2 Corinthians

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', 'front', 'intro', 'ur4j', '', '', '0', '', '# Introduction to 2 Corinthians

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Book of 2 Corinthians

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

### Who wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians?

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

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

### What is the Book of 2 Corinthians about?

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

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

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Second Corinthians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Second Letter to the Church in Corinth.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/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 did Paul mean by “false apostles” (11:13)?

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

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. Also, the word “you” is almost always plural and refers to the believers in Corinth. There are two exceptions to this: 6:2 and 12:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Corinthians?
* “and in your love for us” (8:7). Many versions, including the ULT and UST, read this way. However, many other versions read, “and in our love for you.” There is strong evidence that each reading is original. Translators should probably follow the reading preferred by other versions in their region.

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', 'intro', 'tsh3', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special Concepts

### Paul’s integrity

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

### Comfort

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical question

Paul uses two rhetorical questions to defend himself against a charge of not being sincere. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### We

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

### Guarantee

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

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '1', 'epd2', '', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'After Paul’s greeting to the church in Corinth, he writes about suffering and comfort through Jesus Christ. Timothy is with him as well. The word “you” throughout this letter refers to the people of the church in Corinth and to the rest of the Christians in that area. Possibly Timothy writes on parchment paper the words that Paul says.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '1', 'mel3', '', 'Παῦλος…τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Κορίνθῳ', '1', 'Paul … to the church of God that is in Corinth', 'Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. Alternate translation: “I, Paul … wrote this letter to you, the church of God that is in Corinth”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '1', 'f59u', '', 'Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς', '1', 'Timothy our brother', 'This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew **Timothy** and considered him to be their spiritual **brother**.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '1', 'mhg5', 'translate-names', 'Ἀχαΐᾳ', '1', 'Achaia', '**Achaia** is the name of a Roman province in the southern part of modern-day Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '2', 'f6k1', '', 'χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη', '1', 'May grace be to you and peace', 'This is a common greeting that Paul uses in his letters.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '3', 'px2q', 'figs-activepassive', 'εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “May we always praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '3', 'k7dl', '', 'ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ', '1', 'the God and Father', '“God, who is the Father”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '3', 'pg4a', 'figs-parallelism', 'ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως', '1', 'the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort', 'These two phrases express the same idea in two different ways. Both phrases refer to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '3', 'blv4', '', 'ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως', '1', 'the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort', 'This could mean: (1) the words **mercies** and **all comfort** describe the character of **Father** and **God**. (2) the words **Father** and **God** refer to one who is the source of **mercies** and **all comfort**.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '4', 'n2lc', 'figs-exclusive', 'παρακαλῶν ἡμᾶς ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν', '1', 'comforts us in all our affliction', 'Here, **us** and **our** include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '5', 'nn5a', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὅτι καθὼς περισσεύει τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς ἡμᾶς', '1', 'For just as the sufferings of Christ abound toward us', 'Paul speaks of the **sufferings of Christ** as if they were objects that could increase in number. Alternate translation: “For just as Christ suffered greatly for our sake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '5', 'i254', '', 'τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'the sufferings of Christ', 'This could refer to: (1) the **sufferings** that Paul and Timothy experience because they preach the message about Christ. (2) the **sufferings** that Christ experienced on their behalf.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '5', 'tg9w', 'figs-metaphor', 'περισσεύει…ἡ παράκλησις ἡμῶν', '2', 'our comfort abounds', 'Paul speaks of **comfort** as if it were an object that could increase in size. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '6', 'y9bi', 'figs-exclusive', 'εἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα', '1', 'But if we are afflicted', 'Here the word **we** refers to Paul and Timothy, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '6', 'ylw2', 'figs-activepassive', 'εἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα', '1', '', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But if people afflict us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '6', 'wyj4', 'figs-activepassive', 'εἴτε παρακαλούμεθα', '1', 'if we are comforted', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if God comforts us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '6', 'cfq7', '', 'τῆς ὑμῶν παρακλήσεως, τῆς ἐνεργουμένης', '1', 'your comfort that results', '“you experience effective comfort”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '8', 'jqn8', 'figs-litotes', 'οὐ…θέλομεν ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν', '1', 'we do not want you to be uninformed', 'You can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “we want you to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '8', 'pr8a', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὅτι καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ὑπὲρ δύναμιν ἐβαρήθημεν', '1', 'We were so completely crushed beyond our strength', 'Paul and Timothy refer to their emotions of despair being like a heavy weight they have to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '8', 'gu5b', 'figs-activepassive', 'ὑπερβολὴν…ἐβαρήθημεν', '1', 'We were so completely crushed', 'The word **burdened** refers to the feeling of despair. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “We were in complete despair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '9', 'lks3', 'figs-metaphor', 'αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς τὸ ἀπόκριμα τοῦ θανάτου ἐσχήκαμεν', '1', 'we had the sentence of death on us', 'Paul and Timothy are comparing their feeling of despair to that of someone condemned to die. Alternate translation: “we were in despair like someone who is condemned to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '9', 'i7up', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ', '1', 'but in God', 'The words “be putting our trust” are left out of this phrase. Alternate translation: “but instead, be putting our trust in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '9', 'bu2y', 'figs-idiom', 'τῷ ἐγείροντι τοὺς νεκρούς', '1', 'who raises the dead', 'Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “who causes the dead to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '10', 'x4kh', 'figs-metaphor', 'θανάτου', '1', 'a deadly peril', 'Paul compares his feeling of despair as a result of the troubles that they experienced to a **deadly peril** or terrible danger. Alternate translation: “despair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '10', 'mwn9', '', 'καὶ ἔτι ῥύσεται', '1', 'he will continue to deliver us', '“he also will continue to rescue us”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '11', 'q17d', '', 'συνυπουργούντων καὶ ὑμῶν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τῇ δεήσει', '1', 'as you also join together … on our behalf', '“God will rescue us from danger as you, the people of the church of Corinth, also help us by praying with us”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '11', 'k1fl', 'figs-activepassive', 'τὸ εἰς ἡμᾶς χάρισμα', '1', 'the gracious favor given to us', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the gracious favor which God has given to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '12', 'kqv3', 'figs-exclusive', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'In these verses Paul uses the words **we**, **our**, **ourselves**, and **us** to refer to himself and Timothy and possibly others who served with them. These words do not include the people he was writing to. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '12', 'r9p8', '', 'ἡ γὰρ καύχησις ἡμῶν αὕτη ἐστίν', '1', 'For our proud confidence is this', 'The word **boasting** here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '12', 'c7mu', 'figs-personification', 'τὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως ἡμῶν', '1', 'the testimony of our conscience', 'Paul speaks of not being guilty as if his **conscience** were a person that could testify. Alternate translation: “we know by our conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '12', 'c1bd', 'figs-metonymy', 'οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν χάριτι Θεοῦ', '1', 'not relying on fleshly wisdom but on the grace of God.', 'Here, **fleshly** represents human. Alternate translation: “We have not relied on human wisdom but on the grace of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '13', 'h21j', 'figs-doublenegatives', 'οὐ γὰρ ἄλλα γράφομεν ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ ἃ ἀναγινώσκετε ἢ καὶ ἐπιγινώσκετε', '1', 'For we write no other things to you, but that which you read or also understand', 'You can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “You can read and understand everything we write to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '14', 'ma5m', '', 'καύχημα ὑμῶν', '1', 'your reason for boasting', 'The word **boasting** here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '15', 'nhq8', '', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'Paul wrote at least 3 letters to the Corinthians. Only 2 letters to Corinth are recorded in the Bible.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '15', 'k1u9', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul explains his sincere expectation with pure motives to come see the believers in Corinth after his first letter.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '15', 'n5ex', '', 'ταύτῃ τῇ πεποιθήσει', '1', 'with this confidence', 'The word **this** refers to Paul’s previous comments about the Corinthians.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '15', 'y432', '', 'δευτέραν χάριν σχῆτε', '1', 'you might have a second blessing', '“you might benefit from me visiting you twice”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '16', 'mp6u', '', 'ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν', '1', 'to be sent on my way to Judea by you', '“to assist me to continue on to Judea”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '17', 'zms7', 'figs-rquestion', 'μήτι ἄρα τῇ ἐλαφρίᾳ ἐχρησάμην?', '1', 'I did not then take it lightly, did I?', 'Paul uses this question to emphasize he was sure about his decision to visit the Corinthians. The expected answer to the question is “no”. Alternate translation: “I was not hesitating.” or “I was confident in my decision.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '17', 'chy9', 'figs-rquestion', 'ἢ ἃ βουλεύομαι, κατὰ σάρκα βουλεύομαι, ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?', '1', 'Do I plan things according to human standards … at the same time?', 'Paul uses this question to emphasize that his plans to visit the Corinthians were sincere. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to human standards, so that I would say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '17', 'fq3t', 'figs-explicit', 'ἢ ἃ βουλεύομαι, κατὰ σάρκα βουλεύομαι, ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?', '1', '', 'This means that Paul did not say both that he would visit and that he would not visit at the same time. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to fleshly planning, so that I say ‘Yes, I will certainly visit’ and ‘No, I will definitely not visit’ at the same time!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '17', 'y41z', 'figs-doublet', 'ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?', '1', 'Do I plan things … so that I say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time?', 'The words **yes** and **no** are repeated for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '19', 'z4he', 'figs-explicit', 'ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ γὰρ Υἱὸς, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός…οὐκ ἐγένετο ναὶ καὶ οὒ, ἀλλὰ ναὶ ἐν αὐτῷ γέγονεν.', '1', 'For the Son of God … is not “Yes” and “No.” Instead, he is always “Yes.”', '**Jesus** says “**Yes**” concerning the promises of God, which means that he guarantees that they are true. Alternate translation: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ … does not say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ concerning God’s promises. Instead, he always says ‘Yes.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '19', 'hd2t', 'guidelines-sonofgodprinciples', 'ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ…Υἱὸς', '1', 'the Son of God', '**Son of God** is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '20', 'h2xc', 'figs-explicit', 'ὅσαι…ἐπαγγελίαι Θεοῦ, ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί', '1', 'all the promises of God are “Yes” in him', 'This means that Jesus guarantees all of the **promises of God**. Alternate translation: “all the promises of God are guaranteed in Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '20', 'h4uv', '', 'ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί…δι’ αὐτοῦ', '1', '“Yes” in him … through him we say', 'Both occurrences of the word **him** refer to Jesus Christ.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '21', 'd3s3', '', 'ὁ δὲ βεβαιῶν ἡμᾶς σὺν ὑμῖν εἰς Χριστὸν καὶ χρίσας ἡμᾶς Θεός', '1', 'Now God is the one who establishes us with you', 'This could mean: (1) Paul is saying that **God** confirms the relationship of him and his team with each other because they are **in Christ**. (2) Paul is saying that **God** confirms the relationship of him and his team, and the Corinthians, with **Christ**.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '21', 'tjc6', '', 'χρίσας ἡμᾶς', '1', 'he anointed us', 'This could mean: (1) he sent us to preach the gospel. (2) he chose us to be his people.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '22', 'z43l', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὁ καὶ σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς', '1', 'the one who also sealed us', 'Paul speaks of God showing that we belong to him as if God had put a mark on us as a sign that we belong to him. Alternate translation: “he has put his mark of ownership on us” or “he has shown that we belong to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '22', 'xe98', 'figs-metonymy', 'δοὺς τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν', '1', 'he gave us the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts', 'Here the word **hearts** refers to the innermost part of a person. Alternate translation: “gave us the Spirit to live within each of us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '22', 'jcv7', 'figs-metaphor', 'τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος', '1', 'the pledge of the Spirit', 'The **Spirit** is spoken of as if he was a partial downpayment toward eternal life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '23', 'j8lc', '', 'ἐγὼ δὲ μάρτυρα τὸν Θεὸν ἐπικαλοῦμαι ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχήν', '1', 'Now I call God as a witness to my soul', 'Here, to be **a witness** refers to a person telling what they have seen or heard in order to settle an argument. Alternate translation: “I ask God to show what I say is true”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '23', 'j15t', '', 'ὅτι φειδόμενος ὑμῶν', '1', 'so that I might spare you', '“so that I might not cause you more suffering”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '24', 'cyu4', '', 'συνεργοί ἐσμεν τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν', '1', 'we are fellow workers with you for your joy', '“we are working with you so that you may have joy”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '1', '24', 'cih8', 'figs-idiom', 'τῇ…πίστει ἑστήκατε', '1', 'you stand firm in the faith', 'Here, **stand firm** can refer to something that does not change. Alternate translation: “remain firm in your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', 'intro', 'hy3h', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 2 General Notes

## Special Concepts

### Harsh writing

In this chapter, Paul refers to a letter he previously wrote to the Corinthians. That letter had a harsh and corrective tone. Paul probably wrote it after the letter known as First Corinthians and before this letter. He implies that the church had to rebuke an erring member. Paul is now encouraging them to be gracious to that person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Aroma

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

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '1', 'wh9c', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Because of his great love for them, Paul makes it clear that his rebuke in his first letter to them (the rebuke of their acceptance of the sin of immorality) caused him pain as well as pain to the church people in Corinth and the immoral man.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '1', 'ij73', '', 'ἐν λύπῃ', '1', 'in sorrow', '“in circumstances that would cause you pain”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '2', 'nb6x', 'figs-rquestion', 'εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ λυπῶ ὑμᾶς, καὶ τίς ὁ εὐφραίνων με, εἰ μὴ ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ?', '1', 'If I caused you pain, who could cheer me up but the very one who was hurt by me?', 'Paul uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that neither he nor they would benefit if his coming to them would cause them pain. Alternate translation: “If I caused you pain, the only ones who could cheer me up would be the very ones whom I had hurt.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '2', 'x2vr', 'figs-activepassive', 'ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ', '1', 'the very one who was hurt by me', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the very one whom I had hurt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '3', 'kxu2', 'figs-explicit', 'ἔγραψα τοῦτο αὐτὸ', '1', 'I wrote this same thing', 'Paul is referring to another letter that he had written to the Corinthian Christians, but which no longer exists. Alternate translation: “I wrote as I did in my previous letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '3', 'v87i', 'figs-activepassive', 'μὴ…λύπην σχῶ ἀφ’ ὧν ἔδει με χαίρειν', '1', 'I might not be hurt by those who should have made me rejoice', 'Paul is speaking about the behavior of certain Corinthian believers who caused him emotional pain. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those who should have made me rejoice might not hurt me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '3', 'i5r6', '', 'ἡ ἐμὴ χαρὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐστιν', '1', 'my joy is the same joy you all have', '“what gives me joy is what gives you joy, too”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '4', 'uch7', '', 'ἐκ γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως', '1', 'from great affliction', 'Here the word **affliction** refers to emotional pain.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '4', 'vs7m', 'figs-metonymy', 'συνοχῆς καρδίας', '1', 'with anguish of heart', 'Here the word **heart** refers to the location of the emotions. Alternate translation: “with extreme sorrow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '4', 'd5vf', '', 'διὰ πολλῶν δακρύων', '1', 'with many tears', '“with much crying”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '6', 'iy4r', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων', '1', 'This punishment of that person by the majority is enough', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The punishment that the majority gave that person is sufficient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '6', 'wr3k', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'ἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων', '1', '', 'The word **punishment** can be translated using a verb. Alternate translation: “The way that the majority has punished that person is enough” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '6', 'a7c4', '', 'ἱκανὸν', '1', 'is enough', '“is sufficient”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '7', 'vpx1', 'figs-activepassive', 'μή πως τῇ περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ, καταποθῇ ὁ τοιοῦτος', '1', 'he is not overwhelmed by too much sorrow', 'This means to have a strong emotional response of too much sorrow. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “We do not want too much sorrow to overwhelm him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '8', 'r916', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul encourages the church in Corinth to show love and to forgive the person they have punished. He writes that he, also, has forgiven him.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '8', 'yi2z', '', 'κυρῶσαι εἰς αὐτὸν ἀγάπην', '1', 'publicly affirm your love for him', 'This means that they are to confirm their **love** for this man in the presence of all of the believers.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '9', 'xw5t', 'figs-explicit', 'εἰς πάντα ὑπήκοοί ἐστε', '1', 'you are obedient in everything', 'This could mean: (1) the Corinthians **are obedient** to God **in everything**. (2) the Corinthians **are obedient** **in everything** that Paul has taught them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '10', 'cbm6', '', 'δι’ ὑμᾶς', '1', 'forgiven for your sake', "This could mean: (1) they are forgiven out of Paul's love for them. (2) they are forgiven for their benefit."]

