1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians front

1 Corinthians front:intro

Introduction to 1 Corinthians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Corinthians

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

Who wrote the Book of 1 Corinthians?

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

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

What is the Book of 1 Corinthians about?

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

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "First Corinthians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's First Letter to the Church in Corinth." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the city of Corinth like?

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

What was the problem with meat sacrificed to idols?

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

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How are the ideas of "holy" and "sanctify" represented in 1 Corinthians in the ULB?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, 1 Corinthians ULB 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 ULB uses "holy," "holy God," "holy ones," or "holy people." (See: 1:2; 3:17)
Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULB uses "believer" or "believers." (See: 6:1, 2; 14:33; 16:1, 15)
Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULB uses "set apart," "dedicated to," "reserved for," or "sanctified." (See: 1:2; 6:11; 7:14, 34)

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

What is the meaning of "flesh?"

Paul frequently used the terms "flesh" or "fleshly" to refer to Christians who did sinful things. However, it is not the physical world that is evil. Paul also described Christians who lived in a righteous way as "spiritual." This is because they did what the Holy Spirit taught them to do. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/flesh.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/righteous.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/spirit.md]])

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

This kind of expression occurs in 1:2, 30, 31; 3:1; 4:10, 15, 17; 6:11, 19; 7:22; 9:1, 2; 11:11, 25; 12:3, 9, 13, 18, 25; 14:16; 15:18, 19, 22, 31, 58; 16:19, 24. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. At the same time, he often intended other meanings as well. See, for example, "those who have been dedicated in Christ Jesus" (1:2), where Paul specifically meant that Christian believers have been dedicated to Christ.

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

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

The following are the most significant textual issues in 1 Corinthians:

"and in your spirit, which are God's." (6:20) Some older versions read in this way, although the best copies do not have this reading.
"I did this even though I myself was not under the law." (9:20) The ULB and UDB read in this way. However, some older versions leave this passage out.
"For the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord." (10:28) Some older versions have this passage, but the best copies do not have it. The ULB and UDB do not have it.
"and if I give my body to be burned." (13:3) Most versions, including the ULB and UDB, read in this way. However, some versions prefer, "and if I give my body so that I might boast."
"But if anyone does not recognize this, let him not be recognized." (14:38) Most versions read in this way. However, some older versions read, "But if anyone is ignorant of this, let him be ignorant."

Translators are advised not to translate the passages that new translation of the Bible leave out. However, if in the translators' region there are older Bible versions that have one or more of the passages, the translators can include them. If they are translated, they should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to 1 Corinthians. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-textvariants/01.md]])

1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1:intro-0

1 Corinthians 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The first paragraph of 1 Corinthians was a common way of opening a letter in the ancient Near East.

Some translations indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 1:19.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Disunity

In this chapter, Paul scolds the church for their disunity and their claims to follow different apostles. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/apostle.md]])

# Spiritual gifts

Spiritual gifts are specific supernatural abilities given to Christians after they come to faith in Jesus. This is not an exhaustive list of the spiritual gifts. Some scholars believe some of these gifts were only given in the early church because they were foundational to the development of the church. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faith.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Idioms

The return of Christ to the earth is mentioned in two very different phrases: "the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ" and "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

# Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold them for dividing into factions and to say human wisdom is not enough to understand God's plans. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

==Stumbling block == A stumbling block is a rock people stumble over. Here it means the Jews have a problem believing that God would allow his Messiah to be crucified and so refuse to believe. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

General Information:

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

General Information:

Unless otherwise noted, such words as "you" and "your" refer to Paul's audience and so are plural. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Paul ... to the church of God at Corinth

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and the intended audience. AT: "I, Paul, wrote this letter to you in Corinth who believe in God"

Sosthenes our brother

This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Sosthenes. AT: "Sosthenes the brother you and I know" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus

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

who are called to be holy people

This can be stated in active form. AT: "whom God has called to be holy people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

"Name" here is a metonym for person of Jesus Christ. AT: "who call on the Lord Jesus Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonomy/01.md]])

their Lord and ours

The word "ours" includes Paul's audience. Jesus is the Lord of Paul and the Corinthians and all the churches. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:4-6

Connecting Statement:

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

because of the grace of God that Christ Jesus gave to you

Paul speaks of grace as though it were a physical object that Jesus gives Christians as a gift. AT: "because Christ Jesus has made it possible for God to be kind to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

He has made you rich

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

made you rich in every way

Paul is speaking in general terms. AT: "made you rich with all kinds of spiritual blessings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

in all speech

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

all knowledge

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

the testimony about Christ has been confirmed as true among you

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:7-9

Therefore

"Because what I have just said is true"

you lack no spiritual gift

This can be stated in positive form. AT: "you have every spiritual gift" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-litotes/01.md]])

the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ

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

you will be blameless

There will be no reason for God to condemn you.

God is faithful

"God will do everything he has said he will do"

his Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:10-11

Connecting Statement:

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

brothers

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

through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

"Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. AT: "by means of our Lord Jesus Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonomy/01.md]])

that you all agree

"that you live in harmony with one another"

that there be no divisions among you

"that you do not divide into separate groups among yourselves"

be joined together with the same mind and by the same purpose

"live in unity"

Chloe's people

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

there are factions among you

"you are in groups that quarrel one with another"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:12-13

Each one of you says

Paul is expressing a general attitude of division.

Is Christ divided?

Paul wishes to emphasize the truth that Christ is not divided but one. "It is not possible to divide Christ in the way you are doing!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Was Paul crucified for you?

Paul wishes to emphasize that it was Christ, not Paul or Apollos, who was crucified. This can also be translated in active form. AT: "It certainly was not Paul whom they put to death on the cross for your salvation!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul wishes to emphasize that we all are baptized in the name of Christ. This can also be translated in active form. AT: "It was not in the name of Paul that people baptized you!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

in the name of

"In the name of" here is a metonym for "by the authority of." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonomy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:14-16

none of you, except

"only"

Crispus

He was a synagogue ruler who became a Christian. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Gaius

He traveled with the Apostle Paul. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

This was so that no one would say that you were baptized into my name

Here "name" represents "authority." This means Paul did not baptize others because they may claim that they became Paul's disciples. This can be stated in active form. AT: "For some of you might have claimed that I baptized you to make you my disciples" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the household of Stephanas

This refers to the family members and slaves in the house where Stephanas, a man, was the head. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:17

Christ did not send me to baptize

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

words of human wisdom ... the cross of Christ should not be emptied of its power

Paul speaks of "words of human wisdom" as if they were people, the cross as a container, and of power as a physical thing that Jesus can put in that container. This can be stated in active form. AT: "words of human wisdom ... those words of human wisdom should not empty the cross of Christ of its power" or "words of human wisdom ... people should not stop believing the message about Jesus and start thinking I am more important than Jesus" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:18-19

Connecting Statement:

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

the message about the cross

"the preaching about the crucifixion" or "the message of Christ's dying on the cross"

is foolishness

"is senseless" or "is silly"

to those who are dying

Here "dying" refers to the process of spiritual death.

it is the power of God

"it is God working powerfully in us"

I will frustrate the understanding of the intelligent

"I will confuse intelligent people" or "I will make the plans intelligent people make completely fail"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:20-21

Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this world?

Paul emphasizes that truly wise people are nowhere to be found. AT: "Compared with the wisdom of the gospel, there are no wise people, no scholars, no debaters!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the scholar

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

the debater

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

Has not God turned the wisdom of the world into foolishness?

Paul uses this question to emphasize what God has done to the wisdom of this world. AT: "God has shown that everything they call wisdom is really foolishness" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

those who believe

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:22-23

General Information:

Here the word "we" refers to Paul and other Bible teachers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])

Christ crucified

"about Christ, who died on a cross" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

a stumbling block

Just as a person can stumble over a block on a road, so the message of salvation through the crucifixion of the Christ keeps Jews from believing in Jesus. AT: "not acceptable" or "very offensive" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:24-25

to those whom God has called

"to the people God calls"

we preach Christ

"we teach about Christ" or "we tell all people about Christ"

Christ as the power and the wisdom of God

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

the power ... of God

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

the wisdom of God

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

the foolishness of God is wiser than people, and the weakness of God is stronger than people

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is speaking ironically about God's foolishness and weakness. Paul knows God is not foolish or weak. AT: "what seems to be the foolishness of God is wiser than people's wisdom, and what seems to be the weakness of God is stronger than the people's strength" or 2) Paul is speaking from the point of view of the Greek people who may think God is foolish or weak. AT: "what people call God's foolishness is really wiser than what people call wisdom, and what people call God's weakness is really stronger than people's strength" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:26-27

Connecting Statement:

Paul emphasizes the believer's position before God.

Not many of you

This can be stated in positive form. AT: "Very few of you"

wise by human standards

"what most people would call wise"

of noble birth

"special because your family is important"

God chose ... wise. God chose ... strong

Paul repeats many of the same words in two sentences that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the difference between God's way of doing things and how people think God should do them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise

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

God chose what is weak in the world to shame what is strong

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:28-29

what is low and despised

the people whom the world rejects. AT: "people who are humble and rejected"

things that are regarded as nothing

This can be stated in active form. AT: "that which people usually regard as without value" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

nothing, to bring to nothing things that are held as valuable

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

things that are held as valuable

This can be stated in active form. AT: "things that people think are worth money" or "things that people think are worth respect" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

He did this

"God did this"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Because of what God did

This refers to the work of Christ on the cross.

us ... our

These words refer to Paul, those with him, and the Corinthians. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God

Possible meanings are 1) "Christ Jesus, who has made clear to us how wise God is" or 2) "Christ Jesus, who has given us God's wisdom." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 2

1 Corinthians 2:intro-0

1 Corinthians 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 2:9 and 2:16

Some translations indent quotations from the Old Testament. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 2:16.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Wisdom

Paul continues the discussion from the first chapter contrasting human and God's wisdom. For Paul, wisdom can be simple. He said the wisdom from the Holy Spirit is the only true wisdom. Human ideas are foolish. Paul uses the phrase "hidden wisdom" in referring to truths that were not previously known. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/wise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/foolish.md]])

1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Connecting Statement:

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

brothers

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

I decided to know nothing ... except Jesus Christ

When Paul said that he "decided to know nothing" he exaggerated to emphasize that he decided focus on and teach about nothing other than Jesus Christ. AT: "I decided to teach nothing ... except Jesus Christ" or "I decided not to teach anything ... except Jesus Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 2:3-5

I was with you

"I was visiting with you"

in weakness

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

persuasive words of wisdom

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 2:6-7

General Information:

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

Now we do speak

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

speak wisdom

The abstract noun "wisdom" can be stated as the adjective, "wise." AT: "speak wise words" or "speak a wise message" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the mature

"mature believers"

before the ages

"before God created anything"

for our glory

"in order to ensure our future glory"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 2:8-9

the Lord of glory

"Jesus, the glorious Lord"

Things that no eye ... imagined, the things ... who love him

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

Things that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined

This is a triplet referring to all parts of a person to emphasize that no man has ever been aware of the things that God has prepared. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the things that God has prepared for those who love him

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 2:10-11

These are the things

Paul speaks of the truths about Jesus and the cross. If 1 Corinthians 2:9 is treated as an incomplete sentence, "these are the things."

