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2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians front

Introduction to 2 Corinthians

Part 1: General Introduction

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

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

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

What is the Book of 2 Corinthians about?

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

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

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the city of Corinth like?

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

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

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

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

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

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

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, the ULT uses the following principles:

  • Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “holy people.”

  • The meaning in most passages in 2 Corinthians is a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 1:1; 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13)

  • Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “reserved for,” or “sanctified.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(See: Textual Variants)

2 Corinthians 1

2 Corinthians 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special Concepts

Paul’s integrity

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

Comfort

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

We

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

Guarantee

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

2 Corinthians 1:1

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

Παῦλος…τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Κορίνθῳ

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

Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς

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

Ἀχαΐᾳ

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

2 Corinthians 1:2

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη

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

2 Corinthians 1:3

εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May we always praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ

“God, who is the Father”

ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως

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

ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως

Possible meanings are (1) that the words “mercies” and “all comfort” describe the character of “Father” and “God” or (2) that the words “Father” and “God” refer to one who is the source of “mercies” and “all comfort.”

2 Corinthians 1:4

παρακαλῶν ἡμᾶς ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν

Here “us” and “our” include the Corinthians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

2 Corinthians 1:5

ὅτι καθὼς περισσεύει τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς ἡμᾶς

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

τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Possible meanings are (1) that this refers to the suffering that Paul and Timothy experience because they preach the message about Christ or (2) that this refers to the suffering that Christ experienced on their behalf.

περισσεύει…ἡ παράκλησις ἡμῶν

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

2 Corinthians 1:6

εἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα

Here the word “we” refers to Paul and Timothy, but not to the Corinthians. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But if people afflict us” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Active or Passive)

εἴτε παρακαλούμεθα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if God comforts us” (See: Active or Passive)

τῆς ὑμῶν παρακλήσεως, τῆς ἐνεργουμένης

“You experience effective comfort”

2 Corinthians 1:8

οὐ…θέλομεν ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν

This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “we want you to know” (See: Litotes)

ὅτι καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ὑπὲρ δύναμιν ἐβαρήθημεν

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

ὑπερβολὴν…ἐβαρήθημεν

The word “crushed” refers to the feeling of despair. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The troubles we experienced completely crushed us” or “We were in complete despair” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 1:9

αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς τὸ ἀπόκριμα τοῦ θανάτου ἐσχήκαμεν

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

ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ

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

τῷ ἐγείροντι τοὺς νεκρούς

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

2 Corinthians 1:10

θανάτου

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

ἔτι ῥύσεται

“he will continue to rescue us”

2 Corinthians 1:11

συνυπουργούντων καὶ ὑμῶν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν

“God will rescue us from danger as you, the people of the church of Corinth, also help us”

τὸ εἰς ἡμᾶς χάρισμα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the gracious favor which God has given to us” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 1:12

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

ἡ γὰρ καύχησις ἡμῶν αὕτη ἐστίν

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

τὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως ἡμῶν

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

οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν χάριτι Θεοῦ

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

2 Corinthians 1:13

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

This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “You can read and understand everything we write to you” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 1:14

καύχημα ὑμῶν

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

2 Corinthians 1:15

Paul wrote at least 3 letters to the Corinthians. Only 2 letters to Corinth are recorded in the Bible.

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

ταύτῃ τῇ πεποιθήσει

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

δευτέραν χάριν σχῆτε

“you might benefit from me visiting you twice”

2 Corinthians 1:16

ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν

“assist me on my way to Judea”

2 Corinthians 1:17

μήτι ἄρα τῇ ἐλαφρίᾳ ἐχρησάμην?

Paul uses this question to emphasize he was sure about his decision to visit the Corinthians. The expected answer to the question is no. Alternate translation: “I was not hesitating.” or “I was confident in my decision.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

Paul uses this question to emphasize that his plans to visit the Corinthians were sincere. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to human standards…at the same time” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

This means that Paul did not say both that he would visit and that he would not visit at the same time. The words “yes” and “no” are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things…so that I say ‘Yes, I will certainly visit’ and ‘No, I will definitely not visit’ at the same time!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Doublet)

2 Corinthians 1:19

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

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

ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ…Υἱὸς

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

2 Corinthians 1:20

ὅσαι…ἐπαγγελίαι Θεοῦ, ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί

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

ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί…δι’ αὐτοῦ…δι’ ἡμῶν

The word “him” refers to Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:21

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

Possible meanings are (1) “God who confirms our relationship with each other because we are in Christ” or (2) “God who confirms both our and your relationship with Christ.”

χρίσας ἡμᾶς

Possible meanings are (1) “he sent us to preach the gospel” or (2) “he chose us to be his people.”

2 Corinthians 1:22

ὁ καὶ σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς

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

δοὺς τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν

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

τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος

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

2 Corinthians 1:23

ἐγὼ δὲ μάρτυρα τὸν Θεὸν ἐπικαλοῦμαι ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχήν

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

ὅτι φειδόμενος ὑμῶν

“so that I might not cause you more suffering”

2 Corinthians 1:24

συνεργοί ἐσμεν τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν

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

τῇ…πίστει ἑστήκατε

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

2 Corinthians 2

2 Corinthians 02 General Notes

Special Concepts

Harsh writing

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Aroma

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

2 Corinthians 2:1

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

ἔκρινα γὰρ ἐμαυτῷ

“I made the decision”

ἐν λύπῃ

“in circumstances that would cause you pain”

2 Corinthians 2:2

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

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

ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the very one whom I had hurt” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 2:3

ἔγραψα τοῦτο αὐτὸ

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

μὴ…λύπην σχῶ ἀφ’ ὧν ἔδει με χαίρειν

Paul is speaking about the behavior of certain Corinthian believers who caused him emotional pain. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those who should have made me rejoice might not hurt me” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ ἐμὴ χαρὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐστιν

“what gives me joy is what gives you joy, too”

2 Corinthians 2:4

ἐκ γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως

Here the word “affliction” refers to emotional pain.

συνοχῆς καρδίας

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

διὰ πολλῶν δακρύων

“with much crying”

2 Corinthians 2:6

ἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων

This can be stated in active form. The word “punishment” can be translated using a verb. Alternate translation: “The way that the majority has punished that person is enough” (See: Active or Passive and Abstract Nouns)

ἱκανὸν

“is sufficient”

2 Corinthians 2:7

μή…τῇ περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ, καταποθῇ

This means to have a strong emotional response of too much sorrow. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “too much sorrow does not overwhelm him” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 2:8

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

κυρῶσαι εἰς αὐτὸν ἀγάπην

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

2 Corinthians 2:9

εἰς πάντα ὑπήκοοί ἐστε

Possible meanings are (1) “you are obedient to God in everything” or (2) “you are obedient in everything that I have taught you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 2:10

δι’ ὑμᾶς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven it for your sake” (See: Active or Passive)

δι’ ὑμᾶς

Possible meanings are (1) “forgiven out of my love for you” or (2) “forgiven for your benefit.”