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '11', 'm46t', 'figs-litotes', 'οὐ γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὰ νοήματα ἀγνοοῦμεν', '1', 'For we are not ignorant of his plans', 'Paul uses a negative expression to emphasize the opposite. Alternate translation: “For we know his plans well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '12', 'l6vd', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul encourages the believers in Corinth by telling them of the opportunities he has had to preach the gospel in Troas and Macedonia.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '12', 'a1ti', 'figs-metaphor', 'εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ θύρας μοι ἀνεῳγμένης ἐν Κυρίῳ', '1', 'a door for the gospel of Christ was opened to me in the Lord', 'Paul speaks of his opportunity to preach the **gospel** as if it were a **door** through which he was allowed to walk. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '12', 'n9cr', 'figs-activepassive', 'εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ θύρας μοι ἀνεῳγμένης ἐν Κυρίῳ', '1', '', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The Lord indeed opened a door to me to preach the gospel of Christ” or “The Lord gave me the opportunity to preach the gospel of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '13', 'rjy9', '', 'οὐκ ἔσχηκα ἄνεσιν τῷ πνεύματί μου', '1', 'I had no relief in my spirit', '“My mind was troubled” or “I was worried”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '13', 'xd5h', '', 'Τίτον τὸν ἀδελφόν μου', '1', 'my brother Titus', 'Paul speaks of **Titus** as his spiritual **brother**.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '13', 'wq6j', '', 'ἀλλὰ ἀποταξάμενος αὐτοῖς', '1', 'So I left them', '“So I left the people of Troas”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '14', 'gpd2', 'figs-metaphor', 'τῷ…Θεῷ…τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ', '1', 'God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph', 'Paul speaks of God as if he were a victorious general leading a victory parade and of himself and his coworkers as those who take part in that parade. This could mean: (1) God, who in Christ always causes us to share in his triumph. (2) God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph as those over whom he as gained victory. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '14', 'l1nr', 'figs-metaphor', 'τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ, φανεροῦντι δι’ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ', '1', 'Through us he spreads the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere', 'Paul speaks of the **knowledge** of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. Alternate translation: “He causes the knowledge of Christ to spread to everyone who hears us, just as the sweet smell of burning incense spreads to everyone near it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '14', 'eq21', '', 'φανεροῦντι…ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ', '1', 'he spreads … everywhere', '“he spreads … everywhere we go”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '15', 'x6nn', 'figs-metaphor', 'Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ', '1', 'we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ', 'Paul speaks of his ministry as if it were a burnt offering that someone offers to **God**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '15', 'b1k1', '', 'Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ', '1', 'the sweet aroma of Christ', 'This could refer to: (1) the sweet aroma which is the knowledge of **Christ**. (2) the sweet aroma that **Christ** offers.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '15', 'itc8', 'figs-activepassive', 'τοῖς σῳζομένοις', '1', 'those who are saved', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God is saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '16', 'dwk6', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὀσμὴ', '1', 'an aroma', '“the knowledge of Christ is an aroma.” This refers back to [2 Corinthians 2:14](../02/14.md), where Paul speaks of the knowledge of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '16', 'ud2u', 'figs-doublet', 'ὀσμὴ ἐκ θανάτου εἰς θάνατον', '1', 'an aroma from death to death', 'This could mean: (1) the word **death** is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that causes death.” (2) this refers to an **aroma** of **death** that causes people to die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '16', 'v2n3', 'figs-activepassive', 'οἷς', '1', 'to the other', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “to the ones whom God is saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '16', 'cdr3', 'figs-doublet', 'ὀσμὴ ἐκ ζωῆς εἰς ζωήν', '1', 'a fragrance from life to life', 'This could mean: (1) the word **life** is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that gives life.” (2) this refers to an **aroma** of life that gives people **life**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '16', 'be6x', 'figs-rquestion', 'πρὸς ταῦτα τίς ἱκανός?', '1', 'who is worthy of these things?', 'Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is worthy to do the ministry that God has called them to do. Alternate translation: “No one is worthy of these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '17', 'a5sa', 'figs-metonymy', 'καπηλεύοντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'who sell the word of God', 'Here, **word** is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “who sell God’s message to make money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '17', 'x86y', '', 'εἰλικρινείας', '1', 'sincerity', '“pure motives”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '17', 'u2zb', '', 'κατέναντι Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ λαλοῦμεν', '1', 'we speak in Christ', '“we speak as people who are joined to Christ” or “we speak with the authority of Christ”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '2', '17', 'q4dc', 'figs-ellipsis', 'κατέναντι Θεοῦ', '1', 'before God', 'Paul and his coworkers preach the gospel with the awareness that **God** is watching them. Alternate translation: “we speak in the presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', 'intro', 'f7rh', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 3 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Law of Moses

Paul alludes to God giving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. This represents the law of Moses. The law was good because it came from God. But God punished the Israelites because they disobeyed it. This chapter may be difficult for translators to understand if the Old Testament has not yet been translated. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphors

Paul uses many metaphors used in this chapter to explain complex spiritual truths. It is unclear whether this makes Paul’s teachings easier or more difficult to understand. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

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

Paul contrasts the old and new covenants. The new covenant is not a system of rules and regulations. Here, **Spirit** probably refers to the Holy Spirit. It may also refer to the new covenant being “spiritual” in nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '1', 'm1k8', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul reminds them that he is not boasting as he tells them about what he has done through Christ.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '1', 'um8x', 'figs-rquestion', 'ἀρχόμεθα πάλιν ἑαυτοὺς συνιστάνειν?', '1', 'Are we beginning to praise ourselves again?', 'Paul uses this question to emphasize that they are not bragging about themselves. Alternate translation: “We are not beginning to praise ourselves again!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '1', 'y8yc', 'figs-rquestion', 'ἢ μὴ χρῄζομεν, ὥς τινες, συστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἢ ἐξ ὑμῶν?', '1', 'We do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people, do we?', 'Paul says this to express that the Corinthians already know about Paul and Timothy’s good reputation. The question prompts a negative answer. Alternate translation: “We certainly do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people do!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '1', 'ad1u', '', 'συστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν', '1', 'letters of recommendation', 'This refers to **letters** that people write to introduce and give their approval of someone else.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '2', 'ty59', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἡμῶν ὑμεῖς ἐστε', '1', 'You yourselves are our letter of recommendation', 'Paul speaks of the Corinthians as if they are a **letter** of recommendation. That they have become believers serves to validate Paul’s ministry to others. Alternate translation: “You yourselves are like our letter of recommendation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '2', 'v2e7', 'figs-metonymy', 'ἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν', '1', 'written on our hearts', 'Here the word **hearts** refers to their thoughts and emotions. This could mean: (1) Paul and his coworkers are sure about the Corinthians being their letter of recommendation. (2) Paul and his coworkers care very deeply for the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '2', 'bu1u', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν', '1', 'written on our hearts', 'You can state this in active form with “Christ” as the implied subject. Alternate translation: “which Christ has written on our hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '2', 'dr5k', 'figs-activepassive', 'γινωσκομένη καὶ ἀναγινωσκομένη ὑπὸ πάντων ἀνθρώπων', '1', 'known and read by all people', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that all people can know and read” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '3', 's717', 'figs-explicit', 'ἐστὲ ἐπιστολὴ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'you are a letter from Christ', 'Paul clarifies that Christ is the one who has written the **letter**. Alternate translation: “you are a letter that Christ has written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '3', 'wrk4', '', 'διακονηθεῖσα ὑφ’ ἡμῶν', '1', 'cared for by us', '“brought by us”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '3', 'q96q', '', 'ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος, οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις', '1', 'It was written not with ink … on tablets of human hearts', 'Paul clarifies that the Corinthians are like a spiritual letter, not like a letter that humans write with physical objects.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '3', 'vyuh', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος', '1', '', 'The verb “written” is implied in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “not written with ink, but written with the Spirit of the living God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '3', 'qt5g', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος', '1', 'It was written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “not a letter that people wrote with ink but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '3', 't5ah', 'figs-ellipsis', 'οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις', '1', 'not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts', 'The verb “written” is implied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “not a letter that was written on stone tablets, but a letter that was written on tablets of human hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '3', 'ih89', 'figs-activepassive', 'οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις', '1', '', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “not a letter that people engraved on stone tablets but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote on tablets of human hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '3', 'u959', 'figs-metaphor', 'πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις', '1', 'tablets of human hearts', 'Paul speaks of their **hearts** as if they are flat pieces of stone or clay upon which people engraved letters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '4', 'z7qx', '', 'πεποίθησιν δὲ τοιαύτην ἔχομεν', '1', 'such confidence', 'This refers to what Paul has just said. His **confidence** comes from knowing that the Corinthians are the validation of his ministry before God.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '5', 'qye9', '', 'ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν ἱκανοί', '1', 'competent in ourselves', '“qualified in ourselves” or “sufficient in ourselves”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '5', 'e5e7', 'figs-explicit', 'λογίσασθαί τι ὡς ἐξ ἑαυτῶν', '1', 'to consider anything as coming from us', 'Here the word **anything** refers to anything pertaining to Paul’s apostolic ministry. Alternate translation: “to claim that anything we have done in ministry comes from our own efforts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '5', 'wi1t', '', 'ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'our competence is from God', '“God gives us our sufficiency”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '6', 'dp6i', 'figs-synecdoche', 'καινῆς διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος', '1', 'a new covenant, not of the letter', 'Here the word **letter** means letters of the alphabet and refers to words that people write down. Alternate translation: “a covenant not based on commands that men have written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '6', 'gbsc', 'figs-explicit', 'οὐ γράμματος', '1', '', 'The phrase **the letter** alludes to the Old Testament law. (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '6', 'tc4u', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ἀλλὰ Πνεύματος', '1', 'but of the Spirit', 'The Holy **Spirit** is the one who establishes God’s covenant with people. Alternate translation: “but a covenant based on what the Spirit does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '6', 'q4at', 'figs-personification', 'τὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει', '1', 'the letter kills', 'Paul speaks of the Old Testament law as a person who **kills**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '6', 'one5', 'figs-explicit', 'τὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει', '1', '', 'Following that law leads to spiritual death. Alternate translation: “the written law leads to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '7', 'lyf7', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the superiority and freedom of the new covenant. He contrasts the veil of Moses with the clarity of present revelation. The time of Moses was a less clear picture of what is now revealed.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '7', 'ut6r', 'figs-irony', 'εἰ δὲ ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου…ἐγενήθη ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε', '1', 'Now if the ministry that produced death … came in such glory', 'Paul emphasizes that although the law leads to **death**, it was still very glorious. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '7', 'du65', 'figs-explicit', 'ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου', '1', 'the ministry that produced death', 'Here, **the ministry of death** refers to the Old Testament law that God gave through Moses. Alternate translation: “the ministry that causes death because it is based on the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '7', 'j1hp', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐν γράμμασιν ἐντετυπωμένη λίθοις', '1', 'engraved in letters on stones', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God carved into stone with letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '7', 'r5p5', '', 'ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε', '1', 'in such glory', '“in so much glory that”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '8', 'xxn6', 'figs-rquestion', 'πῶς οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος ἔσται ἐν δόξῃ?', '1', 'Will the ministry of the Spirit not be with much more glory?', 'Paul uses this question to emphasize that the **ministry of the Spirit** does must be more glorious than “the ministry of death” because it leads to life. Alternate translation: “So the service that the Spirit does must be even more glorious!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '8', 'wq1v', 'figs-explicit', 'ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος', '1', 'the ministry of the Spirit', 'Here, **the ministry of the Spirit** refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: “the ministry that gives life because it is based on the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '9', 'k779', 'figs-explicit', 'τῇ διακονίᾳ τῆς κατακρίσεως', '1', 'the ministry of condemnation', 'Here, **the ministry of condemnation** refers to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: “the ministry that condemns people because it is based on the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '9', 'if33', 'figs-exclamations', 'πολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ', '1', 'how much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory!', 'Here the phrase **much more** marks this phrase as an exclamation, not as a question. Alternate translation: “then the service of righteousness must abound in so much more glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '9', 'e5zz', 'figs-metaphor', 'πολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ.', '1', 'the ministry of righteousness abound in glory', 'Paul speaks of **the ministry of righteousness** as if it were an object that could produce or multiply another object. He means that this ministry is far more glorious than the law, which also had **glory**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '9', 'ufq6', 'figs-explicit', 'ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης', '1', 'the ministry of righteousness', 'Here, **the ministry of righteousness** refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: “the ministry that makes people righteous because it is based on the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '10', 'n4pe', '', 'καὶ γὰρ οὐ δεδόξασται, τὸ δεδοξασμένον…εἵνεκεν τῆς ὑπερβαλλούσης δόξης', '1', 'that which was once made glorious is no longer glorious … because of the glory that exceeds it', 'The Old Testament law no longer appears **glorious** when compared with the new covenant, which is much more glorious.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '10', 't2dq', 'figs-activepassive', 'τὸ δεδοξασμένον', '1', 'that which was once made glorious', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the law which God once made glorious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '10', 'd7k5', '', 'ἐν τούτῳ τῷ μέρει', '1', 'in this respect', '“in this way”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '11', 'zwb2', 'figs-metaphor', 'τὸ καταργούμενον', '1', 'that which was fading away', 'This refers to “the ministry of condemnation,” which Paul speaks of as if it were an object capable of disappearing. Alternate translation: “that which was becoming useless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '12', 'tnc1', '', 'ἔχοντες οὖν τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα', '1', 'Since we have such a hope', 'The word **Therefore** refers to what Paul has just said. His **hope** comes from knowing that the new covenant has an eternal glory.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '12', 'u5qa', '', 'τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα', '1', 'such a hope', '“such confidence”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '13', 'p5u2', 'figs-explicit', 'τὸ τέλος τοῦ καταργουμένου', '1', 'the end of that which was fading away', 'The refers to the glory that shined on Moses’ face. Alternate translation: “the glory on Moses’ face as it faded away completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '14', 'zvf5', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἀλλὰ ἐπωρώθη τὰ νοήματα αὐτῶν', '1', 'But their minds were hardened', 'Paul speaks of the **minds** of the Israelite people as objects that could be closed or made hard. This expression means that they were unable to understand what they saw. Alternate translation: “But the Israelites could not understand what they saw” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '14', 'zm7j', '', 'ἄχρι γὰρ τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας', '1', 'For until this present day', 'Here, **the present day** refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '14', 'w68p', 'figs-metaphor', 'τὸ αὐτὸ κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης μένει', '1', 'when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains', 'Just as the Israelites could not see the glory on Moses’ face because he covered his face with a **veil**, there is a spiritual veil that prevents people from understanding when they read the **old covenant**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '14', 'gg2d', '', 'ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης', '1', 'when they read the old covenant', '“when they hear someone read the old covenant”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '14', 'gl8l', 'figs-activepassive', 'μὴ ἀνακαλυπτόμενον, ὅτι ἐν Χριστῷ καταργεῖται', '1', 'It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away', 'Here, **it** refers to “the same veil.” You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one removes the veil, because only in Christ does God remove it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '15', 'rjh5', '', 'ἀλλ’ ἕως σήμερον', '1', 'But even today', 'Here the word **today** refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '15', 't3dl', 'figs-metonymy', 'ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς', '1', 'whenever Moses is read', 'Here the word **Moses** refers to the Old Testament law that Moses wrote down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '15', 'ip29', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς', '1', '', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whenever someone reads the Mosaic law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '15', 'gwp9', 'figs-metonymy', 'κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται', '1', 'a veil lies over their heart', 'Here the word **heart** represents what people think. Alternate translation: “a veil prevents them from understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '15', 'bb5u', 'figs-metaphor', 'κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται', '1', '', 'Here the people being unable to understand the old covenant is spoken of as if they have **a veil** that covers **their heart** the way a physical veil would cover their eyes. Alternate translation: “they are unable to understand what they are hearing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '16', 'k2dr', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἡνίκα…ἐὰν ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς Κύριον', '1', 'whenever a person turns to the Lord', 'Here, **turn to** is a metaphor that means to become loyal to someone. Alternate translation: “when a person starts to worship the Lord” or “when a person starts to trust in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '16', 'w1y2', 'figs-activepassive', 'περιαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα', '1', 'the veil is taken away', 'God gives them the ability to understand. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God lifts the veil away” or “God gives them the ability to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '18', 'r6rx', 'figs-exclusive', 'ἡμεῖς δὲ πάντες', '1', 'Now we all', 'Here the word **we** refers to all believers, including Paul and the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '18', 'l3xw', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ προσώπῳ, τὴν δόξαν Κυρίου κατοπτριζόμενοι', '1', 'with unveiled faces, see as a reflection the glory of the Lord', 'Unlike the Israelites who could not see God’s glory reflected on Moses’ face because he had covered it with a veil, there is nothing to prevent believers from seeing and understanding God’s **glory**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '18', 'rc9x', 'figs-activepassive', 'τὴν αὐτὴν εἰκόνα μεταμορφούμεθα', '1', 'are being transformed into the same image', 'The Spirit is changing believers to be glorious like Jesus. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The Lord is transforming us into his same glorious likeness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '18', 'bx5b', '', 'ἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν', '1', 'from glory to glory', '“from one amount of glory to another amount of glory.” This means that the Spirit is constantly increasing the **glory** of believers.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '3', '18', 'mw3v', '', 'καθάπερ ἀπὸ Κυρίου', '1', 'just as from the Lord', '“just as this comes from the Lord”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', 'intro', 'rx1c', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 4 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Ministry