For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of the person in him?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows what a person is thinking except the person himself. AT: "No one knows what a person is thinking except that person's spirit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

spirit of the person

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

no one knows the deep things of God except the Spirit of God

This can be stated in positive form. AT: "only the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 2:12-13

General Information:

Here the word "we" includes both Paul and his audience. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

freely given to us by God

This can be stated in active form. AT: "that God freely gave to us" or "that God has kindly given us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

The Spirit interprets spiritual words with spiritual wisdom

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

The Spirit interprets spiritual words with spiritual wisdom

"The Spirit explains uses his own spiritual wisdom to explain spiritual words"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 2:14-16

General Information:

Here the word "we" includes both Paul and his audience. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

unspiritual person

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

because they are spiritually discerned

"because understanding these things requires the aid of the Spirit"

The one who is spiritual

"The believer who has received the Spirit"

For who can know the mind of the Lord, that he can instruct him?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows the mind of the Lord. No one is as wise as the Lord. AT: "No one can know the mind of the Lord, so no one can teach him anything he does not already know" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 3

1 Corinthians 3:intro-0

1 Corinthians 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translation indent quotations from the Old Testament. The ULB does this with the quotations in 3:19 and 3:20.

Special concepts in this chapter

== Fleshly people== The Corinthian believers were immature because of their unrighteous actions. He calls them "fleshly," meaning thinking as a nonbeliever. This term is used in opposition to those who are "spiritual." Christians following their "flesh" are foolish and they are following the wisdom of the world. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/unrighteous.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/flesh.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/spirit.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/foolish.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/wise.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Metaphor

There are many metaphors in this chapter. He uses "babies" and "milk" as illustrations of spiritual immaturity. Paul uses the metaphors of planting and watering, to describe the roles he and Apollos played in growing the church in Corinth. Paul also uses many other metaphors to help teach spiritual truths to the Corinthians to help them to understand his teachings. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Connecting Statement:

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

brothers

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

spiritual people

people who obey the Spirit

fleshly people

people who follow their own desires

as to little children in Christ

The Corinthians are compared to children very young in age and understanding. AT: "as to very young believers in Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I fed you milk, not solid food

The Corinthians can understand only easy truths like babies who can drink only milk. They are not mature enough to understand greater truths like older children who now can eat solid food. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you are not yet ready

It is implied that they are not ready to understand more difficult teachings. AT: "you still are not ready to understand the harder teachings about following Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 3:3-5

still fleshly

still behaving according to sinful or worldly desires

are you not living according to the flesh, and are you not walking by human standards?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for their sinful behavior. "Walking" here is an idiom for "living." AT: "you should be ashamed because you are behaving according to your sinful desires and you are living by human standards!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

are you not living as human beings?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. AT: "you should be ashamed because you are living the same way people who do not have the Spirit live" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Who then is Apollos? Who is Paul?

Paul is emphasizing that he and Apollos are not the original source of the gospel, and therefore the Corinthians should not follow them. AT: "It is wrong to form groups to follow Apollos or Paul!" or (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Who is Paul?

Paul is speaking of himself as though he were speaking of someone else. AT: "I am not important!" or "Who am I?" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Servants through whom you believed

Paul answers his own question by saying that he and Apollos are God's servants. AT: "Paul and Apollos are servants of Christ, and you believed in Christ because we served him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Servants through whom you believed, to each of whom the Lord gave tasks

This can be stated with the understood information. AT: "We are servants through whom youbelieved. We are only people to whom the Lord gave tasks" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 3:6-7

I planted

The knowledge of God is compared to a seed which must be planted in order to grow. AT: "When I preached God's word to you, I was like one who plants seeds in a garden" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Apollos watered

As seeds need water, faith needs further teaching in order for it to grow. AT: "and when Apollos continued to teach you God's word, he was like one who waters a garden" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

but God gave the growth

As plants grow and develop, so faith and knowledge in God also grow and become deeper and stronger. AT: "but God caused you to grow" or "but just as God causes plants to grow, he causes you to grow spiritually" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

neither he who plants ... is anything. But it is God who gives the growth

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

it is God who gives the growth

Here to give growth means to cause growth. The abstract noun "growth" can be translated with a verbal phrase. AT: "it is God who causes you to grow" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/apollos.md]]

1 Corinthians 3:8-9

he who plants and he who waters are one

Paul speaks of telling people the good news and teaching those who have accepted it as if they were planting and watering plants. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

are one

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

wages

an amount of money that a worker receives for his work

we

This refers to Paul and Apollos but not the Corinthian church. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])

God's fellow workers

Paul considers himself and Apollos as working together.

You are God's garden

Possible meanings are 1) being God's garden represents belonging to God. AT: "You are like a garden that belongs to God" or 2) being God's garden represents God causing us to grow. AT: "You are like a garden that God makes grow" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

God's building

Possible meanings are 1) being God's building represents belonging to God. AT: "and you are like a building that belongs to God" or 2) being God's building represents God causing us to become what he wants. AT: "and you are like a building that God is constructing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/labor.md]]

1 Corinthians 3:10-11

According to the grace of God that was given to me

This can be stated in active form. AT: "According to the task that God freely gave me to do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

I laid a foundation

Paul equates his teaching of faith and salvation in Jesus Christ to laying a foundation for a building. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

another is building on it

Paul is referring to the person or people who are teaching the Corinthians at that time as if they are carpenters who are constructing the building above the foundation. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

let each man

This refers to God's workers in general. AT: "let each person who serves God"

no one can lay a foundation other than the one that has been laid

This can be stated as active. AT: "no one can lay a foundation other than the foundation that I, Paul, have laid" or "I have already laid the only foundation that anyone can lay" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 3:12-13

General Information:

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

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw

The building materials used to build a new building are being compared to the spiritual values used to build a person's behavior and activities during his lifetime. AT: "Whether a person builds with valuable materials that will last or with cheap materials that burn easily" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

precious stones

"expensive stones"

his work will be revealed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God will show everyone what the builder has done" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

for the daylight will reveal it

The "daylight" here is a metaphor for the time when God will judge everyone. When God shows everyone what these teachers have done, it will be like the sun has come up to reveal what happened during the night. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

For it will be revealed in fire. The fire will test the quality of what each one had done

Just as fire will reveal the strengths or destroy the weaknesses of a building, God's fire will judge man's efforts and activities. AT: "God will use fire to show the quality of his work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 3:14-15

General Information:

The terms "a person" and "anyone's" and "he" and "himself" refer to believers.

work remains

"work lasts" or "work survives"

if anyone's work is burned up

This can be stated in active form. AT: "if the fire destroys anyone's work" or "if the fire ruins anyone's work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

he will suffer loss

The abstract noun "loss" can be expressed with the verb "lose." AT: "he will lose his reward" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

but he himself will be saved

This can be stated in active form. AT: "but God will save him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. AT: "You act as though you do not know that you are God's temple and the Spirit of God lives in you!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Let no one deceive himself

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

in this age

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

let him become a "fool"

"that person should be willing to have people who do not believe call him a fool" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

He catches the wise in their craftiness

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

The Lord knows that the reasoning of the wise is futile

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

futile

useless

translationWords

1 Corinthians 3:21-23

you are Christ's, and Christ is God's

"you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4:intro-0

1 Corinthians 04 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

# Pride

Paul contrasts the Corinthians' pride with the humbleness of the apostles. The Corinthian believers have no reason to be proud because all that they have, and all they are, is a gift from God. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/apostle.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Metaphors

There are many metaphors in this chapter. The apostles are described as servants. Paul speaks of a victory parade where the apostles are the prisoners who will be killed. He uses a rod to stand for punishment. He calls himself their father because he is their "spiritual father." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/spirit.md]])

# Irony

Paul uses irony to shame the pride of the Corinthians. The Corinthian believers are reigning but the apostles are suffering. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Connecting Statement:

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

what is required of stewards

Paul is speaking of himself as if he were speaking about other people. AT: "we are required to be" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:3-4

it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you

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

I am not aware of any charge being made against me

"I have not heard anyone accuse me of doing wrong"

that does not mean I am innocent. It is the Lord who judges me

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore

"Because what I have just said is true"

He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the purposes of the heart

God will make known people's thoughts and intentions. AT: "Like a light that shines on things in darkness, God will show what people have secretly done and what they secretly planned" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

of the heart

"Heart" here is a metonym for "thoughts and intentions." AT: "people's thoughts and intentions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:6-7

brothers

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

for your sakes

"for your welfare"

between you ... do you have that you did not ... you have freely ... do you boast ... you had not

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of "you" here are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

For who sees any difference between you and others?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians who think they are better than those who heard the gospel from someone else. AT: "For there is no difference between you and others." or "For you are not superior to other people." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

What do you have that you did not freely receive?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that they did not earn the things they have. AT: "Everything that you have is what you have freely received." or "God gave to you everything that you have for free!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

why do you boast as if you had not done so?

