1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians front

Introduction to 1 Corinthians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Corinthians

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

Who wrote the Book of 1 Corinthians?

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

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

What is the Book of 1 Corinthians about?

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

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

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

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in 1 Corinthians in the ULT?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, 1 Corinthians ULT uses the following principles: * Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “holy people.” (See: 1:2; 3:17) * Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 6:1, 2; 14:33; 16:1, 15) * Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “reserved for,” or “sanctified.” (See: 1:2; 6:11; 7:14, 34)

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

What is the meaning of “flesh?”

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

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

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

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

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

For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. Translators are advised to follow the modern versions of the Bible. However, if in the translators’ region there are Bibles that read according to older versions of the Bible, the translators can follow those. If so, these verses should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to 1 Corinthians. * “Therefore glorify God with your body.” Some older versions read “Therefore glorify God with your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (6:20) * “I did this even though I myself was not under the law” (9:20). Some older versions leave this passage out. * “for the sake of conscience--the conscience of the other man.” Some older versions read “for the sake of conscience: for the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord: the conscience of the other man.” (10:28) * “and that I give my body to be burned” (13:3). Some older versions read, “and that I give my body so that I might boast.” * “But if anyone does not recognize this, let him not be recognized” (14:38). Some older versions read, “But if anyone is ignorant of this, let him be ignorant.”

(See: Textual Variants)

1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verse 19, which are from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Disunity

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

Spiritual gifts

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

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

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the Corinthians for dividing into factions and for relying on human wisdom. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Stumbling block

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

1 Corinthians 1:1

Παῦλος

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

Σωσθένης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς

This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Sosthenes. Some versions add "our" to make this explicit, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “Sosthenes the brother you and I know” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Corinthians 1:2

τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ…ἐν Κορίνθῳ

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

ἡγιασμένοις ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

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

τῇ οὔσῃ…κλητοῖς ἁγίοις

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God has called to be holy people” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

The word name here is a metonym for person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Metonymy)

αὐτῶν καὶ ἡμῶν

The word ours includes Paul’s audience. Jesus is the Lord of Paul and the Corinthians and all the churches. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Corinthians 1:3

Unless otherwise noted, such words as “you” and “your” in this book refer to Paul’s audience and so are plural. (See: Forms of You)

1 Corinthians 1:4

ἐπὶ τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ δοθείσῃ ὑμῖν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

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

1 Corinthians 1:5

ἐπλουτίσθητε ἐν αὐτῷ

This could mean: (1) Christ has made them rich. (2) God has made them rich.

ἐν παντὶ

Paul is speaking in general terms. Alternate translation: “with all kinds of spiritual blessings” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐν παντὶ λόγῳ

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

πάσῃ γνώσει

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

1 Corinthians 1:6

τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐβεβαιώθη ἐν ὑμῖν

This could mean: (1) they had seen for themselves that what Paul had said about Christ was true. (2) other people learned from seeing how they now live that what Paul and the Corinthians say about Christ is true.

1 Corinthians 1:7

ὥστε

“because what I have just said is true”

ὑμᾶς μὴ ὑστερεῖσθαι ἐν μηδενὶ χαρίσματι

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “you have every spiritual gift” (See: Litotes)

τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

This could refer to: (1) the time when God will reveal the Lord Jesus Christ. (2) the time when our Lord Jesus Christ will reveal himself.

1 Corinthians 1:8

ἀνεγκλήτους

There will be no reason for God to condemn them.

1 Corinthians 1:9

πιστὸς ὁ Θεὸς

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

τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ

Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

1 Corinthians 1:10

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

ἀδελφοί

Here. brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, name is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by means of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Metonymy)

ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες

“that you live in harmony with one another”

καὶ μὴ ᾖ ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα

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

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

“you would live in unity”

1 Corinthians 1:11

τῶν Χλόης

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

ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν

“you are divided into groups that quarrel one with another”

1 Corinthians 1:12

ἕκαστος ὑμῶν λέγει

Paul is expressing a general attitude of division.

1 Corinthians 1:13

μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός?

Paul wishes to emphasize the truth that Christ is not divided but one. “Christ has not been divided in the way you are doing!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός?

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “No one has divided Christ in the way you are doing!” (See: Active or Passive)

μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν

Paul wishes to emphasize that it was Christ, not Paul or Apollos, who was crucified. Alternate translation: “Paul certainly was not crucified for you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν

This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It certainly was not Paul whom they put to death on the cross for your salvation!” (See: Active or Passive)

ἢ εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε?

Paul wishes to emphasize that we all are baptized in the name of Christ. Alternate translation: “You were certainly not baptized in the name of Paul!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε?

This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It was not in the name of Paul that people baptized you!” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου

Here, name is a metonym for authority. Alternate translation: “by Paul’s authority” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 1:14

οὐδένα ὑμῶν…εἰ μὴ

“only”

Κρίσπον

Crispus was a synagogue ruler who became a Christian. (See: How to Translate Names)

Γάϊον

Gaius traveled with the Apostle Paul. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Corinthians 1:15

ἵνα μή τις εἴπῃ, ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ἐβαπτίσθητε

Here, so that introduces the reason Paul did not personally baptize many people at Corinth. He did not what them to elevate him in authority over Christ. Alternate translation: “because I did not want any of you to claim that I baptized you to make you my disciples” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

μή τις εἴπῃ, ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ἐβαπτίσθητε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “none of you can claim that I baptized you to make you my disciples” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα

Here, name represents “authority.” Alternate translation: “to become under my authority” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 1:16

τὸν Στεφανᾶ οἶκον

Here, household refers to the family members and slaves in the house where Stephanas, a man, was the head. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Corinthians 1:17

οὐ…ἀπέστειλέν με Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν

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

ἵνα μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul speaks of the cross as a container that could be contain power or be emptied of that power. Alternate translation: “so that the cross of Christ would not be emptied of its power” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that the cross of Christ would continue to be powerful” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 1:18

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

ὁ λόγος…ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ

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

μωρία ἐστίν

“is senseless” or “is silly”

τοῖς μὲν ἀπολλυμένοις

Here, perishing refers to the process of spiritual death.

δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν

“it is God working powerfully in us”

1 Corinthians 1:19

τὴν σύνεσιν τῶν συνετῶν ἀθετήσω

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

1 Corinthians 1:20

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

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

γραμματεύς

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

συνζητητὴς

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

οὐχὶ ἐμώρανεν ὁ Θεὸς τὴν σοφίαν τοῦ κόσμου?

Paul uses this question to emphasize what God has done to the wisdom of this world. Alternate translation: “God has shown that everything they call wisdom is really foolishness” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 1:21

τοὺς πιστεύοντας

This could refer to: (1) all who believe the message. (2) all who believe in Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:23

Here the word we refers to Paul and other Bible teachers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Χριστὸν ἐσταυρωμένον

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “about Christ, who died on a cross” (See: Active or Passive)

σκάνδαλον

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

1 Corinthians 1:24

αὐτοῖς…τοῖς κλητοῖς

“to the people God calls”

Χριστὸν Θεοῦ δύναμιν, καὶ Θεοῦ σοφίαν

This could mean: (1) God acted powerfully and wisely by sending Christ to die for us. (2) through Christ, God has shown how strong and wise he is.

Θεοῦ δύναμιν

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

Θεοῦ σοφίαν

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

1 Corinthians 1:25

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

This could mean: (1) Paul is speaking ironically about God’s foolishness and weakness. Paul knows God is not foolish or weak. Alternate translation: “what seems to be the foolishness of God is wiser than people’s wisdom, and what seems to be the weakness of God is stronger than the people’s strength” (2) Paul is speaking from the point of view of the Greek people who may think God is foolish or weak. Alternate translation: “what people call God’s foolishness is really wiser than what people call wisdom, and what people call God’s weakness is really stronger than people’s strength” (See: Irony)

1 Corinthians 1:26

Paul emphasizes the believer’s position before God.

οὐ πολλοὶ

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “very few of you”

σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα

“what most people would call wise”

εὐγενεῖς

“special because your family is important”

1 Corinthians 1:27

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

Paul repeats many of the same words in verses 27-28 that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the difference between God’s way of doing things and how people think God should do them. (See: Parallelism)

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 1:28

τὰ ἀγενῆ…καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα

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

μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ

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

τὰ μὴ ὄντα

“things that people think are worth money” or “things that people think are worth respect”

1 Corinthians 1:30

ἐξ αὐτοῦ

Here, because of him refers to the work of Christ on the cross.

ἡμῖν

Here, us refers to Paul, those with him, and the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὃς ἐγενήθη σοφία ἡμῖν ἀπὸ Θεοῦ

This could refer to: (1) Christ Jesus, who has made clear to us how wise God is. (2) Christ Jesus, who has given us God’s wisdom. (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 1:31

ὁ καυχώμενος, ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω

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

1 Corinthians 2

1 Corinthians 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verses 9 and 16, which are from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Wisdom

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

1 Corinthians 2:1

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

ἀδελφοί

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1 Corinthians 2:2

οὐ…ἔκρινά τι εἰδέναι ἐν ὑμῖν, εἰ μὴ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν

When Paul said that he decided not to know anything, he exaggerated to emphasize that he decided focus on and teach about Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “I decided to teach nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Corinthians 2:3

κἀγὼ…ἐγενόμην πρὸς ὑμᾶς

“And I was visiting with you”

ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ

This could mean: (1) “being physically weak.” (2) “feeling like I could not do what I needed to do.”

1 Corinthians 2:4

πειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις

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

1 Corinthians 2:6

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

δὲ λαλοῦμεν

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

σοφίαν…λαλοῦμεν

You can state the abstract noun wisdom as the adjective, “wise.” Alternate translation: “speak wise words” or “speak a wise message” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῖς τελείοις

“the mature believers”

1 Corinthians 2:7

πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων

“before God created anything”

εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν

“in order to ensure our future glory”

1 Corinthians 2:8

τὸν Κύριον τῆς δόξης

“Jesus, the glorious Lord”

1 Corinthians 2:9

ἀλλὰ καθὼς γέγραπται, ἃ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ εἶδεν, καὶ οὖς οὐκ ἤκουσεν, καὶ ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἀνέβη, ἃ ἡτοίμασεν ὁ Θεὸς τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν

This is an incomplete sentence. Some translations make it a complete sentence: “But just as it is written, “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and has not arisen in the heart of man; these are the things God has prepared for those who love him.” Others leave it incomplete but show that it is incomplete by using non-final punctuation between the end of this verse and the beginning the next verse.

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

This is a triplet referring to all parts of a person to emphasize that no man has ever been aware of the things that God has prepared. (See: Metonymy)

ἃ ἡτοίμασεν ὁ Θεὸς τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν

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

1 Corinthians 2:11

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

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows what a person is thinking except the person himself. Alternate translation: “No one knows what a person is thinking except that person’s spirit.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου

Here, spirit of the man refers to a person’s inner being, his own spiritual nature.