Paul ministers to people by telling them about Christ. He does not try to trick people into believing. If they do not understand the gospel, it is because the problem is ultimately spiritual. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

### Life and death

Paul does not refer here to physical life and death. Life represents the new life a Christian has in Jesus. Death represents the old way of living before believing in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/life]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Hope

Paul uses a repeated pattern in a purposeful way. He makes a statement. Then he denies a seemingly opposite or contradictory statement or gives an exception. Together these give the reader hope in difficult circumstances. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hope]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '1', 'lyi4', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul writes that he is honest in his ministry by preaching Christ, not praising himself. He shows the death and the life of Jesus in how he lives so that life can work in the Corinthian believers.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '1', 'ix7n', 'figs-exclusive', 'ἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν', '1', 'having this ministry', 'Both occurrences of the word **we** refers to Paul and his coworker, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '1', 'h1ud', 'figs-explicit', 'καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν', '1', 'and just as we have received mercy', 'This phrase explains how Paul and his coworkers have “this ministry.” It is a gift that God has given to them through his **mercy**. Alternate translation: “because God has shown us mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '2', 'yp4g', '', 'ἀπειπάμεθα τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης', '1', 'we have rejected the shameful hidden things', 'This means that Paul and his coworkers refused to do “secret and shameful” things. It does not mean that they had done these things in the past.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '2', 'z4c2', 'figs-hendiadys', 'τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης', '1', 'the shameful hidden things', 'The word **hidden** describes the things that people do secretly. Things that are **shameful** should cause people who do them to feel ashamed. Alternate translation: “the things that people do secretly because they cause shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '2', 'ey75', '', 'περιπατοῦντες ἐν πανουργίᾳ', '1', 'walking in craftiness', '“living by deception”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '2', 'gp3g', 'figs-metonymy', 'μηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'not distorting the word of God', 'Here, **word of God** is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “we do not mishandle God’s message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '2', 'lzn0', 'figs-doublenegatives', 'μηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', '', 'This phrase uses two negative thoughts to express a positive thought. Alternate translation: “we use the word of God correctly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '2', 'aj24', '', 'συνιστάνοντες ἑαυτοὺς πρὸς πᾶσαν συνείδησιν ἀνθρώπων', '1', 'commending ourselves to every person’s conscience', 'This means that they provide enough evidence for each person who hears them to decide whether they are right or wrong.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '2', 'f6n1', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'before God', 'Here, **before God** refers to God’s presence. God’s understanding and approval of Paul’s truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. Alternate translation: “with God as witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '3', 'mti5', 'figs-metaphor', 'εἰ δὲ καὶ ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν, ἐν τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον', '1', 'But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing', 'This refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 3:14](../03/14.md). There Paul explained that there is a spiritual **veil** that prevents people from understanding when they read the old covenant. In the same way, people are not able to understand the **gospel**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '3', 'hz2f', 'figs-activepassive', 'εἰ…ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν…ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον', '1', 'if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if a veil covers our gospel, that veil covers it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '3', 'e5yu', '', 'τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν', '1', 'our gospel', '“the gospel that we preach”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '4', 'r6pz', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου ἐτύφλωσεν τὰ νοήματα τῶν ἀπίστων', '1', 'the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving', 'Paul speaks of the **minds** of unbelievers as if they had eyes, and their inability to understand as their minds being unable to see. Alternate translation: “the god of this world has prevented unbelievers from understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '4', 'tx9h', '', 'ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου', '1', 'the god of this world', '“the god who rules this world.” This phrase refers to Satan.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '4', 'z4yp', 'figs-metaphor', 'μὴ αὐγάσαι τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'they do not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ', 'As the Israelites could not see God’s **glory** that shined on Moses’ face because he covered it with a veil ([2 Corinthians 3:13](../03/13.md)), unbelievers are not able to see Christ’s glory that shines in **the gospel**. This means that they are unable to understand “the gospel of the glory of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '4', 'j1vz', '', 'τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου', '1', 'the light of the gospel', '“the light that comes from the gospel”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '4', 'rdj3', '', 'τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'the gospel of the glory of Christ', '“the gospel about the Christ’s glory”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '5', 'ddw1', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ἀλλὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν Κύριον, ἑαυτοὺς δὲ δούλους ὑμῶν', '1', 'but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants', 'You can supply the verb for these phrases. Alternate translation: “but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and we proclaim ourselves as your servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '5', 't8du', '', 'διὰ Ἰησοῦν', '1', 'for Jesus’ sake', '“because of Jesus”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '6', 'rw5z', '', 'ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψει', '1', 'Light will shine out of darkness', 'With this sentence, Paul refers to God creating **light**, as described in the book of Genesis.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '6', 'd5x7', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὃς ἔλαμψεν…πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'He has shone … to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God', 'Here, the illumination from the light represents the ability to understand. Just as God created light, he also creates understanding for believers. Alternate translation: “the one who caused light to shine … to enable us to understand the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '6', 'bj1j', 'figs-metonymy', 'ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν', '1', 'in our hearts', 'Here the word **hearts** refers to the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “in our minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '6', 'mpg9', '', 'πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'the light of the knowledge of the glory of God', '“to show us the knowledge of the glory of God”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '6', 'p736', 'figs-metaphor', 'τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ', 'Just as God’s **glory** shone upon Moses’ face ([2 Corinthians 3:7](../03/07.md)), it also shines upon **the face of Jesus**. This means that when Paul preaches the gospel, people are able to see and understand the message about God’s glory. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '7', 'xe5i', 'figs-exclusive', 'ἔχομεν δὲ', '1', 'But we have', 'Here the word **we** refers to Paul and his coworkers, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '7', 'xx2c', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἔχομεν…τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν', '1', 'we have this treasure in jars of clay', 'Paul speaks of the gospel as if it were a** treasure** and their bodies as if they were breakable **jars** made out of **clay**. This emphasizes that they are of little value compared to the worth of the gospel that they preach. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '8', 'ga9z', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι', '1', 'We are afflicted in every way', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “People afflict us in every way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '9', 'bz8m', 'figs-activepassive', 'διωκόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐνκαταλειπόμενοι', '1', 'We are persecuted but not forsaken', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people persecute us but God does not forsake us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '9', 'uvq1', 'figs-activepassive', 'καταβαλλόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι', '1', 'We are struck down but not destroyed', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people strike us down but do not destroy us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '10', 'zt4b', 'figs-metaphor', 'πάντοτε τὴν νέκρωσιν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι περιφέροντες', '1', 'We always carry in our body the death of Jesus', 'Paul speaks of his sufferings as if they are an experience of **the death of Jesus**. Alternate translation: “we are often in danger of dying, as Jesus died” or “we always suffer in such a way that we experience the death of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '10', 'l6f6', '', 'καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ', '1', 'the life of Jesus also may be shown in our bodies', 'This could mean: (1) our bodies will live again, because **Jesus** is alive. (2) the spiritual **life** that **Jesus** gives also may be shown in our bodies.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '10', 'w3jc', 'figs-activepassive', 'καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ', '1', 'the life of Jesus also may be shown in our bodies', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “other people may also see the life of Jesus in our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '11', 'ht74', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς, οἱ ζῶντες, εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν', '1', 'For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for the sake of Jesus', 'Here, **being handed over to death** represents being in danger of dying because of being loyal to Jesus. Alternate translation: “for those of us who are alive, God is always leading us to face death because we are joined to Jesus” or “for people are always causing us who are alive to be in danger of dying because we are joined to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '11', 'd1wm', '', 'ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν', '1', 'so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our mortal flesh', 'God wants Jesus’ **life** to **be shown** in us. This could mean: (1) our bodies will live again, because Jesus is alive. (2) the spiritual life that Jesus gives also may be shown in our bodies. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Corinthians 4:10](../04/10.md).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '11', 'ww5r', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν', '1', 'so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our mortal flesh', 'You can state this in active form. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Corinthians 4:10](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “so other people may see the life of Jesus in our body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '12', 'q3il', 'figs-personification', 'ὁ θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν', '1', 'death is at work in us, but life is at work in you', 'Paul speaks of **death** and **life** as if they are persons who can **work**. This means that they are always in danger of physical death so that the Corinthians can have spiritual life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '13', 'ret6', '', 'τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως', '1', 'the same spirit of faith', 'Here the word **spirit** refers a person’s attitude and temperament. Alternate translation: “the same attitude of faith”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '13', 'gzf4', 'figs-activepassive', 'κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον', '1', 'according to that which was written', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as the one who wrote these words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '13', 'il5h', '', 'ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα', '1', 'I believed, and so I spoke', 'This is a quote from the Psalms.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '14', 't2i8', 'figs-idiom', 'ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ…ἐγερεῖ', '1', 'that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will … raise', 'Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “the one who caused the Lord Jesus to live again will also raise” or “God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '15', 'v7sj', '', 'τὰ γὰρ πάντα δι’ ὑμᾶς', '1', 'For all these things are for your sake', 'Here, **all these things** refers to all of the sufferings that Paul has described in previous verses.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '15', 'l1mu', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων', '1', 'the grace that is abounding to more and more people', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as God spreads his grace to many more people, it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '15', 'u8pp', 'figs-metaphor', 'τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ', '1', 'thanksgiving may increase', 'Paul speaks of **thanksgiving** as if it were an object that could become larger by itself. Alternate translation: “more and more people may give thanks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '16', 'u6e5', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul writes that the Corinthian difficulties are minor and do not last long when compared to the unseen eternal things.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '16', 'cb92', 'figs-doublenegatives', 'διὸ οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν', '1', 'So we do not become discouraged', 'You can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “So we remain confident” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '16', 'hhv6', 'figs-explicit', 'ὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος διαφθείρεται', '1', 'outwardly we are wasting away', 'This refers to their physical bodies decaying and dying. Alternate translation: “our physical bodies are getting weak and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '16', 's9b2', 'figs-explicit', 'ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ', '1', 'inwardly we are being renewed day by day', 'This refers to their inward, spiritual lives getting stronger. Alternate translation: “our spiritual beings are being strengthened day by day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '16', 'zct5', 'figs-activepassive', 'ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ', '1', 'inwardly we are being renewed day by day', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God is renewing our inward being more each day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '17', 'pd63', 'figs-metaphor', 'τὸ γὰρ παραυτίκα ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως ἡμῶν…αἰώνιον βάρος δόξης, κατεργάζεται ἡμῖν', '1', 'this momentary, light affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory', 'Paul speaks of his sufferings and the **glory** that God will give him as if they were objects that can be weighed. The glory far outweighs the suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '17', 'na9y', 'figs-metaphor', 'καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν', '1', 'that exceeds all measurement', 'The glory that Paul will experience is so heavy that no one can measure it. Alternate translation: “that cannot be measured” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '17', 'd9re', 'figs-activepassive', 'καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν', '1', '', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that no one can measure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '18', 't2fp', 'figs-activepassive', 'τὰ βλεπόμενα, ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα', '1', 'things that are seen … things that are unseen', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “things that we can see, but not the things that we cannot see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '4', '18', 'f97x', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα', '1', 'but for things that are unseen', 'You can supply the verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: “but we are watching for things that are unseen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', 'intro', 's14p', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 5 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### New bodies in heaven

Paul knows that when he dies he will receive a much better body. Because of this, he is not afraid of being killed for preaching the gospel. So he tells others that they too can be reconciled to God. Christ will take away their sin and give them his righteousness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

### New creation

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Home

The Christian’s home is no longer in the world. A Christian’s real home is in heaven. By using this metaphor, Paul emphasizes that the Christian’s circumstances in this world are temporary. It gives hope to those who are suffering. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hope]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “The message of reconciliation”