Paul was rebuking them for boasting in what they had. AT: "you should not boast as if you had not done so." or "you have no right to boast!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

as if you had not done so

The phrase "done so" refers to freeling receiving what they had. AT: "as you you had not freely received it" or "as if you had earned it"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:8-9

General Information:

Paul uses irony here to shame the Corinthians and make them realize that they are sinning when they are proud of themselves and their teachers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

God has put us apostles on display

Paul expresses two ways how God has put his apostles on display for the world to see. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

has put us apostles on display

God has displayed the apostles just like prisoners at the end of a Roman military parade, who are humiliated before their execution. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

like men sentenced to death

God put the apostles on display like men who are about to be executed. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

to the world—to angels, and to human beings

Possible meanings are 1) "the world" consists of both supernatural ("angels") and natural ("human beings") or 2) the list consists of three items: "to the world, to angels, and to human beings." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:10-11

We are fools ... in dishonor

Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians so they will think about what he is saying. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

You are held in honor

"People treat you Corinthians as though you are important people"

we are held in dishonor

"people shame us apostles"

Up to this present hour

"Until now" or "Up to now"

we are brutally beaten

This refers to hitting with the hand, not with whips or clubs. This can be stated in active form. AT: "people beat us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

we are homeless

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:12-13

When we are reviled, we bless

This can be stated in active form. AT: "When people revile us, we bless them" or "When people scorn us, we bless them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

When we are persecuted

This can be stated in active form. AT: "When people persecute us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

When we are slandered

This can be stated in active form. AT: "When people slander us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

We have become, and are still considered to be, the refuse of the world

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:14-16

I do not write these things to shame you, but to correct you

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

correct

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

ten thousand guardians

This is an exaggeration of the number of people guiding them, to emphasize the importance of the one spiritual father. AT: "very many guardians" or "a large crowd of guardians" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

children ... father

Because Paul had led them to Christ, he is like a father to the Corinthians. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:17-18

my beloved and faithful child in the Lord

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

Now

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 4:19-21

I will come to you

"I will visit you"

What do you want?

Paul was making a last appeal to the Corinthians, as he has been rebuking them for the errors they had made. AT: "Tell me what you want to happen now" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Shall I come to you with a rod or with love and in a spirit of gentleness

Paul is offering the Corinthians two opposing attitudes he could use when approaching them. AT: "If you want, I can come to punish you, or I can come to show you how much I love you by being gentle with you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

of gentleness

"of kindness" or "of tenderness"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 5

1 Corinthians 5:intro-0

1 Corinthians 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations indent quotations from the Old Testament. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 5:13.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Euphemisms

Paul uses euphemisms to describe sensitive topics. This chapter deals with sexual immorality of one church member. To "hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh," means to allow Satan to destroy his body. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/fornication.md]])

# Metaphor

He uses an extended comparison using many metaphors. Yeast represents evil. The loaf probably represents the whole congregation. The unleavened bread represents a pure life. The Passover represents the Christian life. So the whole passage means: Don't you know that a little evil will affect the whole congregation. So clean yourselves from evil so you will all be good. Christ has been sacrificed for us; so let us be sincere and truthful and not wicked and behaving badly. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/unleavenedbread.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/purify.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/passover.md]])

1 Corinthians 5:1-2

Connecting Statement:

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

that is not even permitted among the Gentiles

This can be stated in active form. AT: "that not even the Gentiles permit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

one of you is sleeping with

"Sleeping with" here is a euphemism for "commiting adultery" AT: one of you is commiting adultery with" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

father's wife

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

Should you not mourn instead?

This rhetorical question is used to scold the Corinthians. AT: "You should mourn over this instead!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

The one who did this must be removed from among you

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must remove the one who did this from among you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 5:3-5

I am present in spirit

"I am with you in spirit." Being with them in spirit represents caring about them or wanting to be with them. AT: "I care about you" or "I want to be with you"

I have already passed judgment on the one who did this

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

When you are assembled

"When you are together" or "When you meet together"

in the name of our Lord Jesus

Possible meanings are 1) the name of the Lord Jesus is a metonym that represents his authority. AT: "with the authority of our Lord Jesus" or 2) being assembled in the Lord's name implies meeting together to worship him. AT: "to worship our Lord Jesus" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

hand this man over to Satan

Handing the man over to Satan represents not allowing the man to be part of their group so that Satan would be allowed to harm him. AT: "make this man leave your group so that Satan can harm him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for the destruction of the flesh

Possible meanings are 1) "flesh" refers to his physical body. AT: "so that Satan may harm his body" or 2) "flesh" is a metaphor for the sinful nature. AT: "so that his sinful nature will be destroyed" or "so that he will not continue to live according to his sinful nature" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord

This can be stated in active form. AT: "so that God may save his spirit on the day of the Lord" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Your boasting is not good

"Your boasting is bad"

Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole loaf?

Just as a little yeast spreads throughout a whole loaf of bread, so can a little sin impact the entire fellowship of believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed

As the Passover lamb covered the sins of Israel by faith each year, so did Christ's death cover the sins of all who trust in Christ by faith for eternity. This can be stated in active form. AT: "the Lord has sacrificed Christ, our Passover lamb" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 5:9-10

sexually immoral people

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

the immoral people of this world

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

the greedy

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

swindlers

This means people who cheat to get others' property.

you would need to go out of the world

"you would need to avoid all people"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 5:11-13

Connecting Statement:

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

anyone who is called

"anyone who calls himself"

brother

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

how am I involved with judging those who are outside the church?

Paul is emphasizing that he is not the one to judge people outside the church. This can also be stated in active form. AT: "I am not the one who should judge people who do not belong to the church" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

are you not to judge those who are inside the church?

Paul is scolding the Corinthians. "you should know that you are the ones who should judge those who are inside the church" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6

1 Corinthians 6:intro-0

1 Corinthians 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

# Lawsuits

Christians should not take another Christian to court before a non-Christian judge. It is better to be cheated. Since Christians will judge the angels, they should be able to solve problems among themselves. It is especially bad to use a court to cheat another believer. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/judge.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Metaphor

The temple of the Holy Spirit is an important metaphor. It is a reference to the place where the Holy Spirit stays and is worshiped. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

1 Corinthians 6:1-3

Connecting Statement:

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

dispute

disagreement or argument

does he dare to go ... believers?

Paul is emphasizing that Christians must resolve disagreements among themselves. AT: "he should not dare to go ... believers!" or "he should be fear God and not go ... believers!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

civil court

where a local government judge considers cases and decides who is right

Do you not know that the believers will judge the world?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians for acting like they do not know. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

If then, you will judge the world, are you not able to settle matters of little importance?

Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. AT: "you will judge the world in the future, so you should be able to settle this matter now." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

judge matters of this life

"stop arguments about things that have to do with this life"

Do you not know that we will judge the angels?

Paul is surprised that they do not seem to know. AT: "You know that we will judge the angels." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

we

Paul includes himself and the Corinthians. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

How much more, then, can we judge matters of this life?

Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. AT: "Because we know we will judge the angels, we can also be sure that God will enable us to judge matters in this life." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6:4-6

If then you have to make judgments that pertain to daily life, why do you lay such cases as these before those who have no standing in the church?

Possible meanings are 1) this is a rhetorical question or 2) this is a statement, "When in the past you have settled matters that are important in this life, you have not handed off disputes between Christians to be settled by unbelievers" or 3) this is a command, "When you settle matters that are important in this life, it is even to those who have no standing in the church that you should hand off disputes to be settled!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

If then you have to make judgments that pertain to daily life

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

why do you lay such cases as these before those who have no standing in the church?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for how they are handling these cases. Possible meanings are that 1) "you should stop giving such cases to people who are outside the church." or 2) "you could give such cases even to members of the church who are not well regarded by other believers." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

to your shame

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

Is there no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between brothers?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. AT: "You should be ashamed that you cannot find a wise believer to settle arguments between believers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

brothers

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

dispute

argument or disagreement

But as it stands

"But the way it is now" or "But instead"

one believer goes to court against another believer, and that case is placed before a judge who is an unbeliever

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

that case is placed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "a believer submits that case" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6:7-8

is already a defeat

"is already a failure"

Why not rather suffer the wrong? Why not rather allow yourselves to be cheated?

Paul continues to shame the Corinthians. AT: "It would be better to let others wrong you and cheat you than to take them to court." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

your own brothers

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Do you not know that

Paul emphasizes that they should already know this truth. AT: "You already know that" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

inherit

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

inherit the kingdom of God

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

male prostitutes, those who practice homosexuality

Possible meanings are 1) this is a merism for all homosexual activity or 2) Paul is naming two different activities. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

male prostitutes

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

those who practice homosexuality

men who sleep with other men

thieves

people who steal from others

the greedy

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

swindlers

people who steal from others who trust in them

you have been cleansed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God has cleansed you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

you have been sanctified

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God has set you apart for himself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

you have been made right with God

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God has made you right with him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

"Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. AT: "by means of our Lord Jesus Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonomy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6:12-13

Connecting Statement:

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

Everything is lawful for me

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

but not everything is beneficial

Paul is answering whoever says, "Everything is lawful for me." AT: "but not everything is good for me"

I will not be mastered by any of them

This can be stated in active form. AT: "I will not allow these things to rule over me like a master" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

"Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food," but God will do away with both of them

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

Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food

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

do away with

"destroy"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6:14-15

raised the Lord

"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again" AT: "caused the Lord to live again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?

The word translated as "members" refers to parts of a body. Our belonging to Christ is spoken of as if we were parts of his body. We belong to him so much that even our bodies belong to him. Paul uses this question to remind the people of something they should already know. AT: "You should know that your bodies belong to Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Shall I then take away the members of Christ and join them to a prostitute? May it not be!

Paul uses this question to emphasize how wrong it is for someone who belongs to Christ to go to a prostitute. AT: "I am part of Christ. I will not take my body and join myself to a prostitute!" or "We are parts of Christ's body. We must not take our bodies and join ourselves to prostitutes!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

May it not be!

"That should never happen!" or "We must never do that!"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6:16-17

Do you not know that ... her?

Paul begins to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing a truth that they already know. "I want to remind you that ... her." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her

This can also be stated in active form. AT: "when a man joins his body to the body of a prostitute, it is as if their bodies become one body" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him

This can also be stated in active form. AT: "when the Lord joins his spirit to the spirit of a person, it is as if their spirits become one spirit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6:18

Run away from

Paul speaks of a person rejecting sexual sin as if that person were running away from danger. AT: "Get away from" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

immorality! Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is showing that sexual sin is especially bad because it is not only against others but against the sinner's own body or 2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. AT: "immorality! Some of you are saying, 'Every sin that a person commits is outside the body,' but I say that" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

sin that a person commits

"evil deed that a person does"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Do you not know ... God? ... that you are not your own?