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

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “only the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Corinthians 2:12

Here the word we includes both Paul and his audience. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ χαρισθέντα ἡμῖν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God freely gave to us” or “that God has kindly given us” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 2:13

ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος, πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες

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

ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος, πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες

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

1 Corinthians 2:14

Here the word we includes both Paul and his audience. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ψυχικὸς…ἄνθρωπος

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

ὅτι πνευματικῶς ἀνακρίνεται

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

1 Corinthians 2:15

ὁ…πνευματικὸς

“the believer who has received the Spirit”

1 Corinthians 2:16

τίς γὰρ ἔγνω νοῦν Κυρίου, ὃς συμβιβάσει αὐτόν?

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

1 Corinthians 3

1 Corinthians 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Fleshly people

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

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

1 Corinthians 3:1

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

ἀδελφοί

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

πνευματικοῖς

to people who obey the Spirit

σαρκίνοις

to people who follow their own desires

νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ

Paul compares the Corinthians to children very young in age and understanding. Alternate translation: “to very young believers in Christ” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:2

γάλα ὑμᾶς ἐπότισα, οὐ βρῶμα

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

οὐδὲ νῦν δύνασθε

It is implied that they are not ready to understand more difficult teachings. Alternate translation: “you still are not ready to understand the harder teachings about following Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Corinthians 3:3

ἔτι…σαρκικοί

still behaving according to sinful or worldly desires

οὐχὶ σαρκικοί ἐστε καὶ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖτε?

Paul uses this question to rebuke the Corinthians for their sinful behavior. Alternate translation: “you should be ashamed because you are behaving according to your sinful desires and walking the way unbelieving people walk!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖτε

Here, walking is a metaphor for “judging your behavior,” deciding what is good and bad. Alternate translation: “you are using human standards to decide whether your behavior is good or bad” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:4

οὐκ ἄνθρωποί ἐστε?

Paul uses this question to rebuke the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “you should be ashamed because you are living the same way people who do not have the Spirit live!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 3:5

τί οὖν ἐστιν Ἀπολλῶς? τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος?

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

τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος?

Paul is speaking of himself as though he were speaking of someone else. Alternate translation: “I am not important!” or “Who am I?” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

διάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε

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

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

You can state this with the understood information. Alternate translation: “We are servants through whom you believed. We are only people to whom the Lord gave tasks” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Corinthians 3:6

ἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα

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

Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν

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

ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ηὔξανεν

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

1 Corinthians 3:7

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

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

ὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός

You can translate the abstract noun growth with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “it is God who causes you to grow” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Corinthians 3:8

ὁ φυτεύων…καὶ ὁ ποτίζων, ἕν εἰσιν

Paul speaks of telling people the good news and teaching those who have accepted it as if they were planting and watering plants. (See: Metaphor)

ἕν εἰσιν

Here, one could mean: (1) “united in purpose.” (2) “equal in importance.”

μισθὸν

an amount of money that a worker receives for his work

1 Corinthians 3:9

ἐσμεν

Here, we refers to Paul and Apollos but not the Corinthian church. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Θεοῦ…συνεργοί

Paul considers himself and Apollos as working together for God.

Θεοῦ γεώργιον

Being God's field could represent: (1) belonging to God. Alternate translation: “You are like a field that belongs to God” (2) God causing us to grow. Alternate translation: “You are like a field that God makes grow” (See: Metaphor)

Θεοῦ οἰκοδομή

Being God's building could represent: (1) belonging to God. Alternate translation: “and you are like a building that belongs to God” (2) God causing us to become what he wants. Alternate translation: “and you are like a building that God is constructing” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:10

κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “According to the task that God freely gave me to do” (See: Active or Passive)

θεμέλιον ἔθηκα

Paul equates his teaching of faith and salvation in Jesus Christ to laying a foundation for a building. (See: Metaphor)

ἄλλος…ἐποικοδομεῖ

Paul is referring to the person or people who are teaching the Corinthians at that time as if they are carpenters who are constructing a building above the foundation. (See: Metaphor)

ἕκαστος

Here, each one refers to God’s workers in general. Alternate translation: “each person who serves God”

1 Corinthians 3:11

θεμέλιον…ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι, παρὰ τὸν κείμενον

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one can lay a foundation other than the foundation that I, Paul, have laid” or “I have already laid the only foundation that anyone can lay” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 3:12

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

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

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

λίθους τιμίους

“expensive stones”

1 Corinthians 3:13

ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will show everyone what the builder has done” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει

Here the day is a metaphor for the time when God will judge everyone. When God shows everyone what these teachers have done, it will be like the sun has come up to reveal what happened during the night. (See: Metaphor)

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

Just as fire will reveal the strengths or destroy the weaknesses of a building, God’s fire will judge man’s efforts and activities. Alternate translation: “for God will use fire to show the quality of each person's work” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 3:14

The terms anyone’s and he refer to believers.

τὸ ἔργον μενεῖ, ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν

“work that he did survives the fire”

1 Corinthians 3:15

εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if the fire destroys anyone’s work” or “if the fire ruins anyone’s work” (See: Active or Passive)

ζημιωθήσεται

The abstract noun loss can be expressed with the verb “lose.” Alternate translation: “he will lose his reward” (See: Abstract Nouns)

αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but God will save him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 3:16

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

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

1 Corinthians 3:18

μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω

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

ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ

according to the way people who do not believe decide what is wise at this time in history

μωρὸς γενέσθω, ἵνα γένηται σοφός

Paul is using irony to say that the way to become wise is to believe what many people think is foolish. Alternate translation: “that person should be willing to have people who do not believe call him a fool in order to gain wisdom from God” (See: Irony)

1 Corinthians 3:19

ὁ δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτῶν

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

1 Corinthians 3:20

Κύριος γινώσκει τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν, ὅτι εἰσὶν μάταιοι

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

μάταιοι

“useless”

1 Corinthians 3:23

ὑμεῖς δὲ Χριστοῦ, Χριστὸς δὲ Θεοῦ

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

1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pride

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. He describes the apostles as servants. Paul speaks of a victory parade where the apostles are the prisoners who will be killed. He uses a rod to stand for punishment. He calls himself their father because he is their “spiritual father.” (See: Metaphor and spirit, wind, breath)

Irony

Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians for being proud. The Corinthian believers are reigning but the apostles are suffering. (See: Irony)

Rhetorical questions

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

1 Corinthians 4:1

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

1 Corinthians 4:2

ζητεῖται ἐν τοῖς οἰκονόμοις, ἵνα πιστός τις εὑρεθῇ

Paul is speaking of himself as if he were speaking about other people. Alternate translation: “we are required to be faithful stewards” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

1 Corinthians 4:3

ἐλάχιστόν ἐστιν, ἵνα ὑφ’ ὑμῶν ἀνακριθῶ

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

1 Corinthians 4:4

οὐδὲν…ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα

This could mean: (1) “I have not heard anyone accuse me of doing wrong” (2) “I am not aware of anything that I have done wrong”

οὐκ ἐν τούτῳ δεδικαίωμαι; ὁ δὲ ἀνακρίνων με Κύριός ἐστιν

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

1 Corinthians 4:5

ὥστε

“Because what I have just said is true,”

ὃς καὶ φωτίσει τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους

Here, bring to light the hidden things of darkness is a metaphor for making known to everyone things that were done in secret. Alternate translation: “who will be like a light that shines on things in darkness” (See: Metaphor)

φανερώσει τὰς βουλὰς τῶν καρδιῶν

Here, heart is a metonym for people’s thoughts and intentions. Alternate translation: “God will show what people have secretly done and what they secretly planned” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 4:6

ἀδελφοί

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

δι’ ὑμᾶς

“for your welfare”

1 Corinthians 4:7

σε…ἔχεις…ἔλαβες…ἔλαβες…καυχᾶσαι…λαβών

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of you here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

τίς γάρ σε διακρίνει?

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

τί δὲ ἔχεις ὃ οὐκ ἔλαβες?

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

τί καυχᾶσαι ὡς μὴ λαβών?

Paul was rebuking them for boasting in what they had. Alternate translation: “you should not boast as if someone else gave it to you.” or “you have no right to boast because you did not make yourself that way!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 4:8

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

1 Corinthians 4:9

ὁ Θεὸς ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους…ἀπέδειξεν

Paul expresses two ways how God has put his apostles on display for the world to see. (See: Parallelism)

ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους ἐσχάτους ἀπέδειξεν, ὡς ἐπιθανατίους

God has displayed the apostles just like prisoners at the end of a Roman military parade, who are humiliated before they are executed. (See: Metaphor)

τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ἀγγέλοις καὶ ἀνθρώποις

This could mean: (1) the world consists of both supernatural (“angels”) and natural (“human beings”). (2) the list consists of three items: “to the world, to angels, and to human beings.” (See: Merism)

1 Corinthians 4:10

ἡμεῖς μωροὶ διὰ Χριστόν, ὑμεῖς δὲ φρόνιμοι ἐν Χριστῷ; ἡμεῖς ἀσθενεῖς, ὑμεῖς δὲ ἰσχυροί; ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄτιμοι

In many languages, the verb are must be supplied in each of these phrases. (See: Ellipsis)

ἡμεῖς μωροὶ…ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄτιμοι

Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians so they will think about what he is saying. (See: Irony)

ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι

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

ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄτιμοι

“but people shame us apostles”

1 Corinthians 4:11

ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας

“Until now” or “Up to now”

κολαφιζόμεθα

This refers to hitting with the hand, not with whips or clubs. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people beat us” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀστατοῦμεν

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

1 Corinthians 4:12

λοιδορούμενοι, εὐλογοῦμεν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “When people revile us, we bless them” or “When people scorn us, we bless them” (See: Active or Passive)

διωκόμενοι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when people persecute us” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 4:13

δυσφημούμενοι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when people slander us” (See: Active or Passive)

ὡς περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐγενήθημεν, πάντων περίψημα ἕως ἄρτι

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

1 Corinthians 4:14

οὐκ ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς γράφω ταῦτα, ἀλλ’…νουθετῶ

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

νουθετῶ

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

τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ

Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, they are like his spiritual children. (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 4:15

μυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς

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

ἐν…Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα

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

ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα

Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, he is like a father to them. (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 4:17

ὅς ἐστίν μου τέκνον, ἀγαπητὸν καὶ πιστὸν ἐν Κυρίῳ

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

1 Corinthians 4:18

δέ

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

1 Corinthians 4:19

ἐλεύσομαι…πρὸς ὑμᾶς

“I will visit you”

1 Corinthians 4:21

τί θέλετε?

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

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

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

πραΰτητος

“of kindness” or “of tenderness”

1 Corinthians 5

1 Corinthians 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemisms

Paul uses euphemisms to describe sensitive topics. This chapter deals with sexual immorality of one church member. (See: Euphemism and sexual immorality, immorality, immoral, fornication)

Metaphor

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

Rhetorical questions

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

1 Corinthians 5:1

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

ἥτις οὐδὲ ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that not even the Gentiles permit” (See: Active or Passive)

γυναῖκά τινα τοῦ πατρὸς ἔχειν

“a man among you is committing adultery with his father’s wife”

γυναῖκά…πατρὸς

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

1 Corinthians 5:2

ἵνα ἀρθῇ ἐκ μέσου ὑμῶν ὁ, τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο ποιήσας

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and remove the one who did this from among you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 5:3

παρὼν…τῷ πνεύματι

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

ἤδη κέκρικα…τὸν οὕτως τοῦτο κατεργασάμενον

This could mean: (1) Paul has decided what they should do with the one who did this. (2) Paul has found the person who did this guilty.