2 Corinthians 2:11

οὐ γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὰ νοήματα ἀγνοοῦμεν

Paul uses a negative expression to emphasize the opposite. Alternate translation: “For we know his plans well” (See: Litotes)

2 Corinthians 2:12

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

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

Paul speaks of his opportunity to preach the gospel as if it were a door through which he was allowed to walk. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Lord opened a door to me…to preach the gospel” or “The Lord gave me the opportunity…to preach the gospel” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 2:13

οὐκ ἔσχηκα ἄνεσιν τῷ πνεύματί μου

“My mind was troubled” or “I was worried”

Τίτον τὸν ἀδελφόν μου

Paul speaks of Titus as his spiritual brother.

ἀλλὰ ἀποταξάμενος αὐτοῖς

“So I left the people of Troas”

2 Corinthians 2:14

τῷ…Θεῷ…τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ

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

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

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

φανεροῦντι…ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

“he spreads…everywhere we go”

2 Corinthians 2:15

Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ

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

Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ

Possible meanings are (1) “the sweet aroma which is the knowledge of Christ” or (2) “the sweet aroma that Christ offers.”

τοῖς σῳζομένοις

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God has saved” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 2:16

ὀσμὴ

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

ὀσμὴ ἐκ θανάτου εἰς θάνατον

Possible meanings are (1) that the word “death” is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that causes death” or (2) “an aroma of death that causes people to die” (See: Doublet)

οἷς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the ones whom God is saving” (See: Active or Passive)

ὀσμὴ ἐκ ζωῆς εἰς ζωήν

Possible meanings are (1) that the word “life” is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that gives life” or (2) “an aroma of life that gives people live” (See: Doublet)

πρὸς ταῦτα τίς ἱκανός?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is worthy to do the ministry that God has called them to do. Alternate translation: “No one is worthy of these things” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Corinthians 2:17

καπηλεύοντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

“Word” here is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “who sell God’s message” (See: Metonymy)

εἰλικρινείας

“pure motives”

ἐν Χριστῷ λαλοῦμεν

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

κατέναντι Θεοῦ

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

2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

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

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

2 Corinthians 3:1

Paul reminds them that he is not boasting as he tells them about what he has done through Christ.

ἀρχόμεθα πάλιν ἑαυτοὺς συνιστάνειν?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that they are not bragging about themselves. Alternate translation: “We are not beginning to praise ourselves again” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

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

συστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν

This is a letter that a person writes to introduce and give their approval of someone else.

2 Corinthians 3:2

ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἡμῶν ὑμεῖς ἐστε

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

ἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν

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

ἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν

This can be stated in active form with “Christ” as the implied subject. Alternate translation: “which Christ has written on our hearts” (See: Active or Passive)

γινωσκομένη καὶ ἀναγινωσκομένη ὑπὸ πάντων ἀνθρώπων

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that all people can know and read” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 3:3

ἐστὲ ἐπιστολὴ Χριστοῦ

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

διακονηθεῖσα ὑφ’ ἡμῶν

“brought by us”

ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι…ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις

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

ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It is not a letter that people wrote with ink but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote” (See: Active or Passive and Ellipsis)

οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It is not a letter that people engraved on stone tablets but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote on tablets of human hearts” (See: Active or Passive and Ellipsis)

πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις

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

2 Corinthians 3:4

πεποίθησιν δὲ τοιαύτην

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

2 Corinthians 3:5

ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν ἱκανοί

“qualified in ourselves” or “sufficient in ourselves”

λογίσασθαί τι ὡς ἐξ ἑαυτῶν

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

ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ

“God gives us our sufficiency”

2 Corinthians 3:6

καινῆς διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος

Here the word “letter” means letters of the alphabet and refers to words that people write down. The phrase alludes to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: “a covenant not based on commands that men have written” (See: Synecdoche and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀλλὰ Πνεύματος

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

τὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει

Paul speaks of the Old Testament law as a person who kills. Following that law leads to spiritual death. Alternate translation: “the written law leads to death” (See: Personification and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 3:7

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

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

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

ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου

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

ἐν γράμμασιν ἐντετυπωμένη λίθοις

“carved into stone with letters.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God carved into stone with letters” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε

“in so much glory”

διὰ

“They could not look because”

2 Corinthians 3:8

πῶς οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος ἔσται ἐν δόξῃ?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that “the service that the Spirit does” must be more glorious than “the service that produced” because it leads to life. Alternate translation: “So the service that the Spirit does must be even more glorious” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος

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

2 Corinthians 3:9

τῇ διακονίᾳ τῆς κατακρίσεως

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

πολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ

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

περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ.

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

ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης

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

2 Corinthians 3:10

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

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

τὸ δεδοξασμένον

This can be stated in active form. AT “the law which God once made glorious” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τούτῳ τῷ μέρει

“in this way”

2 Corinthians 3:11

τὸ καταργούμενον

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

2 Corinthians 3:12

ἔχοντες οὖν τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα

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

τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα

“such confidence”

2 Corinthians 3:13

τὸ τέλος τοῦ καταργουμένου

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

2 Corinthians 3:14

ἀλλὰ ἐπωρώθη τὰ νοήματα αὐτῶν

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

ἄχρι γὰρ τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας

to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians

τὸ αὐτὸ κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης μένει

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

ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης

“when they hear someone read the old covenant”

μὴ ἀνακαλυπτόμενον, ὅτι ἐν Χριστῷ καταργεῖται

Here both occurrences of the word “it” refer to “the same veil.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one removes the veil, because only in Christ does God remove it” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 3:15

ἀλλ’ ἕως σήμερον

This phrase refer to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.

ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς

Here the word “Moses” refers to the Old Testament law. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whenever someone reads the Mosaic law” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται

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

2 Corinthians 3:16

ἡνίκα…ἐὰν ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς Κύριον

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

περιαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα

God gives them the ability to understand. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God lifts the veil away” or “God gives them the ability to understand” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 3:18

ἡμεῖς δὲ πάντες

Here the word “us” refers to all believers, including Paul and the Corinthians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ προσώπῳ, τὴν δόξαν Κυρίου κατοπτριζόμενοι

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

τὴν αὐτὴν εἰκόνα μεταμορφούμεθα

The Spirit is changing believers to be glorious like him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Lord is transforming us into his same glorious likeness” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν

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

καθάπερ ἀπὸ Κυρίου

“just as this comes from the Lord”

2 Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Ministry

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Light and darkness

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

Life and death

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Hope

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

2 Corinthians 4:1

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

ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην

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

καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν

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

2 Corinthians 4:2

ἀπειπάμεθα τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης

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

τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης

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

περιπατοῦντες ἐν πανουργίᾳ

“live by deception”

μηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

“Word of God” here is a metonym for the message from God. This phrase uses two negative thoughts to express a positive thought. Alternate translation: “we do not mishandle God’s message” or “we use the word of God correctly” (See: Double Negatives and Metonymy)

συνιστάνοντες ἑαυτοὺς πρὸς πᾶσαν συνείδησιν ἀνθρώπων

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

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

2 Corinthians 4:3

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

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

εἰ…ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν…ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if a veil covers our gospel, that veil covers it” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν

“the gospel that we preach”

2 Corinthians 4:4

ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου ἐτύφλωσεν τὰ νοήματα τῶν ἀπίστων

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

ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου

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

μὴ αὐγάσαι τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ

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

τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

“the light that comes from the gospel”

τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ

“the gospel about the Christ’s glory”

2 Corinthians 4:5

ἀλλὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν Κύριον, ἑαυτοὺς δὲ δούλους ὑμῶν

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

διὰ Ἰησοῦν

“because of Jesus”

2 Corinthians 4:6

ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψει

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

ὃς ἔλαμψεν…πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here the word “light” refers to the ability to understand. Just as God created light, he also creates understanding for believers. Alternate translation: “He has shone…to enable us to understand the glory of God” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν

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

πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ

“the light, which is the knowledge of the glory of God”

τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

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

2 Corinthians 4:7

ἔχομεν δὲ

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

ἔχομεν…τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν

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

2 Corinthians 4:8

ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People afflict us in every way” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:9

διωκόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐνκαταλειπόμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People persecute us but God does not forsake us” (See: Active or Passive)

καταβαλλόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People strike us down but do not destroy us” (See: Active or Passive)

καταβαλλόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι

“We are hurt badly”

2 Corinthians 4:10

πάντοτε τὴν νέκρωσιν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι περιφέροντες

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

ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ

Possible meanings are (1) “our bodies will live again, because Jesus is alive” or (2) “the spiritual life that Jesus gives also may be shown in our bodies.”

ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “other people may see the life of Jesus in our bodies” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:11

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

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

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

God wants Jesus’ life be shown in us. Possible meanings are (1) “our bodies will live again, because Jesus is alive” or (2) “the spiritual life that Jesus gives also may be shown in our bodies.” See how you translated this phrase in 2 Corinthians 4:10.

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

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Corinthians 4:10. Alternate translation: “so other people may see the life of Jesus in our body” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:12

ὁ θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν

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

2 Corinthians 4:13

τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως

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

κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as the one who wrote these words” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα

This is a quote from the Psalms.

2 Corinthians 4:14

ὅτι ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν Ἰησοῦν…ἐγερεῖ

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

2 Corinthians 4:15

τὰ γὰρ πάντα δι’ ὑμᾶς

Here the word “everything” refers to all of the sufferings that Paul has described in previous verses.

ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as God spreads his grace to many people” (See: Active or Passive)

τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ

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

2 Corinthians 4:16

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

διὸ οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν

This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “So we remain confident” (See: Double Negatives)

ὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος διαφθείρεται

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

ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ

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

ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God is renewing our inward being more each day” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:17

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

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

καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν

The glory that Paul will experience is so heavy that no one can measure it. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that no one can measure” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 4:18

τὰ βλεπόμενα…τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “things that we can see…things that we cannot see” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰ δὲ μὴ βλεπόμενα

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

2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

New bodies in heaven

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

New creation

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Home

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The message of reconciliation”

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

2 Corinthians 5:1

Paul continues by contrasting believers’ earthly bodies to the heavenly ones God will give.

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

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

ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if people destroy the earthly dwelling that we live in” or “if people kill our bodies” (See: Active or Passive)

οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον

Here “house” means the same thing as “building from God.” Here “hands” is a synecdoche that represents the human as a whole. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It is a house that humans did not make” (See: Active or Passive and Synecdoche)

2 Corinthians 5:2

ἐν τούτῳ στενάζομεν

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

τὸ οἰκητήριον ἡμῶν τὸ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐπενδύσασθαι ἐπιποθοῦντες

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

2 Corinthians 5:3

ἐνδυσάμενοι

“by putting on our heavenly dwelling”

οὐ γυμνοὶ εὑρεθησόμεθα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we will not be naked” or “God will not find us naked” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 5:4

οἱ ὄντες ἐν τῷ σκήνει

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

ἐν τῷ σκήνει, στενάζομεν

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

βαρούμενοι

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

οὐ θέλομεν ἐκδύσασθαι…ἐπενδύσασθαι

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

ἐκδύσασθαι

“to be without clothes” or “to be naked”

ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς

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

ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that life may swallow up what is mortal” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 5:5

ὁ δοὺς ἡμῖν τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος

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

2 Corinthians 5:6

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

ἐνδημοῦντες ἐν τῷ σώματι

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

ἐκδημοῦμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου

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

2 Corinthians 5:7

διὰ πίστεως…περιπατοῦμεν, οὐ διὰ εἴδους

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

2 Corinthians 5:8

εὐδοκοῦμεν, μᾶλλον ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ τοῦ σώματος

Here the word “body” refers to the physical body.

ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν Κύριον

“at home with the Lord in heaven”

2 Corinthians 5:9

εἴτε ἐνδημοῦντες εἴτε ἐκδημοῦντες

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

εὐάρεστοι αὐτῷ εἶναι

“to please the Lord”

2 Corinthians 5:10

ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ βήματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ

“before Christ to be judged”

κομίσηται ἕκαστος τὰ διὰ

“each person may receive what he deserves”

τὰ διὰ τοῦ σώματος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the things he has done in the physical body” (See: Active or Passive)

εἴτε ἀγαθὸν εἴτε κακὸν

“whether those things were good or bad”

2 Corinthians 5:11

εἰδότες…τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου

“knowing what it means to fear the Lord”

ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν

Possible meanings are (1) “we persuade people of the truth of the gospel” or (2) “we persuade people that we are legitimate apostles.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Θεῷ…πεφανερώμεθα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God clearly sees what kind of people we are” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι

“that you are also convinced of it”

2 Corinthians 5:12

ἵνα ἔχητε

“so you may have something to say to”

τοὺς ἐν προσώπῳ καυχωμένους, καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ

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

2 Corinthians 5:13

εἴτε…ἐξέστημεν…εἴτε σωφρονοῦμεν

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

2 Corinthians 5:14

ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Possible meanings are (1) “Our love for Christ” or (2) “Christ’s love for us.”

ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν

“died for all people”

2 Corinthians 5:15

τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι

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

ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν

Possible meanings are (1) these words refer only to “died” or (2) these words refer to both “died” and “was raised.”

