16:11

μή τις…αὐτὸν ἐξουθενήσῃ

Because Timothy was much younger than Paul, sometimes he was not shown the respect he deserved as a minister of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 16:12

Ἀπολλῶ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ

Here the word “our” refers to Paul and his readers, so it is inclusive. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

1 Corinthians 16:13

γρηγορεῖτε, στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἀνδρίζεσθε, κραταιοῦσθε

Paul is describing what he wants the Corinthians to do as if he was giving four commands to soldiers in war. These four commands mean almost the same thing and are used for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

γρηγορεῖτε

Paul speaks of people being aware of what is happening as if they were guards keeping watch over a city or vineyard. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “Be careful whom you trust” or “Watch out for danger” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει

Paul speaks of people continuing to believe in Christ according to his teaching as if they were soldiers refusing to retreat when the enemy attacks. Possible meanings are 1) “keep strongly believing what we have taught you” or 2) “keep strongly trusting in Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἀνδρίζεσθε

In the society in which Paul and his audience lived, men usually provided for families by doing the heavy work and fighting against invaders. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “be responsible” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Corinthians 16:14

πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω

“Everything you do should show people that you love them”

1 Corinthians 16:15

Paul begins to close his letter and sends greetings from other churches, as well as from Prisca, Aquila, and Paul himself.

τὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ

Stephanas was one of the first believers in the church at Corinth. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Ἀχαΐας

This is the name of a province in Greece. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Corinthians 16:17

Στεφανᾶ, καὶ Φορτουνάτου, καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ

These men were either some of the first Corinthian believers or church elders who were co-workers with Paul.

Στεφανᾶ, καὶ Φορτουνάτου, καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ

These are men’s names. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν

“They made up for the fact that you were not here.”

1 Corinthians 16:18

ἀνέπαυσαν γὰρ τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα

Paul is saying he was encouraged by their visit.

1 Corinthians 16:21

ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ, Παύλου

Paul was making it clear that the instructions in this letter are from him, even though one of his co-laborers wrote what Paul was saying in the rest of the letter. Paul wrote this last part with his own hand.

1 Corinthians 16:22

ἤτω ἀνάθεμα

“may God curse him.” See how “accursed” was translated in 1 Corinthians 12:3.