1 Corinthians 5:4

συναχθέντων ὑμῶν

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

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ

This could mean: (1) the name of the Lord Jesus is a metonym that represents his authority. Alternate translation: “with the authority of our Lord Jesus” (2) being assembled in the Lord’s name implies meeting together to worship him. Alternate translation: “to worship our Lord Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 5:5

παραδοῦναι τὸν τοιοῦτον τῷ Σατανᾷ

To hand the man over to Satan represents not allowing the man to be part of their group so that Satan would be allowed to harm him. Alternate translation: “make this man leave your group so that Satan can harm him” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός

Here, flesh could be: (1) a reference to his physical body. Alternate translation: “so that Satan may harm his body” (2) a metaphor for the sinful nature. Alternate translation: “so that his sinful nature will be destroyed” or “so that he will not continue to live according to his sinful nature” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα τὸ πνεῦμα σωθῇ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God may save his spirit on the day of the Lord” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 5:6

οὐ καλὸν τὸ καύχημα ὑμῶν

“Your boasting is bad”

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι μικρὰ ζύμη, ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ?

You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should know that a little yeast will affect the whole loaf!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

μικρὰ ζύμη, ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ

Just as a little yeast spreads throughout a whole loaf of bread, so can a little sin impact the entire fellowship of believers. (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 5:7

καὶ…τὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός

As the Passover lamb covered the sins of Israel by faith each year, so did Christ’s death cover the sins of all who trust in Christ by faith for eternity. (See: Metaphor)

καὶ…τὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord has also sacrificed Christ, our Passover lamb” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 5:10

τοῖς πλεονέκταις

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

ἅρπαξιν

people who cheat to get others’ property

ὠφείλετε…ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελθεῖν

“you would need to avoid every person”

1 Corinthians 5:11

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

τις…ὀνομαζόμενος

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “anyone who calls himself” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀδελφὸς

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

1 Corinthians 5:12

τί…μοι τοὺς ἔξω κρίνειν?

Paul is emphasizing that he is not the one to judge people outside the church. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I am not the one who should judge people who do not belong to the church” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐχὶ τοὺς ἔσω ὑμεῖς κρίνετε?

Paul is scolding the Corinthians. “You should know that you are the ones who should judge those who are inside the church.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 6

1 Corinthians 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Lawsuits

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The temple of the Holy Spirit is an important metaphor. It refers to the place where the Holy Spirit stays and is worshiped. (See: Metaphor)

Rhetorical questions

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

1 Corinthians 6:1

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

πρᾶγμα

a disagreement or argument

τολμᾷ τις ὑμῶν, πρᾶγμα ἔχων πρὸς τὸν ἕτερον, κρίνεσθαι ἐπὶ τῶν ἀδίκων, καὶ οὐχὶ ἐπὶ τῶν ἁγίων?

Paul is emphasizing that Christians must resolve disagreements among themselves. Alternate translation: “None of you should dare, having a dispute with another, to go to court before the unrighteous, and not before the saints!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 6:2

ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ ἅγιοι τὸν κόσμον κρινοῦσιν?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians for acting like they do not know. Alternate translation: “You should know that the saints will judge the world!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

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

1 Corinthians 6:3

βιωτικά

“things that only have to do with this life”

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἀγγέλους κρινοῦμεν, μήτι γε βιωτικά?

Paul is surprised that they do not seem to know. Alternate translation: “You should know that we will judge the angels. So of course you should be able to judge matters of this life!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

κρινοῦμεν

Here, we includes Paul and the Corinthians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἀγγέλους κρινοῦμεν, μήτι γε βιωτικά?

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

1 Corinthians 6:4

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

This could be: (1) a rhetorical question. (2) a statement, “When in the past you have settled matters that are important in this life, you have not handed off disputes between Christians to be settled by unbelievers.” (3) a command, “When you settle matters that are important in this life, it is even to those who have no standing in the church that you should hand off disputes to be settled!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

βιωτικὰ…κριτήρια ἐὰν ἔχητε

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

τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for how they are handling these cases. This could mean: (1) they should stop giving such cases to people who are outside the church. (2) they should give such cases even to members of the church who are not well regarded by other believers. (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 6:5

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

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You should be ashamed that you cannot find a wise believer among you to settle arguments between believers” (See: Rhetorical Question)

πρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῖν

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

τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1 Corinthians 6:6

ἀλλὰ ἀδελφὸς μετὰ ἀδελφοῦ κρίνεται, καὶ τοῦτο ἐπὶ ἀπίστων?

You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “But believers who have disputes with each other ask unbelieving judges to make decisions for them!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 6:7

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

Paul continues to shame the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “It would be better to let others wrong you and cheat you than to take them to court.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 6:8

ἀδελφούς

Here, brothers refers to all believers, both men and women. Alternate translation: “your own fellow believers”

1 Corinthians 6:9

ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἄδικοι Θεοῦ Βασιλείαν οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν?

Paul emphasizes that they should already know this truth. Alternate translation: “You already know that he unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

κληρονομήσουσιν

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: Metaphor)

μαλακοὶ…ἀρσενοκοῖται

These phrases could be: (1) a merism for all homosexual activity. (2) two different activities. (See: Merism)

μαλακοὶ…ἀρσενοκοῖται

These phrases could refer to: (1) men who allow other men to sleep with them. (2) men who allow men who pay them to sleep with them. (3) men who allow other men to sleep with them as part of a religious activity.

1 Corinthians 6:10

πλεονέκται

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

1 Corinthians 6:11

ἀπελούσασθε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has cleansed you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡγιάσθητε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God set you apart for himself” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐδικαιώθητε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God made you right with him” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, name is a metonym for the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 6:12

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

πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν

This could mean: (1) Paul is actually saying what he thinks is true, “God allows me to do anything.” (2) Paul is answering what some Corinthians might be thinking, “Some say, ‘I can do anything’.”

οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not allow these things to rule over me like a master” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 6:13

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

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

καταργήσει

“destroy”

1 Corinthians 6:14

τὸν Κύριον ἤγειρεν

“caused the Lord to live again”

1 Corinthians 6:15

οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν?

The word translated as members refers to parts of a body. Our belonging to Christ is spoken of as if we were parts of his body. We belong to him so much that even our bodies belong to him. (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν?

Paul uses this question to remind the people of something they should already know. Alternate translation: “You should know that your bodies are part of the body of Christ.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

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

μὴ γένοιτο

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

1 Corinthians 6:16

ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ, ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν?

Paul begins to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing a truth that they already know. “I want to remind you the one who is joined to the prostitute is one body with her.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ, ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when a man joins his body to the body of a prostitute, it is as if their bodies become one body” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 6:17

ὁ…κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ, ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when the Lord joins his spirit to the spirit of a person, it is as if their spirits become one spirit” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 6:18

φεύγετε τὴν πορνείαν

Paul speaks of a person rejecting sexual sin as if that person were running away from danger. Alternate translation: “Get away from sexual sins” (See: Metaphor)

πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν, ὁ δὲ πορνεύων εἰς τὸ ἴδιον σῶμα ἁμαρτάνει

This could mean: (1) Paul is showing that sexual sin is especially bad because it is not only against others but against the sinner’s own body. (2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: “immorality! Some of you are saying, ‘Every sin that a person commits is outside the body,’ but I say that the one who is sexually immoral sins against his own body.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος

“evil deed that a person does”

1 Corinthians 6:19

ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν, ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν Ἁγίου Πνεύματός ἐστιν, οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ Θεοῦ?

Paul is continuing to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing what they already know. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have from God.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν

the body of each individual Christian

ναὸς τοῦ…Ἁγίου Πνεύματός

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

1 Corinthians 6:20

ἠγοράσθητε γὰρ τιμῆς

God paid for the freedom of the Corinthians from the slavery of sin. You can state this as active. Alternate translation: “for God paid for your freedom” (See: Active or Passive)

δὴ

“Because what I have just said is true”

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Divorce

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemisms

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

1 Corinthians 7:1

Paul gives the believers some specific instructions on marriage.

δὲ

Paul is introducing a new topic in his teaching.

ὧν ἐγράψατε

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

καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι

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

καλὸν

“It is most helpful”

ἀνθρώπῳ

Here, a man could refer to: (1) a married man. Alternate translation: “a husband” (2) any man.

γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι

Here, touch a woman is a euphemism for having sexual relations, upon which Paul elaborates in verses 3-5. However, it is also clear from verse 2 that Paul is specifically talking about sexual relations between a husband and his wife. Alternate translation: “not to have sexual relations with his wife for a while” (See: Euphemism)

1 Corinthians 7:2

διὰ δὲ

This could mean: (1) Paul is responding to what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: “That is true, but because” (2) Paul is saying what he really thinks.

διὰ δὲ τὰς πορνείας

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

1 Corinthians 7:3

ὀφειλὴν

Both husbands and wives are obligated to regularly have sexual relations with their spouses. (See: Euphemism)

ὁμοίως…καὶ ἡ γυνὴ τῷ ἀνδρί

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

1 Corinthians 7:5

μὴ ἀποστερεῖτε ἀλλήλους

The word deprive means to keep from someone something that the other person has the right to receive. “Do not refuse to have marital relations with your spouse” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα σχολάσητε τῇ προσευχῇ

in order to have a period of especially deep prayer

πάλιν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ἦτε

“sleep together again”

διὰ τὴν ἀκρασίαν ὑμῶν

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

1 Corinthians 7:6

τοῦτο δὲ λέγω κατὰ συνγνώμην, οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγήν

This could mean: (1) Paul is telling the Corinthians that he is allowing them, but not commanding them, to marry and sleep together. (2) Paul is telling the Corinthians that he is allowing them, but not commanding them, to stop sleeping together for a time.

1 Corinthians 7:7

εἶναι ὡς καὶ ἐμαυτόν

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 7:8

καλὸν

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

1 Corinthians 7:9

πυροῦσθαι

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

1 Corinthians 7:10

ἀπὸ…μὴ χωρισθῆναι

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

1 Corinthians 7:11

τῷ ἀνδρὶ καταλλαγήτω

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “she should make peace with her husband and return to him” (See: Active or Passive)

μὴ ἀφιέναι

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

1 Corinthians 7:12

συνευδοκεῖ

“is willing” or “is satisfied”

1 Corinthians 7:13

ἄνδρα

The word translated as husband is the same Greek word as for “man.”

