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22COfrontintrour4j0# Introduction to 2 Corinthians<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of 2 Corinthians<br><br>1. Paul thanks God for the Corinthian Christians (1:1-11)<br>1. Paul explains his conduct and his ministry (1:12-7:16)<br>1. Paul speaks about contributing money for the Jerusalem church (8:1-9:15)<br>1. Paul defends his authority as an apostle (10:1-13:10)<br>1. Paul gives final greetings and encouragement (13:11-14)<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians?<br><br>Paul was the author. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul started the church in Corinth. He was staying in the city of Ephesus when he wrote this letter.<br><br>### What is the Book of 2 Corinthians about?<br><br>In 2 Corinthians, Paul continued to write about the conflicts among the Christians in the city of Corinth. It is clear in this letter that the Corinthians had obeyed his previous instructions to them. In 2 Corinthians, Paul encouraged them to live in a way that would please God.<br><br>Paul also wrote to assure them that Jesus Christ sent him as an apostle to preach the Gospel. Paul wanted them to understand this, because a group of Jewish Christians opposed what he was doing. They claimed Paul was not sent by God and he was teaching a false message. This group of Jewish Christians wanted Gentile Christians to obey the law of Moses.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Second Corinthians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Pauls Second Letter to the Church in Corinth.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What was the city of Corinth like?<br><br>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.<br><br>### What did Paul mean by “false apostles” (11:13)?<br><br>These were Jewish Christians. They taught that Gentile Christians had to obey the law of Moses in order to follow Christ. Christian leaders had met in Jerusalem and decided on the matter (See: Acts 15). However, it is clear that there were still some groups that disagreed with what the leaders in Jerusalem decided.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### Singular and plural “you”<br><br>In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. Also, the word “you” is almost always plural and refers to the believers in Corinth. There are two exceptions to this: 6:2 and 12:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])<br><br>### How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in 2 Corinthians in the ULT?<br><br>The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, the ULT uses the following principles:<br>* 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.”<br>* The meaning in most passages in 2 Corinthians is a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 1:1; 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13)<br>* 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.”<br><br>The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.<br><br>### What did Paul mean by expressions like “in Christ” and “in the Lord”?<br><br>This kind of expression occurs in 1:19, 20; 2:12, 17; 3:14; 5:17, 19, 21; 10:17; 12:2, 19; and 13:4. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. At the same time, he often intended other meanings as well. See, for example, “A door was opened for me in the Lord,” (2:12) where Paul specifically meant that a door was opened for Paul by the Lord.<br><br>Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What does it mean to be a “new creation” in Christ (5:17)?<br><br>Pauls message was that God makes Christians part of a “new world” when a person believes in Christ. God gives a new world of holiness, peace, and joy. In this new world, believers have a new nature that has been given them by the Holy Spirit. Translators should try to express this idea.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Corinthians?<br>* “and in your love for us” (8:7). Many versions, including the ULT and UST, read this way. However, many other versions read, “and in our love for you.” There is strong evidence that each reading is original. Translators should probably follow the reading preferred by other versions in their region.<br><br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
32CO1introtsh30# 2 Corinthians 1 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The first paragraph reflects a common way to begin a letter in the ancient Near East.<br><br>## Special Concepts<br><br>### Pauls integrity<br><br>People were criticizing Paul and saying he was not sincere. He refutes them by explaining his motives for what he was doing.<br><br>### Comfort<br><br>Comfort is a major theme of this chapter. The Holy Spirit comforts Christians. The Corinthians probably were afflicted and needed to be comforted.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical question<br><br>Paul uses two rhetorical questions to defend himself against a charge of not being sincere. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### We<br><br>Paul uses the pronoun “we”. This likely represents at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.<br><br>### Guarantee<br><br>Paul says the Holy Spirit is the guarantee, which means pledge or down-payment, of a Christians eternal life. Christians are securely saved. But they will not experience all of Gods given promises until after they die. The Holy Spirit is a personal guarantee that this will happen. This idea comes from a business term. A person gives some valuable item to another person as a “guarantee” that they will repay money. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
42CO11epd20General Information:After Pauls greeting to the church in Corinth, he writes about suffering and comfort through Jesus Christ. Timothy is with him as well. The word “you” throughout this letter refers to the people of the church in Corinth and to the rest of the Christians in that area. Possibly Timothy writes on parchment paper the words that Paul says.
52CO11mel3Παῦλος…τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Κορίνθῳ1Paul … to the church of God that is in CorinthYour language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. Alternate translation: “I, Paul … wrote this letter to you, the church of God that is in Corinth”
62CO11f59uΤιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς1Timothy our brotherThis indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew **Timothy** and considered him to be their spiritual **brother**.
72CO11mhg5translate-namesἈχαΐᾳ1Achaia**Achaia** is the name of a Roman province in the southern part of modern-day Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
82CO12f6k1χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη1May grace be to you and peaceThis is a common greeting that Paul uses in his letters.
92CO13px2qfigs-activepassiveεὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praisedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “May we always praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
102CO13k7dlὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ1the God and FatherAlternate translation: “God, who is the Father”
112CO13pg4afigs-parallelismὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως1the Father of mercies and the God of all comfortThese two phrases express the same idea in two different ways. Both phrases refer to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
122CO13blv4ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως1the Father of mercies and the God of all comfortThis could mean: (1) the words **mercies** and **all comfort** describe the character of **Father** and **God**. (2) the words **Father** and **God** refer to one who is the source of **mercies** and **all comfort**.
132CO14n2lcfigs-exclusiveπαρακαλῶν ἡμᾶς ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν1comforts us in all our afflictionHere, **us** and **our** include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
142CO15nn5afigs-metaphorὅτι καθὼς περισσεύει τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς ἡμᾶς1For just as the sufferings of Christ abound toward usPaul speaks of the **sufferings of Christ** as if they were objects that could increase in number. Alternate translation: “For just as Christ suffered greatly for our sake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
152CO15i254τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ1the sufferings of ChristThis could refer to: (1) the **sufferings** that Paul and Timothy experience because they preach the message about Christ. (2) the **sufferings** that Christ experienced on their behalf.
162CO15tg9wfigs-metaphorπερισσεύει…ἡ παράκλησις ἡμῶν2our comfort aboundsPaul speaks of **comfort** as if it were an object that could increase in size. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
172CO16y9bifigs-exclusiveεἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα1But if we are afflictedHere the word **we** refers to Paul and Timothy, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
182CO16ylw2figs-activepassiveεἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα1If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But if people afflict us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
192CO16wyj4figs-activepassiveεἴτε παρακαλούμεθα1if we are comfortedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if God comforts us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
202CO16cfq7τῆς ὑμῶν παρακλήσεως, τῆς ἐνεργουμένης1your comfort that resultsAlternate translation: “you experience effective comfort”
212CO18jqn8figs-litotesοὐ…θέλομεν ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν1we do not want you to be uninformedYou can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “we want you to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
222CO18pr8afigs-metaphorὅτι καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ὑπὲρ δύναμιν ἐβαρήθημεν1We were so completely crushed beyond our strengthPaul and Timothy refer to their emotions of despair being like a heavy weight they have to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
232CO18gu5bfigs-activepassiveὑπερβολὴν…ἐβαρήθημεν1We were so completely crushedThe word **burdened** refers to the feeling of despair. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “We were in complete despair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
242CO19lks3figs-metaphorαὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς τὸ ἀπόκριμα τοῦ θανάτου ἐσχήκαμεν1we had the sentence of death on usPaul and Timothy are comparing their feeling of despair to that of someone condemned to die. Alternate translation: “we were in despair like someone who is condemned to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
252CO19i7upfigs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ1but in GodThe words “be putting our trust” are left out of this phrase. Alternate translation: “but instead, be putting our trust in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
262CO19bu2yfigs-idiomτῷ ἐγείροντι τοὺς νεκρούς1who raises the deadHere to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “who causes the dead to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
272CO110x4khfigs-metaphorθανάτου1a deadly perilPaul compares his feeling of despair as a result of the troubles that they experienced to a **deadly peril** or terrible danger. Alternate translation: “despair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
282CO110mwn9καὶ ἔτι ῥύσεται1he will continue to deliver usAlternate translation: “he also will continue to rescue us”
292CO111q17dσυνυπουργούντων καὶ ὑμῶν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τῇ δεήσει1as you also join together … on our behalfAlternate translation: “God will rescue us from danger as you, the people of the church of Corinth, also help us by praying with us”
302CO111k1flfigs-activepassiveτὸ εἰς ἡμᾶς χάρισμα1the gracious favor given to usIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the gracious favor which God has given to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
312CO112kqv3figs-exclusive0General Information:In these verses Paul uses the words **we**, **our**, **ourselves**, and **us** to refer to himself and Timothy and possibly others who served with them. These words do not include the people he was writing to. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
322CO112r9p8ἡ γὰρ καύχησις ἡμῶν αὕτη ἐστίν1For our proud confidence is thisThe word **boasting** here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.
332CO112c7mufigs-personificationτὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως ἡμῶν1the testimony of our consciencePaul speaks of not being guilty as if his **conscience** were a person that could testify. Alternate translation: “we know by our conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
342CO112c1bdfigs-metonymyοὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν χάριτι Θεοῦ1not relying on fleshly wisdom but on the grace of God.Here, **fleshly** represents human. Alternate translation: “We have not relied on human wisdom but on the grace of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
352CO113h21jfigs-doublenegativesοὐ γὰρ ἄλλα γράφομεν ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ ἃ ἀναγινώσκετε ἢ καὶ ἐπιγινώσκετε1For we write no other things to you, but that which you read or also understandYou can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “You can read and understand everything we write to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
362CO114ma5mκαύχημα ὑμῶν1your reason for boastingThe word **boasting** here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.
372CO115nhq80General Information:Paul wrote at least 3 letters to the Corinthians. Only 2 letters to Corinth are recorded in the Bible.
382CO115k1u90Connecting Statement:Paul explains his sincere expectation with pure motives to come see the believers in Corinth after his first letter.
392CO115n5exταύτῃ τῇ πεποιθήσει1with this confidenceThe word **this** refers to Pauls previous comments about the Corinthians.
402CO115y432δευτέραν χάριν σχῆτε1you might have a second blessingAlternate translation: “you might benefit from me visiting you twice”
412CO116mp6uὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν1to be sent on my way to Judea by youAlternate translation: “to assist me to continue on to Judea”
422CO117zms7figs-rquestionμήτι ἄρα τῇ ἐλαφρίᾳ ἐχρησάμην?1I did not then take it lightly, did I?Paul uses this question to emphasize he was sure about his decision to visit the Corinthians. The expected answer to the question is “no”. Alternate translation: “I was not hesitating.” or “I was confident in my decision.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
432CO117chy9figs-rquestionἢ ἃ βουλεύομαι, κατὰ σάρκα βουλεύομαι, ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?1Do I plan things according to human standards … at the same time?Paul uses this question to emphasize that his plans to visit the Corinthians were sincere. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to human standards, so that I would say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
442CO117fq3tfigs-explicitἢ ἃ βουλεύομαι, κατὰ σάρκα βουλεύομαι, ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?1This means that Paul did not say both that he would visit and that he would not visit at the same time. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to fleshly planning, so that I say Yes, I will certainly visit and No, I will definitely not visit at the same time!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
452CO117y41zfigs-doubletἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ?1Do I plan things … so that I say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time?The words **yes** and **no** are repeated for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
462CO119z4hefigs-explicitὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ γὰρ Υἱὸς, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός…οὐκ ἐγένετο ναὶ καὶ οὒ, ἀλλὰ ναὶ ἐν αὐτῷ γέγονεν.1For the Son of God … is not “Yes” and “No.” Instead, he is always “Yes.”**Jesus** says “**Yes**” concerning the promises of God, which means that he guarantees that they are true. Alternate translation: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ … does not say Yes and No concerning Gods promises. Instead, he always says Yes.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
472CO119hd2tguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ…Υἱὸς1the Son of God**Son of God** is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
482CO120h2xcfigs-explicitὅσαι…ἐπαγγελίαι Θεοῦ, ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί1all the promises of God are “Yes” in himThis means that Jesus guarantees all of the **promises of God**. Alternate translation: “all the promises of God are guaranteed in Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
492CO120h4uvἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί…δι’ αὐτοῦ1“Yes” in him … through him we sayBoth occurrences of the word **him** refer to Jesus Christ.
502CO121d3s3ὁ δὲ βεβαιῶν ἡμᾶς σὺν ὑμῖν εἰς Χριστὸν καὶ χρίσας ἡμᾶς Θεός1Now God is the one who establishes us with youThis could mean: (1) Paul is saying that **God** confirms the relationship of him and his team with each other because they are **in Christ**. (2) Paul is saying that **God** confirms the relationship of him and his team, and the Corinthians, with **Christ**.
512CO121tjc6χρίσας ἡμᾶς1he anointed usThis could mean: (1) he sent us to preach the gospel. (2) he chose us to be his people.
522CO122z43lfigs-metaphorὁ καὶ σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς1the one who also sealed usPaul speaks of God showing that we belong to him as if God had put a mark on us as a sign that we belong to him. Alternate translation: “he has put his mark of ownership on us” or “he has shown that we belong to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
532CO122xe98figs-metonymyδοὺς τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν1he gave us the pledge of the Spirit in our heartsHere the word **hearts** refers to the innermost part of a person. Alternate translation: “gave us the Spirit to live within each of us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
542CO122jcv7figs-metaphorτὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος1the pledge of the SpiritThe **Spirit** is spoken of as if he was a partial downpayment toward eternal life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
552CO123j8lcἐγὼ δὲ μάρτυρα τὸν Θεὸν ἐπικαλοῦμαι ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχήν1Now I call God as a witness to my soulHere, to be **a witness** refers to a person telling what they have seen or heard in order to settle an argument. Alternate translation: “I ask God to show what I say is true”
562CO123j15tὅτι φειδόμενος ὑμῶν1so that I might spare youAlternate translation: “so that I might not cause you more suffering”
572CO124cyu4συνεργοί ἐσμεν τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν1we are fellow workers with you for your joyAlternate translation: “we are working with you so that you may have joy”
582CO124cih8figs-idiomτῇ…πίστει ἑστήκατε1you stand firm in the faithHere, **stand firm** can refer to something that does not change. Alternate translation: “remain firm in your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
592CO2introhy3h0# 2 Corinthians 2 General Notes<br><br>## Special Concepts<br><br>### Harsh writing<br><br>In this chapter, Paul refers to a letter he previously wrote to the Corinthians. That letter had a harsh and corrective tone. Paul probably wrote it after the letter known as First Corinthians and before this letter. He implies that the church had to rebuke an erring member. Paul is now encouraging them to be gracious to that person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Aroma<br><br>A sweet aroma is a pleasing smell. Scripture often describes things that are pleasing to God as having a pleasing aroma.
602CO21wh9c0Connecting Statement:Because of his great love for them, Paul makes it clear that his rebuke in his first letter to them (the rebuke of their acceptance of the sin of immorality) caused him pain as well as pain to the church people in Corinth and the immoral man.
612CO21ij73ἐν λύπῃ1in sorrowAlternate translation: “in circumstances that would cause you pain”
622CO22nb6xfigs-rquestionεἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ λυπῶ ὑμᾶς, καὶ τίς ὁ εὐφραίνων με, εἰ μὴ ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ?1If I caused you pain, who could cheer me up but the very one who was hurt by me?Paul uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that neither he nor they would benefit if his coming to them would cause them pain. Alternate translation: “If I caused you pain, the only ones who could cheer me up would be the very ones whom I had hurt.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
632CO22x2vrfigs-activepassiveὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ1the very one who was hurt by meIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the very one whom I had hurt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
642CO23kxu2figs-explicitἔγραψα τοῦτο αὐτὸ1I wrote this same thingPaul is referring to another letter that he had written to the Corinthian Christians, but which no longer exists. Alternate translation: “I wrote as I did in my previous letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
652CO23v87ifigs-activepassiveμὴ…λύπην σχῶ ἀφ’ ὧν ἔδει με χαίρειν1I might not be hurt by those who should have made me rejoicePaul is speaking about the behavior of certain Corinthian believers who caused him emotional pain. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those who should have made me rejoice might not hurt me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
662CO23i5r6ἡ ἐμὴ χαρὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐστιν1my joy is the same joy you all haveAlternate translation: “what gives me joy is what gives you joy, too”
672CO24uch7ἐκ γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως1from great afflictionHere the word **affliction** refers to emotional pain.