2 Corinthians 5:16

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

ὥστε

This refers to what Paul has just said about living for Christ instead of living for self.

2 Corinthians 5:17

καινὴ κτίσις

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

τὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν

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

ἰδοὺ

The word “See” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

2 Corinthians 5:18

τὰ…πάντα

“God has done all these things.” This refers to what Paul has just said in the previous verse about new things replacing old things.

τὴν διακονίαν τῆς καταλλαγῆς

This can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the ministry of reconciling people to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 5:19

ὡς ὅτι

“This means”

ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ

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

θέμενος ἐν ἡμῖν τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς

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

τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς

“the message about reconciliation”

2 Corinthians 5:20

ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has appointed us as Christ’s representatives” (See: Active or Passive)

Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν

“those who speak for Christ”

καταλλάγητε τῷ Θεῷ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let God reconcile you to himself” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 5:21

τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησεν

“God made Christ become the sacrifice for our sin”

ἡμῶν…ἡμεῖς

Here the words “our” and “we” are inclusive and refer to all believers. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν

“Christ is the one who never sinned”

δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ

“God did this…the righteousness of God in Christ”

ἵνα ἡμεῖς γενώμεθα δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ

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

2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Servants

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Contrasts

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

Light and darkness

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

Rhetorical questions

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

We

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

2 Corinthians 6:1

In verse 2, Paul quotes a portion from the prophet Isaiah.

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

συνεργοῦντες

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

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

Paul pleads with them to allow the grace of God to be effective in their lives. This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “we beg you to make use of the grace that you have received from God” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 6:2

λέγει γάρ

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

ἰδοὺ

The word “Look” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

2 Corinthians 6:3

μηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν

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

μὴ μωμηθῇ ἡ διακονία

The word “discredited” refers to people speaking badly about Paul’s ministry, and working against the message he proclaims. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we do not want anyone to be able to speak badly about our ministry” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 6:4

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

ἐν παντὶ συνιστάντες ἑαυτοὺς ὡς Θεοῦ διάκονοι

“We prove that we are God’s servants by all that we do”

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

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

2 Corinthians 6:5

ἐν πληγαῖς, ἐν φυλακαῖς, ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις, ἐν κόποις, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις, ἐν νηστείαις

Paul continues to mention various difficult situations in which they proved that they are God’s servants.

2 Corinthians 6:6

ἐν ἁγνότητι…ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ

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

2 Corinthians 6:7

ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας, ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ

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

ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας

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

ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ

“by showing God’s power to people”

διὰ τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν

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

τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης

“righteousness as our armor” or “righteousness as our weapons”

τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν

Possible meanings are (1) that there is a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other or (2) that they are completely equipped for battle, able to fend off attacks from any direction.

2 Corinthians 6:8

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

ὡς πλάνοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People accuse us of being deceitful” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 6:9

ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as if people did not know us and yet people still know us well” (See: Active or Passive)

ὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We work as if people are punishing us for our actions but not as if they have condemned us to death” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 6:11

Paul encourages the believers at Corinth to be separated from idols and live clean lives for God.

τὸ στόμα ἡμῶν ἀνέῳγεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

“spoken honestly to you”

ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται

Paul speaks of his great affection for the Corinthians as having a heart that is open. Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “we love you very much” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 6:12

οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν

Paul speaks of the Corinthians lack of love for him as if their hearts were squeezed into a tight space. Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s emotions. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We have not restrained you” or “We have not given you any reason to stop loving us” (See: Active or Passive)

στενοχωρεῖσθε…ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “your own hearts are restraining you” or “you have stopped loving us for your own reasons” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 6:13

πλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς

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

2 Corinthians 6:14

In verse 16, Paul paraphrases portions from several Old Testament prophets: Moses, Zechariah, Amos, and possibly others.

μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες ἀπίστοις

This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “Only be tied together with believers” (See: Double Negatives)

μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες

Paul speaks of working together toward a common purpose as if it were two animals tied together to pull a plow or cart. Alternate translation: “team up with” or “have a close relationship with” (See: Metaphor)

τίς γὰρ μετοχὴ δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἀνομίᾳ

This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “For righteousness can have no association with lawlessness” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος?

Paul asks this question to emphasize that light and darkness cannot coexist since light dispels darkness. The words “light” and “darkness” refer to the moral and spiritual qualities of believers and unbelievers. Alternate translation: “Light can have no fellowship with darkness” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 6:15

τίς δὲ συμφώνησις Χριστοῦ πρὸς Βελιάρ

This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “There is no agreement between Christ and Beliar” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Βελιάρ

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

ἢ τίς μερὶς πιστῷ μετὰ ἀπίστου?

This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “A believer shares nothing in common with an unbeliever” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Corinthians 6:16

τίς δὲ συνκατάθεσις ναῷ Θεοῦ μετὰ εἰδώλων?

This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “There is no agreement between the temple of God and idols” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος

Paul refers to all Christians as forming a temple for God to dwell in. Alternate translation: “we are like a temple where the living God dwells” (See: Metaphor and Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω

This is an Old Testament quotation speaks of God being with the people in two different ways. The words “dwell among” speak of living where others live, while the words “walk among” speak of being with them as they go about their lives. Alternate translation: “I will be with them and help them” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 6:17

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

ἀφορίσθητε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “set yourselves apart” or “allow me to set you apart” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε

This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “Touch only things that are clean” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Clean and unclean

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

Sadness and sorrow

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

We

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

Original situation

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

2 Corinthians 7:1

Paul continues to remind them to be separated from sin and to seek holiness purposefully.

ἀγαπητοί

“You whom I love” or “Dear friends”

καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς

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

ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην

“Let us strive to be holy”

ἐν φόβῳ Θεοῦ

“out of deep respect for God”

2 Corinthians 7:2

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

χωρήσατε ἡμᾶς

This refers back to what Paul said starting in 2 Corinthians 6:11 about them opening their hearts to him. Alternate translation: “Make room for us in your hearts” or “Love us and accept us” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 7:3

πρὸς κατάκρισιν οὐ λέγω

“I do not say this to accuse you of having done wrong.” The word “this” refers to what Paul just said about not having wronged anyone.

ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν ἐστε

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

εἰς τὸ συναποθανεῖν καὶ συνζῆν

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

εἰς τὸ συναποθανεῖν

“us” includes the Corinthian believers. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

2 Corinthians 7:4

πεπλήρωμαι τῇ παρακλήσει

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You fill me with comfort” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑπερπερισσεύομαι τῇ χαρᾷ

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

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν

“despite all our hardships”

2 Corinthians 7:5

ἐλθόντων ἡμῶν εἰς Μακεδονίαν

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

οὐδεμίαν ἔσχηκεν ἄνεσιν ἡ σὰρξ ἡμῶν

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

ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we experienced trouble in every way” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔξωθεν μάχαι, ἔσωθεν φόβοι

Possible meanings for “outside” are (1) “outside of our bodies” or (2) “outside of the church.” The word “inside” refers to their inward emotions. Alternate translation: “by conflicts with other people and by fears within ourselves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 7:7

ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει ᾗ παρεκλήθη ἐφ’ ὑμῖν

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

2 Corinthians 7:8

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

Paul praises them for their godly sorrow, their zeal to do right, and the joy that it brought him and Titus.