Paul is continuing to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing what they already know. AT: "I want to remind you ... God and that you are not your own." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

your body

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

temple of the Holy Spirit

A temple is dedicated to divine beings, and it is also where they dwell. In the same way, each Corinthian believer's body is like a temple because the Holy Spirit is present within them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

For you were bought with a price

God paid for the freedom of the Corinthians from the slavery of sin. This can be stated as active. AT: "God paid for your freedom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Therefore

"Because what I have just said is true"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7:intro-0

1 Corinthians 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul begins to answer a series of questions which may have been asked of him. The first question involves marriage. The second question is on changing one's status: a slave trying to become free, a Gentile becoming a Jew or a Jew becoming a Gentile.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Divorce

Christians should try not to divorce. Believers married to unbelievers should not leave their husband or wife. If the unbelieving husband or wife leaves, this is not considered to be sin. Paul advises that, because of the difficult times and the nearness to the return of Jesus, remaining unmarried is an acceptable option. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/believe.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Euphemisms

There are many euphemisms used to describe sexual relations because this is often a taboo topic and many cultures do not wish to speak openly about these matters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

1 Corinthians 7:1-2

Connecting Statement:

Paul gives the believers some specific instructions on marriage.

Now

Paul is introducing a new topic in his teaching.

the issues you wrote about

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

about: "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." But because

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is quoting what the Corinthians had written, "about: you wrote, 'It is good for a man not to touch a woman.' That is true, but because" or 2) Paul is saying what he really thinks, "about: my answer is that yes, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. But because"

It is good

"It is most helpful"

for a man

Possible meanings are 1) "a man" refers to a married man. AT: "a husband" or 2) "a man" refers to any man.

not to touch a woman

Possible meanings are 1) "touch a woman" is a euphemism for having sexual relations. AT: "not to have sexual relations with his wife for a while" or 2) "touch a woman" is a metonym for marry. AT: "not to marry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

But because of temptations for many immoral acts, each

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:3-4

sexual rights

Both husbands and wives are obligated to regularly sleep with their spouses. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

likewise the wife to her husband

The words "should give" and "sexual rights" are understood from the previous phrase. AT: "likewise the wife should give to her husband his sexual rights" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:5-7

Do not deprive each other

The word "deprive" means to keep from someone something that the other person has the right to receive. "Do not refuse to have marital relations with your spouse" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

so that you may devote yourselves to prayer

in order to have a period of especially deep prayer

devote yourselves

"commit yourselves"

come together again

"sleep together again"

because of your lack of self-control

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

I say these things to you as a concession and not as a command

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

were as I am

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

But each one has his own gift from God. One has this kind of gift, and another that kind

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:8-9

the unmarried

"this those who are not married"

to widows

"to women whose husband has died"

it is good

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

to burn with passion

"to live with the constant desire to sleep with someone"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/selfcontrol.md]]

1 Corinthians 7:10-11

should not separate from

Paul's readers knew no difference between separating and divorcing. To stop living with someone was to end the marriage. AT: "should not divorce"

be reconciled to her husband

This can be stated in active form. AT: "she should make peace with her husband and return to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

should not divorce

Paul's readers knew no difference between divorcing and simply separating. To do either was to end the marriage. AT: "should not separate from"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:12-14

content

willing or satisfied

For the unbelieving husband is set apart because of his wife

Possible meanings are 1) "For God has set apart the unbelieving husband for himself because of his believing wife" or 2) "God treats the unbelieving husband as he would treat a son for the sake of his believing wife" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

husband ... wife

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

the unbelieving wife is set apart because of the brother

Possible meanings are 1) "God has set apart the unbelieving wife for himself because of her husband who believes" or 2) "God treats the unbelieving wife as he would treat a daughter for the sake of her husband who believes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the brother

the believing man or husband

they are set apart

Possible meanings are 1) "God has set them apart for himself" or 2) "God treats them as he would treat his own children" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:15-16

In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound to their vows

Here "brother" and "sister" refers to a Christian husband or wife. Here "not bound to their vows" is a metaphor that mean the person is not obligated to do what they vowed to do. This can be stated in active form. AT: "In such cases, God does not require the believing spouse to continue to obey the marriage vow" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

do you know, woman ... you will save your husband ... do you know, man ... you will save your wife

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of "you" and "your" here are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

how do you know, woman, whether you will save your husband?

Paul uses a question to cause women to think deeply about what he is saying. AT: "you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving husband." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

how do you know, man, whether you will save your wife?

Paul uses a question to cause men to think deeply about what he is saying. AT: "you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving wife." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:17-19

each one

"each believer"

This is my rule in all the churches

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

Was anyone circumcised when he was called to believe

Paul was addressing the circumcised ones (the Jews). AT: "To the circumcised ones, when God called you to believe, you had already been circumcised" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Was anyone uncircumcised when he was called to faith

Paul was now addressing the uncircumcised ones. AT: "To the uncircumcised ones, when God called you to believe, you were not circumcised" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:20-24

General Information:

Here the words "us" and "we" refer to all Christians and include Paul's audience. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

remain in the calling

Here "calling" refers to the work or social position in which you were involved. AT: "live and work as you did"

Were you ... called you? Do not be ... you can become

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of "you" and the command "be" here are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned

This can be stated as a statement. AT: "To those who were slaves when God called you to believe, I say this: do not be concerned" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the Lord's freeman

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

You have been bought with a price

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Christ bought you by dying for you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Brothers

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

when we were called to believe

This can be stated in active form. AT: "when God called us to believe in him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:25-26

Now concerning those who never married, I have no commandment from the Lord

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

I give my opinion

"I tell you what I think"

as one who, by the Lord's mercy, is trustworthy

"because, by the Lord's mercy, I am trustworthy"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:27-28

General Information:

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if he were speaking to each person, so all these instances of "you" and the command "do not seek" here are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Are you married to a wife? Do not ...

Paul uses this question to introduce a possible condition. The question can be translated as a phrase with "if." AT: "If you are married, do not" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Do not seek a divorce

"Do not try to divorce her" or "Do try to separate from her"

do not seek a wife

"do not try to get married"

I want to spare you from this

The word "this" refers to the kinds of worldly trouble that married people might have. AT: "I want to help you not to have worldly trouble" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]]

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

The time is short

"There is little time" or "Time is almost gone"

weep

cry or grieve with tears

those who use the world

"those who deal every day with unbelievers"

should not act as though they are using it to the full

"should show by their actions that they have their hope in God"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:32-34

free from worries

"Free" here is an idiom which means the ability to live without constantly thinking about." AT: "without needing to worry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

concerned about

"focused on"

he is divided

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:35

constraint

restriction

may be devoted to

"can concentrate on"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lord.md]]

1 Corinthians 7:36-38

not treating ... with respect

"not being kind to" or "not honoring"

his fiancée

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

They should marry

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

But if he is standing firm in his heart,

"Heart" here is a synecdoche for one's complete decision. AT: "But if he has made a firm decision, emotionally and mentally" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 7:39-40

A woman is bound to her husband

Here "bound" is a metaphor for a close relationship between people in which they support each other emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Here it means the union of marriage. AT: "A woman is married to her husband" or "A woman is united with her husband" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for as long as he lives

"until he dies"

whomever she wishes

"anyone she wants"

in the Lord

"if the new husband is a believer"

my judgment

"my understanding of God's word"

happier

lives as she is

"remains unmarried"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 8:intro-0

1 Corinthians 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 8-10 form a single unit that answers the question: "Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?"

Special concepts in this chapter

==Meat sacrificed to idols == Paul answers their question by saying that idols are gods that do not really exist, and that therefore there is nothing wrong with the meat. However, someone who does not understand a Christian's freedom to eat this meat may see a Christian eating and be encouraged to eat the meat as an act of worship to the idol.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Connecting Statement:

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

General Information:

"We" means Paul and, though specifically writing to the Corinthian believers, includes all believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

Now about

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

food sacrificed to idols

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

Knowledge puffs up

"Knowledge puffs people up." Here "puffs up" is a metaphor for making someone proud. The abstract noun "knowledge" can be expressed with the verb "know." AT: "Knowledge makes people proud" or "People who think that they know a lot become proud" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

but love builds up

The abstract noun "love" can be expressed as a verb. AT: "but when we love people, we build them up" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

love builds up

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. AT: "love strengthens people" or "when we love people, we strengthen them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

thinks he knows something

"believes he knows everything about something"

that person is known by him

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God knows that person" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 8:4-6

General Information:

"We" and "us" here refer to all believers and include Paul's audience. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

We know that an idol in this world is nothing and that there is no God but one

Paul is probably quoting phrases that some Corinthians used. Being "nothing" represents having no power. AT: "We all know, as you yourselves like to say, that an idol in this world has no power and that there is no God but one" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so-called gods

"things that people call gods"

many "gods" and many "lords."