682CO24vs7mfigs-metonymyσυνοχῆς καρδίας1with anguish of heartHere the word **heart** refers to the location of the emotions. Alternate translation: “with extreme sorrow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
692CO24d5vfδιὰ πολλῶν δακρύων1with many tearsAlternate translation: “with much crying”
702CO26iy4rfigs-activepassiveἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων1This punishment of that person by the majority is enoughIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The punishment that the majority gave that person is sufficient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
712CO26wr3kfigs-abstractnounsἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων1The word **punishment** can be translated using a verb. Alternate translation: “The way that the majority has punished that person is enough” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
722CO26a7c4ἱκανὸν1is enoughAlternate translation: “is sufficient”
732CO27vpx1figs-activepassiveμή πως τῇ περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ, καταποθῇ ὁ τοιοῦτος1he is not overwhelmed by too much sorrowThis means to have a strong emotional response of too much sorrow. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “We do not want too much sorrow to overwhelm him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
742CO28r9160Connecting Statement:Paul encourages the church in Corinth to show love and to forgive the person they have punished. He writes that he, also, has forgiven him.
752CO28yi2zκυρῶσαι εἰς αὐτὸν ἀγάπην1publicly affirm your love for himThis means that they are to confirm their **love** for this man in the presence of all of the believers.
762CO29xw5tfigs-explicitεἰς πάντα ὑπήκοοί ἐστε1you are obedient in everythingThis could mean: (1) the Corinthians **are obedient** to God **in everything**. (2) the Corinthians **are obedient** **in everything** that Paul has taught them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
772CO210cbm6δι’ ὑμᾶς1forgiven for your sakeThis could mean: (1) they are forgiven out of Paul's love for them. (2) they are forgiven for their benefit.
782CO211m46tfigs-litotesοὐ γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὰ νοήματα ἀγνοοῦμεν1For we are not ignorant of his plansPaul uses a negative expression to emphasize the opposite. Alternate translation: “For we know his plans well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
792CO212l6vd0Connecting Statement:Paul encourages the believers in Corinth by telling them of the opportunities he has had to preach the gospel in Troas and Macedonia.
802CO212a1tifigs-metaphorεἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ θύρας μοι ἀνεῳγμένης ἐν Κυρίῳ1a door for the gospel of Christ was opened to me in the LordPaul speaks of his opportunity to preach the **gospel** as if it were a **door** through which he was allowed to walk. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
812CO212n9crfigs-activepassiveεἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ θύρας μοι ἀνεῳγμένης ἐν Κυρίῳ1If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The Lord indeed opened a door to me to preach the gospel of Christ” or “The Lord gave me the opportunity to preach the gospel of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
822CO213rjy9οὐκ ἔσχηκα ἄνεσιν τῷ πνεύματί μου1I had no relief in my spiritAlternate translation: “My mind was troubled” or “I was worried”
832CO213xd5hΤίτον τὸν ἀδελφόν μου1my brother TitusPaul speaks of **Titus** as his spiritual **brother**.
842CO213wq6jἀλλὰ ἀποταξάμενος αὐτοῖς1So I left themAlternate translation: “So I left the people of Troas”
852CO214gpd2figs-metaphorτῷ…Θεῷ…τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ1God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphPaul speaks of God as if he were a victorious general leading a victory parade and of himself and his coworkers as those who take part in that parade. This could mean: (1) God, who in Christ always causes us to share in his triumph. (2) God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph as those over whom he as gained victory. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
862CO214l1nrfigs-metaphorτὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ, φανεροῦντι δι’ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ1Through us he spreads the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him everywherePaul speaks of the **knowledge** of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. Alternate translation: “He causes the knowledge of Christ to spread to everyone who hears us, just as the sweet smell of burning incense spreads to everyone near it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
872CO214eq21φανεροῦντι…ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ1he spreads … everywhereAlternate translation: “he spreads … everywhere we go”
882CO215x6nnfigs-metaphorΧριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ1we are to God the sweet aroma of ChristPaul speaks of his ministry as if it were a burnt offering that someone offers to **God**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
892CO215b1k1Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ1the sweet aroma of ChristThis could refer to: (1) the sweet aroma which is the knowledge of **Christ**. (2) the sweet aroma that **Christ** offers.
902CO215itc8figs-activepassiveτοῖς σῳζομένοις1those who are savedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God is saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
912CO216dwk6figs-metaphorὀσμὴ1an aroma“the knowledge of Christ is an aroma.” This refers back to [2 Corinthians 2:14](../02/14.md), where Paul speaks of the knowledge of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
922CO216ud2ufigs-doubletὀσμὴ ἐκ θανάτου εἰς θάνατον1an aroma from death to deathThis could mean: (1) the word **death** is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that causes death.” (2) this refers to an **aroma** of **death** that causes people to die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
932CO216v2n3figs-activepassiveοἷς1to the otherIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “to the ones whom God is saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
942CO216cdr3figs-doubletὀσμὴ ἐκ ζωῆς εἰς ζωήν1a fragrance from life to lifeThis could mean: (1) the word **life** is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that gives life.” (2) this refers to an **aroma** of life that gives people **life**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
952CO216be6xfigs-rquestionπρὸς ταῦτα τίς ἱκανός?1who is worthy of these things?Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is worthy to do the ministry that God has called them to do. Alternate translation: “No one is worthy of these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
962CO217a5safigs-metonymyκαπηλεύοντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1who sell the word of GodHere, **word** is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “who sell Gods message to make money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
972CO217x86yεἰλικρινείας1sincerityAlternate translation: “pure motives”
982CO217u2zbκατέναντι Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ λαλοῦμεν1we speak in ChristAlternate translation: “we speak as people who are joined to Christ” or “we speak with the authority of Christ”
992CO217q4dcfigs-ellipsisκατέναντι Θεοῦ1before GodPaul and his coworkers preach the gospel with the awareness that **God** is watching them. Alternate translation: “we speak in the presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1002CO3introf7rh0# 2 Corinthians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul continues his defense. Paul views the Corinthian Christians as the proof of his work.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Law of Moses<br><br>Paul alludes to God giving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. This represents the law of Moses. The law was good because it came from God. But God punished the Israelites because they disobeyed it. This chapter may be difficult for translators to understand if the Old Testament has not yet been translated. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphors<br><br>Paul uses many metaphors used in this chapter to explain complex spiritual truths. It is unclear whether this makes Pauls teachings easier or more difficult to understand. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “This is a covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit.”<br><br>Paul contrasts the old and new covenants. The new covenant is not a system of rules and regulations. Here, **Spirit** probably refers to the Holy Spirit. It may also refer to the new covenant being “spiritual” in nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])
1012CO31m1k80Connecting Statement:Paul reminds them that he is not boasting as he tells them about what he has done through Christ.
1022CO31um8xfigs-rquestionἀρχόμεθα πάλιν ἑαυτοὺς συνιστάνειν?1Are we beginning to praise ourselves again?Paul uses this question to emphasize that they are not bragging about themselves. Alternate translation: “We are not beginning to praise ourselves again!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1032CO31y8ycfigs-rquestionἢ μὴ χρῄζομεν, ὥς τινες, συστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἢ ἐξ ὑμῶν?1We do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people, do we?Paul says this to express that the Corinthians already know about Paul and Timothys good reputation. The question prompts a negative answer. Alternate translation: “We certainly do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people do!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1042CO31ad1uσυστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν1letters of recommendationThis refers to **letters** that people write to introduce and give their approval of someone else.
1052CO32ty59figs-metaphorἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἡμῶν ὑμεῖς ἐστε1You yourselves are our letter of recommendationPaul speaks of the Corinthians as if they are a **letter** of recommendation. That they have become believers serves to validate Pauls ministry to others. Alternate translation: “You yourselves are like our letter of recommendation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1062CO32v2e7figs-metonymyἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν1written on our heartsHere the word **hearts** refers to their thoughts and emotions. This could mean: (1) Paul and his coworkers are sure about the Corinthians being their letter of recommendation. (2) Paul and his coworkers care very deeply for the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1072CO32bu1ufigs-activepassiveἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν1written on our heartsIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form with “Christ” as the implied subject. Alternate translation: “which Christ has written on our hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1082CO32dr5kfigs-activepassiveγινωσκομένη καὶ ἀναγινωσκομένη ὑπὸ πάντων ἀνθρώπων1known and read by all peopleIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that all people can know and read” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1092CO33s717figs-explicitἐστὲ ἐπιστολὴ Χριστοῦ1you are a letter from ChristPaul clarifies that Christ is the one who has written the **letter**. Alternate translation: “you are a letter that Christ has written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1102CO33wrk4διακονηθεῖσα ὑφ’ ἡμῶν1cared for by usAlternate translation: “brought by us”
1112CO33q96qἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος, οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις1It was written not with ink … on tablets of human heartsPaul clarifies that the Corinthians are like a spiritual letter, not like a letter that humans write with physical objects.
1122CO33vyuhfigs-ellipsisἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος1The verb “written” is implied in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “not written with ink, but written with the Spirit of the living God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1132CO33qt5gfigs-activepassiveἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος1It was written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living GodIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “not a letter that people wrote with ink but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1142CO33t5ahfigs-ellipsisοὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις1not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human heartsThe verb “written” is implied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “not a letter that was written on stone tablets, but a letter that was written on tablets of human hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1152CO33ih89figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις1If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “not a letter that people engraved on stone tablets but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote on tablets of human hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1162CO33u959figs-metaphorπλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις1tablets of human heartsPaul speaks of their **hearts** as if they are flat pieces of stone or clay upon which people engraved letters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1172CO34z7qxπεποίθησιν δὲ τοιαύτην ἔχομεν1such confidenceThis refers to what Paul has just said. His **confidence** comes from knowing that the Corinthians are the validation of his ministry before God.
1182CO35qye9ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν ἱκανοί1competent in ourselvesAlternate translation: “qualified in ourselves” or “sufficient in ourselves”
1192CO35e5e7figs-explicitλογίσασθαί τι ὡς ἐξ ἑαυτῶν1to consider anything as coming from usHere the word **anything** refers to anything pertaining to Pauls apostolic ministry. Alternate translation: “to claim that anything we have done in ministry comes from our own efforts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1202CO35wi1tἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ1our competence is from GodAlternate translation: “God gives us our sufficiency”
1212CO36dp6ifigs-synecdocheκαινῆς διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος1a new covenant, not of the letterHere the word **letter** means letters of the alphabet and refers to words that people write down. Alternate translation: “a covenant not based on commands that men have written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1222CO36gbscfigs-explicitοὐ γράμματος1The phrase **the letter** alludes to the Old Testament law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1232CO36tc4ufigs-ellipsisἀλλὰ Πνεύματος1but of the SpiritThe Holy **Spirit** is the one who establishes Gods covenant with people. Alternate translation: “but a covenant based on what the Spirit does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1242CO36q4atfigs-personificationτὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει1the letter killsPaul speaks of the Old Testament law as a person who **kills**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1252CO36one5figs-explicitτὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει1Following that law leads to spiritual death. Alternate translation: “the written law leads to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1262CO37lyf70Connecting Statement:Paul contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the superiority and freedom of the new covenant. He contrasts the veil of Moses with the clarity of present revelation. The time of Moses was a less clear picture of what is now revealed.
1272CO37ut6rfigs-ironyεἰ δὲ ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου…ἐγενήθη ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε1Now if the ministry that produced death … came in such gloryPaul emphasizes that although the law leads to **death**, it was still very glorious. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1282CO37du65figs-explicitἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου1the ministry that produced deathHere, **the ministry of death** refers to the Old Testament law that God gave through Moses. Alternate translation: “the ministry that causes death because it is based on the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1292CO37j1hpfigs-activepassiveἐν γράμμασιν ἐντετυπωμένη λίθοις1engraved in letters on stonesIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God carved into stone with letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1302CO37r5p5ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε1in such gloryAlternate translation: “in so much glory that”
1312CO38xxn6figs-rquestionπῶς οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος ἔσται ἐν δόξῃ?1Will the ministry of the Spirit not be with much more glory?Paul uses this question to emphasize that the **ministry of the Spirit** does must be more glorious than “the ministry of death” because it leads to life. Alternate translation: “So the service that the Spirit does must be even more glorious!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1322CO38wq1vfigs-explicitἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος1the ministry of the SpiritHere, **the ministry of the Spirit** refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: “the ministry that gives life because it is based on the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1332CO39k779figs-explicitτῇ διακονίᾳ τῆς κατακρίσεως1the ministry of condemnationHere, **the ministry of condemnation** refers to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: “the ministry that condemns people because it is based on the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1342CO39if33figs-exclamationsπολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ1how much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory!Here the phrase **much more** marks this phrase as an exclamation, not as a question. Alternate translation: “then the service of righteousness must abound in so much more glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
1352CO39e5zzfigs-metaphorπολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ.1the ministry of righteousness abound in gloryPaul speaks of **the ministry of righteousness** as if it were an object that could produce or multiply another object. He means that this ministry is far more glorious than the law, which also had **glory**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1362CO39ufq6figs-explicitἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης1the ministry of righteousnessHere, **the ministry of righteousness** refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: “the ministry that makes people righteous because it is based on the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1372CO310n4peκαὶ γὰρ οὐ δεδόξασται, τὸ δεδοξασμένον…εἵνεκεν τῆς ὑπερβαλλούσης δόξης1that which was once made glorious is no longer glorious … because of the glory that exceeds itThe Old Testament law no longer appears **glorious** when compared with the new covenant, which is much more glorious.
1382CO310t2dqfigs-activepassiveτὸ δεδοξασμένον1that which was once made gloriousIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the law which God once made glorious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1392CO310d7k5ἐν τούτῳ τῷ μέρει1in this respectAlternate translation: “in this way”
1402CO311zwb2figs-metaphorτὸ καταργούμενον1that which was fading awayThis refers to “the ministry of condemnation,” which Paul speaks of as if it were an object capable of disappearing. Alternate translation: “that which was becoming useless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1412CO312tnc1ἔχοντες οὖν τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα1Since we have such a hopeThe word **Therefore** refers to what Paul has just said. His **hope** comes from knowing that the new covenant has an eternal glory.
1422CO312u5qaτοιαύτην ἐλπίδα1such a hopeAlternate translation: “such confidence”
1432CO313p5u2figs-explicitτὸ τέλος τοῦ καταργουμένου1the end of that which was fading awayThe refers to the glory that shined on Moses face. Alternate translation: “the glory on Moses face as it faded away completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1442CO314zvf5figs-metaphorἀλλὰ ἐπωρώθη τὰ νοήματα αὐτῶν1But their minds were hardenedPaul speaks of the **minds** of the Israelite people as objects that could be closed or made hard. This expression means that they were unable to understand what they saw. Alternate translation: “But the Israelites could not understand what they saw” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1452CO314zm7jἄχρι γὰρ τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας1For until this present dayHere, **the present day** refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.
1462CO314w68pfigs-metaphorτὸ αὐτὸ κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης μένει1when they read the old covenant, that same veil remainsJust as the Israelites could not see the glory on Moses face because he covered his face with a **veil**, there is a spiritual veil that prevents people from understanding when they read the **old covenant**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1472CO314gg2dἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης1when they read the old covenantAlternate translation: “when they hear someone read the old covenant”
1482CO314gl8lfigs-activepassiveμὴ ἀνακαλυπτόμενον, ὅτι ἐν Χριστῷ καταργεῖται1It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken awayHere, **it** refers to “the same veil.” If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one removes the veil, because only in Christ does God remove it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1492CO315rjh5ἀλλ’ ἕως σήμερον1But even todayHere the word **today** refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.