1 Corinthians 7:14

ἡγίασται γὰρ ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ ἄπιστος ἐν τῇ γυναικί

This could mean: (1) God has set apart the unbelieving husband for himself because of his believing wife. (2) God treats the unbelieving husband as he would treat a son for the sake of his believing wife. (See: Active or Passive)

ἡγίασται ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄπιστος ἐν τῷ ἀδελφῷ

This could mean: (1) God has set apart the unbelieving wife for himself because of her husband who believes. (2) God treats the unbelieving wife as he would treat a daughter for the sake of her husband who believes. (See: Active or Passive)

τῷ ἀδελφῷ

the believing husband

ἅγιά ἐστιν

This could mean: (1) God has set them apart for himself. (2) God treats them as he would treat his own children. (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 7:15

οὐ δεδούλωται ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις

Here, brother and sister refers to a Christian husband or wife. Here, not bound to their vows is a metaphor that mean the person is not obligated to do what they vowed to do. Alternate translation: “In such cases, the believing spouse is not obligated to continue to obey the marriage vow” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ δεδούλωται ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “In such cases, God does not require the believing spouse to continue to obey the marriage vow” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 7:16

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

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of you and your here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

τί γὰρ οἶδας, γύναι, εἰ τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις?

Paul uses a question to cause women to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “For you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving husband.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ τί οἶδας, ἄνερ, εἰ τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις?

Paul uses a question to cause men to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “And you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving wife.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 7:17

ἑκάστῳ

“to each believer”

οὕτως ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις πάσαις διατάσσομαι

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

1 Corinthians 7:18

περιτετμημένος τις ἐκλήθη?

Paul was addressing the circumcised ones (the Jews). Alternate translation: “I am now speaking to the circumcised ones who had already been circumcised when God called you to believe.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ κέκληταί τις?

Paul was now addressing the uncircumcised ones. Alternate translation: “I am now speaking to the uncircumcised ones who had not been circumcised when God called you to believe.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 7:20

Here the words us and we refer to all Christians and include Paul’s audience. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἐν τῇ κλήσει ᾗ ἐκλήθη, ἐν ταύτῃ μενέτω

Here, calling refers to the work or social position in which you were involved. Alternate translation: “live and work in the same condition as when God called you to believe”

1 Corinthians 7:21

ἐκλήθης…σοι…δύνασαι

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of you and the command be here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

δοῦλος ἐκλήθης? μή σοι μελέτω

You can state this as a statement. Alternate translation: “To those who were slaves when God called you to believe, I say this: do not be concerned” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 7:22

ἀπελεύθερος Κυρίου

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

1 Corinthians 7:23

τιμῆς ἠγοράσθητε

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Christ bought you by dying for you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 7:24

ἀδελφοί

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

ἐκλήθη

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he was when God called him to believe in him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 7:25

περὶ δὲ τῶν παρθένων, ἐπιταγὴν Κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω

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

γνώμην…δίδωμι

“I tell you what I think”

ὡς ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ Κυρίου, πιστὸς εἶναι

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

1 Corinthians 7:27

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

δέδεσαι γυναικί? μὴ ζήτει

Paul uses this question to introduce a possible condition. You can translate the question as a phrase with “if.” Alternate translation: “If you are married, do not seek” (See: Rhetorical Question)

μὴ ζήτει λύσιν

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

μὴ ζήτει…γυναῖκα

“Do not try to get married”

1 Corinthians 7:28

ἐγὼ…ὑμῶν φείδομαι

The word this refers to the kinds of worldly trouble that married people might have. Alternate translation: “I want to help you not to have worldly trouble” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Corinthians 7:29

ὁ καιρὸς συνεσταλμένος ἐστίν

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

1 Corinthians 7:30

οἱ κλαίοντες

people who cry or grieve with tears

1 Corinthians 7:31

οἱ χρώμενοι τὸν κόσμον

“those who deal every day with unbelievers”

ὡς μὴ καταχρώμενοι

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

1 Corinthians 7:32

ἀμερίμνους

Here, free is an idiom which means the ability to live without constantly thinking about.” Alternate translation: “without needing to worry” (See: Idiom)

μεριμνᾷ

“is focused on”

1 Corinthians 7:34

ἡ δὲ γαμήσασα μεριμνᾷ τὰ τοῦ κόσμου, πῶς ἀρέσῃ τῷ ἀνδρί

“But the married woman is trying to please God and please her husband at the same time”

1 Corinthians 7:35

βρόχον

any restriction

εὐπάρεδρον τῷ Κυρίῳ

“can concentrate on the Lord”

1 Corinthians 7:36

ἀσχημονεῖν ἐπὶ

“his is not being kind to” or “his is not honoring”

τὴν παρθένον αὐτοῦ

Here, his virgin could refer to: (1) the woman whom he promised to marry. (2) his virgin daughter.

γαμείτωσαν

This could mean: (1) he should marry his fiancée. (2) he should let his daughter get married.

1 Corinthians 7:37

ὃς δὲ ἕστηκεν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἑδραῖος

Here, standing firm is a metaphor for deciding something with certainty. Alternate translation: “But if he has decided firmly in his own heart” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ

Here, heart is metonym for a person’s mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “in his own mind” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 7:39

γυνὴ δέδεται ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς

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

ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς

“until her husband dies”

ᾧ θέλει

“anyone she wants”

ἐν Κυρίῳ

“if the new husband is a believer”

1 Corinthians 7:40

τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην

“my understanding of God’s word”

μακαριωτέρα

more contented, more joyful

οὕτως μείνῃ

“if she would remain unmarried”

1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Meat sacrificed to idols

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

1 Corinthians 8:1

We and we refer to Paul and, though specifically writing to the Corinthian believers, include all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

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

περὶ δὲ

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

τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων

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

ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ

Here, puffs up is a metaphor for making someone proud. Alternate translation: “Knowledge makes people proud” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ,

The abstract noun knowledge can be expressed with the verb “know.” Alternate translation: “People who think that they know a lot become proud” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ

The abstract noun love can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “but when we love people, we build them up” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ

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

1 Corinthians 8:2

δοκεῖ ἐγνωκέναι τι

“believes he knows everything about something”

1 Corinthians 8:3

οὗτος ἔγνωσται ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows that person” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 8:4

“We” and “us” here refer to all believers and include Paul’s audience. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

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

Paul is probably quoting phrases that some Corinthians used. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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

Being nothing represents having no power. Alternate translation: “We all know, as you yourselves like to say, that an idol in this world has no power and that there is no God but one” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 8:5

λεγόμενοι θεοὶ

“things that people call gods”

θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κύριοι πολλοί

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

1 Corinthians 8:6

ἀλλ’ ἡμῖν εἷς Θεὸς

“yet we know that there is only one God”

1 Corinthians 8:7

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

πᾶσιν…τινὲς

“all people … some people who are now Christians”

μολύνεται

is ruined or harmed

1 Corinthians 8:8

βρῶμα…ἡμᾶς οὐ παραστήσει τῷ Θεῷ

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

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

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “Some people might think that if we do not eat some things, God will love us less. But they are wrong. Those who think that God will love us more if we do eat those things are also wrong” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Corinthians 8:9

τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν

for believers who are not strong in their faith

1 Corinthians 8:10

ἴδῃ τὸν ἔχοντα

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the one is singular. (See: Forms of You)

ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ

what he understands to be right and wrong

οἰκοδομηθήσεται, εἰς τὸ…ἐσθίειν

“will … be encouraged to eat”

1 Corinthians 8:11

τῇ σῇ γνώσει

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word your here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

ἀπόλλυται…ὁ ἀσθενῶν

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

1 Corinthians 8:13

διόπερ

“Because what I have just said is true”

εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου

Here, food is a metonym for the person eating the food. Alternate translation: “if I cause by eating” or “if I, because of what I eat, cause my brother to stumble” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Earning money from the church

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors teach complex truths. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Contextualization

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

Rhetorical questions

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

1 Corinthians 9:1

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

οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐλεύθερος?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of the rights he has. Alternate translation: “I am a free person.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is and the rights he has. Alternate translation: “I am an apostle.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐχὶ Ἰησοῦν τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν ἑόρακα?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is. Alternate translation: “I have seen Jesus our Lord.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐ τὸ ἔργον μου ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ?

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

1 Corinthians 9:2

ἡ…σφραγίς μου τῆς ἀποστολῆς, ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ

Here, proof is a metonym for the evidence needed to prove something. Alternate translation: “you are evidence I can use to prove that the Lord has chosen me to be an apostle” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 9:3

ἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία τοῖς ἐμὲ ἀνακρίνουσίν ἐστιν αὕτη

This could mean: (1) the words that follow are Paul’s defense. (2) the words in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 are Paul’s defense.

1 Corinthians 9:4

μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν?

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

ἔχομεν

Here, we refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Corinthians 9:5

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

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

1 Corinthians 9:6

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

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You seem to think that the only people you think need to work to earn money are Barnabas and me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 9:7

τίς στρατεύεται ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ποτέ?

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

τίς φυτεύει ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐσθίει?

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

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

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “And we all know that those who tend flocks get their drink from the flocks.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 9:8

μὴ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον, ταῦτα λαλῶ, ἢ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα οὐ λέγει?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You seem to think that I am saying these things based on merely human authority, but the law of Moses also says the same thing.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα οὐ λέγει?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You act as if you do not know that this is what is written in the law.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 9:9

οὐ φιμώσεις

Moses was speaking to the Israelites as if they were one person, so this command is singular. (See: Forms of You)

μὴ τῶν βοῶν μέλει τῷ Θεῷ?

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

1 Corinthians 9:10

ἢ δι’ ἡμᾶς πάντως λέγει?

Paul asks a question to emphasize the statement he is making. Alternate translation: “Instead, God was certainly speaking about us.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

δι’ ἡμᾶς

Here, both instances of our refer to Paul and Barnabas. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Corinthians 9:11

ὑμῖν…μέγα εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῶν τὰ σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν?

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

1 Corinthians 9:12

εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς ὑμῶν ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν, οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς?

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Alternate translation: “Others exercised this right over you, so you know without me telling you that we have this right even more.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς…ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν

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

οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς

Here, we refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἄλλοι

other workers of the gospel

τῆς…ἐξουσίας

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

μή τινα ἐνκοπὴν δῶμεν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ

“we might now be a burden to the gospel” or “we would not stop the spread of the gospel”

1 Corinthians 9:13

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ τὰ ἱερὰ ἐργαζόμενοι, τὰ ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ ἐσθίουσιν; οἱ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ παρεδρεύοντες, τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ συνμερίζονται?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar eat from the things presented on the altar.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 9:14

ἐκ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ζῆν

The words the gospel here are a metonym that refers to: (1) the people to whom they tell the gospel. Alternate translation: “receive their food and other things they need from those to whom they teach the good news” (2) the result of working to tell the gospel. Alternate translation: “receive their food and other things they need because they work to tell the good news.” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 9:15

οὐδενὶ τούτων

“of any of these things that I deserve”

ἵνα οὕτως γένηται ἐν ἐμοί

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so you will do the same kind of things for me” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ καύχημά μου…κενώσει

“take away this opportunity I have to boast”

1 Corinthians 9:16

ἀνάγκη…μοι ἐπίκειται

“I must preach the gospel” or “God compels me to preach the gospel”

οὐαὶ…μοί ἐστιν

“may I suffer misfortune”

1 Corinthians 9:17

ἑκὼν τοῦτο πράσσω

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

εἰ δὲ ἄκων

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

οἰκονομίαν πεπίστευμαι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I must do this work that God trusted me to complete” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 9:18

τίς οὖν μού ἐστιν ὁ μισθός?