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

Yet for us there is only one God

"Yet we know that there is only one God"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 8:7

General Information:

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

everyone ... some

"all people ... some people who are now Christians"

corrupted

ruined or harmed

translationWords

1 Corinthians 8:8-10

food will not present us to God

Paul speaks of food as though it were a person who could make God welcome us. AT: "food does not give us favor with God" or "the food we eat does not make God pleased with us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

We are not worse if we do not eat, nor better if we do eat it

This can be stated in positive form. AT: "Some people might think that if we do not eat some things, God will love us less. But they are wrong. Those who think that God will love us more if we do eat those things are also wrong" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

someone who is weak

believers not strong in their faith

sees you, who have

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so these words are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

his ... conscience

what he understands to be right and wrong

emboldened to eat

"encouraged to eat"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 8:11-13

your understanding

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word "your" here is singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

the weaker one ... is destroyed

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

Therefore

"Because what I have just said is true"

if food causes

"Food" here is a metonym for the person eating the food. AT: "if I cause by eating" or "if I, because of what I eat, cause" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 9:intro-0

1 Corinthians 09 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 8-10 form a single unit, answering the question: "Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?" In this chapter, Paul defends himself from the claim of trying to make financial gains from the church.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Earning money from the church

People have accused Paul of just wanting money from the Church. Paul answers that he has a right to get money from the Church because the Old Testament taught that those who worked should get their living from their work. He and Barnabas purposefully never used this right and earned their own living.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Metaphor

There are many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors teach complex truths. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

# Contextualization

This passage is important because Paul "contextualizes" his ministry in service of the gospel to different audiences. This means that Paul makes himself and the gospel understandable without his actions hindering the gospel's reception. The translator may wish to take extra care in preserving aspects of this "contextualization" if possible. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/goodnews.md]])

1 Corinthians 9:1-2

Connecting Statement:

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

Am I not free?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of the rights he has. AT: "I am a free person." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Am I not an apostle?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is and the rights he has. AT: "I am an apostle." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is. AT: "I have seen Jesus our Lord." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Are you not my workmanship in the Lord?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of their relationship to him. AT: "You believe in Christ because I have worked the way the Lord wants me to." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

you are the proof of my apostleship in the Lord

"Proof" here is a metonym for the evidence needed to prove something. AT: "you are evidence I can use to prove that the Lord has chosen me to be an apostle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:3-6

This is my defense ... me: Do

Possible meanings are 1) the words that follow are Paul's defense or 2) the words in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 are Paul's defense, "This is my defense ... me. Do."

Do we not have the right to eat and drink?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. AT: "We have the absolute right to receive food and drink from the churches." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

we

Here "we" refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])

Do we not have the right to take along with us a wife who is a believer, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. AT: "If we have believing wives, we have a right to take them with us just as the other apostles take them, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Or is it only Barnabas and I who must work?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. AT: "You seem to think that the only people you think need to work to earn money are Barnabas and me." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:7-8

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. AT: "We all know that no soldier has to buy his own supplies." or "We all know that every soldier receives his supplies from the government." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. AT: "We all know that the one who plants a vineyard will always eat its fruit." or "We all know that no one expects someone who plants a vineyard not to eat its fruits." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Or who tends a flock and does not drink milk from it?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. AT: "We all know that those who tend flocks get their drink from the flocks." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Do I say these things based on human authority?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. AT: "You seem to think that I am saying these things based on merely human authority." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Does not the law also say this?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. AT: "You act as if you do not know that this is what is written in the law." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:9-11

Do not put

Moses was speaking to the Israelites as if they were one person, so this command is singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Is it really the oxen that God cares about?

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. AT: "You should know without me telling you that it is not the oxen that God cares most about." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Is he not speaking about us?

Paul asks a question to emphasize the statement he is making. AT: "Instead, God was certainly speaking about us." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

about us

Here "us" refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])

is it too much for us to reap material things from you?

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. AT: "you should know without me telling you that it is not too much for us to receive material support from you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:12-14

If others exercised ... you, do we not have even more?

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Here "we" refers to Paul and Barnabas. AT: "Others exercised ... you, so you know without me telling you that we have this right even more." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

If others exercised this right

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

others

other workers of the gospel

this right

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

be a hindrance to

"be a burden to" or "stop the spread of"

Do you not know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. AT: "I want to remind you that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Do you not know that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. AT: "I want to remind you that those who serve at the altar get some of the foods and meat that people offer on the altar." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

get their living from the gospel

The words "the gospel" here are a metonym for 1) the people to whom they tell the gospel, "receive their food and other things they need from those to whom they teach the good news," or 2) the result of working to tell the gospel, "receive their food and other things they need because they work to tell the good news." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:15-16

these rights

"these things that I deserve"

so something might be done for me

This can be stated in active form. AT: "so you will do something for me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

deprive me of this boast

"take away this opportunity I have to boast"

I must do this

"I must preach the gospel"

woe be to me if

"may I suffer misfortune if"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:17-18

if I do this willingly

"if I preach willingly" or "if I preach because I want to"

But if not willingly

The words "I do this" are understood from the previous phrase. AT: "But if I do this unwillingly" or "But if I do this even though I do not want to" or "But if I do this because I was forced to do it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

I still have a responsibility that was entrusted to me

This can be stated in active form. AT: "I must do this work that God trusted me to complete" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

What then is my reward?

Paul is preparing them for the new information he is going to give them. AT: "This is my reward." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

That when I preach, I may offer the gospel without charge

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

offer the gospel

"preach the gospel"

so not take full use of my right in the gospel

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:19-20

I am free from all

"Free from all" here is an idiom meaning the ability to live without thinking of what one must do for others. AT: "I am able to live without serving others" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

win more

"persuade others to believe" or "help others trust in Christ"

I became like a Jew

"I acted like a Jew" or "I practiced Jewish customs"

I became like one under the law

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:21-23

outside the law

"who do not obey the laws of Moses"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Connecting Statement:

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

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run the race, but that only one receives the prize?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. AT: "Let me remind you that although all runners run the race, only one runner receives the prize." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

run the race

Paul compares living the Christian life and working for God to running a race and being an athlete. As in a race, the Christian life and work require strict discipline on the part of the runner, and, as in a race, the Christian has a specific goal. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

run to win the prize

Paul is speaking of the reward God will give his faithful people as if it were a prize given for an athletic contest. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a wreath that is perishable ... one that is imperishable

A wreath is a bunch of leaves twisted together. Wreaths were given as prizes to athletes who won games and races. Paul speaks of eternal life as if it were a wreath that would never dry up. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I do not run without purpose or box by beating the air

Here "running" and "boxing" are both metaphors for living the Christian life and serving God. This can be stated in positive form. AT: "I know very well why I am running, and I know what I am doing when I box" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

I myself may not be disqualified

This passive sentence can be rephrased to an active form. The judge of a race or competition is a metaphor for God. AT: "the judge will not disqualify me" or "God will not say that I have failed to obey the rules" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10:intro-0

1 Corinthians 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 8-10 form a single unit, answering the question: "Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?" In this chapter, Paul uses the exodus as a warning to people not to sin. Then, he returns to discussing meat offered to idols, using the Lord's Supper as an example. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

Special concepts in this chapter

# Exodus

Paul uses the experiences of Israel leaving Egypt and roaming the desert as a warning to the believers. Although they all followed Moses, they all died on the way and none of them reached the Promised Land. Some worshiped an idol, some tested God, and some grumbled. This is a warning for Christians not to sin because temptation can be resisted because God provides a way of escape. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promisedland.md]])

# Eating meat sacrificed to idol

Paul discusses meat offered to idols. Christians are allowed to eat, but it may hurt others. So when buying meat or eating with a friend, do not ask if it has been offered to idols; but if someone tells you it has been offered to idols, don't eat it for the sake of that person. Do not offend anyone but seek to save them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/save.md]])

1 Corinthians 10:1-4

Connecting Statement:

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

our fathers

Paul is referring to the time of Moses in the book of Exodus when Israel fled through the Red Sea as the Egyptian army pursued them. The word "our" refers to himself and the Corinthians and is inclusive. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

passed through the sea

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

passed through

"walked through" or "traveled through"

All were baptized into Moses

"All followed and were committed to Moses"

in the cloud

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

drank the same spiritual drink ... spiritual rock

"drank the same water that God supernaturally brought out of the rock ... supernatural rock"

that rock was Christ

The "rock" was a literal, physical rock, so it would be best to translate this literally. If your language cannot say that a rock "was" a person's name, treat the word "rock" as a metonym for the power of Christ that worked through the rock. AT: "it was Christ who worked through that rock" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:5-6

not well pleased

"displeased" or "angry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-litotes/01.md]])

most of them

the Israelite fathers

their corpses were scattered about

"God scattered their dead bodies around" or "God killed them and scattered their bodies"

in the wilderness

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:7-8

idolaters

people who worship idols

sat down to eat and drink

"sat down to eat a meal"

play

Paul is quoting the Jewish scriptures. His readers would have understood from this one word that the people were worshiping an idol by singing and dancing and engaging in sexual activities, not simply enjoying innocent fun. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

In one day, twenty-three thousand people died

"God killed 23,000 people in one day"

because of it

"because they committed those unlawful sexual acts"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:9-10

did and were destroyed by snakes

This can be stated in active form. AT: "did. As a result, snakes destroyed them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

grumble

complaining

did and were destroyed by an angel of death

This can be stated in active form. AT: "did. As a result, an angel of death destroyed them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:11-13

these things happened to them

"God punished our ancestors"

examples for us

Here "us" refers to all believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

They were written for our instruction

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God had Moses write them down so we would learn to do what is right" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the end of the ages

"the last days"

does not fall

does not sin or reject God

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to all humanity

This can be stated as a positive. AT: "The temptations that affect you are temptations that all people experience" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability

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

will not let you be tempted

This can be stated in active form. AT: "will not allow anyone to tempt you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:14-17

Connecting Statement:

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

run away from idolatry

Paul is speaking of the practice of worshiping idols as if it were a physical thing like a dangerous animal. AT: "do all you can to get away from worshiping idols" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The cup of blessing

Paul is speaking of God's blessing as though it were the wine in the cup used in the ritual of the Lord's Supper. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

that we bless

"for which we thank God"

is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know, that the cup of wine that we share represents us sharing in the blood of Christ. AT: "we share in the blood of Christ." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know. AT: "We share in the body of Christ when we share bread." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

a sharing in

"taking part in" or "equally participating with others in"

loaf of bread

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:18-19

Are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. AT: "those who eat the sacrifices share in the activities and the blessings of the altar" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

What am I saying then?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. AT: "Let me review what I am saying." or "This is what I mean." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

That an idol is anything?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. AT: "You know that I am not saying that an idol is something real." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Or that food sacrificed to an idol is anything?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. AT: "You know that I am not saying that food sacrificed to an idol is not important." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:20-22

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons

Paul speaks of a person drinking from the same cup as the demon as evidence that that person is a friend of the demon. AT: "It is impossible for you to be true friends with both the Lord and demons" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

You cannot have fellowship at the table of the Lord and the table of demons

"It is impossible for you to be truly one with the Lord's people and also with demons"

Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?