1502CO315t3dlfigs-metonymyἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς1whenever Moses is readHere the word **Moses** refers to the Old Testament law that Moses wrote down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1512CO315ip29figs-activepassiveἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς1If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whenever someone reads the Mosaic law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1522CO315gwp9figs-metonymyκάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται1a veil lies over their heartHere the word **heart** represents what people think. Alternate translation: “a veil prevents them from understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1532CO315bb5ufigs-metaphorκάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται1Here the people being unable to understand the old covenant is spoken of as if they have **a veil** that covers **their heart** the way a physical veil would cover their eyes. Alternate translation: “they are unable to understand what they are hearing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1542CO316k2drfigs-metaphorἡνίκα…ἐὰν ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς Κύριον1whenever a person turns to the LordHere, **turn to** is a metaphor that means to become loyal to someone. Alternate translation: “when a person starts to worship the Lord” or “when a person starts to trust in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1552CO316w1y2figs-activepassiveπεριαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα1the veil is taken awayGod gives them the ability to understand. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God lifts the veil away” or “God gives them the ability to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1562CO318r6rxfigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς δὲ πάντες1Now we allHere the word **we** refers to all believers, including Paul and the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1572CO318l3xwfigs-metaphorἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ προσώπῳ, τὴν δόξαν Κυρίου κατοπτριζόμενοι1with unveiled faces, see as a reflection the glory of the LordUnlike the Israelites who could not see Gods glory reflected on Moses face because he had covered it with a veil, there is nothing to prevent believers from seeing and understanding Gods **glory**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1582CO318rc9xfigs-activepassiveτὴν αὐτὴν εἰκόνα μεταμορφούμεθα1are being transformed into the same imageThe Spirit is changing believers to be glorious like Jesus. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The Lord is transforming us into his same glorious likeness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1592CO318bx5bἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν1from glory to glory“from one amount of glory to another amount of glory.” This means that the Spirit is constantly increasing the **glory** of believers.
1602CO318mw3vκαθάπερ ἀπὸ Κυρίου1just as from the LordAlternate translation: “just as this comes from the Lord”
1612CO4introrx1c0# 2 Corinthians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter begins with the word “therefore.” This connects it to what the previous chapter teaches. How these chapters are divided may be confusing to the reader.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Ministry<br><br>Paul ministers to people by telling them about Christ. He does not try to trick people into believing. If they do not understand the gospel, it is because the problem is ultimately spiritual. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Light and darkness<br><br>The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>### Life and death<br><br>Paul does not refer here to physical life and death. Life represents the new life a Christian has in Jesus. Death represents the old way of living before believing in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/life]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Hope<br><br>Paul uses a repeated pattern in a purposeful way. He makes a statement. Then he denies a seemingly opposite or contradictory statement or gives an exception. Together these give the reader hope in difficult circumstances. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hope]])
1622CO41lyi40Connecting Statement:Paul writes that he is honest in his ministry by preaching Christ, not praising himself. He shows the death and the life of Jesus in how he lives so that life can work in the Corinthian believers.
1632CO41ix7nfigs-exclusiveἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν1having this ministryBoth occurrences of the word **we** refers to Paul and his coworker, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1642CO41h1udfigs-explicitκαθὼς ἠλεήθημεν1and just as we have received mercyThis phrase explains how Paul and his coworkers have “this ministry.” It is a gift that God has given to them through his **mercy**. Alternate translation: “because God has shown us mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1652CO42yp4gἀπειπάμεθα τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης1we have rejected the shameful hidden thingsThis means that Paul and his coworkers refused to do “secret and shameful” things. It does not mean that they had done these things in the past.
1662CO42z4c2figs-hendiadysτὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης1the shameful hidden thingsThe word **hidden** describes the things that people do secretly. Things that are **shameful** should cause people who do them to feel ashamed. Alternate translation: “the things that people do secretly because they cause shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1672CO42ey75περιπατοῦντες ἐν πανουργίᾳ1walking in craftinessAlternate translation: “living by deception”
1682CO42gp3gfigs-metonymyμηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1not distorting the word of GodHere, **word of God** is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “we do not mishandle Gods message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1692CO42lzn0figs-doublenegativesμηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1This phrase uses two negative thoughts to express a positive thought. Alternate translation: “we use the word of God correctly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1702CO42aj24συνιστάνοντες ἑαυτοὺς πρὸς πᾶσαν συνείδησιν ἀνθρώπων1commending ourselves to every persons conscienceThis means that they provide enough evidence for each person who hears them to decide whether they are right or wrong.
1712CO42f6n1figs-metaphorἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1before GodHere, **before God** refers to Gods presence. Gods understanding and approval of Pauls truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. Alternate translation: “with God as witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1722CO43mti5figs-metaphorεἰ δὲ καὶ ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν, ἐν τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον1But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishingThis refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 3:14](../03/14.md). There Paul explained that there is a spiritual **veil** that prevents people from understanding when they read the old covenant. In the same way, people are not able to understand the **gospel**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1732CO43hz2ffigs-activepassiveεἰ…ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν…ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον1if our gospel is veiled, it is veiledIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if a veil covers our gospel, that veil covers it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1742CO43e5yuτὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν1our gospelAlternate translation: “the gospel that we preach”
1752CO44r6pzfigs-metaphorὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου ἐτύφλωσεν τὰ νοήματα τῶν ἀπίστων1the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievingPaul speaks of the **minds** of unbelievers as if they had eyes, and their inability to understand as their minds being unable to see. Alternate translation: “the god of this world has prevented unbelievers from understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1762CO44tx9hὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου1the god of this world“the god who rules this world.” This phrase refers to Satan.
1772CO44z4ypfigs-metaphorμὴ αὐγάσαι τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ1they do not see the light of the gospel of the glory of ChristAs the Israelites could not see Gods **glory** that shined on Moses face because he covered it with a veil ([2 Corinthians 3:13](../03/13.md)), unbelievers are not able to see Christs glory that shines in **the gospel**. This means that they are unable to understand “the gospel of the glory of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1782CO44j1vzτὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1the light of the gospelAlternate translation: “the light that comes from the gospel”
1792CO44rdj3τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ1the gospel of the glory of ChristAlternate translation: “the gospel about the Christs glory”
1802CO45ddw1figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν Κύριον, ἑαυτοὺς δὲ δούλους ὑμῶν1but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servantsYou can supply the verb for these phrases. Alternate translation: “but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and we proclaim ourselves as your servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1812CO45t8duδιὰ Ἰησοῦν1for Jesus sakeAlternate translation: “because of Jesus”
1822CO46rw5zἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψει1Light will shine out of darknessWith this sentence, Paul refers to God creating **light**, as described in the book of Genesis.
1832CO46d5x7figs-metaphorὃς ἔλαμψεν…πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ1He has shone … to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GodHere, the illumination from the light represents the ability to understand. Just as God created light, he also creates understanding for believers. Alternate translation: “the one who caused light to shine … to enable us to understand the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1842CO46bj1jfigs-metonymyἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν1in our heartsHere the word **hearts** refers to the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “in our minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1852CO46mpg9πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ1the light of the knowledge of the glory of GodAlternate translation: “to show us the knowledge of the glory of God”
1862CO46p736figs-metaphorτῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1the glory of God in the face of Jesus ChristJust as Gods **glory** shone upon Moses face ([2 Corinthians 3:7](../03/07.md)), it also shines upon **the face of Jesus**. This means that when Paul preaches the gospel, people are able to see and understand the message about Gods glory. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1872CO47xe5ifigs-exclusiveἔχομεν δὲ1But we haveHere the word **we** refers to Paul and his coworkers, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1882CO47xx2cfigs-metaphorἔχομεν…τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν1we have this treasure in jars of clayPaul speaks of the gospel as if it were a** treasure** and their bodies as if they were breakable **jars** made out of **clay**. This emphasizes that they are of little value compared to the worth of the gospel that they preach. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1892CO48ga9zfigs-activepassiveἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι1We are afflicted in every wayIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “People afflict us in every way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1902CO49bz8mfigs-activepassiveδιωκόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐνκαταλειπόμενοι1We are persecuted but not forsakenIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people persecute us but God does not forsake us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1912CO49uvq1figs-activepassiveκαταβαλλόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι1We are struck down but not destroyedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people strike us down but do not destroy us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1922CO410zt4bfigs-metaphorπάντοτε τὴν νέκρωσιν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι περιφέροντες1We always carry in our body the death of JesusPaul speaks of his sufferings as if they are an experience of **the death of Jesus**. Alternate translation: “we are often in danger of dying, as Jesus died” or “we always suffer in such a way that we experience the death of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1932CO410l6f6καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ1the life of Jesus also may be shown in our bodiesThis could mean: (1) our bodies will live again, because **Jesus** is alive. (2) the spiritual **life** that **Jesus** gives also may be shown in our bodies.
1942CO410w3jcfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ1the life of Jesus also may be shown in our bodiesIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “other people may also see the life of Jesus in our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1952CO411ht74figs-metaphorἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς, οἱ ζῶντες, εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν1For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for the sake of JesusHere, **being handed over to death** represents being in danger of dying because of being loyal to Jesus. Alternate translation: “for those of us who are alive, God is always leading us to face death because we are joined to Jesus” or “for people are always causing us who are alive to be in danger of dying because we are joined to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1962CO411d1wmἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν1so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our mortal fleshGod wants Jesus **life** to **be shown** in us. This could mean: (1) our bodies will live again, because Jesus is alive. (2) the spiritual life that Jesus gives also may be shown in our bodies. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Corinthians 4:10](../04/10.md).
1972CO411ww5rfigs-activepassiveἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν1so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our mortal fleshIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Corinthians 4:10](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “so other people may see the life of Jesus in our body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1982CO412q3ilfigs-personificationὁ θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν1death is at work in us, but life is at work in youPaul speaks of **death** and **life** as if they are persons who can **work**. This means that they are always in danger of physical death so that the Corinthians can have spiritual life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1992CO413ret6τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως1the same spirit of faithHere the word **spirit** refers a persons attitude and temperament. Alternate translation: “the same attitude of faith”
2002CO413gzf4figs-activepassiveκατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον1according to that which was writtenIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as the one who wrote these words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2012CO413il5hἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα1I believed, and so I spokeThis is a quote from the Psalms.
2022CO414t2i8figs-idiomὁ ἐγείρας τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ…ἐγερεῖ1that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will … raiseHere to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “the one who caused the Lord Jesus to live again will also raise” or “God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2032CO415v7sjτὰ γὰρ πάντα δι’ ὑμᾶς1For all these things are for your sakeHere, **all these things** refers to all of the sufferings that Paul has described in previous verses.
2042CO415l1mufigs-activepassiveἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων1the grace that is abounding to more and more peopleIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as God spreads his grace to many more people, it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2052CO415u8ppfigs-metaphorτὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ1thanksgiving may increasePaul speaks of **thanksgiving** as if it were an object that could become larger by itself. Alternate translation: “more and more people may give thanks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2062CO416u6e50Connecting Statement:Paul writes that the Corinthian difficulties are minor and do not last long when compared to the unseen eternal things.
2072CO416cb92figs-doublenegativesδιὸ οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν1So we do not become discouragedYou can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “So we remain confident” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2082CO416hhv6figs-explicitὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος διαφθείρεται1outwardly we are wasting awayThis refers to their physical bodies decaying and dying. Alternate translation: “our physical bodies are getting weak and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2092CO416s9b2figs-explicitὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ1inwardly we are being renewed day by dayThis refers to their inward, spiritual lives getting stronger. Alternate translation: “our spiritual beings are being strengthened day by day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2102CO416zct5figs-activepassiveὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ1inwardly we are being renewed day by dayIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God is renewing our inward being more each day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2112CO417pd63figs-metaphorτὸ γὰρ παραυτίκα ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως ἡμῶν…αἰώνιον βάρος δόξης, κατεργάζεται ἡμῖν1this momentary, light affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of gloryPaul speaks of his sufferings and the **glory** that God will give him as if they were objects that can be weighed. The glory far outweighs the suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2122CO417na9yfigs-metaphorκαθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν1that exceeds all measurementThe glory that Paul will experience is so heavy that no one can measure it. Alternate translation: “that cannot be measured” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2132CO417d9refigs-activepassiveκαθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν1If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that no one can measure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2142CO418t2fpfigs-activepassiveτὰ βλεπόμενα, ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα1things that are seen … things that are unseenIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “things that we can see, but not the things that we cannot see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2152CO418f97xfigs-ellipsisἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα1but for things that are unseenYou can supply the verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: “but we are watching for things that are unseen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2162CO5intros14p0# 2 Corinthians 5 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### New bodies in heaven<br><br>Paul knows that when he dies he will receive a much better body. Because of this, he is not afraid of being killed for preaching the gospel. So he tells others that they too can be reconciled to God. Christ will take away their sin and give them his righteousness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>### New creation<br><br>The old and new creation probably refers to how Paul illustrates the old and new self. These concepts are also the same as the old and new man. The term “old” probably does not refer to the sinful nature with which a person is born. It refers to the old way of living or the Christian formerly being bound to sin. The “new creation” is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Home<br><br>The Christians home is no longer in the world. A Christians real home is in heaven. By using this metaphor, Paul emphasizes that the Christians circumstances in this world are temporary. It gives hope to those who are suffering. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hope]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “The message of reconciliation”<br><br>This refers to the gospel. Paul calls for people who are hostile to God to repent and be reconciled to him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]])
2172CO51p7b70Connecting Statement:Paul continues by contrasting believers earthly bodies to the heavenly ones God will give.
2182CO51z4vsfigs-metaphorἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ, οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἔχομεν1if the earthly dwelling that we live in is destroyed, we have a building from GodHere a temporary **earthly dwelling** is a metaphor for a persons physical body. Here a permanent “building from God” is a metaphor for the new body that God will give believers after they die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2192CO51zy2kfigs-activepassiveἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ1if the earthly dwelling that we live in is destroyedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if people destroy the earthly dwelling that we live in” or “if people kill our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2202CO51bqi5figs-synecdocheοἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1It is a house not made by human handsHere, **house** means the same thing as “building from God.” Here, **hands** is a synecdoche that represents the human as a whole. Alternate translation: “It is a house in heaven, not made by humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
2212CO51bbvrfigs-activepassiveοἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “It is a house in heaven that humans did not make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2222CO52tc2jἐν τούτῳ στενάζομεν1in this tent we groanHere, **this** means the same thing as “the earthly dwelling that we live in.” The word **groan** is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good.
2232CO52ss6gfigs-metaphorτὸ οἰκητήριον ἡμῶν τὸ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐπενδύσασθαι ἐπιποθοῦντες1longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwellingThe words **our dwelling that is from heaven** means the same thing as “a building from God.” Paul speaks of the new body that believers receive after they die as if it were both a building and a piece of clothing that a person can put on. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2242CO53i4esἐνδυσάμενοι1we have put it onAlternate translation: “by putting on our heavenly dwelling”
2252CO53ap7vfigs-activepassiveοὐ γυμνοὶ εὑρεθησόμεθα1we will not be found to be nakedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “we will not be naked” or “God will not find us naked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2262CO54bz6kfigs-metaphorοἱ ὄντες ἐν τῷ σκήνει1while we are in this tentPaul speaks of the physical body as if it were a **tent**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2272CO54e34bἐν τῷ σκήνει, στενάζομεν1in this tent, we groanThe word **tent** refers to “the earthly dwelling that we live in.” The word **groan** is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 5:2](../05/02.md).