βλέπω ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολὴ

“when I learned that my letter”

2 Corinthians 7:9

οὐχ ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “not because what I said in my letter distressed you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν μηδενὶ ζημιωθῆτε ἐξ ἡμῶν

“you suffered no loss because we rebuked you.” This means that although the letter caused them sorrow, they eventually benefited from the letter because it led them to repentance. Alternate translation: “so that we did not harm you in any way” (See: Idiom)

2 Corinthians 7:10

ἡ γὰρ κατὰ Θεὸν λύπη, μετάνοιαν εἰς σωτηρίαν

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

ἀμεταμέλητον

Possible meanings are (1) Paul has no regret that he caused them sorrow because that sorrow led to their repentance and salvation or (2) the Corinthians will not regret experiencing sorrow because it led to their repentance and salvation.

ἡ δὲ τοῦ κόσμου λύπη, θάνατον κατεργάζεται

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

2 Corinthians 7:11

ἰδοὺ γὰρ αὐτὸ τοῦτο

“Look and see for yourselves what great determination”

σπουδήν: ἀλλὰ ἀπολογίαν

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

ἀλλὰ ἀγανάκτησιν

“your anger”

ἀλλὰ ἐκδίκησιν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that someone should carry out justice” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 7:12

τοῦ ἀδικήσαντος

“the one who did wrong”

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you would know that your good will toward us is sincere” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

This refers to God’s presence. God’s understanding and approval of Paul’s truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. See how you translated this in 2 Corinthians 4:2. Alternate translation: “before God” or “with God as witness” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 7:13

διὰ τοῦτο παρακεκλήμεθα

Here the word “this” refers to the way the Corinthians responded to Paul’s previous letter, as he described in the previous verse. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This is what encourages us” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀναπέπαυται τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ πάντων ὑμῶν

Here the word “spirit” refers to a person’s temperament and disposition. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “all of you refreshed his spirit” or “all of you made him stop worrying” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 7:14

ὅτι εἴ τι αὐτῷ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κεκαύχημαι

“For although I boasted to him about you”

οὐ κατῃσχύνθην

“you did not disappoint me”

ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν ἡ ἐπὶ Τίτου ἀλήθεια ἐγενήθη

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

2 Corinthians 7:15

τὴν πάντων ὑμῶν ὑπακοήν

This noun “obedience” can be stated with a verb, “obey.” Alternate translation: “how all of you obeyed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐδέξασθε αὐτόν

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

μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου

Possible meanings are (1) “with great reverence for God” or (2) “with great reverence for Titus.”

2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Gift to the church in Jerusalem

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

We

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

Paradox

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

2 Corinthians 8:1

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

τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δεδομένην ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Μακεδονίας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the grace that God has given to the churches of Macedonia” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 8:2

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

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

ἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν

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

ἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν…τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν

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

τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν

“a very great generosity.” The words “great riches” emphasize the greatness of their generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:3

κατὰ

This refers to the churches in Macedonia.

αὐθαίρετοι

“voluntarily”

2 Corinthians 8:4

τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους

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

2 Corinthians 8:6

προενήρξατο

Paul is referring to the collection of money from the Corinthians for the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “who had encouraged your giving in the first place” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπιτελέσῃ εἰς ὑμᾶς καὶ τὴν χάριν ταύτην

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

2 Corinthians 8:7

ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε

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

2 Corinthians 8:8

διὰ τῆς ἑτέρων σπουδῆς…δοκιμάζων

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

2 Corinthians 8:9

τὴν χάριν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν

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

δι’ ὑμᾶς ἐπτώχευσεν, πλούσιος ὤν

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

ὑμεῖς τῇ ἐκείνου πτωχείᾳ πλουτήσητε

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

2 Corinthians 8:10

ἐν τούτῳ

This refers to their collecting money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “With regard to the collection” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Corinthians 8:11

καθάπερ ἡ προθυμία τοῦ θέλειν

This can be stated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “you were eager and desired to do it” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καὶ τὸ ἐπιτελέσαι

“complete it” or “finish it”

2 Corinthians 8:12

εὐπρόσδεκτος

Here the words “good” and “acceptable” share similar meanings and emphasize the goodness of the thing. Alternate translation: “a very good thing” (See: Doublet)

καθὸ ἐὰν ἔχῃ

“Giving must be based on what a person has”

2 Corinthians 8:13

γὰρ

This refers to collecting money for the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “For this task of collecting money” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα ἄλλοις ἄνεσις, ὑμῖν θλῖψις

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you may relieve others and burden yourselves” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐξ ἰσότητος

“there should be equality”

2 Corinthians 8:14

ἵνα καὶ τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα γένηται εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα

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

2 Corinthians 8:15

καθὼς γέγραπται

Here Paul quotes from Exodus. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as Moses wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἠλαττόνησεν

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “had all he needed” (See: Double Negatives)

2 Corinthians 8:16

τῷ διδόντι τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ Τίτου

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

τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν

“the same enthusiasm” or “same deep concern”

2 Corinthians 8:17

ὅτι τὴν μὲν παράκλησιν ἐδέξατο

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

2 Corinthians 8:18

μετ’ αὐτοῦ

“with Titus”

τὸν ἀδελφὸν, οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the brother whom believers among all of the churches praise” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 8:19

οὐ μόνον

“Not only do believers among all of the churches praise him”

καὶ χειροτονηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the churches also selected him” (See: Active or Passive)

σὺν τῇ χάριτι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν

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

προθυμίαν ἡμῶν

“to demonstrate our eagerness to help”

2 Corinthians 8:20

ἐν τῇ ἁδρότητι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν

This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. The abstract noun “generosity” can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: “concerning the way we are handling this generous gift” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 8:21

προνοοῦμεν γὰρ καλὰ

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

ἐνώπιον Κυρίου…ἐνώπιον ἀνθρώπω

“in the Lord’s opinion…in people’s opinion”

2 Corinthians 8:22

αὐτοῖς

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

2 Corinthians 8:23

κοινωνὸς ἐμὸς καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς συνεργός

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

εἴτε ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν

This refers to the two other men who will accompany Titus.

ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the churches have sent them” (See: Active or Passive)

δόξα Χριστοῦ

This can be stated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “They will cause people to honor Christ” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 09 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

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

2 Corinthians 9:1

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

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

τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους

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

2 Corinthians 9:2

Ἀχαΐα παρεσκεύασται

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

2 Corinthians 9:3

τοὺς ἀδελφούς

This refers to Titus and the two men who accompany him.

μὴ τὸ καύχημα ἡμῶν, τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, κενωθῇ

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

2 Corinthians 9:4

εὕρωσιν ὑμᾶς ἀπαρασκευάστους

“find you unprepared to give”

2 Corinthians 9:5

τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, ἵνα προέλθωσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς

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

μὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “not as something that we forced you to give” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 9:6

ὁ σπείρων…ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει

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

2 Corinthians 9:7

ἕκαστος καθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ

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

μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης

This can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “not because he feels guilty or because someone is compelling him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ Θεός

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

2 Corinthians 9:8

δυνατεῖ δὲ ὁ Θεὸς, πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς

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

χάριν

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

περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν

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

2 Corinthians 9:9

καθὼς γέγραπται

“This is just as it is written.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This is just as the writer wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 9:10

ὁ…ἐπιχορηγῶν

“God who supplies”

ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν

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

χορηγήσει καὶ πληθυνεῖ τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν

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

αὐξήσει τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν

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

τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν

“the harvest that comes from your righteous actions.” Here the word “righteousness” refers to the righteous actions of the Corinthians in giving their resources to the believers in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 9:11

πλουτιζόμενοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will enrich you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἥτις κατεργάζεται δι’ ἡμῶν, εὐχαριστίαν τῷ Θεῷ

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

2 Corinthians 9:12

ὅτι ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας ταύτης

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

ἀλλὰ καὶ περισσεύουσα διὰ πολλῶν εὐχαριστιῶν τῷ Θεῷ

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

2 Corinthians 9:13

διὰ τῆς δοκιμῆς τῆς διακονίας ταύτης

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Because this service has tested and proven you” (See: Active or Passive)

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

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

2 Corinthians 9:15

ἐπὶ τῇ ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ αὐτοῦ δωρεᾷ

“for his gift, which words cannot describe.” Possible meanings are (1) that this gift refers to “the very great grace” that God has given to the Corinthians, which has led them to be so generous or (2) that this gift refers to Jesus Christ, whom God gave to all believers.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Boasting

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

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

2 Corinthians 10:1

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

διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ

The word “humility” and “gentleness” are abstract nouns, and can be expressed in another way. Alternate translation: “I am humble and gentle as I do so, because Christ has made me that way” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 10:2

τοὺς λογιζομένους

“who think that”

ὡς κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας

The word “flesh” is a metonym for sinful human nature. “we are acting from human motives” (See: Metonymy)

2 Corinthians 10:3

ἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες

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

οὐ…στρατευόμεθα

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

κατὰ σάρκα στρατευόμεθα

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

2 Corinthians 10:4

τὰ…ὅπλα τῆς στρατείας ἡμῶν…λογισμοὺς καθαιροῦντες

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

οὐ σαρκικὰ

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

2 Corinthians 10:5

πᾶν ὕψωμα ἐπαιρόμενον

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

πᾶν ὕψωμα

“everything that proud people do”

ἐπαιρόμενον κατὰ τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

αἰχμαλωτίζοντες πᾶν νόημα εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ

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

2 Corinthians 10:6

ἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν

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

2 Corinthians 10:7

τὰ κατὰ πρόσωπον βλέπετε

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

λογιζέσθω πάλιν ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῦ

“he needs to remember”

καθὼς αὐτὸς Χριστοῦ, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς

“that we belong to Christ just as much as he does”

2 Corinthians 10:8

εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν ὑμῶν

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

2 Corinthians 10:9

ἂν ἐκφοβεῖν ὑμᾶς

“I am trying to frighten you”

2 Corinthians 10:10

βαρεῖαι καὶ ἰσχυραί

“demanding and forceful”

2 Corinthians 10:11

τοῦτο λογιζέσθω ὁ τοιοῦτος

“I want such people to be aware”

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

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

ἐσμεν

All instances of these words refer to Paul’s ministry team but not the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

2 Corinthians 10:12

ἐνκρῖναι ἢ συνκρῖναι ἑαυτούς

“to say we are as good as”

αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες καὶ συνκρίνοντες ἑαυτοὺς ἑαυτοῖς

Paul is saying much the same thing twice. (See: Parallelism)

αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες

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

οὐ συνιᾶσιν

“show everyone that they do not know anything”

2 Corinthians 10:13

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

οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχησόμεθα

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

κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος, οὗ ἐμέρισεν ἡμῖν ὁ Θεὸς

“about things under the authority that God”

μέτρου, ἐφικέσθαι ἄχρι καὶ ὑμῶν

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

2 Corinthians 10:14

οὐ…ὑπερεκτείνομεν ἑαυτούς

“did not go beyond our borders”

2 Corinthians 10:15

οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχώμενοι

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

2 Corinthians 10:16

ἀλλοτρίῳ κανόνι

“an area God has assigned to someone else”

2 Corinthians 10:17

ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω

“boast about what the Lord has done”

2 Corinthians 10:18

ὁ ἑαυτὸν συνιστάνων

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

ἐστιν δόκιμος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the Lord approves” (See: Active or Passive)

ὃν ὁ Κύριος συνίστησιν

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

2 Corinthians 11

2 Corinthians 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul continues defending his authority.

Special concepts in this chapter

False teaching

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

Light

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

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

Irony

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

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

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

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

Rhetorical questions

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

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

“Are they servants of Christ?”

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

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

2 Corinthians 11:1

Paul continues to affirm his apostleship.

ἀνείχεσθέ μου μικρόν τι ἀφροσύνης

“allow me to act like a fool”

2 Corinthians 11:2

ζηλῶ…ζήλῳ

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

ἡρμοσάμην γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἀνδρὶ, παρθένον ἁγνὴν παραστῆσαι τῷ Χριστῷ

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

2 Corinthians 11:3

φοβοῦμαι δὲ, μή πως…τῆς ἁγνότητος τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστόν

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

φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν

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

2 Corinthians 11:4

εἰ μὲν γὰρ ὁ ἐρχόμενος

“When anyone comes and”

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

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

καλῶς ἀνέχεσθε

“deal with these things.” See how these words were translated in 2 Corinthians 11:1.