Paul is preparing them for the new information he is going to give them. Alternate translation: “This is my reward.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἵνα εὐαγγελιζόμενος ἀδάπανον, θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

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

θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

“I might preach the gospel”

εἰς τὸ μὴ καταχρήσασθαι τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ

“without asking people to support me as I travel and preach”

1 Corinthians 9:19

ἐλεύθερος…ὢν ἐκ πάντων

Here, being free from all is an idiom for having the ability to live without thinking of what one must do for others. Alternate translation: “although I am able to live without serving others” (See: Metaphor)

τοὺς πλείονας κερδήσω

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

1 Corinthians 9:20

ἐγενόμην…ὡς Ἰουδαῖος

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

ὡς ὑπὸ νόμον

“I became like one committed to following the law of Moses”

1 Corinthians 9:21

ἀνόμοις

“who do not obey the laws of Moses”

1 Corinthians 9:24

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

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

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

τρέχουσιν

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

οὕτως τρέχετε, ἵνα καταλάβητε

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

1 Corinthians 9:25

φθαρτὸν στέφανον…ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄφθαρτον

The word translated as wreath can either refer to the wreath of leaves that was given as prizes to athletes who won games and races. The same word can be translated as “crown.” Paul is using this double sense to compare the wreath which would dry up to a crown of eternal life that will never decay. (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 9:26

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

Here, run and boxing are both metaphors for living the Christian life and serving God. (See: Metaphor)

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

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “I know very well why I am running, and I know what I am doing when I box” (See: Double Negatives)

ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “with purpose” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Corinthians 9:27

αὐτὸς ἀδόκιμος γένωμαι

The judge of a race or competition is a metaphor for God. Alternate translation: “I would be disqualified by the judge” or “God would say that I failed to obey the rules” (See: Metaphor)

αὐτὸς ἀδόκιμος γένωμαι

This passive sentence can be rephrased to an active form. Alternate translation: “the judge disqualify me” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Exodus

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

Eating meat sacrificed to idol

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

Rhetorical questions

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

1 Corinthians 10:1

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

οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν πάντες ὑπὸ τὴν νεφέλην ἦσαν, καὶ πάντες διὰ τῆς θαλάσσης διῆλθον

Paul is referring to the time of Moses in the book of Exodus when Israel fled through the Red Sea as the Egyptian army pursued them. The word our refers to himself and the Corinthians and is inclusive. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τῆς θαλάσσης

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

διὰ…διῆλθον

“walked through” or “traveled through”

1 Corinthians 10:2

πάντες εἰς τὸν Μωϋσῆν ἐβαπτίσαντο

“they all followed and were committed to Moses”

ἐν τῇ νεφέλῃ

The cloud represented the presence of God and led the Israelites during the day.

1 Corinthians 10:4

πάντες τὸ αὐτὸ πνευματικὸν ἔπιον πόμα; ἔπινον γὰρ ἐκ πνευματικῆς ἀκολουθούσης πέτρας

“drank the same water that God supernaturally brought out of the rock that followed them”

ἡ…πέτρα ἦν ὁ Χριστός

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

1 Corinthians 10:5

οὐκ…ηὐδόκησεν

Alternate translation: “was displeased” or “was angry” (See: Litotes)

τοῖς πλείοσιν αὐτῶν

“most of the Israelite fathers”

κατεστρώθησαν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God scattered their dead bodies around” or “God killed them and scattered their bodies” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

The wilderness is the desert land between Egypt and Israel through which the Israelites wandered for 40 years.

1 Corinthians 10:7

παίζειν

Paul is quoting the Jewish scriptures. His readers would have understood from the phrase to play that the people were worshiping an idol by singing and dancing and engaging in sexual activities, not simply enjoying innocent fun. (See: Euphemism)

1 Corinthians 10:8

ἔπεσαν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες

“God killed 23,000 people in one day”

1 Corinthians 10:9

ὑπὸ τῶν ὄφεων ἀπώλλυντο

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as a result, snakes destroyed them” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 10:10

ἀπώλοντο ὑπὸ τοῦ ὀλοθρευτοῦ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as a result, an angel of death destroyed them” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 10:11

ταῦτα…συνέβαινεν ἐκείνοις

“God punished our ancestors”

ἡμῶν

Here, our refers to all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων κατήντηκεν

“the last days have come”

1 Corinthians 10:12

μὴ πέσῃ

“he does not sin or reject God”

1 Corinthians 10:13

πειρασμὸς ὑμᾶς οὐκ εἴληφεν, εἰ μὴ ἀνθρώπινος

You can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “The temptations that affect you are temptations that all people experience” (See: Double Negatives)

ὃς οὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι ὑπὲρ ὃ δύνασθε

This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “who will only allow you to be tempted in ways that you are strong enough to resist”

οὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “will not allow anyone to tempt you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 10:14

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

φεύγετε ἀπὸ τῆς εἰδωλολατρίας

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

1 Corinthians 10:16

τὸ ποτήριον τῆς εὐλογίας…τὸν ἄρτον

Paul is speaking of the cup of wine and the bread that were used in the ritual of the Lord’s Supper.

ὃ εὐλογοῦμεν

“for which we thank God”

τὸ ποτήριον τῆς εὐλογίας, ὃ εὐλογοῦμεν, οὐχὶ κοινωνία ἐστὶν τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know, that the cup of wine that we share represents us sharing in the blood of Christ. Alternate translation: “When we bless the cup in the Lord's Supper, we share in the blood of Christ.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know. Alternate translation: “When we break the bread of the Lord's Supper, we share in the body of Christ.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 10:17

ἄρτος

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

1 Corinthians 10:18

οὐχὶ οἱ ἐσθίοντες τὰς θυσίας, κοινωνοὶ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου εἰσίν?

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

1 Corinthians 10:19

τί οὖν φημι?

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

ὅτι εἰδωλόθυτόν τὶ ἐστιν, ἢ ὅτι εἴδωλόν τὶ ἐστιν?

The words “I am saying” are understood from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “Am I saying that food sacrificed to idols or idols themselves are important?” (See: Ellipsis)

ὅτι εἰδωλόθυτόν τὶ ἐστιν, ἢ ὅτι εἴδωλόν τὶ ἐστιν?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not saying that an idol is something real or that food sacrificed to idols is important.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 10:21

οὐ δύνασθε ποτήριον Κυρίου πίνειν, καὶ ποτήριον δαιμονίων

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

οὐ δύνασθε τραπέζης Κυρίου μετέχειν, καὶ τραπέζης δαιμονίων

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

1 Corinthians 10:22

ἢ παραζηλοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον?

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

παραζηλοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον

to anger or irritate the Lord

μὴ ἰσχυρότεροι αὐτοῦ ἐσμεν?

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

1 Corinthians 10:23

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

πάντα ἔξεστιν

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

οὐ πάντα συμφέρει

“some things are not beneficial”

οὐ πάντα οἰκοδομεῖ

To build up people represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “not everything strengthens people” or “some things do not strengthen people” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 10:27

ὑμῖν…μηδὲν ἀνακρίνοντες διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν

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

1 Corinthians 10:28

ἐὰν δέ τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ…μὴ ἐσθίετε…τὸν μηνύσαντα

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

ὑμῖν εἴπῃ…μὴ ἐσθίετε…τὸν μηνύσαντα

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so both instances of the word you and the command do not eat it here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

1 Corinthians 10:29

συνείδησιν δὲ λέγω, οὐχὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ

Some translations put these words, along with the words in the verse before this one, in parentheses because (1) The forms of you and eat here are singular, but Paul uses the plural form immediately before and after this sentence. (2) The words “For why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?” in the next verse seem to build on “eat everything that is set before you without asking questions for the sake of your conscience” (1 Corinthians 10:27) rather than “the conscience of the other man.” (See: Forms of You)

οὐχὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word your here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

ἵνα τί γὰρ ἡ ἐλευθερία μου κρίνεται ὑπὸ ἄλλης συνειδήσεως?

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

ἵνα τί γὰρ ἡ ἐλευθερία μου κρίνεται ὑπὸ ἄλλης συνειδήσεως?

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

1 Corinthians 10:30

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

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

εἰ ἐγὼ…μετέχω

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

χάριτι

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

1 Corinthians 10:32

ἀπρόσκοποι καὶ Ἰουδαίοις γίνεσθε, καὶ Ἕλλησιν

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

1 Corinthians 10:33

τὸ τῶν πολλῶν

as many people as possible

1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Proper conduct in a church service

Disorderly women

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

The Lord’s Supper

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the people for their unwillingness to follow the rules for worship he has suggested. (See: Rhetorical Question)

The head

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

1 Corinthians 11:1

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

1 Corinthians 11:2

πάντα μου μέμνησθε

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

1 Corinthians 11:3

θέλω δὲ

This could mean: (1) Paul is saying, “Because of this, I want.” (2) Paul is saying, “However, I want.”

ἡ κεφαλὴ…ἐστιν

has authority over

κεφαλὴ…γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ

This could mean: (1) men are to have authority over women. (2) the husband is to have authority over the wife.

1 Corinthians 11:4

προφητεύων κατὰ κεφαλῆς ἔχων

“prophesying after placing a cloth or veil over his head”

καταισχύνει τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ

This could mean: (1) this brings disgrace on the man. (2) this brings disgrace on Christ, who is the head of the man.

1 Corinthians 11:5

γυνὴ προσευχομένη ἢ προφητεύουσα ἀκατακαλύπτῳ τῇ κεφαλῇ, καταισχύνει τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτῆς

This could mean: (1) a woman who prays with her head uncovered brings disgrace on herself. (2) a woman who prays with her head uncovered brings disgrace on her husband.

ἀκατακαλύπτῳ τῇ κεφαλῇ

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

τῇ ἐξυρημένῃ

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

1 Corinthians 11:6

εἰ…αἰσχρὸν γυναικὶ

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

1 Corinthians 11:7

οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) a man must not cover his head. (2) a man does not need to cover his head. (See: Active or Passive)

δόξα ἀνδρός

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

1 Corinthians 11:8

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

God made the woman by taking a bone from the man and making the woman from that bone. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not make the man from the woman. Instead, he made the woman from the man” (See: Active or Passive)

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

All of 1 Corinthians 11:8-9 could be put in parentheses so that the reader can see that “This is why” in 1 Corinthians 11:10 refers back to the words “the woman is the glory of the man” in 1 Corinthians 11:7.

1 Corinthians 11:10

ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς

This could symbolize that: (1) she has man as her head.” (2) she has the authority to pray or prophesy.

1 Corinthians 11:11

πλὴν…ἐν Κυρίῳ

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

ἐν Κυρίῳ

This could mean: (1) “among Christians, who belong to the Lord.” (2) “in the world as created by God.”