This refers to the gospel. Paul calls for people who are hostile to God to repent and be reconciled to him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '1', 'p7b7', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul continues by contrasting believers’ earthly bodies to the heavenly ones God will give.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '1', 'z4vs', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ, οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἔχομεν', '1', 'if the earthly dwelling that we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God', 'Here a temporary **earthly dwelling** is a metaphor for a person’s physical body. Here a permanent “building from God” is a metaphor for the new body that God will give believers after they die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '1', 'zy2k', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ', '1', 'if the earthly dwelling that we live in is destroyed', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if people destroy the earthly dwelling that we live in” or “if people kill our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '1', 'bqi5', 'figs-synecdoche', 'οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς', '1', 'It is a house not made by human hands', 'Here, **house** means the same thing as “building from God.” Here, **hands** is a synecdoche that represents the human as a whole. Alternate translation: “It is a house in heaven, not made by humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '1', 'bbvr', 'figs-activepassive', 'οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς', '1', '', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “It is a house in heaven that humans did not make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '2', 'tc2j', '', 'ἐν τούτῳ στενάζομεν', '1', 'in this tent we groan', 'Here, **this** means the same thing as “the earthly dwelling that we live in.” The word **groan** is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '2', 'ss6g', 'figs-metaphor', 'τὸ οἰκητήριον ἡμῶν τὸ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐπενδύσασθαι ἐπιποθοῦντες', '1', 'longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling', 'The words **our dwelling that is from heaven** means the same thing as “a building from God.” Paul speaks of the new body that believers receive after they die as if it were both a building and a piece of clothing that a person can put on. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '3', 'i4es', '', 'ἐνδυσάμενοι', '1', 'we have put it on', '“by putting on our heavenly dwelling”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '3', 'ap7v', 'figs-activepassive', 'οὐ γυμνοὶ εὑρεθησόμεθα', '1', 'we will not be found to be naked', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “we will not be naked” or “God will not find us naked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '4', 'bz6k', 'figs-metaphor', 'οἱ ὄντες ἐν τῷ σκήνει', '1', 'while we are in this tent', 'Paul speaks of the physical body as if it were a **tent**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '4', 'e34b', '', 'ἐν τῷ σκήνει, στενάζομεν', '1', 'in this tent, we groan', 'The word **tent** refers to “the earthly dwelling that we live in.” The word **groan** is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 5:2](../05/02.md).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '4', 'cjt4', 'figs-metaphor', 'βαρούμενοι', '1', 'being burdened', 'Paul refers to the difficulties that the physical body experiences as if they were heavy objects that are difficult to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '4', 'f8rb', 'figs-metaphor', 'οὐ θέλομεν ἐκδύσασθαι…ἐπενδύσασθαι', '1', 'We do not want to be unclothed … we want to be clothed', 'Paul speaks of the body as if it were clothing for our spirit. Here, **to be unclothed** refers to the death of the physical body; “to be clothed” refers to having the resurrection body that God will give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '4', 'n78p', '', 'ἐκδύσασθαι', '1', 'to be unclothed', '“to be without clothes” or “to be naked”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '4', 'de2b', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς', '1', 'so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life', 'Paul speaks of **life** as if it were an animal that eats **the mortal**. The physical body that will die will be replaced by a resurrection body that will live forever. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '4', 'e5zi', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς', '1', 'so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that life may swallow up what is mortal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '5', 'g7yj', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὁ δοὺς ἡμῖν τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος', '1', 'who gave us the Spirit as the down payment', 'The **Spirit** is spoken of as if he were a partial **down payment** toward eternal life. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 1:22](../01/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '6', 'clh5', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Because believers will have a new body and have the Holy Spirit as a pledge, Paul reminds them to live by faith that they may please the Lord. He continues by reminding them to persuade others because: (1) Believers will appear at the judgment seat of Christ. (2) Christ who died for believers in love.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '6', 'xv3m', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐνδημοῦντες ἐν τῷ σώματι', '1', 'being at home in the body', 'Paul speaks of the physical **body** as if it were a place where a person dwells. Alternate translation: “while we are living in this earthly body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '6', 'ebl4', '', 'ἐκδημοῦμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου', '1', 'we are away from the Lord', '“we are not at home with the Lord” or “we are not in heaven with the Lord”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '7', 'rfn4', 'figs-metaphor', 'διὰ πίστεως…περιπατοῦμεν, οὐ διὰ εἴδους', '1', 'we walk by faith, not by sight', 'Here, **walk** is a metaphor for “live” or “behave.” Alternate translation: “we live according to faith, not according to what we see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '8', 'a6au', '', 'εὐδοκοῦμεν, μᾶλλον ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ τοῦ σώματος', '1', 'we would rather be away from the body', 'Here the word **body** refers to the physical body.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '8', 'i3m3', '', 'ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν Κύριον', '1', 'at home with the Lord', '“at home with the Lord in heaven”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '9', 'ml5j', 'figs-ellipsis', 'εἴτε ἐνδημοῦντες εἴτε ἐκδημοῦντες', '1', 'whether we are at home or away', 'The phrases “with the Lord” and “from the Lord” may be supplied from the previous verses. Alternate translation: “whether we are at home with the Lord or away from the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '9', 'j1sl', '', 'εὐάρεστοι αὐτῷ εἶναι', '1', 'to be pleasing to him', '“to please the Lord”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '10', 'kdf2', '', 'ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ βήματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'before the judgment seat of Christ', '“before Christ to be judged”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '10', 'c499', '', 'κομίσηται ἕκαστος', '1', 'each one may receive back the things done in', '“each person may receive what he deserves for”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '10', 'v8sl', 'figs-activepassive', 'τὰ διὰ τοῦ σώματος', '1', 'the things done in the body', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the things he has done in the physical body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '10', 'lsh8', '', 'εἴτε ἀγαθὸν εἴτε κακὸν', '1', 'whether for good or for bad', '“whether those things were good or bad”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '11', 'dzh5', '', 'εἰδότες…τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου', '1', 'knowing the fear of the Lord', '“knowing what it means to fear the Lord”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '11', 'qm34', 'figs-explicit', 'ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν', '1', 'we persuade people', 'This could mean: (1) **we persuade** people of the truth of the gospel. (2) **we persuade** people that we are legitimate apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '11', 'v11v', 'figs-activepassive', 'Θεῷ…πεφανερώμεθα', '1', 'What we are is clearly seen by God', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God clearly sees what kind of people we are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '11', 'y5l1', '', 'καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι', '1', 'that it is also clear to your conscience', '“that you are also convinced of it”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '12', 'mza1', '', 'ἵνα ἔχητε', '1', 'so you may have an answer', '“so you may have something to say to”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '12', 'it2r', 'figs-metonymy', 'τοὺς ἐν προσώπῳ καυχωμένους, καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ', '1', 'those who boast about appearances but not about what is in the heart', 'Here the word **face** refers to outward expressions of things like ability and status. The word **heart** refers to the inward character of a person. Alternate translation: “those who praise their own actions, but do not care about what they really are in their inner being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '13', 'cy57', 'figs-idiom', 'εἴτε…ἐξέστημεν…εἴτε σωφρονοῦμεν', '1', 'if we are out of our minds … if we are in our right minds', 'Paul is speaking about the way others think of him and his coworkers. Alternate translation: “if people think we are crazy … if people think we are sane” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '14', 'azi9', '', 'ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'the love of Christ', 'This could refer to: (1) our **love** for **Christ**. (2) Christ’s **love** for us.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '14', 'nd9g', '', 'ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν', '1', 'died for all', '“died for all people”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '15', 'h831', '', 'τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι', '1', 'him who for their sake died and was raised', '“for him who for their sake died and whom God caused to live again” or “for Christ, who died for their sake and whom God raised”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '15', 'ri6f', '', 'τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι', '1', 'for them', 'Here, **for the one** could refer: (1) only to **who died**. (2) to both **who died** and **was raised**.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '16', 'f2ww', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Because of Christ’s love and death, we are not to judge by human standards. We are appointed to teach others how to be united with and have peace with God through Christ’s death and receive God’s righteousness through Christ.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '16', 'ic21', '', 'ὥστε', '1', 'For this reason', 'Here, **Therefore** refers to what Paul has just said about living for Christ instead of living for self.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '17', 'tl3h', 'figs-metaphor', 'καινὴ κτίσις', '1', 'he is a new creation', 'Paul speaks of the person who believes in Christ as if God had created **a new** person. Alternate translation: “he is a new person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '17', 'ue8f', '', 'τὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν', '1', 'The old things have passed away', 'Here, **The old things** refers to the things that characterized a person before they trusted in Christ.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '17', 'vpe3', '', 'ἰδοὺ', '1', 'See', 'The word **Behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '18', 'jyf7', '', 'τὰ…πάντα', '1', 'All these things', 'Here, **all these things** refers to what Paul has just said in the previous verse about new things replacing old things.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '18', 'lj2h', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'τὴν διακονίαν τῆς καταλλαγῆς', '1', 'the ministry of reconciliation', 'You can translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the ministry of reconciling people to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '19', 'w1d1', 'figs-metonymy', 'ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ', '1', 'in Christ God is reconciling the world to himself', 'Here, **the world** refers to the people in the world. Alternate translation: “in Christ, God was reconciling mankind to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '19', 'b62q', '', 'θέμενος ἐν ἡμῖν τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς', '1', 'He is entrusting to us the message of reconciliation', 'God has given Paul the responsibility to spread the message that God is reconciling people to himself.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '19', 'ix97', '', 'τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς', '1', 'the message of reconciliation', '“the message about reconciliation”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '20', 'wg8f', 'figs-activepassive', 'ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν', '1', 'Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has appointed us as Christ’s representatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '20', 'q9u9', '', 'ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ…πρεσβεύομεν', '1', 'representatives of Christ', '“we are those who speak for Christ”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '20', 'a6fx', 'figs-activepassive', 'καταλλάγητε τῷ Θεῷ', '1', 'Be reconciled to God', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Let God reconcile you to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '21', 'jp2a', '', 'τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησεν', '1', 'The one who did not know sin, he made sin for us', '“God made Christ become the sacrifice for our sin”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '21', 'hz6z', 'figs-exclusive', 'ἡμῶν…ἡμεῖς', '1', 'us … we', 'Here the words **us** and **we** are inclusive and refer to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '21', 'ebz2', '', 'τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν', '1', 'The one who did not know sin', '“Christ, the one who never sinned”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '5', '21', 'kmt9', 'figs-explicit', 'ἵνα ἡμεῖς γενώμεθα δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ', '1', 'so that we might become the righteousness of God in him', 'The phrase **the righteousness of God** refers to the righteousness that God requires and which comes from God. Alternate translation: “so that we might have God’s righteousness in us through Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', 'intro', 'f5qu', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 6 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Servants

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Contrasts

Paul uses four pairs of contrasts: righteousness versus lawlessness, light versus darkness, Christ versus Satan, and the temple of God versus idols. These contrasts show a difference between Christians and non-Christians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/darkness]])

### Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

### Rhetorical questions

Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions to teach his readers. All of these questions make essentially the same point: Christians should not intimately fellowship with those who live in sin. Paul repeats these questions for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### We

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

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '1', 'in53', '', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'In verse 2, Paul quotes a portion from the prophet Isaiah.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '1', 'kf1d', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul summarizes how working together for God is supposed to be.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '1', 'tbr6', 'figs-explicit', 'συνεργοῦντες', '1', 'Working together', 'Paul is implying that he and Timothy are working with God. Alternate translation: “working together with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '1', 's8db', 'figs-doublenegatives', 'καὶ, παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς', '1', 'we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain', 'Paul pleads with the Corinthians to allow the **grace of God** to be effective in their lives. You can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “we beg you to make use of the grace that you have received from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '2', 'u9kc', 'figs-explicit', 'λέγει γάρ', '1', 'For he says', 'This introduces a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. Alternate translation: “for God says in scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '2', 'sa94', '', 'ἰδοὺ', '1', 'Look', 'The word **Behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '3', 'v3wc', 'figs-metaphor', 'μηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν', '1', 'We do not place a stumbling block in front of anyone', 'Paul speaks of anything that would prevent a person from trusting in Christ as if it were a physical object over which that person trips and falls. Alternate translation: “we do not want to do anything that will prevent people from believing our message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '3', 'he3c', 'figs-activepassive', 'μὴ μωμηθῇ ἡ διακονία', '1', 'our ministry might not', 'The word **discredited** refers to people speaking badly about Paul’s ministry, and working against the message he proclaims. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no oner will be able to speak badly about our ministry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '4', 'xd9l', 'figs-exclusive', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'When Paul uses **we** here, he is referring to himself and Timothy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '4', 'p9up', '', 'ἐν παντὶ συνιστάντες ἑαυτοὺς ὡς Θεοῦ διάκονοι', '1', 'we commend ourselves in everything as God’s servants', '“we prove that we are God’s servants by all that we do”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '4', 'xyf9', '', 'Θεοῦ διάκονοι: ἐν ὑπομονῇ πολλῇ, ἐν θλίψεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν στενοχωρίαις', '1', 'God’s servants; in much endurance, affliction, distress, hardship', 'Paul mentions various difficult situations in which they proved that they are **God’s servants**.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '5', 'it8g', '', 'ἐν πληγαῖς, ἐν φυλακαῖς, ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις, ἐν κόποις, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις, ἐν νηστείαις', '1', 'beatings, imprisonments, riots, in hard work, in sleepless nights, in hunger', 'Paul continues to mention various difficult situations in which they proved that they are God’s servants.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '6', 'w84c', '', 'ἐν ἁγνότητι…ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ', '1', 'in purity … in genuine love', 'Paul lists several moral virtues that they maintained in difficult situations that proved that they are God’s servants.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '7', 'b6am', '', 'ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας, ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ', '1', 'in the word of truth, in the power of God', 'Their dedication to preach the gospel **in the power of God** proves that they are God’s servants.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '7', 'dui6', '', 'ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας', '1', 'in the word of truth', '“by speaking God’s message about truth” or “by speaking God’s true message”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '7', 'p5l5', '', 'ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ', '1', 'in the power of God', '“by showing God’s power to people”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '7', 'ven8', 'figs-metaphor', 'διὰ τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν', '1', 'through the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left', 'Paul speaks of their **righteousness** as if it is **weapons** that they use to fight spiritual battles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '7', 'ef5b', '', 'τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης', '1', 'the weapons of righteousness', '“righteousness as our armor” or “righteousness as our weapons”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '7', 'ijr2', '', 'τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν', '1', 'for the right hand and for the left', 'This could mean: (1) there is a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other. (2) they are completely equipped for battle, able to fend off attacks from any direction.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '8', 'zi7d', 'figs-merism', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'Paul lists several extremes of how people think about him and his ministry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '8', 'e4pf', 'figs-activepassive', 'ὡς πλάνοι', '1', 'as imposters', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people accuse us of being deceitful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '9', 'fcb5', 'figs-activepassive', 'ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι', '1', 'as if we were unknown and we are still well known', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as if people did not know us and yet people still know us well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '9', 'r1d9', 'figs-activepassive', 'ὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι', '1', 'as being punished, and yet not being killed', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “we work as if people are punishing us for our actions but not as if they have condemned us to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '11', 'vh9v', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul encourages the believers at Corinth to be separated from idols and live clean lives for God.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '11', 'v74j', '', 'τὸ στόμα ἡμῶν ἀνέῳγεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς', '1', 'Our mouth has been opened to you', '“We have spoken honestly to you”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '11', 'mv85', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται', '1', 'our heart is opened wide', 'Paul speaks of his great affection for the Corinthians as having a **heart** that is open. Alternate translation: “we love you very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '11', 'r815', 'figs-metonymy', 'ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται', '1', '', 'Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s emotions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '12', 'm2kq', 'figs-metaphor', 'οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν', '1', '', 'Paul speaks of the Corinthians lack of love for him as if their **inward parts** were squeezed into a tight space. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '12', 'u4fz', 'figs-activepassive', 'οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν', '1', 'You are not restrained by us', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “We have not restrained you” or “We have not given you any reason to stop loving us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '12', 'xv9t', 'figs-metonymy', 'στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν', '1', 'You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your affections', 'Here, **inward parts** is a metonym for a person’s emotions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '12', 'ecn4', 'figs-activepassive', 'στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν', '1', 'you are restrained in your affections', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but your own hearts are restraining you” or “but you have stopped loving us for your own reasons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '13', 'c6vp', 'figs-metaphor', 'πλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς', '1', 'open yourselves wide also', 'Paul urges the Corinthians to love him as he has loved them. Alternate translation: “love us back” or “love us much as we have loved you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '14', 'wj41', '', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'In verse 16, Paul paraphrases portions from several Old Testament prophets: Moses, Zechariah, Amos, and possibly others.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '14', 'v7kk', 'figs-doublenegatives', 'μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες ἀπίστοις', '1', 'Do not be yoked together with unbelievers', 'You can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “Only be tied together with believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '14', 'qd33', 'figs-metaphor', 'μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες', '1', 'be yoked together with', 'Paul speaks of working together toward a common purpose as if it were two animals tied together to pull a plow or cart. Alternate translation: “Do not team up” or “Do not have a close relationship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '14', 'v7pw', 'figs-rquestion', 'τίς γὰρ μετοχὴ δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἀνομίᾳ', '1', 'For what association does righteousness have with lawlessness?', 'This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “For righteousness can have no association with lawlessness.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '14', 'xr52', 'figs-rquestion', 'ἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος?', '1', 'For what fellowship does light have with darkness?', 'Paul asks this question to emphasize that **light** and **darkness** cannot coexist since light dispels darkness. Alternate translation: “And light can have no fellowship with darkness!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '14', 'h9ks', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος?', '1', '', 'The words **light** and **darkness** refer to the moral and spiritual qualities of believers and unbelievers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '15', 'r1vq', 'figs-rquestion', 'τίς δὲ συμφώνησις Χριστοῦ πρὸς Βελιάρ', '1', 'What agreement can Christ have with Beliar?', 'This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “There is no agreement between Christ and Beliar!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '15', 'rm3r', 'translate-names', 'Βελιάρ', '1', 'Beliar', '**Beliar** is another name for the devil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '15', 'z9iv', 'figs-rquestion', 'ἢ τίς μερὶς πιστῷ μετὰ ἀπίστου?', '1', 'Or what share does a believer have together with an unbeliever?', 'This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “And a believer shares nothing in common with an unbeliever!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '16', 'y99x', 'figs-rquestion', 'τίς δὲ συνκατάθεσις ναῷ Θεοῦ μετὰ εἰδώλων?', '1', 'And what agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?', 'This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “And there is no agreement between the temple of God and idols!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '16', 's3l8', 'figs-exclusive', 'ἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος', '1', 'we are the temple of the living God', 'Here, **we** refers not only to Paul and his associates, but includes all Christians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '16', 'aqql', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος', '1', '', 'Paul speaks of Christians as forming a **temple** for **God** to dwell in. Alternate translation: “we are like the temple where the living God dwells” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '16', 'u5g3', 'figs-parallelism', 'ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω', '1', 'I will dwell among them and walk among them.', 'This is an Old Testament quotation that speaks of God being with the people in two different ways that mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '16', 'g0nl', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω', '1', '', 'The words **dwell among** speak of living where others live, while the words **walk among** speak of being with them as they go about their lives. Alternate translation: “I will be with them and help them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '17', 'fe1z', '', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'Paul quotes portions from the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah and Ezekiel.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '17', 'z5ld', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἀφορίσθητε', '1', 'be separate', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “set yourselves apart” or “allow me to set you apart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '6', '17', 'c8jq', 'figs-doublenegatives', 'ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε', '1', 'Touch no unclean thing', 'You can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “touch only things that are clean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', 'intro', 'hg36', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 7 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Clean and unclean