2 Corinthians 11:5

τῶν ὑπέρ λίαν ἀποστόλων

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

2 Corinthians 11:6

οὐ τῇ γνώσει

This negative phrase emphasizes the positive truth that he is trained in knowledge. The abstract noun “knowledge” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I am certainly trained in knowledge” or “I am trained to know what they know” (See: Litotes and Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 11:7

ἢ ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησα ἐμαυτὸν ταπεινῶν, ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑψωθῆτε

Paul is beginning to claim that he treated the Corinthians well. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement, if necessary. Alternate translation: “I think we agree that I did not sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted” (See: Rhetorical Question)

δωρεὰν τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγέλιον εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν

“preached the gospel of God to you without expecting anything from you in return”

2 Corinthians 11:8

ἄλλας ἐκκλησίας ἐσύλησα

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

τὴν ὑμῶν διακονίαν

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

2 Corinthians 11:9

ἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα

“I have never in any way been a financial burden to you.” Paul speaks of someone for whom one has to spend money as if they were heavy items that people have to carry. The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I have done all I can to make sure you do not have to spend money so that I can be with you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metaphor)

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ ἐλθόντες

These “brothers” were probably all male.

τηρήσω

“I never will be a burden to you”

2 Corinthians 11:10

ἔστιν ἀλήθεια Χριστοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ

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

ἡ καύχησις αὕτη οὐ φραγήσεται εἰς ἐμὲ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to make me stop boasting and stay silent” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ καύχησις αὕτη…εἰς ἐμὲ

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

τοῖς κλίμασι τῆς Ἀχαΐας

“regions of Achaia.” The word “parts” speaks of areas of land, not political divisions.

2 Corinthians 11:11

διὰ τί? ὅτι οὐκ ἀγαπῶ ὑμᾶς?

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

ὁ Θεὸς οἶδεν

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

2 Corinthians 11:12

As Paul continues to affirm his apostleship, he talks about false apostles.

ἵνα ἐκκόψω τὴν ἀφορμὴν

Paul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can carry way. Alternate translation: “so that I might make it impossible” (See: Metaphor)

εὑρεθῶσιν καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that people will think that they are like us” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 11:13

οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι

“I do what I do because people like them”

ἐργάται δόλιοι

“dishonest workers”

μετασχηματιζόμενοι εἰς ἀποστόλους

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

2 Corinthians 11:14

οὐ θαῦμα

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

ὁ Σατανᾶς μετασχηματίζεται εἰς ἄγγελον φωτός

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

ἄγγελον φωτός

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

2 Corinthians 11:15

οὐ μέγα

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

καὶ οἱ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ μετασχηματίζονται ὡς διάκονοι δικαιοσύνης

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

2 Corinthians 11:16

ὡς ἄφρονα δέξασθέ με, ἵνα κἀγὼ μικρόν τι καυχήσωμαι

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

2 Corinthians 11:18

κατὰ σάρκα

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

2 Corinthians 11:19

ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων

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

φρόνιμοι ὄντες

Paul is shaming the Corinthians by using irony. Alternate translation: “You think you are wise, but you are not!” (See: Irony)

2 Corinthians 11:20

ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ

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

κατεσθίει

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

λαμβάνει

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

2 Corinthians 11:21

κατὰ ἀτιμίαν λέγω ὡς ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠσθενήκαμεν!

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

δ’ ἄν τις τολμᾷ (ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ λέγω), τολμῶ κἀγώ

“Whatever anyone boasts about…I will dare to boast about it also”

2 Corinthians 11:22

As Paul continues to confirm his apostleship, he states specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.

Ἑβραῖοί εἰσιν?…Ἰσραηλεῖταί εἰσιν?…σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ εἰσιν?

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

2 Corinthians 11:23

διάκονοι Χριστοῦ εἰσιν? (παραφρονῶν λαλῶ), ὑπὲρ ἐγώ

Paul is asking questions the Corinthians might be asking and then answering them to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. Alternate translation: “They say they are servants of Christ—I speak as though I were out of my mind—but I am more” (See: Rhetorical Question)

παραφρονῶν λαλῶ

“as though I were unable to think well”

ὑπὲρ ἐγώ

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

ἐν κόποις περισσοτέρως

“I have worked harder”

ἐν φυλακαῖς περισσοτέρως

“I have been in prisons more often”

ἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως

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

ἐν θανάτοις πολλάκις

“and I have almost died many times”

2 Corinthians 11:24

τεσσεράκοντα παρὰ μίαν

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

2 Corinthians 11:25

ἐραβδίσθην

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people beat me with wooden rods” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐλιθάσθην

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people threw stones at me until they thought I was dead” (See: Active or Passive)

νυχθήμερον ἐν τῷ βυθῷ πεποίηκα

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

2 Corinthians 11:26

κινδύνοις ἐν ψευδαδέλφοις

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

2 Corinthians 11:27

γυμνότητι

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

2 Corinthians 11:28

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

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

2 Corinthians 11:29

τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone is weak, I feel that weakness also.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ?

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

τίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι?

Paul uses this question to express his anger when a fellow believer is caused to sin. Here his anger is spoken of as a burning inside him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone causes a brother to sin, I am angry.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

σκανδαλίζεται

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

οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι

Paul speaks of being angry about sin as if he had a fire inside his body. Alternate translation: “I am not angry about it” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 11:30

τὰ τῆς ἀσθενείας

“what shows how weak I am”

2 Corinthians 11:31

οὐ ψεύδομαι

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

2 Corinthians 11:32

ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἁρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν πόλιν

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

πιάσαι με

“so that they might catch and arrest me”

2 Corinthians 11:33

ἐν σαργάνῃ, ἐχαλάσθην

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “some people put me in a basket and lowered me to the ground” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ

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

2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul continues defending his authority in this chapter.

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Paul’s vision

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

Third heaven

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

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

Sarcasm

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

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

2 Corinthians 12:1

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

ἐλεύσομαι

“I will continue talking, but now about”

ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις Κυρίου

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

2 Corinthians 12:2

οἶδα ἄνθρωπον ἐν Χριστῷ

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

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

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

τρίτου οὐρανοῦ

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

2 Corinthians 12:3

Paul continues to speak of himself as though he were speaking of someone else.

2 Corinthians 12:4

ἡρπάγη εἰς τὸν Παράδεισον

This continues Paul’s account of what happened to “this man” (verse 3). It can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) “God took this man…into paradise” or (2) “an angel took this man…into paradise.” If possible, it would be best not to name the one who took the man: “someone took…paradise” or “they took…paradise.”

ἡρπάγη

suddenly and forcefully held and taken

τὸν Παράδεισον

Possible meanings are (1) heaven or (2) the third heaven or (3) a special place in heaven.

2 Corinthians 12:5

τοῦ τοιούτου

“of that person”

οὐ καυχήσομαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will boast only of my weaknesses”

2 Corinthians 12:6

As Paul defends his apostleship from God, he tells of the weakness that God gave him to keep him humble.