οὔτε γυνὴ χωρὶς ἀνδρὸς, οὔτε ἀνὴρ χωρὶς γυναικὸς ἐν Κυρίῳ

You can state this positively. Alternate translation: “the woman depends on the man, and the man depends on the woman” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Corinthians 11:12

τὰ…πάντα ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ

“God created everything”

1 Corinthians 11:13

ἐν ὑμῖν αὐτοῖς κρίνατε

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

πρέπον ἐστὶν γυναῖκα ἀκατακάλυπτον, τῷ Θεῷ προσεύχεσθαι?

Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. You can state this in active form. “To honor God, a woman should pray to God with a covering on her head.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 11:14

οὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ἀνὴρ μὲν ἐὰν κομᾷ, ἀτιμία αὐτῷ ἐστιν;

This is the first part of a rhetorical question that continues into the next verse. Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. Alternate translation: “Even nature teaches you that if a man might have long hair, it is a disgrace for him;” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ἀνὴρ μὲν ἐὰν κομᾷ, ἀτιμία αὐτῷ ἐστιν

He is speaking of nature as if it were a person who teaches. (See: Personification)

1 Corinthians 11:15

ὅτι ἡ κόμη…δέδοται αὐτῇ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For God created woman with long hair” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 11:17

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

τοῦτο δὲ παραγγέλλων

“But as I give you these instructions”

οὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖσσον, ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ ἧσσον

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

1 Corinthians 11:18

ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ

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

σχίσματα ἐν ὑμῖν ὑπάρχειν

“you divide yourselves into opposing groups”

1 Corinthians 11:19

δεῖ γὰρ καὶ αἱρέσεις ἐν ὑμῖν εἶναι, ἵνα καὶ οἱ δόκιμοι φανεροὶ γένωνται ἐν ὑμῖν

This could mean: (1) the phrase it is necessary indicates that this situation is likely to happen. Alternate translation: “For there will probably be factions among you” (2) Paul was using irony to shame them for having factions. Alternate translation: “For you seem to think that there must be factions among you” or “For you seem to think that you must divide yourselves” (See: Irony)

αἱρέσεις

opposing groups of people

δόκιμοι

This could refer to: (1) the ones whom God approves” (2) the ones whom the church approves.

1 Corinthians 11:20

συνερχομένων…ὑμῶν

“when you gather together”

οὐκ ἔστιν Κυριακὸν δεῖπνον φαγεῖν

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

1 Corinthians 11:22

μὴ γὰρ οἰκίας οὐκ ἔχετε εἰς τὸ ἐσθίειν καὶ πίνειν?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “For if you just want to eat and to drink, you certainly have houses where you can do that!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

εἰς τὸ ἐσθίειν καὶ πίνειν

“in which to gather for a meal”

ἢ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τοῦ Θεοῦ καταφρονεῖτε, καὶ καταισχύνετε τοὺς μὴ ἔχοντας?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You are acting in such a way that despises the church of God and humiliates those who have nothing!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

καταφρονεῖτε

hate or treat with dishonor and disrespect

τί εἴπω ὑμῖν? ἐπαινέσω ὑμᾶς ἐν τούτῳ?

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “I can say nothing good about this. I cannot praise you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 11:23

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

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

ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ᾗ παρεδίδετο

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “on the night that Judas Iscariot betrayed him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 11:24

ἔκλασεν

“he pulled pieces from it”

τοῦτό μού ἐστιν τὸ σῶμα

“The bread I am holding is my body”

1 Corinthians 11:25

τὸ ποτήριον

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

τοῦτο ποιεῖτε, ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε

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

1 Corinthians 11:26

ἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ

Where Jesus comes to can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “until Jesus comes back to the earth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Corinthians 11:27

ἐσθίῃ τὸν ἄρτον ἢ πίνῃ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ Κυρίου

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

1 Corinthians 11:28

δοκιμαζέτω…ἄνθρωπος

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

1 Corinthians 11:29

μὴ διακρίνων τὸ σῶμα

This could mean: (1) that person does not recognize that the church is the body of the Lord. (2) that person does not consider that he is handling the Lord’s body.

1 Corinthians 11:30

ἀσθενεῖς καὶ ἄρρωστοι

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

κοιμῶνται ἱκανοί

Here, fallen asleep is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “and some of you have died” (See: Euphemism).

ἱκανοί

If this would sound like Paul is talking to those who have died, you may need to make explicit that he is not. Alternate translation: “many of the members of your group” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Corinthians 11:31

διεκρίνομεν

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

οὐκ ἂν ἐκρινόμεθα

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God would not judge us” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 11:32

κρινόμενοι…ὑπὸ Κυρίου, παιδευόμεθα, ἵνα μὴ…κατακριθῶμεν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when the Lord judges us, he disciplines us, so that he will not condemn us” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 11:33

συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν

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

ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε

“allow the others to arrive before beginning the meal”

1 Corinthians 11:34

ἐν οἴκῳ ἐσθιέτω

“let him eat before attending this gathering”

μὴ εἰς κρίμα συνέρχησθε

“it will not be an occasion for God to discipline you” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

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

Special concepts in this chapter

The Church, the body of Christ

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

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

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

1 Corinthians 12:1

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

οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν

You can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “I want you to know” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Corinthians 12:2

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

Here, led astray is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. Being led astray to idols represents being wrongly persuaded to worship idols. Alternate translation: “you were persuaded in some way to worship idols who cannot speak” (See: Metaphor)

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

You can state the phrases “were led astray” and “you were led by them” in active form. Alternate translation: “you believed lies somehow and so you worshiped idols who cannot speak” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 12:3

οὐδεὶς ἐν Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λαλῶν, λέγει

This could mean: (1) “no Christian who has the Spirit of God in him can say.” (2) “no one who is prophesying by the power of the Spirit of God can say.”

ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς

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

1 Corinthians 12:6

ὁ ἐνεργῶν τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν

“who causes everyone to have them”

1 Corinthians 12:7

ἑκάστῳ…δίδοται

You can state this in active form. God is the one who does the giving (1 Corinthians 12:6). Alternate translation: “God gives to each one” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 12:8

ᾧ μὲν…διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος δίδοται λόγος

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “by means of the Spirit God gives to one person a word” (See: Active or Passive)

λόγος

“a message”

δίδοται

You can state this in active form. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8. Alternate translation: “God gives” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 12:9

ἄλλῳ…χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων ἐν τῷ ἑνὶ Πνεύματι

The words are given are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit are given” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Corinthians 12:10

ἄλλῳ προφητεία

The phrase “is given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another prophecy is given by the same Spirit” (See: Ellipsis)

ἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν

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

γένη γλωσσῶν

Here, tongues represents languages. Alternate translation: “the ability to speak different languages” (See: Metonymy)

ἄλλῳ…ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν

The phrase “is given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another the interpretation of tongues is given by the same Spirit” (See: Ellipsis)

ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν

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

1 Corinthians 12:11

τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα

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

1 Corinthians 12:12

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

1 Corinthians 12:13

ἐν ἑνὶ Πνεύματι ἡμεῖς πάντες…ἐβαπτίσθημεν

This could mean: (1) the Holy Spirit is the one who baptizes us. Alternate translation: “one Spirit baptized us” (2) the Spirit, like the water of baptism, is the medium through which we are baptized into the body. Alternate translation: “God baptized is all with the Holy Spirit” (See: Active or Passive)

εἴτε…δοῦλοι, εἴτε ἐλεύθεροι

Here, bound is a metonym for “enslaved.” Alternate translation: “whether slave-people or free-people” (See: Metonymy)

πάντες ἓν Πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν

Here the Spirit is spoken of as something that a person can drink. Alternate translation: “we were made to drink the Spirit as people might share a drink” (See: Metaphor)

πάντες ἓν Πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave all of us the same Spirit to drink” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 12:17

εἰ ὅλον τὸ σῶμα ὀφθαλμός, ποῦ ἡ ἀκοή? εἰ ὅλον ἀκοή, ποῦ ἡ ὄσφρησις?

Paul asks these two questions to help the Corinthians to realize the importance of each part of the body. You can translate these as statements. Alternate translation: “If your whole body were an eye, you would not be able to hear anything! If your whole were an ear, you would not be able to smell anything!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 12:19

εἰ δὲ ἦν τὰ πάντα ἓν μέλος, ποῦ τὸ σῶμα?

Paul asks this question to help the Corinthians to understand that the body must have many different kinds of members. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “But if all the parts of the body were the same, there would be no body!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὰ…ἓν μέλος

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

1 Corinthians 12:23

τὰ ἀσχήμονα ἡμῶν

Here, unpresentable members probably refers to the private parts of the body, which people keep covered. (See: Euphemism)

1 Corinthians 12:25

μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι, ἀλλὰ

“the body may be unified, and”

1 Corinthians 12:26

δοξάζεται μέλος

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone gives honor to one member” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 12:27

ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε

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

1 Corinthians 12:28

πρῶτον ἀποστόλους

This could mean: (1) the first gift Paul will mention is apostles. (2) the most important gift Paul will mention is apostles.

ἀντιλήμψεις

“those who provide help to other believers”

κυβερνήσεις

“those who govern the church”

γένη γλωσσῶν

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

1 Corinthians 12:29

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

Paul uses these questions to remind his readers of what they already know. Alternate translation: “Only some of them are apostles. Only some of them are prophets. Only some of them are teachers. Only some of them do powerful deeds.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 12:30

μὴ πάντες χαρίσματα ἔχουσιν ἰαμάτων? μὴ πάντες γλώσσαις λαλοῦσιν? μὴ πάντες διερμηνεύουσιν?

Paul continues to use questions to remind his readers of what they already know. Alternate translation: “Only some have gifts of healing. Only some speak with tongues. Only some interpret tongues.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

διερμηνεύουσιν

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

1 Corinthians 12:31

ζηλοῦτε…τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ μείζονα

This could mean: (1) they must eagerly seek from God the gifts that best help the church. (2) they are eagerly looking for gifts that they think are greater because they think those are more exciting to have.

1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Love

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

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

1 Corinthians 13:1

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

ταῖς γλώσσαις…τῶν ἀγγέλων

This could mean: (1) Paul is exaggerating for the sake of effect and does not believe that people speak the language that angels use. (2) Paul thinks that some who speak in tongues actually speak the language that angels use. (See: Hyperbole)

γέγονα χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον

A person speaking without love is compared to musical instruments that make loud, annoying sounds. (See: Metaphor)

χαλκὸς

A gong is a large, thin, round metal plate that is hit with a padded stick to make a loud sound. (See: Translate Unknowns)

κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον

A cymbal is a thin, round metal plate that is hit with something—or two cymbals are struck together—to make a loud sound. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Corinthians 13:3

παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου

The phrase had over my body refers to giving up one's own body to be abused or killed. Alternate translation: “I allow people to persecute or kill me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Corinthians 13:4

ἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ, χρηστεύεται; ἡ ἀγάπη οὐ ζηλοῖ; ἡ ἀγάπη οὐ περπερεύεται, οὐ φυσιοῦται

Here Paul speaks about Love as if it were a person who could do these actions. (See: Personification)

1 Corinthians 13:5

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: Personification)

οὐ παροξύνεται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to make it angry quickly” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 13:6

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: Personification)

οὐ χαίρει ἐπὶ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, συνχαίρει δὲ τῇ ἀληθείᾳ

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “It rejoices only in righteousness and truth” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Corinthians 13:7

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: Personification)

1 Corinthians 13:12

βλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι’ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι

In Paul’s day, a mirror was made of polished metal rather than glass and provided a dim, vague reflection.