2282CO54cjt4figs-metaphorβαρούμενοι1being burdenedPaul refers to the difficulties that the physical body experiences as if they were heavy objects that are difficult to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2292CO54f8rbfigs-metaphorοὐ θέλομεν ἐκδύσασθαι…ἐπενδύσασθαι1We do not want to be unclothed … we want to be clothedPaul speaks of the body as if it were clothing for our spirit. Here, **to be unclothed** refers to the death of the physical body; “to be clothed” refers to having the resurrection body that God will give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2302CO54n78pἐκδύσασθαι1to be unclothedAlternate translation: “to be without clothes” or “to be naked”
2312CO54de2bfigs-metaphorἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς1so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by lifePaul speaks of **life** as if it were an animal that eats **the mortal**. The physical body that will die will be replaced by a resurrection body that will live forever. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2322CO54e5zifigs-activepassiveἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς1so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by lifeIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that life may swallow up what is mortal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2332CO55g7yjfigs-metaphorὁ δοὺς ἡμῖν τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος1who gave us the Spirit as the down paymentThe **Spirit** is spoken of as if he were a partial **down payment** toward eternal life. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 1:22](../01/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2342CO56clh50Connecting Statement:Because believers will have a new body and have the Holy Spirit as a pledge, Paul reminds them to live by faith that they may please the Lord. He continues by reminding them to persuade others because: (1) Believers will appear at the judgment seat of Christ. (2) Christ who died for believers in love.
2352CO56xv3mfigs-metaphorἐνδημοῦντες ἐν τῷ σώματι1being at home in the bodyPaul speaks of the physical **body** as if it were a place where a person dwells. Alternate translation: “while we are living in this earthly body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2362CO56ebl4ἐκδημοῦμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου1we are away from the LordAlternate translation: “we are not at home with the Lord” or “we are not in heaven with the Lord”
2372CO57rfn4figs-metaphorδιὰ πίστεως…περιπατοῦμεν, οὐ διὰ εἴδους1we walk by faith, not by sightHere, **walk** is a metaphor for “live” or “behave.” Alternate translation: “we live according to faith, not according to what we see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2382CO58a6auεὐδοκοῦμεν, μᾶλλον ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ τοῦ σώματος1we would rather be away from the bodyHere the word **body** refers to the physical body.
2392CO58i3m3ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν Κύριον1at home with the LordAlternate translation: “at home with the Lord in heaven”
2402CO59ml5jfigs-ellipsisεἴτε ἐνδημοῦντες εἴτε ἐκδημοῦντες1whether we are at home or awayThe phrases “with the Lord” and “from the Lord” may be supplied from the previous verses. Alternate translation: “whether we are at home with the Lord or away from the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2412CO59j1slεὐάρεστοι αὐτῷ εἶναι1to be pleasing to himAlternate translation: “to please the Lord”
2422CO510kdf2ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ βήματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ1before the judgment seat of ChristAlternate translation: “before Christ to be judged”
2432CO510c499κομίσηται ἕκαστος1each one may receive back the things done inAlternate translation: “each person may receive what he deserves for”
2442CO510v8slfigs-activepassiveτὰ διὰ τοῦ σώματος1the things done in the bodyIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the things he has done in the physical body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2452CO510lsh8εἴτε ἀγαθὸν εἴτε κακὸν1whether for good or for badAlternate translation: “whether those things were good or bad”
2462CO511dzh5εἰδότες…τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου1knowing the fear of the LordAlternate translation: “knowing what it means to fear the Lord”
2472CO511qm34figs-explicitἀνθρώπους πείθομεν1we persuade peopleThis could mean: (1) **we persuade** people of the truth of the gospel. (2) **we persuade** people that we are legitimate apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2482CO511v11vfigs-activepassiveΘεῷ…πεφανερώμεθα1What we are is clearly seen by GodIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God clearly sees what kind of people we are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2492CO511y5l1καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι1that it is also clear to your conscienceAlternate translation: “that you are also convinced of it”
2502CO512mza1ἵνα ἔχητε1so you may have an answerAlternate translation: “so you may have something to say to”
2512CO512it2rfigs-metonymyτοὺς ἐν προσώπῳ καυχωμένους, καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ1those who boast about appearances but not about what is in the heartHere the word **face** refers to outward expressions of things like ability and status. The word **heart** refers to the inward character of a person. Alternate translation: “those who praise their own actions, but do not care about what they really are in their inner being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2522CO513cy57figs-idiomεἴτε…ἐξέστημεν…εἴτε σωφρονοῦμεν1if we are out of our minds … if we are in our right mindsPaul is speaking about the way others think of him and his coworkers. Alternate translation: “if people think we are crazy … if people think we are sane” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2532CO514azi9ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ1the love of ChristThis could refer to: (1) our **love** for **Christ**. (2) Christs **love** for us.
2542CO514nd9gὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν1died for allAlternate translation: “died for all people”
2552CO515h831τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι1him who for their sake died and was raisedAlternate translation: “for him who for their sake died and whom God caused to live again” or “for Christ, who died for their sake and whom God raised”
2562CO515ri6fτῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι1for themHere, **for the one** could refer: (1) only to **who died**. (2) to both **who died** and **was raised**.
2572CO516f2ww0Connecting Statement:Because of Christs love and death, we are not to judge by human standards. We are appointed to teach others how to be united with and have peace with God through Christs death and receive Gods righteousness through Christ.
2582CO516ic21ὥστε1For this reasonHere, **Therefore** refers to what Paul has just said about living for Christ instead of living for self.
2592CO517tl3hfigs-metaphorκαινὴ κτίσις1he is a new creationPaul speaks of the person who believes in Christ as if God had created **a new** person. Alternate translation: “he is a new person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2602CO517ue8fτὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν1The old things have passed awayHere, **The old things** refers to the things that characterized a person before they trusted in Christ.
2612CO517vpe3ἰδοὺ1SeeThe word **Behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
2622CO518jyf7τὰ…πάντα1All these thingsHere, **all these things** refers to what Paul has just said in the previous verse about new things replacing old things.
2632CO518lj2hfigs-abstractnounsτὴν διακονίαν τῆς καταλλαγῆς1the ministry of reconciliationYou can translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the ministry of reconciling people to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2642CO519w1d1figs-metonymyἦν ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ1in Christ God is reconciling the world to himselfHere, **the world** refers to the people in the world. Alternate translation: “in Christ, God was reconciling mankind to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2652CO519b62qθέμενος ἐν ἡμῖν τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς1He is entrusting to us the message of reconciliationGod has given Paul the responsibility to spread the message that God is reconciling people to himself.
2662CO519ix97τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς1the message of reconciliationAlternate translation: “the message about reconciliation”
2672CO520wg8ffigs-activepassiveὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν1Therefore, we are ambassadors for ChristIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has appointed us as Christs representatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2682CO520q9u9ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ…πρεσβεύομεν1representatives of ChristAlternate translation: “we are those who speak for Christ”
2692CO520a6fxfigs-activepassiveκαταλλάγητε τῷ Θεῷ1Be reconciled to GodIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Let God reconcile you to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2702CO521jp2aτὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησεν1The one who did not know sin, he made sin for usAlternate translation: “God made Christ become the sacrifice for our sin”
2712CO521hz6zfigs-exclusiveἡμῶν…ἡμεῖς1us … weHere the words **us** and **we** are inclusive and refer to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2722CO521ebz2τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν1The one who did not know sinAlternate translation: “Christ, the one who never sinned”
2732CO521kmt9figs-explicitἵνα ἡμεῖς γενώμεθα δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ1so that we might become the righteousness of God in himThe phrase **the righteousness of God** refers to the righteousness that God requires and which comes from God. Alternate translation: “so that we might have Gods righteousness in us through Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2742CO6introf5qu0# 2 Corinthians 6 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 2 and 16-18, which are words from the Old Testament.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Servants<br><br>Paul refers to Christians as servants of God. God calls Christians to serve him in all circumstances. Paul describes some of the difficult circumstances in which he and his companions served God.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Contrasts<br><br>Paul uses four pairs of contrasts: righteousness versus lawlessness, light versus darkness, Christ versus Satan, and the temple of God versus idols. These contrasts show a difference between Christians and non-Christians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/darkness]])<br><br>### Light and darkness<br><br>The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions to teach his readers. All of these questions make essentially the same point: Christians should not intimately fellowship with those who live in sin. Paul repeats these questions for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### We<br><br>Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
2752CO61in530General Information:In verse 2, Paul quotes a portion from the prophet Isaiah.
2762CO61kf1d0Connecting Statement:Paul summarizes how working together for God is supposed to be.
2772CO61tbr6figs-explicitσυνεργοῦντες1Working togetherPaul is implying that he and Timothy are working with God. Alternate translation: “working together with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2782CO61s8dbfigs-doublenegativesκαὶ, παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς1we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vainPaul pleads with the Corinthians to allow the **grace of God** to be effective in their lives. You can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “we beg you to make use of the grace that you have received from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
2792CO62u9kcfigs-explicitλέγει γάρ1For he saysThis introduces a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. Alternate translation: “for God says in scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2802CO62sa94ἰδοὺ1LookThe word **Behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
2812CO63v3wcfigs-metaphorμηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν1We do not place a stumbling block in front of anyonePaul speaks of anything that would prevent a person from trusting in Christ as if it were a physical object over which that person trips and falls. Alternate translation: “we do not want to do anything that will prevent people from believing our message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2822CO63he3cfigs-activepassiveμὴ μωμηθῇ ἡ διακονία1our ministry might notThe word **discredited** refers to people speaking badly about Pauls ministry, and working against the message he proclaims. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no oner will be able to speak badly about our ministry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2832CO64xd9lfigs-exclusive0General Information:When Paul uses **we** here, he is referring to himself and Timothy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
2842CO64p9upἐν παντὶ συνιστάντες ἑαυτοὺς ὡς Θεοῦ διάκονοι1we commend ourselves in everything as Gods servantsAlternate translation: “we prove that we are Gods servants by all that we do”
2852CO64xyf9Θεοῦ διάκονοι: ἐν ὑπομονῇ πολλῇ, ἐν θλίψεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν στενοχωρίαις1Gods servants; in much endurance, affliction, distress, hardshipPaul mentions various difficult situations in which they proved that they are **Gods servants**.
2862CO65it8gἐν πληγαῖς, ἐν φυλακαῖς, ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις, ἐν κόποις, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις, ἐν νηστείαις1beatings, imprisonments, riots, in hard work, in sleepless nights, in hungerPaul continues to mention various difficult situations in which they proved that they are Gods servants.
2872CO66w84cἐν ἁγνότητι…ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ1in purity … in genuine lovePaul lists several moral virtues that they maintained in difficult situations that proved that they are Gods servants.
2882CO67b6amἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας, ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ1in the word of truth, in the power of GodTheir dedication to preach the gospel **in the power of God** proves that they are Gods servants.
2892CO67dui6ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας1in the word of truthAlternate translation: “by speaking Gods message about truth” or “by speaking Gods true message”
2902CO67p5l5ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ1in the power of GodAlternate translation: “by showing Gods power to people”
2912CO67ven8figs-metaphorδιὰ τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν1through the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the leftPaul speaks of their **righteousness** as if it is **weapons** that they use to fight spiritual battles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2922CO67ef5bτῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης1the weapons of righteousnessAlternate translation: “righteousness as our armor” or “righteousness as our weapons”
2932CO67ijr2τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν1for the right hand and for the leftThis could mean: (1) there is a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other. (2) they are completely equipped for battle, able to fend off attacks from any direction.
2942CO68zi7dfigs-merism0General Information:Paul lists several extremes of how people think about him and his ministry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
2952CO68e4pffigs-activepassiveὡς πλάνοι1as impostersIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people accuse us of being deceitful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2962CO69fcb5figs-activepassiveὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι1as if we were unknown and we are still well knownIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as if people did not know us and yet people still know us well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2972CO69r1d9figs-activepassiveὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι1as being punished, and yet not being killedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “we work as if people are punishing us for our actions but not as if they have condemned us to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2982CO611vh9v0Connecting Statement:Paul encourages the believers at Corinth to be separated from idols and live clean lives for God.
2992CO611v74jτὸ στόμα ἡμῶν ἀνέῳγεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς1Our mouth has been opened to youAlternate translation: “We have spoken honestly to you”
3002CO611mv85figs-metaphorἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται1our heart is opened widePaul speaks of his great affection for the Corinthians as having a **heart** that is open. Alternate translation: “we love you very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3012CO611r815figs-metonymyἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται1Here, **heart** is a metonym for a persons emotions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3022CO612m2kqfigs-metaphorοὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν1Paul speaks of the Corinthians lack of love for him as if their **inward parts** were squeezed into a tight space. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3032CO612u4fzfigs-activepassiveοὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν1You are not restrained by usIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “We have not restrained you” or “We have not given you any reason to stop loving us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3042CO612xv9tfigs-metonymyστενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν1You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your affectionsHere, **inward parts** is a metonym for a persons emotions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3052CO612ecn4figs-activepassiveστενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν1you are restrained in your affectionsIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but your own hearts are restraining you” or “but you have stopped loving us for your own reasons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3062CO613c6vpfigs-metaphorπλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς1open yourselves wide alsoPaul urges the Corinthians to love him as he has loved them. Alternate translation: “love us back” or “love us much as we have loved you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3072CO614wj410General Information:In verse 16, Paul paraphrases portions from several Old Testament prophets: Moses, Zechariah, Amos, and possibly others.
3082CO614v7kkfigs-doublenegativesμὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες ἀπίστοις1Do not be yoked together with unbelieversYou can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “Only be tied together with believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
3092CO614qd33figs-metaphorμὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες1be yoked together withPaul speaks of working together toward a common purpose as if it were two animals tied together to pull a plow or cart. Alternate translation: “Do not team up” or “Do not have a close relationship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3102CO614v7pwfigs-rquestionτίς γὰρ μετοχὴ δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἀνομίᾳ1For what association does righteousness have with lawlessness?This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “For righteousness can have no association with lawlessness.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3112CO614xr52figs-rquestionἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος?1For what fellowship does light have with darkness?Paul asks this question to emphasize that **light** and **darkness** cannot coexist since light dispels darkness. Alternate translation: “And light can have no fellowship with darkness!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3122CO614h9ksfigs-metaphorἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος?1The words **light** and **darkness** refer to the moral and spiritual qualities of believers and unbelievers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3132CO615r1vqfigs-rquestionτίς δὲ συμφώνησις Χριστοῦ πρὸς Βελιάρ1What agreement can Christ have with Beliar?This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “There is no agreement between Christ and Beliar!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3142CO615rm3rtranslate-namesΒελιάρ1Beliar**Beliar** is another name for the devil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
3152CO615z9ivfigs-rquestionἢ τίς μερὶς πιστῷ μετὰ ἀπίστου?1Or what share does a believer have together with an unbeliever?This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “And a believer shares nothing in common with an unbeliever!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3162CO616y99xfigs-rquestionτίς δὲ συνκατάθεσις ναῷ Θεοῦ μετὰ εἰδώλων?1And what agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: “And there is no agreement between the temple of God and idols!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3172CO616s3l8figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος1we are the temple of the living GodHere, **we** refers not only to Paul and his associates, but includes all Christians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3182CO616aqqlfigs-metaphorἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος1Paul speaks of Christians as forming a **temple** for **God** to dwell in. Alternate translation: “we are like the temple where the living God dwells” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3192CO616u5g3figs-parallelismἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω1I will dwell among them and walk among them.This is an Old Testament quotation that speaks of God being with the people in two different ways that mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3202CO616g0nlfigs-metaphorἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω1The words **dwell among** speak of living where others live, while the words **walk among** speak of being with them as they go about their lives. Alternate translation: “I will be with them and help them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3212CO617fe1z0General Information:Paul quotes portions from the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah and Ezekiel.