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

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

2 Corinthians 12:7

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

καὶ τῇ ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων

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

ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave me a thorn in the flesh” or “God allowed me to have a thorn in the flesh” (See: Active or Passive)

σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί

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

ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ

“a servant of Satan”

ὑπεραίρωμαι

“too proud”

2 Corinthians 12:8

τρὶς

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

ὑπὲρ τούτου…τὸν Κύριον

“Lord about this thorn in the flesh,” or “Lord about this affliction”

2 Corinthians 12:9

ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου

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

ἡ γὰρ δύναμις ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται

“for my power works best when you are weak”

ἐπισκηνώσῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul speaks of Christ’s power as if it were a tent built over him. Possible meanings are (1) “people might see that I have the power of Christ” or (2) “I might truly have the power of Christ.” (See: Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 12:10

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

Possible meanings are (1) “I am content in weakness, insults, troubles, persecutions, and distressing situations if these things come because I belong to Christ” or (2) “I am content in weakness…if these things cause more people to know Christ.”

ἐν ἀσθενείαις

“when I am weak”

ἐν ὕβρεσιν

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

ἐν ἀνάγκαις

“when I am suffering”

στενοχωρίαις

“when there is trouble”

ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι

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

2 Corinthians 12:11

Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of the true signs of an apostle and of his humility before them to strengthen them.

γέγονα ἄφρων

“I am acting like a fool”

ὑμεῖς με ἠναγκάσατε

“You forced me to talk this way”

ἐγὼ…ὤφειλον ὑφ’ ὑμῶν συνίστασθαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it is praise that you should have given me” (See: Active or Passive)

συνίστασθαι

Possible meanings are (1) “praise” (2 Corinthians 3:1) or (2) “recommend” (2 Corinthians 4:2).

γὰρ ὑστέρησα

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

τῶν ὑπέρ λίαν ἀποστόλων

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

2 Corinthians 12:12

τὰ μὲν σημεῖα τοῦ ἀποστόλου κατειργάσθη

This can be stated in active form, with emphasis on the “signs.” Alternate translation: “It is the true signs of an apostle that I performed” (See: Active or Passive)

σημεῖα…σημείοις

Use the same word both times.

σημείοις τε, καὶ τέρασιν, καὶ δυνάμεσιν

These are the “true signs of an apostle” that Paul performed “with complete patience.”

2 Corinthians 12:13

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

Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians are wrong to accuse him of wanting to do them harm. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I treated you the same way I treated all the other churches, except that…you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν

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

χαρίσασθέ μοι τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην!

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

τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην

not asking them for money and other things he needed

2 Corinthians 12:14

ἀλλὰ ὑμᾶς

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

οὐ…ὀφείλει τὰ τέκνα τοῖς γονεῦσιν θησαυρίζειν

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

2 Corinthians 12:15

ἐγὼ…ἥδιστα δαπανήσω καὶ ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι

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

ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν

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

εἰ περισσοτέρως ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶν, ἧσσον ἀγαπῶμαι?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “If I love you so much, you should not love me so little.” or “If…much, you should love me more than you do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

περισσοτέρως

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

2 Corinthians 12:16

ἀλλὰ ὑπάρχων πανοῦργος δόλῳ, ὑμᾶς ἔλαβον

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

2 Corinthians 12:17

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

Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one that I sent to you has taken advantage of you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

2 Corinthians 12:18

μήτι ἐπλεονέκτησεν ὑμᾶς Τίτος?

Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Titus did not take advantage of you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν

Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is yes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all have the same attitude and live alike.” (See: Rhetorical Question) (See: Metaphor)

οὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν?

Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is yes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all do things the same way.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

2 Corinthians 12:19

πάλαι δοκεῖτε ὅτι ὑμῖν ἀπολογούμεθα?

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

κατέναντι Θεοῦ

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

ὑπὲρ τῆς ὑμῶν οἰκοδομῆς

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

2 Corinthians 12:20

οὐχ οἵους θέλω, εὕρω ὑμᾶς

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

κἀγὼ εὑρεθῶ ὑμῖν οἷον οὐ θέλετε

“you might not like what you see in me”

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

The abstract nouns “quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder” can be translated using verbs. Possible meanings are (1) “some of you will be arguing with us, jealous of us, suddenly becoming very angry with us, trying to take our places as leaders, speaking falsely about us, telling about our private lives, being proud, and opposing us as we try to lead you” or (2) “some of you will be arguing with each other, jealous of each other, suddenly becoming very angry with each other, quarreling with each other over who will be the leader, speaking falsely about each other, telling about each other’s private lives, being proud, and opposing those whom God has chosen to lead you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 12:21

πενθήσω πολλοὺς τῶν προημαρτηκότων,

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

μὴ μετανοησάντων ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ πορνείᾳ, καὶ ἀσελγείᾳ

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

ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ

The abstract noun impurity can be translated as “things that do not please God.” Alternate translation: “of secretly thinking about and desiring things that do not please God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐπὶ τῇ…πορνείᾳ

The abstract noun “immorality” can be translated as “immoral deeds.” Alternate translation: “of doing sexually immoral deeds” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐπὶ τῇ…ἀσελγείᾳ

The abstract noun “indulgence” can be translated using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “of…doing things that satisfy immoral sexual desire” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Preparation

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Power and weakness

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 13:1

Paul establishes that Christ is speaking through him and that Paul is wanting to restore them, encourage them, and unify them.

ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων καὶ τριῶν σταθήσεται πᾶν ῥῆμα

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “Believe that someone has done something wrong only after two or three people have said the same thing” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Corinthians 13:2

τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν

“all you other people”

2 Corinthians 13:4

ἐσταυρώθη

This can be made active. Alternate translation: “they crucified him” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀλλὰ ζήσομεν σὺν αὐτῷ ἐκ δυνάμεως Θεοῦ

God gives us the power and ability to live life in and with him.

2 Corinthians 13:5

ἐν ὑμῖν

Possible meanings are (1) living inside each individual or (2) “among you,” part of and the most important member of the group.

2 Corinthians 13:7

μὴ ποιῆσαι ὑμᾶς κακὸν μηδέν

“that you will not sin at all” or “that you will not refuse to listen to us when we correct you.” Paul is emphasizing the opposite with his statement. Alternate translation: “that you will do everything right” (See: Litotes)

δόκιμοι

“to be great teachers and live the truth”

2 Corinthians 13:8

οὐ…δυνάμεθά τι κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας

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

τῆς ἀληθείας, ἀλλὰ ὑπὲρ τῆς ἀληθείας

“truth; everything we do will enable people to learn the truth”

2 Corinthians 13:9

τὴν ὑμῶν κατάρτισιν

“may become spiritually mature”

2 Corinthians 13:10

εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν.

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

2 Corinthians 13:11

Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian believers.

καταρτίζεσθε

“Work toward maturity”

τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε

“live in harmony with one another”

2 Corinthians 13:12

ἐν ἁγίῳ φιλήματι

“with Christian love”

οἱ ἅγιοι

“those whom God has set apart for himself”