βλέπομεν…ἄρτι

This could mean: (1) they now see Christ. (2) they now see God.

τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον

The words “we will see” are implied here. (See: Ellipsis)

τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον

Here, face to face means that we will be physically present with Christ. Alternate translation: “but then we will see Christ face to face” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐπιγνώσομαι

The word “Christ” is understood. Alternate translation: “I will know Christ fully” (See: Ellipsis)

καθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην

You can state this as active. Alternate translation: “just as Christ has known me fully” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 13:13

πίστις, ἐλπίς, ἀγάπη

The abstract nouns faith, hope, and love can be expressed in phrases with verbs. Alternate translation: “we must trust the Lord, be confident that he will do what he has promised, and love him and others” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul returns to discussing spiritual gifts.

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Tongues

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

Prophecy

Scholars disagree on the exact meaning of prophecy as a spiritual gift. Paul says prophets can build up the entire church. He describes prophecy as a gift for believers. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

1 Corinthians 14:1

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

διώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην

Paul speaks of love as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “Follow after love” or “Work hard to love people” (See: Personification)

μᾶλλον…ἵνα προφητεύητε

“work especially hard to be able to prophesy”

1 Corinthians 14:3

οἰκοδομὴν

Here, building up represents helping people become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “for strengthening” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 14:4

ἑαυτὸν οἰκοδομεῖ

Here, builds up represents helping himself become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “strengthens himself in the faith” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 14:5

μείζων δὲ ὁ προφητεύων

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

διερμηνεύῃ

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

1 Corinthians 14:6

ἐὰν ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς γλώσσαις λαλῶν, τί ὑμᾶς ὠφελήσω, ἐὰν μὴ ὑμῖν λαλήσω, ἢ ἐν ἀποκαλύψει, ἢ ἐν γνώσει, ἢ ἐν προφητείᾳ, ἢ διδαχῇ?

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “if I come to you speaking in tongues, I will not benefit you, unless I speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophecy or teaching.” or “if I come to you speaking in tongues, I will not have done anything that helps you, unless I speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophecy or teaching.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 14:7

διαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ

Here, sounds refers to different pitches that make up the melody, not to the difference between a flute sound and a harp sound.

ἐὰν διαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ, πῶς γνωσθήσεται τὸ αὐλούμενον ἢ τὸ κιθαριζόμενον?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: “if they would not give different sounds, no one will know what tune the flute or harp is playing.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 14:8

ἐὰν ἄδηλον σάλπιγξ φωνὴν δῷ, τίς παρασκευάσεται εἰς πόλεμον?

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: “if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, no one would know when it is time to prepare for battle.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 14:10

οὐδὲν ἄφωνον

You can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “they all have meaning” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Corinthians 14:12

πρὸς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ζητεῖτε ἵνα περισσεύητε

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

1 Corinthians 14:13

διερμηνεύῃ

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

1 Corinthians 14:14

ὁ…νοῦς μου ἄκαρπός ἐστιν

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

1 Corinthians 14:15

τί οὖν ἐστιν?

Paul is introducing his conclusion. Alternate translation: “This is what I will do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

προσεύξομαι τῷ Πνεύματι, προσεύξομαι δὲ καὶ τῷ νοΐ. ψαλῶ τῷ Πνεύματι, ψαλῶ δὲ καὶ τῷ νοΐ

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

τῷ νοΐ

“with words that I understand”

1 Corinthians 14:16

εὐλογῇς…τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ…λέγεις

Though you and your are singular here, Paul is addressing everyone who prays only in the spirit, but not with the mind. (See: Forms of You)

ἐὰν εὐλογῇς πνεύματι, ὁ ἀναπληρῶν τὸν τόπον τοῦ ἰδιώτου, πῶς ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν, ἐπὶ τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ, ἐπειδὴ τί λέγεις, οὐκ οἶδεν?

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “if you bless with the spirit, the outsider will never be able to say ‘Amen’ at your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοῦ ἰδιώτου

This could refer to: (1) another person. (2) people who are new to their group.

ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν

“will … be able to agree” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Corinthians 14:17

σὺ μὲν…εὐχαριστεῖς

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word you here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

ὁ ἕτερος οὐκ οἰκοδομεῖται

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “the other person is not strengthened” (See: Metaphor)

ἀλλ’ ὁ ἕτερος οὐκ οἰκοδομεῖται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what you say does not strengthen any outsider who might hear you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 14:19

ἢ μυρίους λόγους

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

1 Corinthians 14:20

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

μὴ παιδία γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν

Here, children is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate translation: “do not think like children” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 14:21

ἐν τῷ νόμῳ γέγραπται

You can state this in active form: Alternate translation: “The prophet wrote these words in the law:” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ἑτερογλώσσοις καὶ ἐν χείλεσιν ἑτέρων

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

1 Corinthians 14:22

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

οὐ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν, ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἀπίστοις

This can be expressed positively and combined with the other positive statement. Alternate translation: “only for believers” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Corinthians 14:23

οὐκ ἐροῦσιν ὅτι μαίνεσθε?

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “they would say that you are insane.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 14:24

ἐλέγχεται ὑπὸ πάντων, ἀνακρίνεται ὑπὸ πάντων

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

1 Corinthians 14:25

τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ φανερὰ γίνεται

Here, heart is a metonym for a person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “his own private inner thoughts will be revealed” (See: Metonymy)

τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ φανερὰ γίνεται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God would reveal to him the secrets of his heart” or “He would recognize his own private inner thoughts” (See: Active or Passive)

πεσὼν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον, προσκυνήσει τῷ Θεῷ

Here, having fallen on his face is an idiom, meaning he has bowed down. Alternate translation: “he would bow down and worship God” (See: Idiom)

1 Corinthians 14:26

τί οὖν ἐστιν, ἀδελφοί?

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

ἑρμηνίαν

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

1 Corinthians 14:27

καὶ ἀνὰ μέρος

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

διερμηνευέτω

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

1 Corinthians 14:29

προφῆται…δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν

This could mean: (1) only two or three prophets should speak at any one meeting. (2) only two or three prophets should take turns speaking at any one time.

1 Corinthians 14:30

ἐὰν…ἄλλῳ ἀποκαλυφθῇ

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if God gives insight to another person” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 14:31

καθ’ ἕνα…προφητεύειν

Only one person should prophesy at a time.

πάντες…παρακαλῶνται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you may encourage all” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 14:33

οὐ…ἐστιν ἀκαταστασίας ὁ Θεὸς

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

1 Corinthians 14:34

αἱ γυναῖκες…σιγάτωσαν

This could mean: (1) they should stop speaking. (2) they should stop speaking when someone is prophesying. (3) they should be absolutely silent during the church service.

1 Corinthians 14:36

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

Paul uses these questions to emphasize that the Corinthians are not the only ones who understand what God wants Christians to do. Alternate translation: “The word of God did not come from you in Corinth; you are not the only people who understand God’s will.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, the word of God is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “God’s message” (See: Metonymy)

1 Corinthians 14:37

ἐπιγινωσκέτω

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

1 Corinthians 14:39

τὸ λαλεῖν μὴ κωλύετε γλώσσαις

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

1 Corinthians 14:40

πάντα δὲ εὐσχημόνως καὶ κατὰ τάξιν γινέσθω

Paul is stressing that church gatherings should be held in an orderly manner. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But do all things properly and in order” or “But do everything in an orderly, appropriate way” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Resurrection

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Resurrection

Paul presents the resurrection as the ultimate proof that Jesus is God. Christ is the first of many who God will raise to life. The resurrection is central to the gospel. Few doctrines are as important as this one. (See: good news, gospel and raise, rise, lift, get up, stir up,)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

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

1 Corinthians 15:1

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

γνωρίζω…ὑμῖν

“I am helping you remember”

ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἑστήκατε

Paul is speaking of the Corinthians as if they were a house and the gospel as if it were the foundation on which the house was standing. (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:2

σῴζεσθε

You can state this in active form. “God is saving you” (See: Active or Passive)

τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν

“to the message I preached to you”

1 Corinthians 15:3

ἐν πρώτοις

This could mean: (1) this is the most important of many things. (2) this is the first in time (3) this was done previously.

ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν

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

κατὰ τὰς Γραφάς

Here the Scriptures refers to the writings of the Old Testament.

1 Corinthians 15:4

ἐτάφη

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they buried him” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐγήγερται

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God raised him” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐγήγερται

“was caused to live again”

1 Corinthians 15:5

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

ὤφθη Κηφᾷ

“showed himself to Cephas”

1 Corinthians 15:6

τινὲς…ἐκοιμήθησαν

Here, have fallen asleep is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “some have died” (See: Euphemism)

1 Corinthians 15:8

ἔσχατον…πάντων

“finally, after he had appeared to the others”

τῷ ἐκτρώματι

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

1 Corinthians 15:10

χάριτι…Θεοῦ, εἰμι ὅ εἰμι

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

ἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ, οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη

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

ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ σὺν ἐμοί

Paul speaks of the work he was able to do because God was kind to him as if that grace were actually doing the work. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) this is literally true, and God actually did the work and kindly used Paul as a tool. (2) Paul is using a metaphor and saying that God was kind to let Paul do the work and to make Paul’s work have good results. (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:12

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

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

ἐγήγερται

he was made alive again

1 Corinthians 15:13

εἰ…ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν, οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται

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

οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has not even raised Christ” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 15:15

Paul wants them assured that Christ rose from the dead.

εὑρισκόμεθα…ψευδομάρτυρες τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

εὑρισκόμεθα

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone will realize that we are” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 15:17

ματαία ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν, ἔτι ἐστὲ ἐν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν

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

1 Corinthians 15:19

πάντων ἀνθρώπων

“of everyone, including believers and non-believers”

ἐλεεινότεροι πάντων ἀνθρώπων ἐσμέν

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

1 Corinthians 15:20

νυνὶ…Χριστὸς

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

ἀπαρχὴ

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

Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν

Here, has been raised is an idiom for “caused to live again.” Alternate translation: “Christ has been caused to live again” (See: Idiom)

Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has raised Christ from the dead” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 15:21

δι’ ἀνθρώπου θάνατος

The abstract noun death can be expressed with the verb “die.” Alternate translation. “people die because of what one man did” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καὶ δι’ ἀνθρώπου ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν

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

1 Corinthians 15:23

ἀπαρχὴ

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

1 Corinthians 15:24

Here the words he and his refer to Christ.