3222CO617z5ldfigs-activepassiveἀφορίσθητε1be separateIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “set yourselves apart” or “allow me to set you apart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3232CO617c8jqfigs-doublenegativesἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε1Touch no unclean thingYou can state this in positive terms. Alternate translation: “touch only things that are clean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
3242CO7introhg360# 2 Corinthians 7 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>In verses 2-4, Paul finishes his defense. He then writes about Titus return and the comfort it brought.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Clean and unclean<br><br>Christians are “clean” in the sense that God has cleansed them from sin. They do not need to be concerned with being clean according to the law of Moses. Ungodly living can still make a Christian unclean. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/clean]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>### Sadness and sorrow<br><br>The words “sad” and “sorrow” in this chapter indicate that the Corinthians were upset to the point of repenting. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### We<br><br>Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.<br><br>### Original situation<br><br>This chapter discusses in detail a previous situation. We can figure out some aspects of this situation from the information in this chapter. But it is best not to include this type of implicit information in a translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3252CO71e7t90Connecting Statement:Paul continues to remind them to be separated from sin and to seek holiness purposefully.
3262CO71h5xvἀγαπητοί1BelovedAlternate translation: “you whom I love” or “dear friends”
3272CO71fv49καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς1let us cleanse ourselvesHere Paul is saying to stay away from any form of sin that would affect ones relationship with God.
3282CO71c2xfἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην1perfecting holinessAlternate translation: “striving to be holy”
3292CO71pt41ἐν φόβῳ Θεοῦ1in the fear of GodAlternate translation: “out of deep respect for God”
3302CO72v4nu0Connecting Statement:Having already warned the people of Corinth about other leaders who were striving to get these Corinthian believers to follow them, Paul reminds the people of the way he feels about them.
3312CO72x3lgfigs-explicitχωρήσατε ἡμᾶς1Make room for usThis refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 6:11](../06/11.md) about them opening their hearts to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3322CO72c2yzfigs-metaphorχωρήσατε ἡμᾶς1Paul speaks of the Corinthians loving him as if they were opening their hearts to him. Alternate translation: “Make room for us in your hearts” or “Love us and accept us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3332CO73bhb7πρὸς κατάκρισιν οὐ λέγω1I do not speak for your condemnationHere, Paul refers back to what he has just said about not having wronged anyone. Alternate translation: “I do not say this to accuse you of having done wrong.”
3342CO73fay3figs-metaphorἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν ἐστε1you are in our heartsPaul speaks of his and his associates great love for the Corinthians as if they held them in their hearts. Alternate translation: “you are very dear to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3352CO73xzg3figs-idiomεἰς τὸ συναποθανεῖν καὶ συνζῆν1for us to die together and to live togetherThis means that Paul and his associates will continue to love the Corinthians no matter what happens. Alternate translation: “whether we live or whether we die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3362CO74mh12figs-activepassiveπεπλήρωμαι τῇ παρακλήσει1I am filled with encouragementIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “You fill me with comfort” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3372CO74mx9bfigs-metaphorὑπερπερισσεύομαι τῇ χαρᾷ1I overflow with joyPaul speaks of **joy** as if it is a liquid that fills him until he overflows. Alternate translation: “I am extremely joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3382CO74mr75ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν1even in all our afflictionsAlternate translation: “despite all our hardships”
3392CO75f3c5figs-exclusiveἐλθόντων ἡμῶν εἰς Μακεδονίαν1When we came to MacedoniaHere the word **we** refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Corinthians or Titus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
3402CO75c8jufigs-synecdocheοὐδεμίαν ἔσχηκεν ἄνεσιν ἡ σὰρξ ἡμῶν1our flesh had no restHere, **our flesh** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “we had no rest” or “we were very tired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3412CO75h3cvfigs-activepassiveἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι1we were troubled in every wayIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “we experienced every kind of trouble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3422CO75i4wrfigs-explicitἔξωθεν μάχαι, ἔσωθεν φόβοι1by conflicts on the outside and fears on the insideHere, **without** could mean: (1) “outside of our bodies.” (2) “outside of the church.” The word **within** refers to their inward emotions. Alternate translation: “by conflicts with other people and by fears within ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3432CO77w7tdfigs-explicitἐν τῇ παρακλήσει ᾗ παρεκλήθη ἐφ’ ὑμῖν1by the comfort that Titus had received from youPaul received **comfort** from knowing that the Corinthians had **comforted** Titus. Alternate translation: “by learning about the comfort that Titus had received from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3442CO78b2xj0General Information:This refers to Pauls previous letter to these Corinthian believers where he rebuked them for their acceptance of a believers sexual immorality with his fathers wife.
3452CO78jic50Connecting Statement:Paul praises them for their godly sorrow, their zeal to do right, and the joy that it brought him and Titus.
3462CO78vk7mβλέπω ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη1when I saw that my letterAlternate translation: “when I learned that my letter”
3472CO79kn5qfigs-activepassiveοὐχ ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε1not because you were distressedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “not because what I said in my letter distressed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3482CO79l6d2figs-idiomἐν μηδενὶ ζημιωθῆτε ἐξ ἡμῶν1you would not suffer loss in anything through usThis means that although the letter caused them sorrow, they eventually benefited from the letter because it led them to repentance. Alternate translation: “so that we did not harm you in any way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3492CO710dtm3figs-ellipsisἡ γὰρ κατὰ Θεὸν λύπη, μετάνοιαν εἰς σωτηρίαν…ἐργάζεται1For the sorrow that God intends produces repentance that leads to salvationThe word **repentance** may be repeated to clarify its relationship to what precedes it and what follows it. Alternate translation: “For godly sorrow produces repentance, and repentance leads to salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
3502CO710lc4mἀμεταμέλητον1without regretThis could mean: (1) Paul has no **regret** that he caused them sorrow because that sorrow led to their repentance and salvation. (2) the Corinthians will not **regret** experiencing sorrow because it led to their repentance and salvation.
3512CO710lc1sfigs-explicitἡ δὲ τοῦ κόσμου λύπη, θάνατον κατεργάζεται1But the sorrow of the world produces deathThis kind of **sorrow** leads to **death** instead of salvation because it does not produce repentance. Alternate translation: “Worldly sorrow, however, leads to spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3522CO711gpp2figs-exclamationsἀλλὰ ἀπολογίαν1what earnestness, what eagerness to defend yourselvesHere the word **what** makes this statement an exclamation. Alternate translation: “your determination to prove you were innocent was very great!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
3532CO711h6jcfigs-activepassiveἀλλὰ ἐκδίκησιν1what avenging of wrongIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that someone should carry out justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3542CO712i6snfigs-activepassiveτοῦ φανερωθῆναι τὴν σπουδὴν ὑμῶν, τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1your good will toward us should be made known to you in the sight of GodIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you would know that your good will toward us is sincere” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3552CO712ycy7ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1before GodHere, **before God** refers to Gods presence. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/02.md).
3562CO713kn2qfigs-activepassiveδιὰ τοῦτο παρακεκλήμεθα1For this reason we are encouragedHere the phrase **this reason** refers to the way the Corinthians responded to Pauls previous letter, as he described in the previous verse. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This is what encourages us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3572CO713v2g6figs-activepassiveἀναπέπαυται τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ πάντων ὑμῶν1his spirit was refreshed by all of youHere the word **spirit** refers to a persons temperament and disposition. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “all of you refreshed his spirit” or “all of you made him stop worrying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3582CO714b4uqὅτι εἴ τι αὐτῷ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κεκαύχημαι1For if I boasted to him about youAlternate translation: “For although I boasted to him about you”
3592CO714m22cοὐ κατῃσχύνθην1I was not embarrassedAlternate translation: “you did not disappoint me”
3602CO714q5hgἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν ἡ ἐπὶ Τίτου ἀλήθεια ἐγενήθη1our boasting about you to Titus proved to be trueAlternate translation: “you proved to Titus that our boasting about you was true”
3612CO715d87jfigs-abstractnounsτὴν πάντων ὑμῶν ὑπακοήν1the obedience of all of youYou can state this noun **obedience** with a verb, “obey.” Alternate translation: “how all of you obeyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3622CO715g9bzfigs-doubletμετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐδέξασθε αὐτόν1you welcomed him with fear and tremblingHere, **fear** and **trembling** share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: “you welcomed him with great reverence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3632CO715q47hμετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου1with fear and tremblingThis could refer to: (1) great reverence for God. (2) great reverence for Titus.
3642CO8introkl7m0# 2 Corinthians 8 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Chapters 8 and 9 begin a new section. Paul writes about how churches in Greece helped needy believers in Jerusalem.<br><br>Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 15.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Gift to the church in Jerusalem<br><br>The church in Corinth started preparing to give money to the poor believers in Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia also had given generously. Paul sends Titus and two other believers to Corinth to encourage the Corinthians to give generously. Paul and the others will carry the money to Jerusalem. They want people to know it is being done honestly.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### We<br><br>Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. These words in verse 2 are a paradox: “the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity.” In verse 3 Paul explains how their poverty produced riches. Paul also uses riches and poverty in other paradoxes. ([2 Corinthians 8:2](../08/02.md))
3652CO81mm8g0Connecting Statement:Having explained his changed plans and his ministry direction, Paul talks about giving.
3662CO81d1mjfigs-activepassiveτὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δεδομένην ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Μακεδονίας1the grace of God that has been given to the churches of MacedoniaIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the grace that God has given to the churches of Macedonia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3672CO82fsq8figs-personificationἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν καὶ ἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν, ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν1the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosityPaul speaks of **joy** and **poverty** as if they were living things that can produce generosity. Alternate translation: “because of the peoples great joy and extreme poverty, they have become very generous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
3682CO82b7k5figs-metaphorἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν1the abundance of their joyPaul speaks of **joy** as if it were a physical object that could increase in size or quantity. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3692CO82pr8cἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν…τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν1their deep poverty … the riches of their generosityThough the churches of Macedonia have suffered testings of affliction and **poverty**, by Gods grace, they have been able to collect money for the believers in Jerusalem.
3702CO82z6mtτὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν1the riches of their generosity“a very great generosity.” The word **riches** emphasizes the greatness of their generosity.
3712CO84nmw8figs-explicitτῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους1this ministry to the saintsPaul is referring to providing money to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “this ministry of providing for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3722CO86z42yκαθὼς προενήρξατο1he had already begun this taskPaul is referring to the collection of money from the Corinthians for the believers in Jerusalem.
3732CO86vn4ufigs-explicitκαὶ ἐπιτελέσῃ εἰς ὑμᾶς καὶ τὴν χάριν ταύτην1he would complete among you this act of graceTitus was to help the Corinthians to complete the collection of money. Alternate translation: “he should encourage you to finish collecting and giving your generous gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3742CO87fpe1figs-metaphorἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε1you should abound in this act of gracePaul speaks of the Corinthian believers as if they should produce physical goods. Alternate translation: “make sure you do well in giving for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3752CO88wn2kfigs-explicitδιὰ τῆς ἑτέρων σπουδῆς…τὸ τῆς ὑμετέρας ἀγάπης γνήσιον δοκιμάζων1to test … through the diligence of othersPaul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously by comparing them with the generosity of the Macedonian churches. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3762CO89c1chτὴν χάριν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1the grace of our LordIn this context, the word **grace** emphasizes the generosity with which Jesus had blessed the Corinthians.
3772CO89iz6zfigs-metaphorδι’ ὑμᾶς ἐπτώχευσεν, πλούσιος ὤν1though he was rich, for your sakes he became poorPaul speaks of Jesus before his incarnation as **being rich**, and of his becoming human as becoming **poor**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3782CO89j5ymfigs-metaphorὑμεῖς τῇ ἐκείνου πτωχείᾳ πλουτήσητε1through his poverty you might become richPaul speaks of the Corinthians becoming spiritually {rich} as a result of Jesus becoming human. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3792CO810b7htfigs-explicitἐν τούτῳ1In this matterHere the word **this** refers to Corinthians collecting money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “with regard to the collection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3802CO811fc27figs-abstractnounsκαθάπερ ἡ προθυμία τοῦ θέλειν1there was the readiness of your desireYou can state this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “just as you were eager and desired to do it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3812CO811d6lyκαὶ τὸ ἐπιτελέσαι1there may be the completionAlternate translation: “complete it” or “finish it”
3822CO812k9whκαθὸ ἐὰν ἔχῃ1according to whatever a person hasAlternate translation: “if it is proportional to what the person giving has”
3832CO813mp6k0For thisThis verse refers back to collecting money for the believers in Jerusalem.
3842CO813smk2figs-activepassiveἵνα ἄλλοις ἄνεσις, ὑμῖν θλῖψις1for the ease of others, and your afflictionIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that you may relieve others and burden yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3852CO813ktd1ἐξ ἰσότητος1for the sake of equalityAlternate translation: “so that there would be equality”
3862CO814v7ajἵνα καὶ τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα γένηται εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα1This is also so that their abundance may supply your needSince the Corinthians are acting in the present time, it is implied that the believers in Jerusalem will also help them at some time in the future. Alternate translation: “this is also so that in the future their abundance may supply your need”
3872CO815ue8wfigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1as it is writtenHere Paul quotes from Exodus. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as Moses wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3882CO815u28yfigs-doublenegativesοὐκ ἠλαττόνησεν1did not have too littleYou can state this positively. Alternate translation: “had all he needed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
3892CO816cr18figs-synecdocheτῷ διδόντι τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ Τίτου1who put into Titus heart the same earnest care that I have for youHere, **heart** refers to the emotions. This means that God caused Titus to love them. Alternate translation: “the one who made Titus care for you as much as I do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3902CO816vsm3τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν1same earnest careAlternate translation: “the same enthusiasm” or “same deep concern”
3912CO817e4xnfigs-explicitὅτι τὴν μὲν παράκλησιν ἐδέξατο1For he not only accepted our appealPaul is referring to his asking Titus to return to Corinth and complete the collection. Alternate translation: “For he not only agreed to our request that he help you with the collection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3922CO818rje2μετ’ αὐτοῦ1with himAlternate translation: “with Titus”
3932CO818jll9figs-activepassiveτὸν ἀδελφὸν, οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος…διὰ πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν1the brother who is praised among all of the churchesIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the brother whom believers among all of the churches praise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3942CO819j9rkοὐ μόνον1Not only thisAlternate translation: “not only do believers among all of the churches praise him”
3952CO819c667figs-activepassiveκαὶ χειροτονηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν1he also was selected by the churchesIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the churches also selected him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3962CO819k7dyσὺν τῇ χάριτι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν1along with this act of grace which is being administered by us“to carry out this act of generosity.” This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem.
3972CO819v22xπροθυμίαν ἡμῶν1our readinessAlternate translation: “our eagerness to help”
3982CO820a3psfigs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ ἁδρότητι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν1concerning this generosity that we are carrying outThis refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. The abstract noun **administration** can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: “concerning the way we are handling this generous gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3992CO821n4x1προνοοῦμεν γὰρ καλὰ1For we considered beforehand what is rightAlternate translation: “We are careful to handle this gift in an honorable way”
4002CO821ey5nἐνώπιον Κυρίου…ἐνώπιον ἀνθρώπων1before the Lord … before peopleAlternate translation: “in the Lords opinion … in peoples opinion”
4012CO822d3yjαὐτοῖς1with themThe word **them** refers to Titus and the previously mentioned brother.
4022CO823mmi2κοινωνὸς ἐμὸς καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς συνεργός1he is my partner and fellow worker for youAlternate translation: “he is my partner who works with me to help you”
4032CO823lat3ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν1As for our brothersThis refers to the two other men who will accompany Titus.
4042CO823u8lxfigs-activepassiveἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν1they are sent by the churchesIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the churches have sent them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4052CO823a8v2figs-abstractnounsδόξα Χριστοῦ1an honor to ChristYou can state this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “they will cause people to honor Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4062CO9introlt8d0# 2 Corinthians 9 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 9, which is quoted from the Old Testament.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphors<br><br>Paul uses three agricultural metaphors. He uses them to teach about giving to needy believers. The metaphors help Paul explain that God will reward those who give generously. Paul does not say how or when God will reward them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/reward]])
4072CO91rd2gtranslate-names0General Information:When Paul refers to Achaia, he is talking about a Roman province located in southern Greece where Corinth is located. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
4082CO91wc5l0Connecting Statement:Paul continues on the subject of giving. He wants to make sure that the collection of their offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem takes place before he comes so that it does not seem as though he takes advantage of them. He talks about how giving blesses the giver and glorifies God.