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

provoke

to anger or irritate

Are we stronger than he is?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this question in their minds. AT: "You should know without me telling you that we are not stronger than God." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Connecting Statement:

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

Everything is lawful

not everything is beneficial

"some things are not beneficial"

not everything builds people up

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in 1 Corinthians 8:1. AT: "not everything strengthens people" or "some things do not strengthen people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:25-27

you without asking questions of conscience

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:28-30

But if someone ... the other person's conscience

Some translations put these words in parentheses because 1) the form of "you" here is singular, but Paul uses the plural form immediately before and after and 2) the words "For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience?" seem to build on "eat whatever is set before you without asking questions of conscience" (1 Corinthians 10:27) rather than "the other person's conscience." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

says to you ... do not eat ... informed you ... your own conscience

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the words "you" and "your" and the command "do not eat" here are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

For why ... conscience? If I partake ... gave thanks?

Possible meanings are 1) the word "for" refers back to 1 Corinthians 10:27, "I am not to ask questions of conscience, so why ... conscience? If I partake ... gave thanks?" or 2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking, "As some of you might be thinking, 'For why ... conscience? If I ... thanks?'"

why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience?

The speaker wants the hearer to answer the question in his mind. AT: "You should know without me telling you that no one should be able to say I am doing wrong just because that person has ideas about right and wrong that are different from mine. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

If I partake of the meal with gratitude, why am I being insulted for that for which I gave thanks?

The speaker wants the hearer to answer the question in his mind. AT: "I partake of the meal with gratitude, so no one should insult me for that for which I gave thanks." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

If I partake

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

with gratitude

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks

"Do not displease Jews or Greeks" or "Do not make Jews or Greeks angry"

please all people

"make all people glad"

I do not seek my benefit

"I do not do things I desire for myself"

the many

as many people as possible

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 11:intro-0

1 Corinthians 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

# Proper conduct in a church service

# Disorderly women

Paul's instructions here are debated among scholars. It is probable that there were women who were abusing the freedom they had in Christ and were causing disorder in the church by going against established cultural customs. The actions themselves were not Paul's concern, the disorder their actions created caused him to be concerned.

# The Lord's Supper

There were problems in how the Corinthians were handling the Lord's Supper. They did not act in a unified manner. During the feast celebrated along with the Lord's Supper, some ate their own food without sharing, and some got drunk while the poor remained hungry. Paul taught that the believers dishonored Christ's death if they participated in the Lord's Supper while at the same time, they were practicing sin or were in broken relationships with each other. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reconcile.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the people for their unwillingness to follow the rules for worship he has suggested. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

# The head

He uses "the head" in reference to a person's actual head and as a metonym for a leader. Since they are so close together, the author likely intentionally used these terms to play on each other. This is called a pun, or a play on words. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

1 Corinthians 11:1-4

Connecting Statement:

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

you remember me in everything

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

Now I want

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

is the head of

has authority over

a man is the head of a woman

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

with his head covered

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

dishonors his head

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:5-6

woman who prays ... dishonors her head

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

with her head uncovered

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

as if her head were shaved

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

If it is disgraceful for a woman

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

cover her head

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:7-8

should not have his head covered

This can be stated in active form. AT: Possible meanings are 1) "must not cover his head" or 2) "does not need to cover his head" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

glory of the man

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

For man was not made from woman. Instead, woman was made from man

God made the woman by taking a bone from the man and making the woman from that bone. This can be stated in active form. AT: "God did not make the man from the woman. Instead, he made the woman from the man" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:9-10

For neither ... for man

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

have a symbol of authority on her head

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:11-12

Nevertheless, in the Lord

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

in the Lord

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

the woman is not independent from the man, nor is the man independent from the woman

This can be stated positively. AT: "the woman depends on the man, and the man depends on the woman" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

all things come from God

"God created everything"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lord.md]]

1 Corinthians 11:13-16

Judge for yourselves

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

Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. This can be stated in active form. "To honor God, a woman should pray to God with a covering on her head." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Does not even nature itself teach you ... for him?

Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. AT: "Nature itself even teaches you ... for him." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Does not even nature itself teach you ... for him?

He is speaking of the way people in society normally act as if it were a person who teaches. AT: "You know just from looking at the way people normally act ... for him." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

For her hair has been given to her

This can be stated in active form. AT: "For God created woman with hair" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:17-19

Connecting Statement:

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

in the following instructions, I do not praise you. For when

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

these instructions

"these directions" or "these policies"

come together

"gather together" or "meet"

it is not for the better but for the worse

"you do not help each other; instead, you harm each other"

in the church

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

there are divisions among you

"you divide yourselves into opposing groups"

For there must also be factions among you

Possible meanings 1) The word "must" indicates that that this situation is likely to happen. AT: "For there will probably be factions among you" or 2) Paul was using irony to shame them for having factions. AT: "For you seem to think that there must be factions among you" or "For you seem to think that you must divide yourselves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

factions

opposing groups of people

so that those who are approved may be recognized among you

Possible meanings are 1) "so that people will know the most highly regarded believers among you" or 2) "so that people can display this approval to the others among you." Paul may have been using irony, saying the opposite of what he wanted the Corinthians to understand, to shame them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

who are approved

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:20-22

come together

"gather together"

it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat

"you may believe you are eating the Lord's Supper, but you do not treat it with respect"

to eat and to drink in

"in which to gather for a meal"

despise

hate or treat with dishonor and disrespect

humiliate

embarrass or cause to feel shame

What should I say to you? Should I praise you?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. AT: "I can say nothing good about this. I cannot praise you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord

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

on the night when he was betrayed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "on the night that Judas Iscariot betrayed him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

he broke it

"he pulled pieces from it"

This is my body

"The bread I am holding is my body"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:25-26

the cup

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

Do this as often as you drink it

"Drink from this cup, and as often as you drink from it"

proclaim the Lord's death

teach about the crucifixion and resurrection

until he comes

Where Jesus comes to can be made explicit. AT: "until Jesus comes back to the earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:27-30

eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord

"eats the bread of the Lord or drinks the cup of the Lord"

examine

Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how "test the quality" is translated in 1 Corinthians 3:13. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

without discerning the body

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

weak and ill

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

and some of you have fallen asleep

"Sleep" here is a common euphemism for death. AT: "and some of you have died" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]]]]).

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:31-32

examine

Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 11:28. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

we will not be judged

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God will not judge us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned

This can be stated in active form. AT: "the Lord judges us, he disciplines us, so that he will not condemn us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 11:33-34

come together to eat

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

wait for one another

"allow the others to arrive before beginning the meal"

let him eat at home

"let him eat before attending this gathering"

it will not be for judgment

"it will not be an occasion for God to discipline you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/judge.md]]

1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:intro-0

1 Corinthians 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

# Gifts of the Holy Spirit

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

Special concepts in this chapter

# The Church, the body of Christ

This is an important metaphor in Scripture. The Church has many different parts, each with different functions. They combine to make one church. All of the different parts are necessary. Each part is to have concern for all the other parts, even those that seem less important. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

# "No one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit."

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

1 Corinthians 12:1-3

Connecting Statement:

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

I do not want you to be uninformed

This can be stated as a positive. AT: "I want you to know" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

you were led astray to idols who could not speak, in whatever ways you were led by them

Here "led astray" is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. Being led astray to idols represents being wrongly persuaded to worship idols. The phrases "were led astray" and "you were led by them" can be stated in active form. AT: "you were persuaded in some way to worship idols who cannot speak" or "you believed lies somehow and so you worshiped idols who cannot speak" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

no one who speaks by the Spirit of God can say

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

Jesus is accursed

"God will punish Jesus" or "God will make Jesus suffer"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

makes them possible in everyone

"causes everyone to have them"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:7-8

to each one is given

This can be stated in active form. God is the one who does the giving (1 Corinthians 12:6). AT: "God gives to each one" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

to one is given by the Spirit the word

This can be stated in active form. AT: "by means of the Spirit God gives to one person the word" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the word

"Word" here is a metonym for "message." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

by the Spirit

God gives the gifts through the work of the Spirit.

wisdom ... knowledge

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

the word of wisdom

Paul is communicating one idea through two words. AT: "wise words" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hendiadys/01.md]])

the word of knowledge

Paul is communicating one idea through two words. AT: "words that show knowldge" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hendiadys/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:9-11

is given

This can be stated in active form. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8. AT: "God gives" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit

The words "are given" are understood from the previous phrase. AT: "to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit are given" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

to another prophecy

The phrase "is given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. AT: "to another prophecy is given by the same Spirit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

to another various kinds of tongues

The phrase "are given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. AT: "to another various kinds of tongues are given by the same Spirit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

various kinds of tongues

Here "tongues" represents languages. AT: "the ability to speak different languages" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

to another the interpretation of tongues

The phrase "is given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. AT: "to another the interpretation of tongues is given by the same Spirit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

the interpretation of tongues

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

one and the same Spirit

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Connecting Statement:

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

For by one Spirit we were all baptized

Possible meanings are 1) the Holy Spirit is the one who baptizes us, "For one Spirit baptized us" or 2) that the Spirit, like the water of baptism, is the medium through which we are baptized into the body, "For in one Spirit we were all baptized" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

whether bound or free

"Bound" here is a metonym for "slaves." AT: "whether slave-people or free-people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonomy/01.md]])

all were made to drink of one Spirit

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God gave all of us the same Spirit, and we share the Spirit as people might share a drink" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:14-17

where would the sense of hearing be? ... where would the sense of smell be?

This can be made a statement. AT: "you could not hear anything ... you could not smell anything" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:18-20

the same member

The word "member" is a general word for the parts of the body, like the head, arm, or knee. AT: "the same part of the body"

where would the body be?

This can be made a statement. AT: "there would be no body" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:21-24

I have no need of you

"I do not need you"

less honorable

"less important"

our unpresentable members

This probably refers to the private parts of the body, which people keep covered. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:25-27

there may be no division within the body, but

"the body may be unified, and"

one member is honored

This can be stated in active form. AT: "someone gives honor to one member" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Now you are

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:28-29

first apostles

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

those who provide helps

"those who provide help to other believers"

those who do the work of administration

"those who govern the church"

those who have various kinds of tongues

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

Are all of them apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do powerful deeds?