καταργήσῃ πᾶσαν ἀρχὴν, καὶ πᾶσαν ἐξουσίαν, καὶ δύναμιν

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

1 Corinthians 15:25

ἄχρι οὗ θῇ πάντας τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ

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

1 Corinthians 15:26

ἔσχατος ἐχθρὸς καταργεῖται ὁ θάνατος

Paul speaks of death here as if it were a person whom God will kill. (See: Personification)

ἔσχατος ἐχθρὸς καταργεῖται ὁ θάνατος

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The final enemy that God will destroy is death itself” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 15:27

πάντα…ὑπέταξεν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ

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

1 Corinthians 15:28

ὑποταγῇ αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα

This can stated as active. Alternate translation: “God has made all things subject to Christ” (See: Active or Passive)

αὐτὸς ὁ Υἱὸς, ὑποταγήσεται

This can stated as active. Alternate translation: “the Son himself will become subject” (See: Active or Passive)

αὐτὸς ὁ Υἱὸς

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

ὁ Υἱὸς

This is an important title that describes the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

1 Corinthians 15:29

ἐπεὶ τί ποιήσουσιν, οἱ βαπτιζόμενοι ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν?

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Otherwise it would be useless for Christians to receive baptism for the dead.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

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

νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “God does not raise the dead” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἐγείρονται

“are not caused to live again”

τί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “there would be no reason for them to have people baptize them on behalf of dead people.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Corinthians 15:30

τί καὶ ἡμεῖς κινδυνεύομεν πᾶσαν ὥραν?

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “We gain nothing by being in danger every hour.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί καὶ ἡμεῖς κινδυνεύομεν πᾶσαν ὥραν?

The reason he and others were in danger is that some people were angry that they taught that Jesus will raise people from death. Alternate translation: “If people will not rise from the dead, we gain nothing by being in danger every hour for teaching that people will rise.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Corinthians 15:31

καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω

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

καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω, νὴ τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν

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

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

Paul boasted in them because of what Christ Jesus had done for him. Alternate translation: “my boasting in you, which I do because of my relationship with Christ Jesus our Lord” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν

“telling other people how good you are”

1 Corinthians 15:32

εἰ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον, ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ, τί μοι τὸ ὄφελος?

Paul wants the Corinthians to understand without him having to tell them. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “If Christ was not raised, I gained nothing, according to the opinion of most people, by fighting with beasts at Ephesus.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ

This could mean: (1) Paul was speaking figuratively about his arguments with learned pagans or other conflicts with people who wanted to kill him. (2) Paul was actually put into the arena to fight against dangerous animals. (See: Metaphor)

φάγωμεν καὶ πίωμεν, αὔριον γὰρ ἀποθνῄσκομεν

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

1 Corinthians 15:33

φθείρουσιν ἤθη χρηστὰ ὁμιλίαι κακαί

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

1 Corinthians 15:34

ἐκνήψατε

“You must think seriously about this”

1 Corinthians 15:35

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

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

This could mean: (1) the person is asking sincerely. (2) the person is using the question to mock the idea of a resurrection. Alternate translation: “But some will say that they cannot imagine how God will raise the dead, and what kind of body God would give them in the resurrection.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐρεῖ τις

“perhaps someone will ask”

ποίῳ…σώματι ἔρχονται

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

1 Corinthians 15:36

ἄφρων! σὺ ὃ σπείρεις

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so both instances of you here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

ἄφρων! σὺ

“You do not know about this at all!”

ὃ σπείρεις, οὐ ζῳοποιεῖται, ἐὰν μὴ ἀποθάνῃ

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

1 Corinthians 15:37

ὃ σπείρεις, οὐ τὸ σῶμα τὸ γενησόμενον

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

ὃ σπείρεις

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word you here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

1 Corinthians 15:38

ὁ…Θεὸς δίδωσιν αὐτῷ σῶμα, καθὼς ἠθέλησεν

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

1 Corinthians 15:39

σὰρξ

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

1 Corinthians 15:40

σώματα ἐπουράνια

This could refer to: (1) the sun, moon, stars, and other visible lights in the sky. (2) heavenly beings, such as angels and other supernatural beings.

σώματα ἐπίγεια

This refers to humans.

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

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

δόξα

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

1 Corinthians 15:42

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is scattered on the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. (See: Metaphor)

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

You can state the passive verbs in active form. Alternate translation: “What goes into the ground … what comes out of the ground” or “What people bury … what God raises” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐγείρεται

“is caused to live again”

ἐν φθορᾷ, ἐγείρεται ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ

“that can rot, cannot rot when it is raised”

1 Corinthians 15:43

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is scattered on the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. (See: Metaphor)

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

You can state the passive verbs in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground … it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it … God raises it” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 15:44

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. (See: Metaphor)

σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται

You can state the passive verbs in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground … it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it … God raises it” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 15:46

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

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

ψυχικόν

created by earthly processes, not yet connected to God

1 Corinthians 15:47

ὁ πρῶτος ἄνθρωπος ἐκ γῆς, χοϊκός

God made the first man, Adam, from the dust of the earth. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Corinthians 15:48

ὁ ἐπουράνιος

This refers to Jesus Christ, who is from heaven. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ ἐπουράνιοι

“those who belong to God”

1 Corinthians 15:49

εἰκόνα τοῦ χοϊκοῦ, φορέσωμεν καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα τοῦ ἐπουρανίου

“have been just like Adam, we will also be just like Jesus”

1 Corinthians 15:50

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

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

This could mean: (1) the two sentences mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “human beings who will surely die cannot inherit the permanent kingdom of God” (2) the second sentence finishes the thought begun by the first. Alternate translation: “weak human beings cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither do those who will certainly die inherit a kingdom that will last forever” (See: Parallelism)

σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα

Here, flesh and blood refers to people, who inhabit a physical body. (See: Metonymy)

κληρονομῆσαι

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: Metaphor)

ἡ φθορὰ, τὴν ἀφθαρσίαν

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

1 Corinthians 15:51

πάντες…ἀλλαγησόμεθα

You can state this as active. Alternate translation: “God will change us all” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Corinthians 15:52

ἀλλαγησόμεθα

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will change us” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ

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

ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι

Here, the last trumpet refers to the sounding of trumpets before the return of Christ and the final judgment of those who have not believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “when the last trumpet sounds” (See: Metaphor)

οἱ νεκροὶ ἐγερθήσονται

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise the dead” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐγερθήσονται

“will be caused to live again”

ἄφθαρτοι

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

1 Corinthians 15:53

τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο…ἀφθαρσίαν

“this body that can rot … the inability to rot.” See how similar phrases are translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.

ἐνδύσασθαι ἀφθαρσίαν

Paul is speaking of God making our bodies so they will never die again as if God were putting new clothes on us. (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:54

τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀφθαρσίαν, καὶ τὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀθανασίαν

Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person. (See: Personification)

τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀφθαρσίαν

Here becoming imperishable is spoken of as if being imperishable was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this perishable body has become imperishable” or “when this body that can rot can no longer rot” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀθανασίαν

Here becoming immortal is spoken of as if being immortal was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this mortal body has become immortal” or “when this body that can die can no longer die” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 15:55

θάνατε

Paul speaks as if death were a person. (See: Apostrophe)

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

Paul uses this question to mock the power of death, which Christ has defeated. Alternate translation: “Death has no victory. Death has no sting.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

σου…σου

Both possessive pronouns your are singular. (See: Forms of You)

1 Corinthians 15:56

τὸ…κέντρον τοῦ θανάτου ἡ ἁμαρτία

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

ἡ…δύναμις τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ νόμος

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

1 Corinthians 15:57

τῷ διδόντι ἡμῖν τὸ νῖκος

“who has defeated death for us”

1 Corinthians 15:58

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

ἑδραῖοι γίνεσθε, ἀμετακίνητοι

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

περισσεύοντες ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ τοῦ Κυρίου πάντοτε

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

1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Preparation for his coming

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

1 Corinthians 16:1

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

εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους

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

ὥσπερ διέταξα

“as I gave specific instructions to”

1 Corinthians 16:2

θησαυρίζων

This could mean: (1) “keep it at home.” (2) “leave it with the church.”

ἵνα μὴ ὅταν ἔλθω, τότε λογεῖαι γίνωνται

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

1 Corinthians 16:3

οὓς ἐὰν δοκιμάσητε

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

δι’ ἐπιστολῶν…πέμψω

This could mean: (1) Paul will send with letters that he will write. (2) Paul will send with letters that they will write.

1 Corinthians 16:6

ὑμεῖς με προπέμψητε, οὗ ἐὰν πορεύωμαι

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

1 Corinthians 16:7

οὐ θέλω…ὑμᾶς ἄρτι ἐν παρόδῳ ἰδεῖν

Paul is stating that he wants to visit for a long time later, not just for a short time soon. You can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “I want to spend a longer time with you” (See: Litotes)

1 Corinthians 16:8

τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς

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

1 Corinthians 16:9

θύρα…ἀνέῳγεν μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής

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

1 Corinthians 16:10

βλέπετε ἵνα ἀφόβως γένηται πρὸς ὑμᾶς

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

1 Corinthians 16:11

μή τις…αὐτὸν ἐξουθενήσῃ

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

1 Corinthians 16:12

Ἀπολλῶ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ

Some languages such as English require the word our for clarity. If added, you would refer to Paul and his readers, so it is inclusive. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Corinthians 16:13

γρηγορεῖτε, στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἀνδρίζεσθε, κραταιοῦσθε

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

γρηγορεῖτε

Paul speaks of people being aware of what is happening as if they were guards keeping watch over a city or vineyard. You can state this more clearly. Alternate translation: “Be careful whom you trust” or “Watch out for danger” (See: Metaphor)

στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει

Paul speaks of people continuing to believe in Christ according to his teaching as if they were soldiers refusing to retreat when the enemy attacks. This could mean: (1) they should keep strongly believing what Paul and his companions have taught them. (2) they should keep strongly trusting in Christ. (See: Metaphor)

ἀνδρίζεσθε

In the society in which Paul and his audience lived, men usually provided for families by doing the heavy work and fighting against invaders. You can state this more clearly. Alternate translation: “be responsible” (See: Metaphor)

1 Corinthians 16:14

πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω

“Everything you do, you should do because you love people” or “Everything you do, you should do because you love God”

1 Corinthians 16:15

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

τὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ

Stephanas was one of the first believers in the church at Corinth. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἀχαΐας

Achaia is the name of a province in Greece. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Corinthians 16:17

Στεφανᾶ, καὶ Φορτουνάτου, καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ

Stephanas and Fortunatus were either some of the first Corinthian believers or church elders who were co-workers with Paul.

Στεφανᾶ, καὶ Φορτουνάτου, καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ

Stephanas and Fortunatus are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν

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

1 Corinthians 16:18

ἀνέπαυσαν γὰρ τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα

Paul is saying he was encouraged by their visit.

1 Corinthians 16:21

ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ, Παύλου

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

1 Corinthians 16:22

ἤτω ἀνάθεμα

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