4092CO91fxs3figs-explicitτῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους1the ministry that is for the saintsThis refers to the collection of money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the ministry for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4102CO92i529figs-metonymyἈχαΐα παρεσκεύασται1Achaia has been readyHere the word **Achaia** refers to the people who live in this province, and specifically to the people of the church in Corinth. Alternate translation: “the people of Achaia have been preparing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4112CO93r5ppτοὺς ἀδελφούς1the brothersThis refers to Titus and the two men who accompany him.
4122CO93k1erμὴ τὸ καύχημα ἡμῶν, τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, κενωθῇ1our boasting about you may not be futilePaul does not want others to think that the things that he had boasted about the Corinthians were false.
4132CO94j8eyεὕρωσιν ὑμᾶς ἀπαρασκευάστους1find you unpreparedAlternate translation: “find you unprepared to give”
4142CO95q1upfigs-goτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, ἵνα προέλθωσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς1the brothers they they would come to youFrom Pauls perspective, the brothers are going. Alternate translation: “the brothers to go to you beforehand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
4152CO95nm2nfigs-activepassiveμὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν1not as forcedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “not as something that we forced you to give” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4162CO96mm9wfigs-metaphorὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει; καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις, ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει1the one who sows … will also reap in blessingsPaul uses the image of a farmer sowing seeds to describe the results of giving. As a farmers harvest is based on how much he **sows**, so will Gods **blessings** be little or much based on how generously the Corinthians give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4172CO97tzt4figs-metonymyκαθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ1let each one give as he has decided in his heartHere, **heart** refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “just as he has determined” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4182CO97whg6figs-abstractnounsμὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης1not reluctantly or under compulsionYou can translate this phrase with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “not because he feels guilty or because someone is compelling him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4192CO97t26dἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ Θεός1for God loves a cheerful giverGod wants people to give gladly to help provide for fellow believers.
4202CO98cz9bfigs-metaphorδυνατεῖ δὲ ὁ Θεὸς, πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς1God is able to make all grace overflow for youHere, **grace** is spoken of as if it were a physical object of which a person can have more than he can use. As a person gives financially to other believers, **God** also gives to the giver everything he needs. Alternate translation: “God is able to give you more than you need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4212CO98zxz9χάριν1graceHere, **grace** refers to the physical things a Christian needs, not to the need for God to save him from his sins.
4222CO98u8w6περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν1you may abound in every good workAlternate translation: “so that you may be able to do more and more good deeds”
4232CO99mma1figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1just as it is writtenIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This is just as the writer wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4242CO910p3flὁ…ἐπιχορηγῶν1He who suppliesAlternate translation: “God who supplies”
4252CO910b1xefigs-metonymyἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν1bread for foodHere the word **bread** refers to **food** in general. Alternate translation: “food to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4262CO910uts1figs-metaphorχορηγήσει καὶ πληθυνεῖ τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν1will supply and multiply your seed for sowingPaul speaks of the Corinthians possessions as if they are seeds and of giving to others as if they were **sowing** seeds. Alternate translation: “will also supply and multiply your possessions so that you can sow them by giving them to others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4272CO910ci67figs-metaphorαὐξήσει τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν1will increase the fruits of your righteousnessPaul compares the benefits that the Corinthians will receive from their generosity to that of a harvest. Alternate translation: “God will bless you even more for your righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4282CO910yv67τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν1the fruits of your righteousnessHere, **righteousness** refers to the righteous actions of the Corinthians in giving their resources to the believers in Jerusalem.
4292CO911eey1figs-activepassiveπλουτιζόμενοι1enriching youIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will enrich you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4302CO911b3e5figs-explicitἥτις κατεργάζεται δι’ ἡμῶν, εὐχαριστίαν τῷ Θεῷ1which produces thanksgiving to God through usThe word **which** refers to the Corinthians generosity. Alternate translation: “Because of your generosity, those who receive the gifts we bring them will thank God” or “and when we give your gifts to those who need them, they will give thanks to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4312CO912l7kqfigs-explicitὅτι ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας ταύτης1For the ministry of this serviceHere, **service** refers to Paul and his companions bringing the contribution to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “For our carrying out this service for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4322CO912esk7figs-metaphorἀλλὰ καὶ περισσεύουσα διὰ πολλῶν εὐχαριστιῶν τῷ Θεῷ1but is also overflowing into many acts of thanksgiving to GodPaul speaks of the Corinthian believers act of service as if it were a liquid of which there is more than a container can hold. Alternate translation: “It also causes many deeds for which people will thank God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4332CO913plj4figs-activepassiveδιὰ τῆς δοκιμῆς τῆς διακονίας ταύτης1Because of the proof of this ministryIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Because this service has tested and proven you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4342CO913ze14δοξάζοντες τὸν Θεὸν ἐπὶ τῇ ὑποταγῇ τῆς ὁμολογίας ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἁπλότητι τῆς κοινωνίας εἰς αὐτοὺς καὶ εἰς πάντας1they glorify God for your obedience … the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyonePaul says that the Corinthians will glorify God both by being faithful to Jesus and by giving generously to other believers who have need.
4352CO915es8cἐπὶ τῇ ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ αὐτοῦ δωρεᾷ1for his inexpressible giftThis **gift** could refer to: (1) “the very great grace” that God has given to the Corinthians, which has led them to be so generous. (2) Jesus Christ, whom God gave to all believers.
4362CO10introabcd0# 2 Corinthians 10 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 17.<br><br>In this chapter, Paul returns to defending his authority. He also compares the way he speaks and the way he writes.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Boasting<br><br>“Boasting” is often thought of as bragging, which is not good. But in this letter “boasting” means confidently exulting or rejoicing.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphor<br><br>In verses 3-6, Paul uses many metaphors from war. He probably uses them as part of a larger metaphor about Christians being spiritually at war. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Flesh<br><br>“Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for a persons sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])
4372CO101yc1g0Connecting Statement:Paul shifts the subject from giving to affirming his authority to teach as he does.
4382CO101gq7jfigs-abstractnounsδιὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ1by the meekness and gentleness of ChristThe word **meekness** and **gentleness** are abstract nouns, and can be expressed in another way. Alternate translation: “I am humble and gentle as I do so, because Christ has made me that way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4392CO102i6hhτοὺς λογιζομένους ἡμᾶς1those who regardAlternate translation: “who think of us”
4402CO102ik1pfigs-metonymyὡς κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας1as walking according to the fleshHere, **flesh** is a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “are acting from human motives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4412CO103cvd6figs-metaphorἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες1we walk in the fleshHere, **walking** is a metaphor for “living.” Alternate translation: “we live our lives in the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4422CO103zbetfigs-metonymyἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες1Here, **flesh** is a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: “we live our lives in physical bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4432CO103k7h8figs-metaphorοὐ…στρατευόμεθα1we do not wage warPaul speaks of his trying to persuade the Corinthians to believe him and not the false teachers as if he were fighting a physical **war**. These words should be translated literally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4442CO103gpd3figs-metonymyοὐ κατὰ σάρκα στρατευόμεθα1wage war according to the fleshThe word **flesh** is: (1) a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: “fight against our enemies using physical weapons” (2) a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “wage war in sinful ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4452CO104uf5sfigs-metaphorτὰ…ὅπλα τῆς στρατείας ἡμῶν οὐ σαρκικὰ, ἀλλὰ δυνατὰ τῷ Θεῷ πρὸς καθαίρεσιν ὀχυρωμάτων, λογισμοὺς καθαιροῦντες1the weapons we fight with … for pulling down argumentsPaul speaks of godly wisdom showing human wisdom to be false as if it were a weapon with which he was destroying an enemy stronghold. Alternate translation: “the weapons we fight with … show people that what our enemies say is completely wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4462CO104d1gjfigs-metonymyοὐ σαρκικὰ1are not fleshlyThe word **fleshly** is: (1) a metonym for merely physical. Alternate translation: “are not physical” (2) a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “are not sinful” or “do not enable us to do wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4472CO105xuz9πᾶν ὕψωμα ἐπαιρόμενον1every high thing that rises upPaul is still speaking with the metaphor of a war, as if “the knowledge of God” were an army and **every high thing** were a wall that people had made to keep the army out. Alternate translation: “every false argument that proud people think of to protect themselves”
4482CO105b74dπᾶν ὕψωμα1every high thingAlternate translation: “everything that proud people do”
4492CO105vm1afigs-metaphorἐπαιρόμενον κατὰ τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ1rises up against the knowledge of GodPaul speaks of arguments as if they were a wall standing high against an army. The phrase **rises up** mean “stands tall,” not that the “high thing” is floating up into the air. Alternate translation: “people use so they will not have to know who God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4502CO105r2yzfigs-metaphorαἰχμαλωτίζοντες πᾶν νόημα εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ1We take every thought captive into obedience to ChristPaul speaks of peoples thoughts as if they were enemy soldiers whom he captures in battle. Alternate translation: “we show how all the false ideas those people have are wrong and teach the people to obey Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4512CO106m4dsfigs-metonymyἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν1to avenge every act of disobedienceHere, **act of disobedience** is a metonym for the people who commit those acts. Alternate translation: “punish every one of you who disobey us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4522CO107y2ybfigs-rquestionτὰ κατὰ πρόσωπον βλέπετε1You are looking at the appearance of thingsThis could be: (1) a command. (2) a statement. Alternate translation: “You are looking only at what you can see with your eyes.” Some think this is a rhetorical question that may also be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Are you looking at what is clearly in front of you?” or “You seem unable to see what is clearly in front of you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
4532CO107z1t5τοῦτο λογιζέσθω πάλιν ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῦ1let him remind himselfAlternate translation: “he needs to remember”
4542CO107f3i9καθὼς αὐτὸς Χριστοῦ, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς1that just as he is Christs, so also are weAlternate translation: “we belong to Christ just as much as he does”
4552CO108d4zufigs-metaphorεἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν ὑμῶν1to build you up and not to destroy youPaul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. Alternate translation: “to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4562CO109nw6eἂν ἐκφοβεῖν ὑμᾶς1I would terrify youAlternate translation: “I am trying to frighten you”
4572CO1011m6m6τοῦτο λογιζέσθω ὁ τοιοῦτος1Let such a one consider thisAlternate translation: “I want such people to be aware”
4582CO1011g58zοἷοί ἐσμεν τῷ λόγῳ δι’ ἐπιστολῶν ἀπόντες, τοιοῦτοι καὶ παρόντες τῷ ἔργῳ1what we are in the words of our letters when we are absent is what we will be in our actions when we are thereAlternate translation: “we will do the same things when we are there with you that we have written about in our letters while we have been away from you”
4592CO1011kb55figs-exclusiveἐσμεν1we areBoth instances of **we** refer to Pauls ministry team but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
4602CO1012k94zἐνκρῖναι ἢ συνκρῖναι ἑαυτούς, τισιν1to group or compare ourselvesAlternate translation: “to say we are as good as some”
4612CO1012i85yfigs-parallelismαὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες καὶ συνκρίνοντες ἑαυτοὺς ἑαυτοῖς1they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with each otherBoth of these clauses mean essentially the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
4622CO1012n8sxfigs-metaphorαὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες1they measure themselves by one anotherPaul is speaking of goodness as though it were something whose length people could **measure**. Alternate translation: “they look at each other and try to see who is better” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4632CO1012zwl5οὐ συνιᾶσιν1have no understandingAlternate translation: “show everyone that they do not know anything”
4642CO1013x79xfigs-metaphor0General Information:Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules, those things over which he has authority as being within the borders or “limits” of his land, and those things not under his authority as being beyond the “limits.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4652CO1013a4udfigs-idiomοὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχησόμεθα1will not boast beyond limitsThis is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will not boast about things over which we have no authority” or “will boast only about things over which we have authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4662CO1013u84lκατὰ τὸ μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος, οὗ ἐμέρισεν ἡμῖν ὁ Θεὸς1according to the measure of the area that God has assigned to usAlternate translation: “about things under the authority that God has given us to do”
4672CO1013fx2bfigs-metaphorμέτρου, ἐφικέσθαι ἄχρι καὶ ὑμῶν1a measure that reached even as far as youPaul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules. Alternate translation: “and you are within the border of our authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4682CO1014ay6hοὐ…ὑπερεκτείνομεν ἑαυτούς1we are not overextending ourselvesAlternate translation: “we did not go beyond our borders”
4692CO1015hu9lfigs-idiomοὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχώμενοι1Neither do we boast beyond limits aboutThis is an idiom. See how similar words were translated in [2 Corinthians 10:13](../10/13.md). Alternate translation: “And we have not boasted about things over which we have no authority” or “We have not boasted only about things over which we have authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4702CO1016raq7ἀλλοτρίῳ κανόνι1another persons areaAlternate translation: “an area that God has assigned to someone else”
4712CO1017q8ccἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω1boast in the LordAlternate translation: “let … boast about what the Lord has done”
4722CO1018h81tὁ ἑαυτὸν συνιστάνων1who commends himselfThis means that he provides enough evidence for each person who hears him to decide whether he is right or wrong. See how “recommend ourselves” is translated in [2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/02.md).
4732CO1018n5v6figs-activepassiveοὐ…ἐστιν δόκιμος1is approvedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “is not whom the Lord approves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4742CO1018sy2rfigs-ellipsisὃν ὁ Κύριος συνίστησιν1the one whom the Lord commendsYou can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the one whom the Lord recommends is the one of whom the Lord approves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
4752CO11introabce0# 2 Corinthians 11 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>In this chapter, Paul continues defending his authority.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### False teaching<br><br>The Corinthians were quick to accept false teachers. They taught things about Jesus and the gospel that were different and not true. Unlike these false teachers, Paul sacrificially served the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]])<br><br>### Light<br><br>Light is commonly used in the New Testament as a metaphor. Paul here uses light to indicate the revealing of God and his righteousness. Darkness describes sin. Sin seeks to remain hidden from God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/darkness]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphor<br><br>Paul begins this chapter with an extended metaphor. He compares himself to the father of a bride who is giving a pure, virgin bride to her bridegroom. Wedding practices change depending on the cultural background. But the idea of helping to present someone as a grown and holy child is explicitly pictured in this passage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>### Irony<br><br>This chapter is full of irony. Paul is hoping to shame the Corinthian believers with his irony.<br><br>“You tolerate these things well enough!” Paul thinks that they should not tolerate the way the false apostles treated them. Paul does not think they are really apostles at all.<br><br>The statement, “For you gladly put up with fools. You are wise yourselves!” means that the Corinthian believers think they were very wise but Paul does not agree.<br><br>“I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that.” Paul is speaking about behavior he thinks is very wrong in order to avoid it. He is speaking as if he thinks he is wrong for not doing it. He uses a rhetorical question also as irony. “Did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In refuting the false apostles claiming to be superior, Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions. Each question is coupled with an answer: “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were out of my mind.) I am more.”<br><br>He also uses a series of rhetorical questions to empathize with his converts: “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who has caused another to fall into sin, and I do not burn within?”<br><br>### “Are they servants of Christ?”<br><br>This is sarcasm, a special type of irony used to mock or insult. Paul does not believe these false teachers actually serve Christ, only that they pretend to do so.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 30 is a paradox: “If I must boast, I will boast about what shows my weaknesses.” Paul does not explain why he would boast in his weakness until 2 Corinthians 12:9. ([2 Corinthians 11:30](../11/30.md))
4762CO111t7ks0Connecting Statement:Paul continues to affirm his apostleship.