Christians are “clean” in the sense that God has cleansed them from sin. They do not need to be concerned with being clean according to the law of Moses. Ungodly living can still make a Christian unclean. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/clean]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

### Sadness and sorrow

The words “sad” and “sorrow” in this chapter indicate that the Corinthians were upset to the point of repenting. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### We

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

### Original situation

This chapter discusses in detail a previous situation. We can figure out some aspects of this situation from the information in this chapter. But it is best not to include this type of implicit information in a translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '1', 'e7t9', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul continues to remind them to be separated from sin and to seek holiness purposefully.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '1', 'h5xv', '', 'ἀγαπητοί', '1', 'Beloved', '“you whom I love” or “dear friends”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '1', 'fv49', '', 'καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς', '1', 'let us cleanse ourselves', 'Here Paul is saying to stay away from any form of sin that would affect one’s relationship with God.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '1', 'c2xf', '', 'ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην', '1', 'perfecting holiness', '“striving to be holy”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '1', 'pt41', '', 'ἐν φόβῳ Θεοῦ', '1', 'in the fear of God', '“out of deep respect for God”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '2', 'v4nu', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Having already warned the people of Corinth about other leaders who were striving to get these Corinthian believers to follow them, Paul reminds the people of the way he feels about them.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '2', 'x3lg', 'figs-explicit', 'χωρήσατε ἡμᾶς', '1', 'Make room for us', 'This refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 6:11](../06/11.md) about them opening their hearts to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '2', 'c2yz', 'figs-metaphor', 'χωρήσατε ἡμᾶς', '1', '', 'Paul speaks of the Corinthians loving him as if they were opening their hearts to him. Alternate translation: “Make room for us in your hearts” or “Love us and accept us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '3', 'bhb7', '', 'πρὸς κατάκρισιν οὐ λέγω', '1', 'I do not speak for your condemnation', 'Here, Paul refers back to what he has just said about not having wronged anyone. Alternate translation: “I do not say this to accuse you of having done wrong.”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '3', 'fay3', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν ἐστε', '1', 'you are in our hearts', 'Paul speaks of his and his associates’ great love for the Corinthians as if they held them in their hearts. Alternate translation: “you are very dear to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '3', 'xzg3', 'figs-idiom', 'εἰς τὸ συναποθανεῖν καὶ συνζῆν', '1', 'for us to die together and to live together', 'This means that Paul and his associates will continue to love the Corinthians no matter what happens. Alternate translation: “whether we live or whether we die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '4', 'mh12', 'figs-activepassive', 'πεπλήρωμαι τῇ παρακλήσει', '1', 'I am filled with encouragement', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “You fill me with comfort” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '4', 'mx9b', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὑπερπερισσεύομαι τῇ χαρᾷ', '1', 'I overflow with joy', 'Paul speaks of **joy** as if it is a liquid that fills him until he overflows. Alternate translation: “I am extremely joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '4', 'mr75', '', 'ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν', '1', 'even in all our afflictions', '“despite all our hardships”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '5', 'f3c5', 'figs-exclusive', 'ἐλθόντων ἡμῶν εἰς Μακεδονίαν', '1', 'When we came to Macedonia', 'Here the word **we** refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Corinthians or Titus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '5', 'c8ju', 'figs-synecdoche', 'οὐδεμίαν ἔσχηκεν ἄνεσιν ἡ σὰρξ ἡμῶν', '1', 'our flesh had no rest', 'Here, **our flesh** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “we had no rest” or “we were very tired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '5', 'h3cv', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι', '1', 'we were troubled in every way', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “we experienced every kind of trouble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '5', 'i4wr', 'figs-explicit', 'ἔξωθεν μάχαι, ἔσωθεν φόβοι', '1', 'by conflicts on the outside and fears on the inside', 'Here, **without** could mean: (1) “outside of our bodies.” (2) “outside of the church.” The word **within** refers to their inward emotions. Alternate translation: “by conflicts with other people and by fears within ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '7', 'w7td', 'figs-explicit', 'ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει ᾗ παρεκλήθη ἐφ’ ὑμῖν', '1', 'by the comfort that Titus had received from you', 'Paul received **comfort** from knowing that the Corinthians had **comforted** Titus. Alternate translation: “by learning about the comfort that Titus had received from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '8', 'b2xj', '', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'This refers to Paul’s previous letter to these Corinthian believers where he rebuked them for their acceptance of a believer’s sexual immorality with his father’s wife.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '8', 'jic5', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul praises them for their godly sorrow, their zeal to do right, and the joy that it brought him and Titus.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '8', 'vk7m', '', 'βλέπω ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη', '1', 'when I saw that my letter', '“when I learned that my letter”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '9', 'kn5q', 'figs-activepassive', 'οὐχ ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε', '1', 'not because you were distressed', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “not because what I said in my letter distressed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '9', 'l6d2', 'figs-idiom', 'ἐν μηδενὶ ζημιωθῆτε ἐξ ἡμῶν', '1', 'you would not suffer loss in anything through us', 'This means that although the letter caused them sorrow, they eventually benefited from the letter because it led them to repentance. Alternate translation: “so that we did not harm you in any way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '10', 'dtm3', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ἡ γὰρ κατὰ Θεὸν λύπη, μετάνοιαν εἰς σωτηρίαν…ἐργάζεται', '1', 'For the sorrow that God intends produces repentance that leads to salvation', 'The word **repentance** may be repeated to clarify its relationship to what precedes it and what follows it. Alternate translation: “For godly sorrow produces repentance, and repentance leads to salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '10', 'lc4m', '', 'ἀμεταμέλητον', '1', 'without regret', 'This could mean: (1) Paul has no **regret** that he caused them sorrow because that sorrow led to their repentance and salvation. (2) the Corinthians will not **regret** experiencing sorrow because it led to their repentance and salvation.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '10', 'lc1s', 'figs-explicit', 'ἡ δὲ τοῦ κόσμου λύπη, θάνατον κατεργάζεται', '1', 'But the sorrow of the world produces death', 'This kind of **sorrow** leads to **death** instead of salvation because it does not produce repentance. Alternate translation: “Worldly sorrow, however, leads to spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '11', 'gpp2', 'figs-exclamations', 'ἀλλὰ ἀπολογίαν', '1', 'what earnestness, what eagerness to defend yourselves', 'Here the word **what** makes this statement an exclamation. Alternate translation: “your determination to prove you were innocent was very great!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '11', 'h6jc', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἀλλὰ ἐκδίκησιν', '1', 'what avenging of wrong', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that someone should carry out justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '12', 'i6sn', 'figs-activepassive', 'τοῦ φανερωθῆναι τὴν σπουδὴν ὑμῶν, τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'your good will toward us should be made known to you in the sight of God', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you would know that your good will toward us is sincere” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '12', 'ycy7', '', 'ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'before God', 'Here, **before God** refers to God’s presence. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/02.md).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '13', 'kn2q', 'figs-activepassive', 'διὰ τοῦτο παρακεκλήμεθα', '1', 'For this reason we are encouraged', 'Here the phrase **this reason** refers to the way the Corinthians responded to Paul’s previous letter, as he described in the previous verse. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This is what encourages us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '13', 'v2g6', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἀναπέπαυται τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ πάντων ὑμῶν', '1', 'his spirit was refreshed by all of you', 'Here the word **spirit** refers to a person’s temperament and disposition. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “all of you refreshed his spirit” or “all of you made him stop worrying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '14', 'b4uq', '', 'ὅτι εἴ τι αὐτῷ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κεκαύχημαι', '1', 'For if I boasted to him about you', '“For although I boasted to him about you”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '14', 'm22c', '', 'οὐ κατῃσχύνθην', '1', 'I was not embarrassed', '“you did not disappoint me”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '14', 'q5hg', '', 'ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν ἡ ἐπὶ Τίτου ἀλήθεια ἐγενήθη', '1', 'our boasting about you to Titus proved to be true', '“you proved to Titus that our boasting about you was true”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '15', 'd87j', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'τὴν πάντων ὑμῶν ὑπακοήν', '1', 'the obedience of all of you', 'You can state this noun **obedience** with a verb, “obey.” Alternate translation: “how all of you obeyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '15', 'g9bz', 'figs-doublet', 'μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐδέξασθε αὐτόν', '1', 'you welcomed him with fear and trembling', 'Here, **fear** and **trembling** share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: “you welcomed him with great reverence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '7', '15', 'q47h', '', 'μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου', '1', 'with fear and trembling', 'This could refer to: (1) great reverence for God. (2) great reverence for Titus.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', 'intro', 'kl7m', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 8 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Gift to the church in Jerusalem

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

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### We

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

### Paradox

A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. These words in verse 2 are a paradox: “the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity.” In verse 3 Paul explains how their poverty produced riches. Paul also uses riches and poverty in other paradoxes. ([2 Corinthians 8:2](../08/02.md))']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '1', 'mm8g', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Having explained his changed plans and his ministry direction, Paul talks about giving.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '1', 'd1mj', 'figs-activepassive', 'τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δεδομένην ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Μακεδονίας', '1', 'the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the grace that God has given to the churches of Macedonia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '2', 'fsq8', 'figs-personification', 'ἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν καὶ ἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν, ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν', '1', 'the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity', 'Paul speaks of **joy** and **poverty** as if they were living things that can produce generosity. Alternate translation: “because of the people’s great joy and extreme poverty, they have become very generous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '2', 'b7k5', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν', '1', 'the abundance of their joy', 'Paul speaks of **joy** as if it were a physical object that could increase in size or quantity. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '2', 'pr8c', '', 'ἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν…τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν', '1', 'their deep poverty … the riches of their generosity', 'Though the churches of Macedonia have suffered testings of affliction and **poverty**, by God’s grace, they have been able to collect money for the believers in Jerusalem.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '2', 'z6mt', '', 'τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν', '1', 'the riches of their generosity', '“a very great generosity.” The word **riches** emphasizes the greatness of their generosity.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '4', 'nmw8', 'figs-explicit', 'τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους', '1', 'this ministry to the saints', 'Paul is referring to providing money to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “this ministry of providing for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '6', 'z42y', '', 'καθὼς προενήρξατο', '1', 'he had already begun this task', 'Paul is referring to the collection of money from the Corinthians for the believers in Jerusalem.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '6', 'vn4u', 'figs-explicit', 'καὶ ἐπιτελέσῃ εἰς ὑμᾶς καὶ τὴν χάριν ταύτην', '1', 'he would complete among you this act of grace', 'Titus was to help the Corinthians to complete the collection of money. Alternate translation: “he should encourage you to finish collecting and giving your generous gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '7', 'fpe1', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε', '1', 'you should abound in this act of grace', 'Paul speaks of the Corinthian believers as if they should produce physical goods. Alternate translation: “make sure you do well in giving for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '8', 'wn2k', 'figs-explicit', 'διὰ τῆς ἑτέρων σπουδῆς…τὸ τῆς ὑμετέρας ἀγάπης γνήσιον δοκιμάζων', '1', 'to test … through the diligence of others', 'Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously by comparing them with the generosity of the Macedonian churches. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '9', 'c1ch', '', 'τὴν χάριν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν', '1', 'the grace of our Lord', 'In this context, the word **grace** emphasizes the generosity with which Jesus had blessed the Corinthians.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '9', 'iz6z', 'figs-metaphor', 'δι’ ὑμᾶς ἐπτώχευσεν, πλούσιος ὤν', '1', 'though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor', 'Paul speaks of Jesus before his incarnation as **being rich**, and of his becoming human as becoming **poor**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '9', 'j5ym', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὑμεῖς τῇ ἐκείνου πτωχείᾳ πλουτήσητε', '1', 'through his poverty you might become rich', 'Paul speaks of the Corinthians becoming spiritually {rich} as a result of Jesus becoming human. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '10', 'b7ht', 'figs-explicit', 'ἐν τούτῳ', '1', 'In this matter', 'Here the word **this** refers to Corinthians collecting money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “with regard to the collection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '11', 'fc27', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'καθάπερ ἡ προθυμία τοῦ θέλειν', '1', 'there was the readiness of your desire', 'You can state this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “just as you were eager and desired to do it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '11', 'd6ly', '', 'καὶ τὸ ἐπιτελέσαι', '1', 'there may be the completion', '“complete it” or “finish it”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '12', 'k9wh', '', 'καθὸ ἐὰν ἔχῃ', '1', 'according to whatever a person has', '“if it is proportional to what the person giving has”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '13', 'mp6k', '', '', '0', 'For this', 'This verse refers back to collecting money for the believers in Jerusalem.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '13', 'smk2', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἵνα ἄλλοις ἄνεσις, ὑμῖν θλῖψις', '1', 'for the ease of others, and your affliction', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that you may relieve others and burden yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '13', 'ktd1', '', 'ἐξ ἰσότητος', '1', 'for the sake of equality', '“so that there would be equality”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '14', 'v7aj', '', 'ἵνα καὶ τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα γένηται εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα', '1', 'This is also so that their abundance may supply your need', 'Since the Corinthians are acting in the present time, it is implied that the believers in Jerusalem will also help them at some time in the future. Alternate translation: “this is also so that in the future their abundance may supply your need”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '15', 'ue8w', 'figs-activepassive', 'καθὼς γέγραπται', '1', 'as it is written', 'Here Paul quotes from Exodus. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as Moses wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '15', 'u28y', 'figs-doublenegatives', 'οὐκ ἠλαττόνησεν', '1', 'did not have too little', 'You can state this positively. Alternate translation: “had all he needed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '16', 'cr18', 'figs-synecdoche', 'τῷ διδόντι τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ Τίτου', '1', 'who put into Titus’ heart the same earnest care that I have for you', 'Here, **heart** refers to the emotions. This means that God caused Titus to love them. Alternate translation: “the one who made Titus care for you as much as I do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '16', 'vsm3', '', 'τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν', '1', 'same earnest care', '“the same enthusiasm” or “same deep concern”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '17', 'e4xn', 'figs-explicit', 'ὅτι τὴν μὲν παράκλησιν ἐδέξατο', '1', 'For he not only accepted our appeal', 'Paul is referring to his asking Titus to return to Corinth and complete the collection. Alternate translation: “For he not only agreed to our request that he help you with the collection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '18', 'rje2', '', 'μετ’ αὐτοῦ', '1', 'with him', '“with Titus”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '18', 'jll9', 'figs-activepassive', 'τὸν ἀδελφὸν, οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος…διὰ πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν', '1', 'the brother who is praised among all of the churches', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the brother whom believers among all of the churches praise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '19', 'j9rk', '', 'οὐ μόνον', '1', 'Not only this', '“not only do believers among all of the churches praise him”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '19', 'c667', 'figs-activepassive', 'καὶ χειροτονηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν', '1', 'he also was selected by the churches', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the churches also selected him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '19', 'k7dy', '', 'σὺν τῇ χάριτι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν', '1', 'along with this act of grace which is being administered by us', '“to carry out this act of generosity.” This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '19', 'v22x', '', 'προθυμίαν ἡμῶν', '1', 'our readiness', '“our eagerness to help”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '20', 'a3ps', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'ἐν τῇ ἁδρότητι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν', '1', 'concerning this generosity that we are carrying out', 'This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. The abstract noun **administration** can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: “concerning the way we are handling this generous gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '21', 'n4x1', '', 'προνοοῦμεν γὰρ καλὰ', '1', 'For we considered beforehand what is right', '“We are careful to handle this gift in an honorable way”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '21', 'ey5n', '', 'ἐνώπιον Κυρίου…ἐνώπιον ἀνθρώπων', '1', 'before the Lord … before people', '“in the Lord’s opinion … in people’s opinion”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '22', 'd3yj', '', 'αὐτοῖς', '1', 'with them', 'The word **them** refers to Titus and the previously mentioned brother.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '23', 'mmi2', '', 'κοινωνὸς ἐμὸς καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς συνεργός', '1', 'he is my partner and fellow worker for you', '“he is my partner who works with me to help you”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '23', 'lat3', '', 'ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν', '1', 'As for our brothers', 'This refers to the two other men who will accompany Titus.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '23', 'u8lx', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν', '1', 'they are sent by the churches', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the churches have sent them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '8', '23', 'a8v2', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'δόξα Χριστοῦ', '1', 'an honor to Christ', 'You can state this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “they will cause people to honor Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', 'intro', 'lt8d', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 9 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphors

Paul uses three agricultural metaphors. He uses them to teach about giving to needy believers. The metaphors help Paul explain that God will reward those who give generously. Paul does not say how or when God will reward them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/reward]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '1', 'rd2g', 'translate-names', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'When Paul refers to Achaia, he is talking about a Roman province located in southern Greece where Corinth is located. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '1', 'wc5l', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul continues on the subject of giving. He wants to make sure that the collection of their offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem takes place before he comes so that it does not seem as though he takes advantage of them. He talks about how giving blesses the giver and glorifies God.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '1', 'fxs3', 'figs-explicit', 'τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους', '1', 'the ministry that is for the saints', 'This refers to the collection of money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the ministry for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '2', 'i529', 'figs-metonymy', 'Ἀχαΐα παρεσκεύασται', '1', 'Achaia has been ready', 'Here the word **Achaia** refers to the people who live in this province, and specifically to the people of the church in Corinth. Alternate translation: “the people of Achaia have been preparing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '3', 'r5pp', '', 'τοὺς ἀδελφούς', '1', 'the brothers', 'This refers to Titus and the two men who accompany him.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '3', 'k1er', '', 'μὴ τὸ καύχημα ἡμῶν, τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, κενωθῇ', '1', 'our boasting about you may not be futile', 'Paul does not want others to think that the things that he had boasted about the Corinthians were false.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '4', 'j8ey', '', 'εὕρωσιν ὑμᾶς ἀπαρασκευάστους', '1', 'find you unprepared', '“find you unprepared to give”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '5', 'q1up', 'figs-go', 'τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, ἵνα προέλθωσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς', '1', 'the brothers they they would come to you', 'From Paul’s perspective, the brothers are going. Alternate translation: “the brothers to go to you beforehand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '5', 'nm2n', 'figs-activepassive', 'μὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν', '1', 'not as forced', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “not as something that we forced you to give” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '6', 'mm9w', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει; καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις, ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει', '1', 'the one who sows … will also reap in blessings', 'Paul uses the image of a farmer sowing seeds to describe the results of giving. As a farmer’s harvest is based on how much he **sows**, so will God’s **blessings** be little or much based on how generously the Corinthians give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '7', 'tzt4', 'figs-metonymy', 'καθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ', '1', 'let each one give as he has decided in his heart', 'Here, **heart** refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “just as he has determined” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '7', 'whg6', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης', '1', 'not reluctantly or under compulsion', 'You can translate this phrase with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “not because he feels guilty or because someone is compelling him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '7', 't26d', '', 'ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ Θεός', '1', 'for God loves a cheerful giver', 'God wants people to give gladly to help provide for fellow believers.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '8', 'cz9b', 'figs-metaphor', 'δυνατεῖ δὲ ὁ Θεὸς, πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς', '1', 'God is able to make all grace overflow for you', 'Here, **grace** is spoken of as if it were a physical object of which a person can have more than he can use. As a person gives financially to other believers, **God** also gives to the giver everything he needs. Alternate translation: “God is able to give you more than you need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '8', 'zxz9', '', 'χάριν', '1', 'grace', 'Here, **grace** refers to the physical things a Christian needs, not to the need for God to save him from his sins.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '8', 'u8w6', '', 'περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν', '1', 'you may abound in every good work', '“so that you may be able to do more and more good deeds”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '9', 'mma1', 'figs-activepassive', 'καθὼς γέγραπται', '1', 'just as it is written', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This is just as the writer wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '10', 'p3fl', '', 'ὁ…ἐπιχορηγῶν', '1', 'He who supplies', '“God who supplies”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '10', 'b1xe', 'figs-metonymy', 'ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν', '1', 'bread for food', 'Here the word **bread** refers to **food** in general. Alternate translation: “food to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '10', 'uts1', 'figs-metaphor', 'χορηγήσει καὶ πληθυνεῖ τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν', '1', 'will supply and multiply your seed for sowing', 'Paul speaks of the Corinthians’ possessions as if they are seeds and of giving to others as if they were **sowing** seeds. Alternate translation: “will also supply and multiply your possessions so that you can sow them by giving them to others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '10', 'ci67', 'figs-metaphor', 'αὐξήσει τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν', '1', 'will increase the fruits of your righteousness', 'Paul compares the benefits that the Corinthians will receive from their generosity to that of a harvest. Alternate translation: “God will bless you even more for your righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '10', 'yv67', '', 'τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν', '1', 'the fruits of your righteousness', 'Here, **righteousness** refers to the righteous actions of the Corinthians in giving their resources to the believers in Jerusalem.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '11', 'eey1', 'figs-activepassive', 'πλουτιζόμενοι', '1', 'enriching you', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will enrich you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '11', 'b3e5', 'figs-explicit', 'ἥτις κατεργάζεται δι’ ἡμῶν, εὐχαριστίαν τῷ Θεῷ', '1', 'which produces thanksgiving to God through us', 'The word **which** refers to the Corinthian’s generosity. Alternate translation: “Because of your generosity, those who receive the gifts we bring them will thank God” or “and when we give your gifts to those who need them, they will give thanks to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '12', 'l7kq', 'figs-explicit', 'ὅτι ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας ταύτης', '1', 'For the ministry of this service', 'Here, **service** refers to Paul and his companions bringing the contribution to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “For our carrying out this service for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '12', 'esk7', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἀλλὰ καὶ περισσεύουσα διὰ πολλῶν εὐχαριστιῶν τῷ Θεῷ', '1', 'but is also overflowing into many acts of thanksgiving to God', 'Paul speaks of the Corinthian believers’ act of service as if it were a liquid of which there is more than a container can hold. Alternate translation: “It also causes many deeds for which people will thank God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '13', 'plj4', 'figs-activepassive', 'διὰ τῆς δοκιμῆς τῆς διακονίας ταύτης', '1', 'Because of the proof of this ministry', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Because this service has tested and proven you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '13', 'ze14', '', 'δοξάζοντες τὸν Θεὸν ἐπὶ τῇ ὑποταγῇ τῆς ὁμολογίας ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἁπλότητι τῆς κοινωνίας εἰς αὐτοὺς καὶ εἰς πάντας', '1', 'they glorify God for your obedience … the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone', 'Paul says that the Corinthians will glorify God both by being faithful to Jesus and by giving generously to other believers who have need.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '9', '15', 'es8c', '', 'ἐπὶ τῇ ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ αὐτοῦ δωρεᾷ', '1', 'for his inexpressible gift', 'This **gift** could refer to: (1) “the very great grace” that God has given to the Corinthians, which has led them to be so generous. (2) Jesus Christ, whom God gave to all believers.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', 'intro', 'abcd', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 10 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Boasting

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphor

In verses 3-6, Paul uses many metaphors from war. He probably uses them as part of a larger metaphor about Christians being spiritually at war. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Flesh

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

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '1', 'yc1g', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul shifts the subject from giving to affirming his authority to teach as he does.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '1', 'gq7j', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'by the meekness and gentleness of Christ', 'The word **meekness** and **gentleness** are abstract nouns, and can be expressed in another way. Alternate translation: “I am humble and gentle as I do so, because Christ has made me that way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '2', 'i6hh', '', 'τοὺς λογιζομένους ἡμᾶς', '1', 'those who regard', '“who think of us”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '2', 'ik1p', 'figs-metonymy', 'ὡς κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας', '1', 'as walking according to the flesh', 'Here, **flesh** is a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “are acting from human motives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '3', 'cvd6', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες', '1', 'we walk in the flesh', 'Here, **walking** is a metaphor for “living.” Alternate translation: “we live our lives in the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '3', 'zbet', 'figs-metonymy', 'ἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες', '1', '', 'Here, **flesh** is a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: “we live our lives in physical bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '3', 'k7h8', 'figs-metaphor', 'οὐ…στρατευόμεθα', '1', 'we do not wage war', 'Paul speaks of his trying to persuade the Corinthians to believe him and not the false teachers as if he were fighting a physical **war**. These words should be translated literally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '3', 'gpd3', 'figs-metonymy', 'οὐ κατὰ σάρκα στρατευόμεθα', '1', 'wage war according to the flesh', 'The word **flesh** is: (1) a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: “fight against our enemies using physical weapons” (2) a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “wage war in sinful ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '4', 'uf5s', 'figs-metaphor', 'τὰ…ὅπλα τῆς στρατείας ἡμῶν οὐ σαρκικὰ, ἀλλὰ δυνατὰ τῷ Θεῷ πρὸς καθαίρεσιν ὀχυρωμάτων, λογισμοὺς καθαιροῦντες', '1', 'the weapons we fight with … for pulling down arguments', 'Paul speaks of godly wisdom showing human wisdom to be false as if it were a weapon with which he was destroying an enemy stronghold. Alternate translation: “the weapons we fight with … show people that what our enemies say is completely wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '4', 'd1gj', 'figs-metonymy', 'οὐ σαρκικὰ', '1', 'are not fleshly', 'The word **fleshly** is: (1) a metonym for merely physical. Alternate translation: “are not physical” (2) a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “are not sinful” or “do not enable us to do wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '5', 'xuz9', '', 'πᾶν ὕψωμα ἐπαιρόμενον', '1', 'every high thing that rises up', 'Paul is still speaking with the metaphor of a war, as if “the knowledge of God” were an army and **every high thing** were a wall that people had made to keep the army out. Alternate translation: “every false argument that proud people think of to protect themselves”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '5', 'b74d', '', 'πᾶν ὕψωμα', '1', 'every high thing', '“everything that proud people do”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '5', 'vm1a', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐπαιρόμενον κατὰ τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ', '1', 'rises up against the knowledge of God', 'Paul speaks of arguments as if they were a wall standing high against an army. The phrase **rises up** mean “stands tall,” not that the “high thing” is floating up into the air. Alternate translation: “people use so they will not have to know who God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '5', 'r2yz', 'figs-metaphor', 'αἰχμαλωτίζοντες πᾶν νόημα εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'We take every thought captive into obedience to Christ', 'Paul speaks of people’s thoughts as if they were enemy soldiers whom he captures in battle. Alternate translation: “we show how all the false ideas those people have are wrong and teach the people to obey Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '6', 'm4ds', 'figs-metonymy', 'ἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν', '1', 'to avenge every act of disobedience', 'Here, **act of disobedience** is a metonym for the people who commit those acts. Alternate translation: “punish every one of you who disobey us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '7', 'y2yb', 'figs-rquestion', 'τὰ κατὰ πρόσωπον βλέπετε', '1', 'You are looking at the appearance of things', 'This could be: (1) a command. (2) a statement. Alternate translation: “You are looking only at what you can see with your eyes.” Some think this is a rhetorical question that may also be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Are you looking at what is clearly in front of you?” or “You seem unable to see what is clearly in front of you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '7', 'z1t5', '', 'τοῦτο λογιζέσθω πάλιν ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῦ', '1', 'let him remind himself', '“he needs to remember”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '7', 'f3i9', '', 'καθὼς αὐτὸς Χριστοῦ, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς', '1', 'that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we', '“we belong to Christ just as much as he does”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '8', 'd4zu', 'figs-metaphor', 'εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν ὑμῶν', '1', 'to build you up and not to destroy you', 'Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. Alternate translation: “to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '9', 'nw6e', '', 'ἂν ἐκφοβεῖν ὑμᾶς', '1', 'I would terrify you', '“I am trying to frighten you”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '11', 'm6m6', '', 'τοῦτο λογιζέσθω ὁ τοιοῦτος', '1', 'Let such a one consider this', '“I want such people to be aware”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '11', 'g58z', '', 'οἷοί ἐσμεν τῷ λόγῳ δι’ ἐπιστολῶν ἀπόντες, τοιοῦτοι καὶ παρόντες τῷ ἔργῳ', '1', 'what we are in the words of our letters when we are absent is what we will be in our actions when we are there', '“we will do the same things when we are there with you that we have written about in our letters while we have been away from you”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '11', 'kb55', 'figs-exclusive', 'ἐσμεν', '1', 'we are', 'Both instances of **we** refer to Paul’s ministry team but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '12', 'k94z', '', 'ἐνκρῖναι ἢ συνκρῖναι ἑαυτούς, τισιν', '1', 'to group or compare ourselves', '“to say we are as good as some”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '12', 'i85y', 'figs-parallelism', 'αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες καὶ συνκρίνοντες ἑαυτοὺς ἑαυτοῖς', '1', 'they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with each other', 'Both of these clauses mean essentially the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '12', 'n8sx', 'figs-metaphor', 'αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες', '1', 'they measure themselves by one another', 'Paul is speaking of goodness as though it were something whose length people could **measure**. Alternate translation: “they look at each other and try to see who is better” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '12', 'zwl5', '', 'οὐ συνιᾶσιν', '1', 'have no understanding', '“show everyone that they do not know anything”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '13', 'x79x', 'figs-metaphor', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules, those things over which he has authority as being within the borders or “limits” of his land, and those things not under his authority as being beyond the “limits.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '13', 'a4ud', 'figs-idiom', 'οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχησόμεθα', '1', 'will not boast beyond limits', 'This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will not boast about things over which we have no authority” or “will boast only about things over which we have authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '13', 'u84l', '', 'κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος, οὗ ἐμέρισεν ἡμῖν ὁ Θεὸς', '1', 'according to the measure of the area that God has assigned to us', '“about things under the authority that God has given us to do”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '13', 'fx2b', 'figs-metaphor', 'μέτρου, ἐφικέσθαι ἄχρι καὶ ὑμῶν', '1', 'a measure that reached even as far as you', 'Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules. Alternate translation: “and you are within the border of our authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '14', 'ay6h', '', 'οὐ…ὑπερεκτείνομεν ἑαυτούς', '1', 'we are not overextending ourselves', '“we did not go beyond our borders”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '15', 'hu9l', 'figs-idiom', 'οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχώμενοι', '1', 'Neither do we boast beyond limits about', 'This is an idiom. See how similar words were translated in [2 Corinthians 10:13](../10/13.md). Alternate translation: “And we have not boasted about things over which we have no authority” or “We have not boasted only about things over which we have authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '16', 'raq7', '', 'ἀλλοτρίῳ κανόνι', '1', 'another person’s area', '“an area that God has assigned to someone else”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '17', 'q8cc', '', 'ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω', '1', 'boast in the Lord', '“let … boast about what the Lord has done”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '18', 'h81t', '', 'ὁ ἑαυτὸν συνιστάνων', '1', 'who commends himself', 'This means that he provides enough evidence for each person who hears him to decide whether he is right or wrong. See how “recommend ourselves” is translated in [2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/02.md).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '18', 'n5v6', 'figs-activepassive', 'οὐ…ἐστιν δόκιμος', '1', 'is approved', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “is not whom the Lord approves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '10', '18', 'sy2r', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ὃν ὁ Κύριος συνίστησιν', '1', 'the one whom the Lord commends', 'You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the one whom the Lord recommends is the one of whom the Lord approves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', 'intro', 'abce', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 11 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul continues defending his authority.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### False teaching

The Corinthians were quick to accept false teachers. They taught things about Jesus and the gospel that were different and not true. Unlike these false teachers, Paul sacrificially served the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]])

### Light

Light is commonly used in the New Testament as a metaphor. Paul here uses light to indicate the revealing of God and his righteousness. Darkness describes sin. Sin seeks to remain hidden from God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/darkness]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphor

Paul begins this chapter with an extended metaphor. He compares himself to the father of a bride who is giving a pure, virgin bride to her bridegroom. Wedding practices change depending on the cultural background. But the idea of helping to present someone as a grown and holy child is explicitly pictured in this passage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

### Irony

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

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

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

“I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that.” Paul is speaking about behavior he thinks is very wrong in order to avoid it. He is speaking as if he thinks he is wrong for not doing it. He uses a rhetorical question also as irony. “Did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