Paul is reminding his readers of what they already know. AT: "Only some of them are apostles. Only some of them are prophets. Only some of them are teachers. Only some of them do powerful deeds." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 12:30-31

Do all of them have gifts of healing?

This can be a statement. AT: "Not all of them have gifts of healing." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Do all of them speak with tongues?

This can be a statement. AT: "Not all of them speak with tongues." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Do all of them interpret tongues?

This can be a statement. AT: "Not all of them interpret tongues." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

interpret

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

Zealously seek the greater gifts.

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13:intro-0

1 Corinthians 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

While it appears that Paul interrupts his discussion of spiritual gifts, this chapter's contents probably serve a larger function in his teaching on the use of spiritual gifts.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Love

Love is the most important characteristic of the believer. This chapter gives a full description of love and why love is more important than the gifts of the Spirit. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/love.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Metaphor

There are many different metaphors in this chapter. Paul uses these metaphors to instruct the Corinthians, especially on difficult topics. Spiritual discernment is often needed to understand these teachings. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Connecting Statement:

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

the tongues of ... angels

Possible meanings are 1) Paul is exaggerating for the sake of effect and does not believe that people speak the language that angels use or 2) Paul thinks that some who speak in tongues actually speak the language that angels use. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal

I have become like instruments that make loud, annoying sounds (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

gong

a large, thin, round metal plate that is hit with a padded stick to make a loud sound (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

a clanging cymbal

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

I give my body to be burned

The phrase "to be burned" can be made active. AT: "I allow those who persecute me to burn me to death" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind ... endures all things

Here Paul speaks about love as if it were a person. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

It is not easily angered

This can be stated in active form. AT: "No one will be able to make it angry quickly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

It does not rejoice in unrighteousness. Instead, it rejoices in the truth

This can be stated in positive form. AT: "It rejoices only in righteousness and truth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 13:8-10

translationWords

1 Corinthians 13:11-13

For now we see indirectly in a mirror

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

now we see

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

faith, future confidence, and love

These abstract nouns can be expressed in phrases with verbs. AT: "we must trust the Lord, be confident that he will do what he has promised, and love him and others" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:intro-0

1 Corinthians 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations indent quotations from the Old Testament. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 14:21. The ULB also indents each line of poetry in the quotation.

Paul returns to his discussion on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Tongues

The gift of tongues is described as an inferior gift because it primarily serves an individual or a few people within the church; it does not serve the church as a whole. It is also very important that this gift be used in the proper way. The use of tongues is also described as a sign for unbelievers. The exact meaning of this phrase is debated among scholars.

# Prophecy

Prophecy is described as a superior gift because it can be used in service of the entire church, unlike the gifts that are primarily helpful to an individual. Prophecy is described as a gift for believers, but the exact meaning of this phrase is debated among scholars. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

1 Corinthians 14:1-4

Connecting Statement:

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

Pursue love

Paul speaks of love as if it were a person. "Follow after love" or "Work hard to love people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

especially that you may prophesy

"and work especially hard to be able to prophesy"

to build them up

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in 1 Corinthians 8:1. AT: "to strengthen them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

builds up

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in 1 Corinthians 8:1. AT: "strengthens people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:5-6

The one who prophesies is greater

Paul is emphasizing that the gift of prophecy is greater than the gift of speaking in tongues. AT: "The one who prophesies has a greater gift" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

interprets

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

how will I benefit you?

This can be a statement. AT: "I will not benefit you." or "I will not have done anything that helps you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:7-9

they do not produce different tones

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

how will anyone know what tune the flute or harp is playing?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. AT: "no one will know what tune the flute or harp is playing." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

tune

melody or song

how will anyone know when it is time to prepare for battle?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. AT: "no one would know when it is time to prepare for battle." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:10-11

none is without meaning

This can be stated as a positive. AT: "they all have meaning" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:12-14

the manifestations of the Spirit

"being able to do things that show that the Spirit controls you"

try to excel in the gifts that build up the church

Paul speaks of the church as if it were a house that one could build and of the work of building the church as if it were something one could harvest. AT: "to succeed greatly in making God's people more able to serve God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

interpret

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

my mind is unfruitful

The mind not understanding what is being prayed and, therefore, receiving no benefit from the prayer is spoken of as if the "mind is unfruitful." AT: "I do not understand it in my mind" or "my mind does not benefit from the prayer, because I do not understand the words I am saying" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:15-16

What am I to do?

Paul is introducing his conclusion. AT: "This is what I will do." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

pray with my spirit ... pray with my mind ... sing with my spirit ... sing with my mind

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

with my mind

"with words that I understand"

you praise God ... you are giving thanks ... you are saying

Though "you" is singular here, Paul is addressing everyone who prays only in the spirit, but not with the mind. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

how will the outsider say "Amen" ... saying?

This can be a statement. AT: "the outsider will never be able to say 'Amen' ... saying." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the outsider

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

say "Amen"

"be able to agree" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:17-19

you certainly give

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word "you" here is singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

the other person is not built up

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated "builds up" in 1 Corinthians 8:1. AT: "the other person is not strengthened" or "what you say does not strengthen any outsider who might hear you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

than ten thousand words in a tongue

Paul was not counting words, but used exaggeration to emphasize that a few understandable words are far more valuable than even a great number of words in a language that people cannot understand. AT: "10,000 words" or "a great many words" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:20-21

General Information:

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

do not be children in your thinking

Here "children" is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. AT: "do not think like children" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

In the law it is written,

This can be stated in active form: AT: "The prophet wrote these words in the law:" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:22-23

Connecting Statement:

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

not for unbelievers, but for believers

This can be expressed positively and combined with the other positive statement. AT: "only for believers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

would they not say that you are insane?

This can be a statement. AT: "they would say that you are insane." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:24-25

he would be convicted by all he hears. He would be judged by all that is said

Paul says basically the same thing twice for emphasis. AT: "he would realize that he is guilty of sin because he hears what you are saying" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

The secrets of his heart would be revealed

"The secrets of his heart" here is a synecdoche for "private inner thoughts." This can be stated in active form. AT: "God would reveal to him the secrets of his heart" or "He would recognize his own private inner thoughts" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

he would fall on his face and worship God

"Fall on his face" here is an idiom, meaning to bow down. AT: "He would bow down and worship God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:26-28

What is next then, brothers?

Paul uses a question to introduce the next part of his message. AT: "Because everything I have just told you is true, this is what you need to do, my fellow believers." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

and each one in turn

"turn" here is an idiom for "sequence." AT: "and each one in successiona" or "one after another" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

interpret what is said

This can be stated in active form. AT: "interpret what they said" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

interpretation ... interpret

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:29-30

Let two or three prophets speak

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

to what is said

This can be stated in active form. AT: "to what they say" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

if an insight is given to one

This can be stated in active form. AT: "if God gives someone insight" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:31-33

prophesy one by one

Only one person should prophesy at a time.

all may be encouraged

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you may encourage all" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

God is not a God of confusion

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:34-36

keep silent

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

Did the word of God come from you? Are you the only ones it has reached?

Paul emphasizes that the Corinthians are not the only ones who understand what God wants Christians to do. AT: "The word of God did not come from you in Corinth; you are not the only people who understand God's will." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the word of God

"Word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. AT: "God's message" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:37-38

he should acknowledge

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

let him not be recognized

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you should not recognize him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 14:39-40

do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues

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

But let all things be done properly and in order

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15:intro-0

1 Corinthians 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

# Resurrection

This chapter includes a very important teaching about the resurrection of Jesus. The Greek people did not believe that a person could live after they died. Paul defends the resurrection of Jesus and its importance for all believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/resurrection.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/believe.md]])

Special concepts in this chapter

# Resurrection

The resurrection is presented as the ultimate proof that Jesus is God and a central aspect of the gospel. Christ is the first of many who will be raised to life. There are few doctrines as important as this one. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/goodnews.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/raise.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

This chapter is filled with many different figures of speech. These help Paul to express difficult theological concepts in a way that people can understand.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Connecting Statement:

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

remind you

"help you remember"

on which you stand

Paul is speaking of the Corinthians as if they were a house and the gospel as if it were the foundation on which the house was standing. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you are being saved

This can be stated in active form. "God will save you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the word I preached to you

"Word" here is a metonym for "message." AT: "the message I preached to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

as of first importance

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

for our sins

"to pay for our sins" or "so that God could forgive our sins"

according to the scriptures

Paul is referring to the writings of the Old Testament.

he was buried

This can be stated in active form. AT: "they buried him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

he was raised

"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again." This can be stated in active form. AT: "God raised him" or "he rose" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:5-7

Connecting Statement:

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

appeared to

"showed himself to"

five hundred

500 (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

some have fallen asleep

"Sleep" here is a common euphemism for death. AT: "some have died" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]]]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:8-9

Last of all

"Finally, after he had appeared to the others"

a child born at the wrong time

This is an idiom by which Paul may mean that he became a Christian much later than the other apostles. Or perhaps he means that, unlike the other apostles, he did not witness Jesus' three-year-long ministry. AT: "someone who missed the experiences of the others" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:10-11

the grace of God I am what I am

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

his grace in me was not in vain

Paul is emphasizing through litotes that God worked through Paul. AT: "because he was kind to me, I was able to do much good work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-litotes/01.md]])

the grace of God that is with me

Paul speaks of the work he was able to do because God was kind to him as if that grace were actually doing the work. AT: Possible meanings are 1) this is literally true, and God actually did the work and kindly used Paul as a tool or 2) Paul is using a metaphor and saying that God was kind to let Paul do the work and to make Paul's work have good results. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:12-14

how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead?