4772CO111r4q6ἀνείχεσθέ μου μικρόν τι ἀφροσύνης1bear with me in a little bit of foolishnessAlternate translation: “you would allow me allow me to act like a fool”
4782CO112m6vlζηλῶ…ὑμᾶς Θεοῦ ζήλῳ1jealous … jealousyThese words speak of a good, strong desire that the Corinthians be faithful to Christ, and that no one should persuade them to leave him.
4792CO112ee9ifigs-metaphorἡρμοσάμην γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἀνδρὶ, παρθένον ἁγνὴν παραστῆσαι τῷ Χριστῷ1for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to ChristPaul speaks of his care for the Corinthian believers as if he had **promised** another man that he would prepare his daughter to marry him and he is most concerned that he be able to keep his promise to the man. Alternate translation: “for I was like a father who promised to present his daughter to one husband. I promised to keep you as a pure virgin so I could give you to Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4802CO113l2hrφοβοῦμαι δὲ, μή πως ὡς ὁ ὄφις ἐξηπάτησεν Εὕαν ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτοῦ, φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἁπλότητος καὶ τῆς ἁγνότητος τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστόν1But I am afraid that somehow … the sincerity and the purity that are in ChristAlternate translation: “But I am afraid that somehow your thoughts might be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness”
4812CO113m5znfigs-metaphorφθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν1your thoughts might be led astrayPaul speaks of **thoughts** as if they were animals that people could lead along the wrong path. Alternate translation: “someone might cause you to believe lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4822CO114wq57εἰ μὲν γὰρ ὁ ἐρχόμενος1For if one who comesAlternate translation: “When anyone comes and”
4832CO114l7m8πνεῦμα ἕτερον…ὃ οὐκ ἐλάβετε, ἢ εὐαγγέλιον ἕτερον ὃ οὐκ ἐδέξασθε1or you receive a different spirit which you did not receive, or you receive a different gospel which you did not acceptAlternate translation: “a different spirit than the Holy Spirit, or a different gospel than you received from us”
4842CO114fs5zκαλῶς ἀνέχεσθε1you are bearing with it well“you are dealing correctly with these things.” See how these words were translated in [2 Corinthians 11:1](../11/01.md).
4852CO115eet1figs-ironyτῶν ὑπέρλίαν ἀποστόλων1those super-apostlesPaul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say there are. Alternate translation: “those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
4862CO116f8d1figs-litotesοὐ τῇ γνώσει1I am not untrained in knowledgeThis negative phrase emphasizes the positive truth that he is trained in knowledge. Alternate translation: “I am certainly trained in knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
4872CO116n7xyfigs-abstractnounsοὐ τῇ γνώσει1The abstract noun “knowledge” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I am trained to know what they know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4882CO117un9vfigs-rquestionἢ ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησα ἐμαυτὸν ταπεινῶν, ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑψωθῆτε1Or did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted?Paul is beginning to claim that he treated the Corinthians well. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement, if necessary. Alternate translation: “I think we agree that I did not sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
4892CO117ax51δωρεὰν τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγέλιον εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν1freely preached the gospel of God to youAlternate translation: “I preached the gospel of God to you without expecting anything from you in return”
4902CO118k6dsfigs-ironyἄλλας ἐκκλησίας ἐσύλησα1I robbed other churchesThis is an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul received money from **churches** who were not obligated to give to him. Alternate translation: “I accepted money from other churches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
4912CO118a416figs-explicitτὴν ὑμῶν διακονίαν1the ministry to youThe full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I could serve you at no cost” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4922CO119a23kοἱ ἀδελφοὶ ἐλθόντες1the brothers who cameThese “brothers” were probably all male.
4932CO119fc6lfigs-metaphorἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω1In everything I have kept myself from being a burden to youPaul speaks of someone for whom one has to spend money as if they were heavy items that people have to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4942CO119sqcffigs-explicitἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω1The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I have done all I can to make sure you do not have to spend money so that I can be with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4952CO119b35rἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν…ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω1I will continue to do thatAlternate translation: “I never will be a burden to you”
4962CO1110si2rἔστιν ἀλήθεια Χριστοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ1the truth of Christ is in mePaul is emphasizing that because his readers know that he tells the **truth** about **Christ**, they can know that he is telling the truth here. “As surely as you know that I truly know and proclaim the truth about Christ, you can know that what I am about to say is true”
4972CO1110nae3figs-activepassiveἡ καύχησις αὕτη οὐ φραγήσεται εἰς ἐμὲ1this boasting of mine will not be silencedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to make me stop boasting and stay silent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4982CO1110ua2iἡ καύχησις αὕτη…εἰς ἐμὲ1this boasting of mineThis refers to what Paul spoke about starting in ([2 Corinthians 11:7](../11/07.md)).
4992CO1111zqu5figs-rquestionδιὰ τί? ὅτι οὐκ ἀγαπῶ ὑμᾶς?1Why? Because I do not love you?Paul uses rhetorical questions to emphasize love for the Corinthians. These questions can be combined or made into a statement. Alternate translation: “Is it because I do not love you that I do not want to be a burden to you?” or “I will continue to keep you from paying for my needs because this shows others that I love you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
5002CO1111rj6ffigs-ellipsisὁ Θεὸς οἶδεν1God knowsYou can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “God knows I love you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
5012CO1112si5d0Connecting Statement:As Paul continues to affirm his apostleship, he talks about false apostles.
5022CO1112d9slfigs-metaphorἵνα ἐκκόψω τὴν ἀφορμὴν τῶν θελόντων ἀφορμήν, ἵνα ἐν ᾧ καυχῶνται, εὑρεθῶσιν καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς1in order that I may take away the opportunityPaul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can carry away. Alternate translation: “so that I might make it impossible for those who are trying to get people to regard them as highly as they respect us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5032CO1112t4jsfigs-activepassiveεὑρεθῶσιν1they may be regarded as equal to usIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people will think highly of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5042CO1113ml66οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι1For such peopleAlternate translation: “I do what I do because people like them”
5052CO1113nq3tἐργάται δόλιοι1deceitful workersAlternate translation: “dishonest workers”
5062CO1113y896μετασχηματιζόμενοι εἰς ἀποστόλους1disguising themselves as apostlesAlternate translation: “are not apostles, but they try to make themselves look like apostles”
5072CO1114v9z4figs-litotesοὐ θαῦμα1no wonderBy stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many “false apostles” ([2 Corinthians 11:13](../11/13.md)). Alternate translation: “we should expect this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
5082CO1114ss7sαὐτὸς…ὁ Σατανᾶς μετασχηματίζεται εἰς ἄγγελον φωτός1Satan disguises himself as an angel of lightAlternate translation: “Satan is not an angel of light, but he tries to make himself look like an angel of light”
5092CO1114mld4figs-metaphorἄγγελον φωτός1an angel of lightHere, **light** is a metaphor for righteousness. Alternate translation: “an angel of righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5102CO1115fvx7figs-litotesοὐ μέγα…εἰ1it is no great thingBy stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many “false apostles” ([2 Corinthians 11:13](../11/13.md)). Alternate translation: “we should certainly expect to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
5112CO1115sb58καὶ οἱ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ μετασχηματίζονται ὡς διάκονοι δικαιοσύνης1his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousnessAlternate translation: “his servants are not servants of righteousness, but they try to make themselves look like servants of righteousness”
5122CO1116s962γε κἂν ὡς ἄφρονα δέξασθέ με, ἵνα κἀγὼ μικρόν τι καυχήσωμαι1receive me as a fool so I may boast a littleAlternate translation: “receive me as you would receive a fool: let me talk, and consider my boasting the words of a fool”
5132CO1118t4icfigs-metonymyκατὰ σάρκα1according to the fleshHere the metonym **flesh** refers to man in his sinful nature and his achievements. Alternate translation: “about their own human achievements” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
5142CO1119u8f3ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων1put up with the foolish“you … accept me when I act like a fool.” See how a similar phrase was translated in [2 Corinthians 11:1](../11/01.md).
5152CO1119si6lfigs-ironyφρόνιμοι ὄντες1being wisePaul is shaming the Corinthians by using irony. Alternate translation: “thinking that you are wise, even through you are not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
5162CO1120zmfofigs-hyperboleεἴ τις ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ, εἴ τις κατεσθίει1Paul is using exaggeration when he speaks of some people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves or devouring them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
5172CO1120lu7dfigs-metaphorὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ1enslaves youPaul speaks of people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves. Alternate translation: “makes you follow rules they have thought of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5182CO1120sr4nfigs-metaphorκατεσθίει1he consumes youPaul speaks of the super-apostles taking peoples material resources as if they were eating the people themselves. Alternate translation: “takes all your property” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5192CO1120yn5tλαμβάνει1takes advantage of youA person **takes advantage of** another person by knowing things that the other person does not and using that knowledge to help himself and harm the other person.
5202CO1121n8s9figs-ironyκατὰ ἀτιμίαν λέγω ὡς ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠσθενήκαμεν!1I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do thatPaul is using irony to tell the Corinthians that it was not because he was **weak** that he treated them well. Alternate translation: “I am not ashamed to say that we had the power to harm you, but we treated you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
5212CO1121v8a3ἐν ᾧ…ἄν τις τολμᾷ…τολμῶ κἀγώ1Yet if anyone boasts … I too will boastAlternate translation: “in whatever anyone boasts about … I will dare to boast about it also”
5222CO1122qi8w0Connecting Statement:As Paul continues to confirm his apostleship, he states specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.
5232CO1122jdq8figs-rquestionἙβραῖοί εἰσιν? κἀγώ. Ἰσραηλεῖταί εἰσιν? κἀγώ. σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ εἰσιν? κἀγώ.1Are they Hebrews? … Are they Israelites? … Are they descendants of Abraham?Paul is asking and answering questions the Corinthians might be asking to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. Alternate translation: “They want you to think they are important and to believe what they say because they are Hebrews and Israelites and descendants of Abraham. Well, so am I!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
5242CO1123a4tzfigs-rquestionδιάκονοι Χριστοῦ εἰσιν? (παραφρονῶν λαλῶ), ὑπὲρ ἐγώ1Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were out of my mind.) I am morePaul continues asking and answering questions the Corinthians might be asking to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. Alternate translation: “They say they are servants of Christ—I speak as though I were out of my mind—but I am more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
5252CO1123bq23παραφρονῶν λαλῶ1as though I were out of my mindAlternate translation: “I speak as though I were unable to think well”
5262CO1123vy54figs-ellipsisὑπὲρ ἐγώ1I am moreYou can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “I am more a servant of Christ than they are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
5272CO1123s8wqἐν κόποις περισσοτέρως1in even more hard workAlternate translation: “I have worked harder”
5282CO1123dr6xἐν φυλακαῖς περισσοτέρως1in far more imprisonmentsAlternate translation: “I have been in prisons more often”
5292CO1123cs3ffigs-idiomἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως1in beatings beyond measureHere, **beyond measure** is an idiom that means he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: “I have been beaten very many times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
5302CO1123qdcmfigs-hyperboleἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως1This is exaggerated to emphasize that he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: “I have been beaten too many times to bother counting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
5312CO1123r6jvἐν θανάτοις πολλάκις1in facing many dangers of deathAlternate translation: “and I have almost died many times”
5322CO1124ttz2τεσσεράκοντα παρὰ μίαν1forty lashes minus oneThis was a common expression for being whipped 39 times. In Jewish law the most they were allowed to whip a person at one time was forty lashes. So they commonly whipped a person thirty-nine times so that they would be guilty of whipping someone too many times if the accidentally counted wrong.
5332CO1125u9xcfigs-activepassiveἐραβδίσθην1I was beaten with rodsIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people beat me with wooden rods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5342CO1125xk9wfigs-activepassiveἐλιθάσθην1I was stonedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people threw stones at me until they thought I was dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5352CO1125b4kzνυχθήμερον ἐν τῷ βυθῷ πεποίηκα1I have spent a night and a day on the open seaPaul was referring to floating in the water after the ship he was on sank.
5362CO1126b3j9figs-explicitκινδύνοις ἐν ψευδαδέλφοις1in danger from false brothersThe full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and in danger from people who claimed to be brothers in Christ, but who betrayed us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
5372CO1127ds5hfigs-hyperboleγυμνότητι1nakednessHere Paul exaggerates to show his need of clothing. Alternate translation: “without enough clothing to keep me warm” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
5382CO1128n1q5figs-metaphorἡ ἐπίστασίς μοι ἡ καθ’ ἡμέραν, ἡ μέριμνα πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν1there is the daily pressure on me of my anxietyPaul knows that God will hold him responsible for how well the **churches** obey God and speaks of that knowledge as if it were a heavy object pushing him down. Alternate translation: “I know that God will hold me accountable for the spiritual growth of all the churches, and so I always feel like a heavy object is pushing me down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5392CO1129fvz6figs-rquestionτίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ?1Who is weak, and I am not weak?This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone is weak, I feel that weakness also.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
5402CO1129hhb2figs-metaphorτίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ?1Who is weak, and I am not weak?The word **weak** is probably a metaphor for a spiritual condition, but no one is sure what Paul is speaking of, so it is best to use the same word here. Alternate translation: “I am weak whenever anyone else is weak.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5412CO1129g5amfigs-metaphorτίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι?1Who has been caused to stumble, and I do not burn?Here Pauls anger is spoken of as a burning inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5422CO1129bdd4figs-rquestionτίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι?1Paul uses this question to express his anger when a fellow believer is caused to sin. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone causes a brother to sin, I am angry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
5432CO1129xu57figs-metaphorσκανδαλίζεται1has been caused to stumblePaul speaks of sin as if it were tripping over something and then falling. Alternate translation: “has been led to sin” or “has thought that God would permit him to sin because of something that someone else did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5442CO1130gxe6τὰ τῆς ἀσθενείας1what shows my weaknessesAlternate translation: “what shows how weak I am”
5452CO1131yx8zfigs-litotesοὐ ψεύδομαι1I am not lyingPaul is using litotes to emphasize that he is telling the truth. Alternate translation: “I am telling the absolute truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
5462CO1132n383ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἁρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν πόλιν1the governor under King Aretas was guarding the cityAlternate translation: “the governor whom King Aretas had appointed had told men to guard the city”
5472CO1132j7deπιάσαι με1to arrest meAlternate translation: “so that they might catch and arrest me”
5482CO1133i8xafigs-activepassiveἐν σαργάνῃ, ἐχαλάσθην1I was lowered in a basketIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “some people put me in a basket and lowered me to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5492CO1133aw7dfigs-metonymyτὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ1from his handsPaul uses the governors **hands** as metonymy for the governor. Alternate translation: “from the governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
5502CO12introabcf0# 2 Corinthians 12 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul continues defending his authority in this chapter.<br><br>When Paul was with the Corinthians, he proved himself to be an apostle by his powerful deeds. He had not ever taken anything from them. Now that he is coming for the third time, he will still not take anything. He hopes that when he visits, he will not need to be harsh with them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]])<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Pauls vision<br><br>Paul now defends his authority by telling about a wonderful vision of heaven. Although he speaks in the third person in verses 2-5, verse 7 indicates that he was the person who experienced the vision. It was so great, God gave him a physical handicap to keep him humble. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])<br><br>### Third heaven<br><br>Many scholars believe the “third” heaven is the dwelling place of God. This is because Scripture also uses “heaven” to refer to the sky (the “first” heaven) and the universe (the “second” heaven).<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>Paul uses many rhetorical questions as he defends himself against his enemies who accused him: “For how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that I was not a burden to you?” “Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same way? Did we not walk in the same steps?” and “Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### Sarcasm<br><br>Paul uses sarcasm, a special type of irony, when he reminds them how he had helped them at no cost. He says, “Forgive me for this wrong!” He also uses regular irony when he says: “But, since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceit.” He uses it to introduce his defense against this accusation by showing how impossible it was to be true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 5 is a paradox: “I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.” Most people do not boast about being weak. This sentence in verse 10 is also a paradox: “For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” In verse 9, Paul explains why both of these statements are true. ([2 Corinthians 12:5](../12/05.md))
5512CO121iwn30Connecting Statement:In defending his apostleship from God, Paul continues to state specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.