### Rhetorical questions

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

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

### “Are they servants of Christ?”

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

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Paradox

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

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '1', 't7ks', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul continues to affirm his apostleship.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '1', 'r4q6', '', 'ἀνείχεσθέ μου μικρόν τι ἀφροσύνης', '1', 'bear with me in a little bit of foolishness', '“you would allow me allow me to act like a fool”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '2', 'm6vl', '', 'ζηλῶ…ὑμᾶς Θεοῦ ζήλῳ', '1', 'jealous … jealousy', 'These words speak of a good, strong desire that the Corinthians be faithful to Christ, and that no one should persuade them to leave him.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '2', 'ee9i', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἡρμοσάμην γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἀνδρὶ, παρθένον ἁγνὴν παραστῆσαι τῷ Χριστῷ', '1', 'for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ', 'Paul speaks of his care for the Corinthian believers as if he had **promised** another man that he would prepare his daughter to marry him and he is most concerned that he be able to keep his promise to the man. Alternate translation: “for I was like a father who promised to present his daughter to one husband. I promised to keep you as a pure virgin so I could give you to Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '3', 'l2hr', '', 'φοβοῦμαι δὲ, μή πως ὡς ὁ ὄφις ἐξηπάτησεν Εὕαν ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτοῦ, φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἁπλότητος καὶ τῆς ἁγνότητος τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστόν', '1', 'But I am afraid that somehow … the sincerity and the purity that are in Christ', '“But I am afraid that somehow your thoughts might be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '3', 'm5zn', 'figs-metaphor', 'φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν', '1', 'your thoughts might be led astray', 'Paul speaks of **thoughts** as if they were animals that people could lead along the wrong path. Alternate translation: “someone might cause you to believe lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '4', 'wq57', '', 'εἰ μὲν γὰρ ὁ ἐρχόμενος', '1', 'For if one who comes', '“When anyone comes and”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '4', 'l7m8', '', 'πνεῦμα ἕτερον…ὃ οὐκ ἐλάβετε, ἢ εὐαγγέλιον ἕτερον ὃ οὐκ ἐδέξασθε', '1', 'or you receive a different spirit which you did not receive, or you receive a different gospel which you did not accept', '“a different spirit than the Holy Spirit, or a different gospel than you received from us”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '4', 'fs5z', '', 'καλῶς ἀνέχεσθε', '1', 'you are bearing with it well', '“you are dealing correctly with these things.” See how these words were translated in [2 Corinthians 11:1](../11/01.md).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '5', 'eet1', 'figs-irony', 'τῶν ὑπέρλίαν ἀποστόλων', '1', 'those super-apostles', 'Paul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say there are. Alternate translation: “those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '6', 'f8d1', 'figs-litotes', 'οὐ τῇ γνώσει', '1', 'I am not untrained in knowledge', 'This negative phrase emphasizes the positive truth that he is trained in knowledge. Alternate translation: “I am certainly trained in knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '6', 'n7xy', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'οὐ τῇ γνώσει', '1', '', 'The abstract noun “knowledge” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I am trained to know what they know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '7', 'un9v', 'figs-rquestion', 'ἢ ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησα ἐμαυτὸν ταπεινῶν, ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑψωθῆτε', '1', 'Or did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted?', 'Paul is beginning to claim that he treated the Corinthians well. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement, if necessary. Alternate translation: “I think we agree that I did not sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '7', 'ax51', '', 'δωρεὰν τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγέλιον εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν', '1', 'freely preached the gospel of God to you', '“I preached the gospel of God to you without expecting anything from you in return”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '8', 'k6ds', 'figs-irony', 'ἄλλας ἐκκλησίας ἐσύλησα', '1', 'I robbed other churches', 'This is an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul received money from **churches** who were not obligated to give to him. Alternate translation: “I accepted money from other churches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '8', 'a416', 'figs-explicit', 'τὴν ὑμῶν διακονίαν', '1', 'the ministry to you', 'The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I could serve you at no cost” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '9', 'a23k', '', 'οἱ ἀδελφοὶ ἐλθόντες', '1', 'the brothers who came', 'These “brothers” were probably all male.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '9', 'fc6l', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω', '1', 'In everything I have kept myself from being a burden to you', 'Paul speaks of someone for whom one has to spend money as if they were heavy items that people have to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '9', 'sqcf', 'figs-explicit', 'ἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω', '1', '', 'The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I have done all I can to make sure you do not have to spend money so that I can be with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '9', 'b35r', '', 'ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν…ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω', '1', 'I will continue to do that', '“I never will be a burden to you”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '10', 'si2r', '', 'ἔστιν ἀλήθεια Χριστοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ', '1', 'the truth of Christ is in me', 'Paul is emphasizing that because his readers know that he tells the **truth** about **Christ**, they can know that he is telling the truth here. “As surely as you know that I truly know and proclaim the truth about Christ, you can know that what I am about to say is true”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '10', 'nae3', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἡ καύχησις αὕτη οὐ φραγήσεται εἰς ἐμὲ', '1', 'this boasting of mine will not be silenced', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to make me stop boasting and stay silent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '10', 'ua2i', '', 'ἡ καύχησις αὕτη…εἰς ἐμὲ', '1', 'this boasting of mine', 'This refers to what Paul spoke about starting in ([2 Corinthians 11:7](../11/07.md)).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '11', 'zqu5', 'figs-rquestion', 'διὰ τί? ὅτι οὐκ ἀγαπῶ ὑμᾶς?', '1', 'Why? Because I do not love you?', 'Paul uses rhetorical questions to emphasize love for the Corinthians. These questions can be combined or made into a statement. Alternate translation: “Is it because I do not love you that I do not want to be a burden to you?” or “I will continue to keep you from paying for my needs because this shows others that I love you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '11', 'rj6f', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ὁ Θεὸς οἶδεν', '1', 'God knows', 'You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “God knows I love you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '12', 'si5d', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'As Paul continues to affirm his apostleship, he talks about false apostles.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '12', 'd9sl', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἵνα ἐκκόψω τὴν ἀφορμὴν τῶν θελόντων ἀφορμήν, ἵνα ἐν ᾧ καυχῶνται, εὑρεθῶσιν καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς', '1', 'in order that I may take away the opportunity', 'Paul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can carry away. Alternate translation: “so that I might make it impossible for those who are trying to get people to regard them as highly as they respect us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '12', 't4js', 'figs-activepassive', 'εὑρεθῶσιν', '1', 'they may be regarded as equal to us', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people will think highly of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '13', 'ml66', '', 'οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι', '1', 'For such people', '“I do what I do because people like them”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '13', 'nq3t', '', 'ἐργάται δόλιοι', '1', 'deceitful workers', '“dishonest workers”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '13', 'y896', '', 'μετασχηματιζόμενοι εἰς ἀποστόλους', '1', 'disguising themselves as apostles', '“are not apostles, but they try to make themselves look like apostles”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '14', 'v9z4', 'figs-litotes', 'οὐ θαῦμα', '1', 'no wonder', 'By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many “false apostles” ([2 Corinthians 11:13](../11/13.md)). Alternate translation: “we should expect this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '14', 'ss7s', '', 'αὐτὸς…ὁ Σατανᾶς μετασχηματίζεται εἰς ἄγγελον φωτός', '1', 'Satan disguises himself as an angel of light', '“Satan is not an angel of light, but he tries to make himself look like an angel of light”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '14', 'mld4', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἄγγελον φωτός', '1', 'an angel of light', 'Here, **light** is a metaphor for righteousness. Alternate translation: “an angel of righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '15', 'fvx7', 'figs-litotes', 'οὐ μέγα…εἰ', '1', 'it is no great thing', 'By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many “false apostles” ([2 Corinthians 11:13](../11/13.md)). Alternate translation: “we should certainly expect to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '15', 'sb58', '', 'καὶ οἱ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ μετασχηματίζονται ὡς διάκονοι δικαιοσύνης', '1', 'his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness', '“his servants are not servants of righteousness, but they try to make themselves look like servants of righteousness”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '16', 's962', '', 'γε κἂν ὡς ἄφρονα δέξασθέ με, ἵνα κἀγὼ μικρόν τι καυχήσωμαι', '1', 'receive me as a fool so I may boast a little', '“receive me as you would receive a fool: let me talk, and consider my boasting the words of a fool”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '18', 't4ic', 'figs-metonymy', 'κατὰ σάρκα', '1', 'according to the flesh', 'Here the metonym **flesh** refers to man in his sinful nature and his achievements. Alternate translation: “about their own human achievements” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '19', 'u8f3', '', 'ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων', '1', 'put up with the foolish', '“you … accept me when I act like a fool.” See how a similar phrase was translated in [2 Corinthians 11:1](../11/01.md).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '19', 'si6l', 'figs-irony', 'φρόνιμοι ὄντες', '1', 'being wise', 'Paul is shaming the Corinthians by using irony. Alternate translation: “thinking that you are wise, even through you are not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '20', 'zmfo', 'figs-hyperbole', 'εἴ τις ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ, εἴ τις κατεσθίει', '1', '', 'Paul is using exaggeration when he speaks of some people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves or devouring them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '20', 'lu7d', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ', '1', 'enslaves you', 'Paul speaks of people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves. Alternate translation: “makes you follow rules they have thought of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '20', 'sr4n', 'figs-metaphor', 'κατεσθίει', '1', 'he consumes you', 'Paul speaks of the super-apostles’ taking people’s material resources as if they were eating the people themselves. Alternate translation: “takes all your property” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '20', 'yn5t', '', 'λαμβάνει', '1', 'takes advantage of you', 'A person **takes advantage of** another person by knowing things that the other person does not and using that knowledge to help himself and harm the other person.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '21', 'n8s9', 'figs-irony', 'κατὰ ἀτιμίαν λέγω ὡς ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠσθενήκαμεν!', '1', 'I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that', 'Paul is using irony to tell the Corinthians that it was not because he was **weak** that he treated them well. Alternate translation: “I am not ashamed to say that we had the power to harm you, but we treated you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '21', 'v8a3', '', 'ἐν ᾧ…ἄν τις τολμᾷ…τολμῶ κἀγώ', '1', 'Yet if anyone boasts … I too will boast', '“in whatever anyone boasts about … I will dare to boast about it also”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '22', 'qi8w', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'As Paul continues to confirm his apostleship, he states specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '22', 'jdq8', 'figs-rquestion', 'Ἑβραῖοί εἰσιν? κἀγώ. Ἰσραηλεῖταί εἰσιν? κἀγώ. σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ εἰσιν? κἀγώ.', '1', 'Are they Hebrews? … Are they Israelites? … Are they descendants of Abraham?', 'Paul is asking and answering questions the Corinthians might be asking to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. Alternate translation: “They want you to think they are important and to believe what they say because they are Hebrews and Israelites and descendants of Abraham. Well, so am I!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '23', 'a4tz', 'figs-rquestion', 'διάκονοι Χριστοῦ εἰσιν? (παραφρονῶν λαλῶ), ὑπὲρ ἐγώ', '1', 'Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were out of my mind.) I am more', 'Paul continues asking and answering questions the Corinthians might be asking to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. Alternate translation: “They say they are servants of Christ—I speak as though I were out of my mind—but I am more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '23', 'bq23', '', 'παραφρονῶν λαλῶ', '1', 'as though I were out of my mind', '“I speak as though I were unable to think well”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '23', 'vy54', 'figs-ellipsis', 'ὑπὲρ ἐγώ', '1', 'I am more', 'You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “I am more a servant of Christ than they are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '23', 's8wq', '', 'ἐν κόποις περισσοτέρως', '1', 'in even more hard work', '“I have worked harder”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '23', 'dr6x', '', 'ἐν φυλακαῖς περισσοτέρως', '1', 'in far more imprisonments', '“I have been in prisons more often”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '23', 'cs3f', 'figs-idiom', 'ἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως', '1', 'in beatings beyond measure', 'Here, **beyond measure** is an idiom that means he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: “I have been beaten very many times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '23', 'qdcm', 'figs-hyperbole', 'ἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως', '1', '', 'This is exaggerated to emphasize that he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: “I have been beaten too many times to bother counting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '23', 'r6jv', '', 'ἐν θανάτοις πολλάκις', '1', 'in facing many dangers of death', '“and I have almost died many times”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '24', 'ttz2', '', 'τεσσεράκοντα παρὰ μίαν', '1', 'forty lashes minus one', 'This was a common expression for being whipped 39 times. In Jewish law the most they were allowed to whip a person at one time was forty lashes. So they commonly whipped a person thirty-nine times so that they would be guilty of whipping someone too many times if the accidentally counted wrong.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '25', 'u9xc', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐραβδίσθην', '1', 'I was beaten with rods', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people beat me with wooden rods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '25', 'xk9w', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐλιθάσθην', '1', 'I was stoned', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people threw stones at me until they thought I was dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '25', 'b4kz', '', 'νυχθήμερον ἐν τῷ βυθῷ πεποίηκα', '1', 'I have spent a night and a day on the open sea', 'Paul was referring to floating in the water after the ship he was on sank.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '26', 'b3j9', 'figs-explicit', 'κινδύνοις ἐν ψευδαδέλφοις', '1', 'in danger from false brothers', 'The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and in danger from people who claimed to be brothers in Christ, but who betrayed us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '27', 'ds5h', 'figs-hyperbole', 'γυμνότητι', '1', 'nakedness', 'Here Paul exaggerates to show his need of clothing. Alternate translation: “without enough clothing to keep me warm” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '28', 'n1q5', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἡ ἐπίστασίς μοι ἡ καθ’ ἡμέραν, ἡ μέριμνα πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν', '1', 'there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety', 'Paul knows that God will hold him responsible for how well the **churches** obey God and speaks of that knowledge as if it were a heavy object pushing him down. Alternate translation: “I know that God will hold me accountable for the spiritual growth of all the churches, and so I always feel like a heavy object is pushing me down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '29', 'fvz6', 'figs-rquestion', 'τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ?', '1', 'Who is weak, and I am not weak?', 'This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone is weak, I feel that weakness also.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '29', 'hhb2', 'figs-metaphor', 'τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ?', '1', 'Who is weak, and I am not weak?', 'The word **weak** is probably a metaphor for a spiritual condition, but no one is sure what Paul is speaking of, so it is best to use the same word here. Alternate translation: “I am weak whenever anyone else is weak.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '29', 'g5am', 'figs-metaphor', 'τίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι?', '1', 'Who has been caused to stumble, and I do not burn?', 'Here Paul’s anger is spoken of as a burning inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '29', 'bdd4', 'figs-rquestion', 'τίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι?', '1', '', 'Paul uses this question to express his anger when a fellow believer is caused to sin. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone causes a brother to sin, I am angry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '29', 'xu57', 'figs-metaphor', 'σκανδαλίζεται', '1', 'has been caused to stumble', 'Paul speaks of sin as if it were tripping over something and then falling. Alternate translation: “has been led to sin” or “has thought that God would permit him to sin because of something that someone else did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '30', 'gxe6', '', 'τὰ τῆς ἀσθενείας', '1', 'what shows my weaknesses', '“what shows how weak I am”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '31', 'yx8z', 'figs-litotes', 'οὐ ψεύδομαι', '1', 'I am not lying', 'Paul is using litotes to emphasize that he is telling the truth. Alternate translation: “I am telling the absolute truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '32', 'n383', '', 'ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἁρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν πόλιν', '1', 'the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city', '“the governor whom King Aretas had appointed had told men to guard the city”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '32', 'j7de', '', 'πιάσαι με', '1', 'to arrest me', '“so that they might catch and arrest me”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '33', 'i8xa', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐν σαργάνῃ, ἐχαλάσθην', '1', 'I was lowered in a basket', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “some people put me in a basket and lowered me to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '11', '33', 'aw7d', 'figs-metonymy', 'τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ', '1', 'from his hands', 'Paul uses the governor’s **hands** as metonymy for the governor. Alternate translation: “from the governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', 'intro', 'abcf', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 12 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Paul continues defending his authority in this chapter.