Paul is using this question to begin a new topic. AT: "you should not be saying that there is no resurrection of the dead!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised

"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again" AT: "if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been caused to live again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:15-17

Connecting Statement:

Paul wants them assured that Christ rose from the dead.

we are found to be false witnesses about God

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

we are found to be

This can be stated in active form. AT: "everyone will realize that we are" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

your faith is in vain and you are still in your sins

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:18-19

of all people

"of everyone, including believers and non-believers"

of all people we are most to be pitied

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:20-21

now Christ

"as it is, Christ" or "this is the truth: Christ"

who is the firstfruits

"Firstfruits" here is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, offered to God. AT: "the first to be celebrated as if he were harvested from death" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Christ, who is the firstfruits of those who died, has been raised

"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again." This can be stated in active form. AT: "God has raised Christ, who is the firstfruits of those who died" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

death came by a man

The abstract noun "death" can be expressed with the verb "die." AT: "people die because of one man" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

by a man also came the resurrection of the dead

The abstract noun "resurrection" can be expressed with the verb "raise." AT: "people are raised from the dead because of another man" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:22-23

Christ, who is the firstfruits

"Firstfruits" here is a metaphor for the first offering to be made to God at harvest time. AT: "Christ, the first and greatest offering to be made to God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:24-26

General Information:

Here the words "he" and "his" refer to Christ.

he will abolish all rule and all authority and power

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

until he has put all his enemies under his feet

Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated. AT: "until God has completely destroyed all of Christ's enemies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

The last enemy to be destroyed is death

Paul speaks of death here as if it were a person whom God will kill. AT: "The final enemy that God will destroy is death itself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:27-28

he has put everything under his feet

Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated. See how "put ... under his feet" is translated in 1 Corinthians 15:25. AT: "God has completely destroyed all of Christ's enemies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

all things are subjected to him

This can stated as active. AT: "God has made all things subject to Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the Son himself will be subjected

This can stated as active. AT: "the Son himself will become subject" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the Son himself

In the previous verses he was referred to as "Christ." AT: "Christ, that is, the Son himself"

Son

This is an important title that describes the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:29-30

Or else what will those do who are baptized for the dead?

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. AT: "Otherwise it would be useless for Christians to receive baptism for the dead." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

If the dead are not raised

"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again" AT: "If the dead are not caused to live again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

why are they baptized for them?

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. AT: "there would be no reason for them to receive baptism on behalf of dead people." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Why then, are we in danger every hour?

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. The reason he and others were in danger is that some people were angry that they taught that Jesus will raise people from death. AT: "If people will not rise from the dead, we gain nothing by being in danger every hour for teaching that people will rise." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:31-32

Every day I face death!

Here "face death" represents knowing that he might die soon. He knew that some people wanted to kill him because they did not like what he was teaching.AT: "Every day I risk my life!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

This is as sure as my boasting in you

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

my boasting in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord

Paul boasted in them because of what Christ Jesus had done for them. AT: "my boasting in you, which I do because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done for you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

my boasting in you

"the way I tell other people how good you are"

What do I gain ... if I fought with beasts at Ephesus ... not raised?

Paul wants the Corinthians to understand without him having to tell them. This can be a statement. AT: "I gained nothing ... by fighting with beasts at Ephesus ... not raised." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

I fought with beasts at Ephesus

Paul is referring to something that he actually did. Possible meanings are 1) Paul was speaking figuratively about his arguments with learned pagans or other conflicts with people who wanted to kill him or 2) he was actually put into the arena to fight against dangerous animals. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Bad company corrupts good morals

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

Sober up

"You must think seriously about this"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:35-36

Connecting Statement:

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

But someone will say, "How are the dead raised, and with what kind of body will they come?"

Possible meanings are 1) The person is asking sincerely or 2) the person is using the question to mock the idea of a resurrection. AT: "But some will say that they cannot imagine how God will raise the dead, and what kind of body God would give them in the resurrection." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

someone will say

"someone will ask"

with what kind of body will they come

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

You are so ignorant! What you sow

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so both instances of "you" here are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

You are so ignorant

"You do not know about this at all"

What you sow will not start to grow unless it dies

A seed will not grow unless it is first buried underground. In the same way, a person has to die before God can resurrect him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:37-39

What you sow is not the body that will be

Paul uses the metaphor of the seed again to say that God will resurrect the dead body of the believer, but that body will not appear as it was. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

What you sow

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word "you" here is singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

God will give it a body as he chooses

"God will decide what kind of body it will have"

flesh

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:40-41

heavenly bodies

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

earthly bodies

This refers to humans.

the glory of the heavenly body is one kind and the glory of the earthly is another

"the glory that heavenly bodies have is different from the glory of human bodies"

glory

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:42-44

What is sown ... what is raised ... It is sown ... it is raised

"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again" The writer speaks as if people putting a dead body into a grave were people planting the seed of a plant that would bear fruit. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. AT: "What goes into the grave ... what comes out of the grave ... It goes into the grave ... It comes out of the grave" or "What people bury ... what God raises ... People bury it ... God raises it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

is perishable ... is imperishable

"can rot ... cannot rot"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:45-46

But the spiritual did not come first but the natural, and then the spiritual

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

natural

created by earthly processes, not yet connected to God

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:47-49

The first man is of the earth, made of dust

God made the first man, Adam, from the dust of the earth. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

dust

dirt

the man of heaven

Jesus Christ

those who are of heaven

"those who belong to God"

have borne the image ... will bear the image

"have been just like ... will be just like"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:50-51

Connecting Statement:

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

flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither does what is perishable inherit what is imperishable

Possible meanings are 1) the two sentences mean the same thing. AT: "human beings who will surely die cannot inherit the permanent kingdom of God" or 2) the second sentence finishes the thought begun by the first. AT: "weak human beings cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither do those who will certainly die inherit a kingdom that will last forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

flesh and blood

Those who inhabit a body that is doomed to die. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

inherit

is perishable ... is imperishable

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

we will all be changed

This can be stated as active. AT: "God will change us all" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:52-53

We will be changed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "God will change us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

in the twinkling of an eye

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

at the last trumpet

"when the last trumpet sounds"

the dead will be raised

"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again." AT: "the dead will be caused to live again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

imperishable ... this perishable body ... is imperishable

"in a form that cannot rot ... this body that can rot ... cannot rot." See how similar phrases are translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.

must put on

Paul is speaking of God making our bodies so they will never die again as if God were putting new clothes on us. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:54-55

when this perishable body has put on what is imperishable

Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming imperishable is spoken of as if being imperishable was clothing that a body would wear. AT: "when this perishable body has become imperishable" or "when this body that can rot can no longer rot" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

when this mortal body has put on immortality

Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming immortal is spoken of as if being immortal was clothing that a body would wear. AT: "when this mortal body has become immortal" or "when this body that can die can no longer die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?

Paul speaks as if death were a person, and he uses this question to mock the power of death, which Christ has defeated. AT: "Death has no victory. Death has no sting." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

your ... your

These are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:56-57

The sting of death is sin

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

the power of sin is the law

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

gives us the victory

"has defeated death for us"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 15:58

Connecting Statement:

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

be steadfast and immovable

Paul speaks of someone who lets nothing stop him from carrying out his decisions as if he could not be physically moved. AT: "be determined" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Always abound in the work of the Lord

Paul speaks of efforts made in working for the Lord as if they were objects that a person could acquire more of. AT: "Always work for the Lord faithfully" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16:intro-0

1 Corinthians 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

# Preparation for his coming

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

1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Connecting Statement:

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

for the believers

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

as I directed

"as I gave specific instructions"

store it up

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

so that there will be no collections when I come

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16:3-4

whomever you approve

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

I will send with letters

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

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16:5-6

you may help me on my journey

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

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/macedonia.md]]

1 Corinthians 16:7-9

I do not wish to see you now

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

Pentecost

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

a wide door has opened

Paul speaks of the opportunity God has given him to win people to the gospel as if it were a door that God had opened so he could walk through it. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16:10-12

see that he is with you unafraid

"see that he has no cause to fear being with you"

Let no one despise him

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

our brother Apollos

Here the word "our" refers to Paul and his readers, so it is inclusive. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, act like men, be strong

Paul is describing what he wants the Corinthians to do as if he was giving four commands to soldiers in war. These four commands mean almost the same thing and are used for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Be watchful

Paul speaks of people being aware of what is happening as if they were guards keeping watch over a city or vineyard. This can be stated more clearly. AT: "Be careful whom you trust" or "Watch out for danger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

stand fast in the faith

Paul speaks of people continuing to believe in Christ according to his teaching as if they were soldiers refusing to retreat when the enemy attacks. Possible meanings are 1) "keep strongly believing what we have taught you" or 2) "keep strongly trusting in Christ" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

act like men

In the society in which Paul and his audience lived, men usually provided for families by doing the heavy work and fighting against invaders. This can be stated more clearly. AT: "be responsible" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Let all that you do be done in love

"Everything you do should show people that you love them"

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16:15-16

Connecting Statement:

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

household of Stephanas

Stephanas was one of the first believers in the church at Corinth. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Achaia

This is the name of a province in Greece. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16:17-18

Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus

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

Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus

These are men's names. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

They have made up for your absence

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

For they have refreshed my spirit

Paul is saying he was encouraged by their visit.

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16:19-20

translationWords

1 Corinthians 16:21-24

I, Paul, write this with my own hand

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

may he be accursed

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

open-licensed biblical content

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians front

1 Corinthians front:intro

Introduction to 1 Corinthians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Corinthians

Who wrote the Book of 1 Corinthians?

What is the Book of 1 Corinthians about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the city of Corinth like?

What was the problem with meat sacrificed to idols?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How are the ideas of "holy" and "sanctify" represented in 1 Corinthians in the ULB?

What is the meaning of "flesh?"

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

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

1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1:intro-0

1 Corinthians 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

# Disunity

# Spiritual gifts

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Idioms

# Rhetorical questions

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Links:

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

General Information:

General Information:

Paul ... to the church of God at Corinth

Sosthenes our brother

those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus

who are called to be holy people

who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

their Lord and ours

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:4-6

Connecting Statement:

because of the grace of God that Christ Jesus gave to you

He has made you rich

made you rich in every way

in all speech

all knowledge

the testimony about Christ has been confirmed as true among you

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:7-9

Therefore

you lack no spiritual gift

the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ

you will be blameless

God is faithful

his Son

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:10-11

Connecting Statement:

brothers

through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

that you all agree

that there be no divisions among you

be joined together with the same mind and by the same purpose

Chloe's people

there are factions among you

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:12-13

Each one of you says

Is Christ divided?

Was Paul crucified for you?

Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

in the name of

translationWords

1 Corinthians 1:14-16

none of you, except

Crispus

Gaius

This was so that no one would say that you were baptized into my name

the household of Stephanas