5522CO121iur3ἐλεύσομαι…εἰς1I will go on toAlternate translation: “I will continue talking, but now about”
5532CO121rb42figs-hendiadysὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις Κυρίου1visions and revelations from the LordThis could mean: (1) Paul uses the words **visions** and **revelations** to mean the same thing in hendiadys for emphasis. Alternate translation: “things that the Lord has allowed only me to see” (2) Paul is speaking of two different things. Alternate translation: “secret things that the Lord has let me see with my eyes and other secrets that he has told me about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
5542CO122cz7uοἶδα ἄνθρωπον ἐν Χριστῷ1I know a man in ChristPaul is actually speaking of himself as if he were speaking of someone else, but this should be translated literally if possible.
5552CO122fth2εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα1whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not knowPaul continues to describe himself as if this happened to another person. “I do not know if this man was in his physical body or in his spiritual body”
5562CO122k4awτρίτου οὐρανοῦ1the third heavenHere, the **third heaven** refers to the dwelling place of God rather than the sky or outer space (the planets, stars, and the universe).
5572CO123cju30General Information:Paul continues to speak of himself as though he were speaking of someone else.
5582CO124qv5hἡρπάγη εἰς τὸν Παράδεισον1was caught up into paradisePaul continues his account of what happened to “this man” (verse 3). If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God took this man into **paradise**. (2) an angel took this man into **paradise**. If possible, it would be best not to name the one who took the man: “someone took him up to paradise” or “they took him up to paradise.”
5592CO124wm7yἡρπάγη1caught upsuddenly and forcefully held and taken
5602CO124ic45τὸν Παράδεισον1paradiseHere, **paradise** could refer to: (1) heaven. (2) the third heaven. (3) a special place in heaven.
5612CO125hpq6τοῦ τοιούτου1of such a personAlternate translation: “of that person”
5622CO125i12fοὐ καυχήσομαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις1I will not boast, except about my weaknessesYou can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will boast only of my weaknesses”
5632CO126vg130Connecting Statement:As Paul defends his apostleship from God, he tells of the weakness that God gave him to keep him humble.
5642CO126p8fmμή τις εἰς ἐμὲ λογίσηται ὑπὲρ ὃ βλέπει με, ἢ ἀκούει ἐξ ἐμοῦ1no one will think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from meAlternate translation: “no one will give me more credit than what he sees in me or hears from me”
5652CO127v5s70General Information:This verse reveals that Paul was speaking about himself beginning in [2 Corinthians 12:2](../12/02.md).
5662CO127xxi2τῇ ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων1because of the surpassing greatness of the revelationsAlternate translation: “because those revelations were so much greater than anything anyone else had ever seen”
5672CO127hu8gfigs-activepassiveἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί1a thorn in the flesh was given to meIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave me a thorn in the flesh” or “God allowed me to have a thorn in the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5682CO127q5e7figs-metaphorσκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί1a thorn in the fleshHere Pauls physical problems are compared to a **thorn** piercing his **flesh**. Alternate translation: “an affliction” or “a physical problem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5692CO127q7lzἄγγελος Σατανᾶ1a messenger from SatanAlternate translation: “a servant of Satan”
5702CO127ehp9μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι2overly proudAlternate translation: “I would not become too proud”
5712CO128n76pτρὶς1Three timesPaul put these words at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that he had prayed many times about his “thorn” ([2 Corinthians 12:7](../12/07.md)).
5722CO128wc7rὑπὲρ τούτου1Lord about thisAlternate translation: “about this thorn in the flesh,” or “about this affliction”
5732CO129nr2jἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου1My grace is enough for youAlternate translation: “I will be kind to you, and that is all you need”
5742CO129cs63ἡ γὰρ δύναμις ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται1for power is made perfect in weaknessAlternate translation: “for my power works best when you are weak”
5752CO129g8mifigs-metaphorἐπισκηνώσῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Χριστοῦ1the power of Christ might reside on mePaul speaks of the **power of Christ** as if it were a tent built over him. This could mean: (1) people might see that Paul has the power of Christ” (2) Paul truly has the power of Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5762CO1210pxf1εὐδοκῶ ἐν ἀσθενείαις, ἐν ὕβρεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν διωγμοῖς, καὶ στενοχωρίαις, ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ1I am content for Christs sake in weaknesses, in insults, in troubles, in persecutions and distressing situationsThis could mean: (1) Paul is **content** in **weaknesses**, **insults**, **troubles**, **persecutions**, and **distressing situations** if these things come because I belong to Christ. (2) Paul is content in weakness if these things cause more people to know Christ.
5772CO1210s5sxἐν ἀσθενείαις1in weaknessesAlternate translation: “when I am weak”
5782CO1210xl8qἐν ὕβρεσιν1in insultsAlternate translation: “when people try to make me angry by saying that I am a bad person”
5792CO1210hza1ἐν ἀνάγκαις1in troublesAlternate translation: “when I am suffering”
5802CO1210c4t2στενοχωρίαις1distressing situationsAlternate translation: “when there is trouble”
5812CO1210t7qgὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι1For whenever I am weak, then I am strongPaul is saying that when he is no longer **strong** enough to do what needs to be done, Christ, who is more powerful than Paul could ever be, will work through Paul to do what needs to be done. However, it would be best to translate these words literally, if your language allows.
5822CO1211uph40Connecting Statement:Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of the true signs of an apostle and of his humility before them to strengthen them.
5832CO1211a1ymγέγονα ἄφρων1I have become a foolAlternate translation: “I am acting like a fool”
5842CO1211pzw1ὑμεῖς με ἠναγκάσατε1You forced me to thisAlternate translation: “You forced me to talk this way”
5852CO1211v2lrfigs-activepassiveἐγὼ…ὤφειλον ὑφ’ ὑμῶν συνίστασθαι1I should have been commended by youIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you should have praised me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5862CO1211f644συνίστασθαι1commended“been praised” ([2 Corinthians 3:1](../03/01.md)) or “been recommended” ([2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/02.md)).
5872CO1211h4d5figs-litotesοὐδὲν γὰρ ὑστέρησα1For I was not at all inferiorBy using the negative form, Paul is saying strongly that those Corinthians who think that he is **inferior** are wrong. Alternate translation: “For I am just as good as” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
5882CO1211s82xfigs-ironyτῶν ὑπέρλίαν ἀποστόλων1super-apostlesPaul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say they are. See how this is translated in [2 Corinthians 11:5](../11/05.md). Alternate translation: “those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
5892CO1212kp5lfigs-activepassiveτὰ μὲν σημεῖα τοῦ ἀποστόλου κατειργάσθη1indeed the signs of an apostle were performedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form with emphasis on the **signs**. Alternate translation: “it is the true signs of an apostle that I performed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5902CO1212d4umσημείοις τε, καὶ τέρασιν, καὶ δυνάμεσιν1signs and wonders and mighty deedsThese are the “signs of an apostle” that Paul performed “with all perseverance.”
5912CO1213z35efigs-rquestionτί γάρ ἐστιν ὃ ἡσσώθητε ὑπὲρ τὰς λοιπὰς ἐκκλησίας, εἰ μὴ ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν?1how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that … you?Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians are wrong to accuse him of wanting to do them harm. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I treated you the same way I treated all the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
5922CO1213d426αὐτὸς ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν1I was not a burden to youAlternate translation: “I did not ask you for money or other things I needed”
5932CO1213sy7vfigs-ironyχαρίσασθέ μοι τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην!1Forgive me for this wrong!Paul is being ironic to shame the Corinthians. Both he and they know that he has done them no wrong, but they have been treating him as though he has wronged them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
5942CO1213u1w9τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην1this wrongHere, **this wrong** refers to not asking them for money and other things he needed.
5952CO1214ugk1figs-explicitἀλλὰ ὑμᾶς1but youThe full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but what I want is that you love and accept me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
5962CO1214wd97οὐ…ὀφείλει τὰ τέκνα τοῖς γονεῦσιν θησαυρίζειν3children should not save up for the parentsYoung **children** are not responsible for saving money or other goods to give to their healthy **parents**.
5972CO1215vj2mfigs-metaphorἐγὼ…ἥδιστα δαπανήσω καὶ ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι1I will most gladly spend and be spentPaul speaks of his work and his physical life as if it were money that he or God could **spend**. Alternate translation: “I will gladly do any work and gladly allow God to permit people to kill me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5982CO1215nk8vfigs-metonymyὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν1for your soulsThe word **souls** is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “for you” or “so you will live well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
5992CO1215t3nafigs-rquestionεἰ περισσοτέρως ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶν, ἧσσον ἀγαπῶμαι?1If I love you more, am I to be loved less?This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “If I love you so much, you should not love me so little.” or “If I love you so much, you should love me more than you do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
6002CO1215j887περισσοτέρως1moreIt is not clear what it is that Pauls love is **more** than. It is probably best to use “very much” or a “so much” that can be compared to “so little” later in the sentence.
6012CO1216ur5xfigs-ironyἀλλὰ ὑπάρχων πανοῦργος δόλῳ, ὑμᾶς ἔλαβον1But, since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceitPaul uses irony to shame the Corinthians who think he lied to them even if he did not ask them for money. Alternate translation: “but others think I was deceptive and used trickery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
6022CO1217vb7qfigs-rquestionμή τινα ὧν ἀπέσταλκα πρὸς ὑμᾶς, δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐπλεονέκτησα ὑμᾶς?1I did not take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you, did I?Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one that I sent to you has taken advantage of you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
6032CO1218pjl2figs-rquestionμήτι ἐπλεονέκτησεν ὑμᾶς Τίτος?1Titus did not take advantage of you, did he?Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Titus certainly did not take advantage of you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
6042CO1218acg6figs-metaphorοὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν1Did we not walk in the same way?Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Alternate translation: “We all walk in the same spirit.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6052CO1218rjiyfigs-rquestionοὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν1Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is yes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all have the same attitude and live alike.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
6062CO1218k6b3figs-rquestionοὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν?1Did we not walk in the same steps?Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is yes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all walk in the same steps.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
6072CO1218oketfigs-metaphorοὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν?1Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Alternate translation: “We all do things the same way.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6082CO1219g1iwfigs-rquestionπάλαι δοκεῖτε ὅτι ὑμῖν ἀπολογούμεθα?1Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you?Paul uses this question to acknowledge something that the people may have been thinking. He does this so that he can assure them that it is not true. Alternate translation: “Perhaps you think that all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
6092CO1219ih3efigs-metaphorκατέναντι Θεοῦ1Before GodPaul speaks of **God** knowing everything Paul does as if God were physically present and observed everything Paul said and did. Alternate translation: “With God as witness” or “In the presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6102CO1219vg3ufigs-metaphorὑπὲρ τῆς ὑμῶν οἰκοδομῆς1for your strengtheningPaul speaks of knowing how to obey God and desiring to obey him as if it were physical growth. Alternate translation: “so that you would know God and obey him better” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6112CO1220cu6sοὐχ οἵους θέλω, εὕρω ὑμᾶς1I may not find you as I wishAlternate translation: “I may not like what I find” or “I may not like what I see you doing”
6122CO1220zy6gκἀγὼ εὑρεθῶ ὑμῖν οἷον οὐ θέλετε1I may not be found by you as you wishAlternate translation: “you might not like what you see in me”
6132CO1220rh1hfigs-abstractnounsμή πως ἔρις, ζῆλος, θυμοί, ἐριθεῖαι, καταλαλιαί, ψιθυρισμοί, φυσιώσεις, ἀκαταστασίαι1there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderThe abstract nouns **quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder** can be translated using verbs. This could mean: (1) some of you will be arguing with us, jealous of us, suddenly becoming very angry with us, trying to take our places as leaders, speaking falsely about us, telling about our private lives, being proud, and opposing us as we try to lead you. (2) some of you will be arguing with each other, jealous of each other, suddenly becoming very angry with each other, quarreling with each other over who will be the leader, speaking falsely about each other, telling about each others private lives, being proud, and opposing those whom God has chosen to lead you. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
6142CO1221ddw3πενθήσω πολλοὺς τῶν προημαρτηκότων,1I might be grieved by many of those who have sinnedAlternate translation: “I will be grieved because many of them have not given up their old sins”
6152CO1221hq1efigs-parallelismμὴ μετανοησάντων ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ πορνείᾳ, καὶ ἀσελγείᾳ1did not repent of the impurity and sexual immorality and lustful indulgenceThis could mean: (1) Paul is saying almost the same thing three times for emphasis. Alternate translation: “did not stop commiting the sexual sins that they practiced” (2) Paul is speaking of three different sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
6162CO1221rh22figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ1of the impurityThe abstract noun **impurity** can be translated as “things that do not please God.” Alternate translation: “of secretly thinking about and desiring things that do not please God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
6172CO1221rn6ufigs-abstractnounsπορνείᾳ1of the … sexual immoralityThe abstract noun **sexual immorality** can be translated as “immoral deeds.” Alternate translation: “of doing sexually immoral deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
6182CO1221yyr5figs-abstractnounsἀσελγείᾳ1of the … lustful indulgenceThe abstract noun **lustful indulgence** can be translated using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “doing things that satisfy immoral sexual desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
6192CO13introabcg0# 2 Corinthians 13 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>In this chapter, Paul finishes defending his authority. He then concludes the letter with a final greeting and blessing.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Preparation<br><br>Paul instructs the Corinthians as he prepares to visit them. He is hoping to avoid needing to discipline anyone in the church so he can visit them joyfully. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Power and weakness<br><br>Paul repeatedly uses the contrasting words “power” and “weakness” in this chapter. The translator should use words that are understood to be opposites of each other.<br><br>### “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”<br><br>Scholars are divided over what these sentences mean. Some scholars say that Christians are to test themselves to see whether their actions align with their Christian faith. The context favors this understanding. Others say these sentences mean that Christians should look at their actions and question whether they are genuinely saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
6202CO131y8fz0Connecting Statement:Paul establishes that Christ is speaking through him and that Paul is wanting to restore them, encourage them, and unify them.
6212CO131slj1figs-activepassiveἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων καὶ τριῶν σταθήσεται πᾶν ῥῆμα1Every matter must be established by the evidence of two or three witnessesIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Believe that someone has done something wrong only after two or three people have said the same thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6222CO132fxl6τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν1all the restAlternate translation: “all you other people”
6232CO134a1bffigs-activepassiveκαὶ…ἐσταυρώθη1he was crucifiedIf your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they crucified him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6242CO135sbx4ἐν ὑμῖν1in youHere, **in you** could mean: (1) Jesus is living inside each individual. (2) Jesus is living among them, part of and the most important member of the group.
6252CO137u75efigs-litotesμὴ ποιῆσαι ὑμᾶς κακὸν μηδέν1that you may not do any wrongPaul is emphasizing the opposite with his statement. Alternate translation: “you will do everything right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
6262CO137gt2eδόκιμοι1to have passed the testAlternate translation: “to be great teachers and live the truth”
6272CO138a3l7οὐ…δυνάμεθά τι κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας1we are not able to do anything against the truthAlternate translation: “we are not able to keep people from learning the truth”
6282CO139vt7bτὴν ὑμῶν κατάρτισιν1for your perfectionAlternate translation: “that you may become spiritually mature”
6292CO1310rlm8figs-metaphorεἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν.1for building up, and not for tearing downPaul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 10:8](../10/08.md). Alternate translation: “to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6302CO1311uk1p0Connecting Statement:Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian believers.
6312CO1311fm8mκαταρτίζεσθε1Be restoredAlternate translation: “Work toward maturity”
6322CO1311diw1τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε1be of the same mindAlternate translation: “live in harmony with one another”
6332CO1312p1nhἐν ἁγίῳ φιλήματι1with a holy kissAlternate translation: “with Christian love”
6342CO1312x2qdοἱ ἅγιοι1the saintsAlternate translation: “those whom God has set apart for himself”