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Paul’s vision

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

### Third heaven

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical questions

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

### Sarcasm

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

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Paradox

A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 5 is a paradox: “I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.” Most people do not boast about being weak. This sentence in verse 10 is also a paradox: “For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” In verse 9, Paul explains why both of these statements are true. ([2 Corinthians 12:5](../12/05.md))']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '1', 'iwn3', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'In defending his apostleship from God, Paul continues to state specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '1', 'iur3', '', 'ἐλεύσομαι…εἰς', '1', 'I will go on to', '“I will continue talking, but now about”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '1', 'rb42', 'figs-hendiadys', 'ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις Κυρίου', '1', 'visions and revelations from the Lord', 'This could mean: (1) Paul uses the words **visions** and **revelations** to mean the same thing in hendiadys for emphasis. Alternate translation: “things that the Lord has allowed only me to see” (2) Paul is speaking of two different things. Alternate translation: “secret things that the Lord has let me see with my eyes and other secrets that he has told me about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '2', 'cz7u', '', 'οἶδα ἄνθρωπον ἐν Χριστῷ', '1', 'I know a man in Christ', 'Paul is actually speaking of himself as if he were speaking of someone else, but this should be translated literally if possible.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '2', 'fth2', '', 'εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα', '1', 'whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know', 'Paul continues to describe himself as if this happened to another person. “I do not know if this man was in his physical body or in his spiritual body”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '2', 'k4aw', '', 'τρίτου οὐρανοῦ', '1', 'the third heaven', 'Here, the **third heaven** refers to the dwelling place of God rather than the sky or outer space (the planets, stars, and the universe).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '3', 'cju3', '', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'Paul continues to speak of himself as though he were speaking of someone else.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '4', 'qv5h', '', 'ἡρπάγη εἰς τὸν Παράδεισον', '1', 'was caught up into paradise', 'Paul continues his account of what happened to “this man” (verse 3). You can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God took this man into **paradise**. (2) an angel took this man into **paradise**. If possible, it would be best not to name the one who took the man: “someone took him up to paradise” or “they took him up to paradise.”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '4', 'wm7y', '', 'ἡρπάγη', '1', 'caught up', 'suddenly and forcefully held and taken']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '4', 'ic45', '', 'τὸν Παράδεισον', '1', 'paradise', 'Here, **paradise** could refer to: (1) heaven. (2) the third heaven. (3) a special place in heaven.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '5', 'hpq6', '', 'τοῦ τοιούτου', '1', 'of such a person', '“of that person”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '5', 'i12f', '', 'οὐ καυχήσομαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις', '1', 'I will not boast, except about my weaknesses', 'You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will boast only of my weaknesses”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '6', 'vg13', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'As Paul defends his apostleship from God, he tells of the weakness that God gave him to keep him humble.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '6', 'p8fm', '', 'μή τις εἰς ἐμὲ λογίσηται ὑπὲρ ὃ βλέπει με, ἢ ἀκούει ἐξ ἐμοῦ', '1', 'no one will think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me', '“no one will give me more credit than what he sees in me or hears from me”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '7', 'v5s7', '', '', '0', 'General Information:', 'This verse reveals that Paul was speaking about himself beginning in [2 Corinthians 12:2](../12/02.md).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '7', 'xxi2', '', 'τῇ ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων', '1', 'because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations', '“because those revelations were so much greater than anything anyone else had ever seen”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '7', 'hu8g', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί', '1', 'a thorn in the flesh was given to me', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave me a thorn in the flesh” or “God allowed me to have a thorn in the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '7', 'q5e7', 'figs-metaphor', 'σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί', '1', 'a thorn in the flesh', 'Here Paul’s physical problems are compared to a **thorn** piercing his **flesh**. Alternate translation: “an affliction” or “a physical problem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '7', 'q7lz', '', 'ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ', '1', 'a messenger from Satan', '“a servant of Satan”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '7', 'ehp9', '', 'μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι', '2', 'overly proud', '“I would not become too proud”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '8', 'n76p', '', 'τρὶς', '1', 'Three times', 'Paul put these words at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that he had prayed many times about his “thorn” ([2 Corinthians 12:7](../12/07.md)).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '8', 'wc7r', '', 'ὑπὲρ τούτου', '1', 'Lord about this', '“about this thorn in the flesh,” or “about this affliction”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '9', 'nr2j', '', 'ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου', '1', 'My grace is enough for you', '“I will be kind to you, and that is all you need”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '9', 'cs63', '', 'ἡ γὰρ δύναμις ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται', '1', 'for power is made perfect in weakness', '“for my power works best when you are weak”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '9', 'g8mi', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐπισκηνώσῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'the power of Christ might reside on me', 'Paul speaks of the **power of Christ** as if it were a tent built over him. This could mean: (1) people might see that Paul has the power of Christ” (2) Paul truly has the power of Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '10', 'pxf1', '', 'εὐδοκῶ ἐν ἀσθενείαις, ἐν ὕβρεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν διωγμοῖς, καὶ στενοχωρίαις, ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ', '1', 'I am content for Christ’s sake in weaknesses, in insults, in troubles, in persecutions and distressing situations', 'This could mean: (1) Paul is **content** in **weaknesses**, **insults**, **troubles**, **persecutions**, and **distressing situations** if these things come because I belong to Christ. (2) Paul is content in weakness if these things cause more people to know Christ.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '10', 's5sx', '', 'ἐν ἀσθενείαις', '1', 'in weaknesses', '“when I am weak”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '10', 'xl8q', '', 'ἐν ὕβρεσιν', '1', 'in insults', '“when people try to make me angry by saying that I am a bad person”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '10', 'hza1', '', 'ἐν ἀνάγκαις', '1', 'in troubles', '“when I am suffering”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '10', 'c4t2', '', 'στενοχωρίαις', '1', 'distressing situations', '“when there is trouble”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '10', 't7qg', '', 'ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι', '1', 'For whenever I am weak, then I am strong', 'Paul is saying that when he is no longer **strong** enough to do what needs to be done, Christ, who is more powerful than Paul could ever be, will work through Paul to do what needs to be done. However, it would be best to translate these words literally, if your language allows.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '11', 'uph4', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of the true signs of an apostle and of his humility before them to strengthen them.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '11', 'a1ym', '', 'γέγονα ἄφρων', '1', 'I have become a fool', '“I am acting like a fool”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '11', 'pzw1', '', 'ὑμεῖς με ἠναγκάσατε', '1', 'You forced me to this', '“You forced me to talk this way”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '11', 'v2lr', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐγὼ…ὤφειλον ὑφ’ ὑμῶν συνίστασθαι', '1', 'I should have been commended by you', 'You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you should have praised me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '11', 'f644', '', 'συνίστασθαι', '1', 'commended', '“been praised” ([2 Corinthians 3:1](../03/01.md)) or “been recommended” ([2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/02.md)).']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '11', 'h4d5', 'figs-litotes', 'οὐδὲν γὰρ ὑστέρησα', '1', 'For I was not at all inferior', 'By using the negative form, Paul is saying strongly that those Corinthians who think that he is **inferior** are wrong. Alternate translation: “For I am just as good as” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '11', 's82x', 'figs-irony', 'τῶν ὑπέρλίαν ἀποστόλων', '1', 'super-apostles', 'Paul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say they are. See how this is translated in [2 Corinthians 11:5](../11/05.md). Alternate translation: “those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '12', 'kp5l', 'figs-activepassive', 'τὰ μὲν σημεῖα τοῦ ἀποστόλου κατειργάσθη', '1', 'indeed the signs of an apostle were performed', 'You can state this in active form, with emphasis on the **signs**. Alternate translation: “it is the true signs of an apostle that I performed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '12', 'd4um', '', 'σημείοις τε, καὶ τέρασιν, καὶ δυνάμεσιν', '1', 'signs and wonders and mighty deeds', 'These are the “signs of an apostle” that Paul performed “with all perseverance.”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '13', 'z35e', 'figs-rquestion', 'τί γάρ ἐστιν ὃ ἡσσώθητε ὑπὲρ τὰς λοιπὰς ἐκκλησίας, εἰ μὴ ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν?', '1', 'how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that … you?', 'Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians are wrong to accuse him of wanting to do them harm. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I treated you the same way I treated all the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '13', 'd426', '', 'αὐτὸς ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν', '1', 'I was not a burden to you', '“I did not ask you for money or other things I needed”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '13', 'sy7v', 'figs-irony', 'χαρίσασθέ μοι τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην!', '1', 'Forgive me for this wrong!', 'Paul is being ironic to shame the Corinthians. Both he and they know that he has done them no wrong, but they have been treating him as though he has wronged them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '13', 'u1w9', '', 'τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην', '1', 'this wrong', 'Here, **this wrong** refers to not asking them for money and other things he needed.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '14', 'ugk1', 'figs-explicit', 'ἀλλὰ ὑμᾶς', '1', 'but you', 'The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but what I want is that you love and accept me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '14', 'wd97', '', 'οὐ…ὀφείλει τὰ τέκνα τοῖς γονεῦσιν θησαυρίζειν', '3', 'children should not save up for the parents', 'Young **children** are not responsible for saving money or other goods to give to their healthy **parents**.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '15', 'vj2m', 'figs-metaphor', 'ἐγὼ…ἥδιστα δαπανήσω καὶ ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι', '1', 'I will most gladly spend and be spent', 'Paul speaks of his work and his physical life as if it were money that he or God could **spend**. Alternate translation: “I will gladly do any work and gladly allow God to permit people to kill me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '15', 'nk8v', 'figs-metonymy', 'ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν', '1', 'for your souls', 'The word **souls** is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “for you” or “so you will live well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '15', 't3na', 'figs-rquestion', 'εἰ περισσοτέρως ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶν, ἧσσον ἀγαπῶμαι?', '1', 'If I love you more, am I to be loved less?', 'This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “If I love you so much, you should not love me so little.” or “If I love you so much, you should love me more than you do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '15', 'j887', '', 'περισσοτέρως', '1', 'more', 'It is not clear what it is that Paul’s love is **more** than. It is probably best to use “very much” or a “so much” that can be compared to “so little” later in the sentence.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '16', 'ur5x', 'figs-irony', 'ἀλλὰ ὑπάρχων πανοῦργος δόλῳ, ὑμᾶς ἔλαβον', '1', 'But, since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceit', 'Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians who think he lied to them even if he did not ask them for money. Alternate translation: “but others think I was deceptive and used trickery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '17', 'vb7q', 'figs-rquestion', 'μή τινα ὧν ἀπέσταλκα πρὸς ὑμᾶς, δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐπλεονέκτησα ὑμᾶς?', '1', 'I did not take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you, did I?', 'Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one that I sent to you has taken advantage of you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '18', 'pjl2', 'figs-rquestion', 'μήτι ἐπλεονέκτησεν ὑμᾶς Τίτος?', '1', 'Titus did not take advantage of you, did he?', 'Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Titus certainly did not take advantage of you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '18', 'acg6', 'figs-metaphor', 'οὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν', '1', 'Did we not walk in the same way?', 'Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Alternate translation: “We all walk in the same spirit.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '18', 'rjiy', 'figs-rquestion', 'οὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν', '1', '', 'Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is yes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all have the same attitude and live alike.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '18', 'k6b3', 'figs-rquestion', 'οὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν?', '1', 'Did we not walk in the same steps?', 'Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is yes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all walk in the same steps.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '18', 'oket', 'figs-metaphor', 'οὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν?', '1', '', 'Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Alternate translation: “We all do things the same way.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '19', 'g1iw', 'figs-rquestion', 'πάλαι δοκεῖτε ὅτι ὑμῖν ἀπολογούμεθα?', '1', 'Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you?', 'Paul uses this question to acknowledge something that the people may have been thinking. He does this so that he can assure them that it is not true. Alternate translation: “Perhaps you think that all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '19', 'ih3e', 'figs-metaphor', 'κατέναντι Θεοῦ', '1', 'Before God', 'Paul speaks of **God** knowing everything Paul does as if God were physically present and observed everything Paul said and did. Alternate translation: “With God as witness” or “In the presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '19', 'vg3u', 'figs-metaphor', 'ὑπὲρ τῆς ὑμῶν οἰκοδομῆς', '1', 'for your strengthening', 'Paul speaks of knowing how to obey God and desiring to obey him as if it were physical growth. Alternate translation: “so that you would know God and obey him better” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '20', 'cu6s', '', 'οὐχ οἵους θέλω, εὕρω ὑμᾶς', '1', 'I may not find you as I wish', '“I may not like what I find” or “I may not like what I see you doing”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '20', 'zy6g', '', 'κἀγὼ εὑρεθῶ ὑμῖν οἷον οὐ θέλετε', '1', 'I may not be found by you as you wish', '“you might not like what you see in me”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '20', 'rh1h', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'μή πως ἔρις, ζῆλος, θυμοί, ἐριθεῖαι, καταλαλιαί, ψιθυρισμοί, φυσιώσεις, ἀκαταστασίαι', '1', 'there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder', 'The abstract nouns **quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder** can be translated using verbs. This could mean: (1) some of you will be arguing with us, jealous of us, suddenly becoming very angry with us, trying to take our places as leaders, speaking falsely about us, telling about our private lives, being proud, and opposing us as we try to lead you. (2) some of you will be arguing with each other, jealous of each other, suddenly becoming very angry with each other, quarreling with each other over who will be the leader, speaking falsely about each other, telling about each other’s private lives, being proud, and opposing those whom God has chosen to lead you. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '21', 'ddw3', '', 'πενθήσω πολλοὺς τῶν προημαρτηκότων,', '1', 'I might be grieved by many of those who have sinned', '“I will be grieved because many of them have not given up their old sins”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '21', 'hq1e', 'figs-parallelism', 'μὴ μετανοησάντων ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ πορνείᾳ, καὶ ἀσελγείᾳ', '1', 'did not repent of the impurity and sexual immorality and lustful indulgence', 'This could mean: (1) Paul is saying almost the same thing three times for emphasis. Alternate translation: “did not stop commiting the sexual sins that they practiced” (2) Paul is speaking of three different sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '21', 'rh22', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ', '1', 'of the impurity', 'The abstract noun **impurity** can be translated as “things that do not please God.” Alternate translation: “of secretly thinking about and desiring things that do not please God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '21', 'rn6u', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'πορνείᾳ', '1', 'of the … sexual immorality', 'The abstract noun **sexual immorality** can be translated as “immoral deeds.” Alternate translation: “of doing sexually immoral deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '12', '21', 'yyr5', 'figs-abstractnouns', 'ἀσελγείᾳ', '1', 'of the … lustful indulgence', 'The abstract noun **lustful indulgence** can be translated using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “doing things that satisfy immoral sexual desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', 'intro', 'abcg', '', '', '0', '', '# 2 Corinthians 13 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Preparation

Paul instructs the Corinthians as he prepares to visit them. He is hoping to avoid needing to discipline anyone in the church so he can visit them joyfully. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Power and weakness

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

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

Scholars are divided over what these sentences mean. Some scholars say that Christians are to test themselves to see whether their actions align with their Christian faith. The context favors this understanding. Others say these sentences mean that Christians should look at their actions and question whether they are genuinely saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '1', 'y8fz', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul establishes that Christ is speaking through him and that Paul is wanting to restore them, encourage them, and unify them.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '1', 'slj1', 'figs-activepassive', 'ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων καὶ τριῶν σταθήσεται πᾶν ῥῆμα', '1', 'Every matter must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses', 'You can state this as active. Alternate translation: “Believe that someone has done something wrong only after two or three people have said the same thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '2', 'fxl6', '', 'τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν', '1', 'all the rest', '“all you other people”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '4', 'a1bf', 'figs-activepassive', 'καὶ…ἐσταυρώθη', '1', 'he was crucified', 'This can be made active. Alternate translation: “they crucified him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '5', 'sbx4', '', 'ἐν ὑμῖν', '1', 'in you', 'Here, **in you** could mean: (1) Jesus is living inside each individual. (2) Jesus is living among them, part of and the most important member of the group.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '7', 'u75e', 'figs-litotes', 'μὴ ποιῆσαι ὑμᾶς κακὸν μηδέν', '1', 'that you may not do any wrong', 'Paul is emphasizing the opposite with his statement. Alternate translation: “you will do everything right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '7', 'gt2e', '', 'δόκιμοι', '1', 'to have passed the test', '“to be great teachers and live the truth”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '8', 'a3l7', '', 'οὐ…δυνάμεθά τι κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας', '1', 'we are not able to do anything against the truth', '“we are not able to keep people from learning the truth”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '9', 'vt7b', '', 'τὴν ὑμῶν κατάρτισιν', '1', 'for your perfection', '“that you may become spiritually mature”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '10', 'rlm8', 'figs-metaphor', 'εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν.', '1', 'for building up, and not for tearing down', 'Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 10:8](../10/08.md). Alternate translation: “to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '11', 'uk1p', '', '', '0', 'Connecting Statement:', 'Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian believers.']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '11', 'fm8m', '', 'καταρτίζεσθε', '1', 'Be restored', '“Work toward maturity”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '11', 'diw1', '', 'τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε', '1', 'be of the same mind', '“live in harmony with one another”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '12', 'p1nh', '', 'ἐν ἁγίῳ φιλήματι', '1', 'with a holy kiss', '“with Christian love”']

BAD SOURCE LINE NOT CONVERTED: ['2CO', '13', '12', 'x2qd', '', 'οἱ ἅγιοι', '1', 'the saints', '“those whom God has set apart for himself”']