From 5df05ebbc813a902d1d4cab5c34a93ca4d22c84e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Larry Sallee Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2022 21:19:40 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Stephen's edits to 1 Corinthians 1-8 (#2458) Co-authored-by: stephenwunrow Reviewed-on: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tn/pulls/2458 --- en_tn_47-1CO.tsv | 168 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++-------------- 1 file changed, 119 insertions(+), 49 deletions(-) diff --git a/en_tn_47-1CO.tsv b/en_tn_47-1CO.tsv index dca09236e2..aa9c682ffc 100644 --- a/en_tn_47-1CO.tsv +++ b/en_tn_47-1CO.tsv @@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNo 1CO 1 26 camj figs-infostructure οὐ πολλοὶ σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα, οὐ πολλοὶ δυνατοί, οὐ πολλοὶ εὐγενεῖς 1 Paul here uses the phrase **according to the flesh** to clarify what he means by **wise**, **powerful**, and **of noble birth**, not just **wise**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could move **according to the flesh** so that it is clear that it modifies all three of these statements. Alternate translation: “according to the flesh, not many {were} wise, not many {were} powerful, and not many {were} of noble birth (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) 1CO 1 26 pws2 figs-idiom κατὰ σάρκα 1 wise according to the flesh Here, Paul uses the phrase **according to the flesh** to refer to human ways of thinking. If the meaning of thsi phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idiom **according to the flesh** with a phrase that refers to human values or perspectives. Alternate translation: “according to human definitions” or “according to what humans value” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 1 27 qjvd grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλὰ 1 Here, Paul introduces a contrast. hH is contrasting **God chose the foolish things** with what a person might expect about how God would treat foolish and weak people like the Corinthians. He is not contrasting how **God chose the foolish things** with the statements in the previous verse about the foolishness and weakness of the Corinthians. If this contrast would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul writes **But** to contrast with what a person might expect about God. Alternate translation: “Despite what might be expected,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) -1CO 1 27 qv5l figs-parallelism τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ…τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ 2 God chose … wise. God chose … strong Here, Paul repeats the exact same words: **God chose … in order that he might shame**. He does this because repeating the same idea with different examples was more convincing than just one example in his culture. If possible, translate these words the same way in both parts of the sentence to preserve the parallelism. If it is necessary, you could remove or change some of the words if it makes the sentence sound more convincing, which is what Paul intended. Alternate translation: “God chose … of the world in order that he might shame … he chose … of the world to shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +1CO 1 27 qv5l figs-parallelism τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ…τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ 2
God chose … wise. God chose … strong Here, Paul repeats the exact same words: **God chose … in order that he might shame**. He does this because repeating the same idea with different examples was more convincing than just one example in his culture. If possible, translate these words the same way in both parts of the sentence to preserve the parallelism. If it is necessary, you could remove or change some of the words if it makes the sentence sound more convincing, which is what Paul intended. Alternate translation: “God chose … of the world in order that he might shame … he chose … of the world to shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) 1CO 1 27 r4ly figs-possession τὰ μωρὰ τοῦ κόσμου…τὰ ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου 1 Paul uses the possessive form twice to clarify that the **foolish things** and **weak things** are only **foolish** and **weak** from the perspective of the **world**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a phrase such as “according to the world.” Alternate translation: “things that are foolish according to the world … things that are weak according to the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) 1CO 1 27 gdob figs-synecdoche τοῦ κόσμου -1 When Paul uses **the world** in this context, he is not referring primarily to everything that God has made. Rather, he uses **the world** to refer to human beings. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that refers to human beings in general. Alternate translation: “of people … of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) 1CO 1 27 iwho grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα -1 Here, the word translated **in order that** could introduce: (1) the purpose for which **God chose the foolish things of the world** and **the weak things of the world**. Alternate translation: “so that … so that” (2) what happened when **God chose the foolish things of the world** and **the weak things of the world**. Alternate translation: “with the result that … with the result that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) @@ -699,10 +699,10 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNo 1CO 6 11 rri7 figs-metaphor ἀπελούσασθε 1 Here, Paul speaks as if the Corinthians had been **washed** with water. By speaking in this way, Paul emphasizes that they have been cleansed from sin, just like washing with water cleanses a person from dirt. Paul may have baptism in mind. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you were washed clean” or “you were purified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 6 11 s55x figs-idiom ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ When something is done **in the name of** a person, it is done with the authority or power of that person. Here the cleansing, sanctification, and justification are done with the authority or power of Jesus, since they are done **in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ**. If **in the name of** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “with the power of the Lord Jesus Christ” or “by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 6 11 gzrh figs-possession τῷ Πνεύματι τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν 1 Here Paul uses the possessive form to identify the **Spirit** as **our God**, that is, as the Holy Spirit. He does not mean that the **Spirit** is something that belongs to **our God**. If your language would not use that form to identify the **Spirit** as **our God**, you could use a word or phrase that does identify the **Spirit** as **our God** or the “Holy Spirit.” Alternate translation: “the Spirit who is our God” or “the Holy Spirit, our God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) -1CO 6 12 c3bs figs-doublet πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει. πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος. -1 Here Paul repeats **Everything is lawful for me** to make two separate comments on the statement. By repeating **Everything is lawful for me**, Paul emphasizes his qualifications or objections to this statement. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could state **Everything is lawful for me** once and include both comments after that. Alternate translation: ““Everything is lawful for me,’ but not everything is beneficial, and I will not be mastered by anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +1CO 6 12 c3bs figs-doublet πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει. πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος. 1 Here Paul repeats **Everything is lawful for me** to make two separate comments on the statement. By repeating **Everything is lawful for me**, Paul emphasizes his qualifications or objections to this statement. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could state **Everything is lawful for me** once and include both comments after that. Alternate translation: ““Everything is lawful for me,’ but not everything is beneficial, and I will not be mastered by anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) 1CO 6 12 sw2e writing-quotations πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ -1 Connecting Statement: In this verse, Paul twice quotes what some people in the Corinthian church are saying. The ULT indicates that these claims are quotations by using quotation marks. If your readers would misunderstood **Everything is lawful for me** and think that Paul is claiming this, you could clarify that some of the Corinthians are saying this, and Paul is saying the words that occur after **but**. Alternate translation: “You say, ‘Everything is lawful for me,’ but I respond that … You say, ‘Everything is lawful for me,’ but I respond that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) 1CO 6 12 r4mx figs-explicit πάντα -1 Everything is lawful for me Here, **everything** refers to any action or behavior that one might pursue. If **everything** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is referring to any action or behavior. Alternate translation: “Every behavior … every behavior … Every behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1CO 6 12 y6kn figs-explicit συμφέρει -1 Here Paul does not say to whom **everything** is not **beneficial**. He means that **everything** is not **beneficial** to the person or people who say that **Everything is lawful** for them. If your language would include for whom **everything** is not **beneficial**, you could include a phrase such as “for you” here. Alternate translation: “is beneficial for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 6 12 y6kn figs-explicit συμφέρει 1 Here Paul does not say to whom **everything** is not **beneficial**. He means that **everything** is not **beneficial** to the person or people who say that **Everything is lawful** for them. If your language would include for whom **everything** is not **beneficial**, you could include a phrase such as “for you” here. Alternate translation: “is beneficial for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 6 12 c8vz figs-activepassive οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος 1 I will not be mastered by any of them If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “nothing will master me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 6 12 p0d8 translate-unknown οὐκ…ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό 1 Here, **be mastered** refers to being under the authority of something else. Paul here means that some things, when a person habitually does them, begin to have power or control over that person. Here, then, he wishes to tell the Corinthians that, while such things might be **lawful**, they should avoid doing these things because they will **be mastered** by these things. If **be mastered** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using words that refer to “power” or “control.” Alternate translation: “will not be controlled by” or “will not be under the power of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) 1CO 6 13 jz55 writing-quotations τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν;…δὲ 1 “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” but God will do away with both of them In this verse, Paul quotes what some people in the Corinthian church are saying, just like he did in [6:12](../06/12.md). The ULT indicates that this claim is a quotation by using quotation marks. If your readers would misunderstood **Food {is} for the stomach, and the stomach for food** and think that Paul is claiming this, you could clarify that some of the Corinthians are saying this, and Paul is saying the words that occur after **but**. Alternate translation: “You say, ‘Food {is} for the stomach, and the stomach for food,’ but I respond that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) @@ -717,22 +717,39 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNo 1CO 6 14 ev9l figs-idiom τὸν Κύριον ἤγειρεν, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐξεγερεῖ 1 raised the Lord Paul uses the words **raised** and **raise up** to refer to someone who had died coming back to life. If your language does not use these words to describe coming back to life, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “restored the Lord to life and will also restore us to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 6 14 jvng ἤγειρεν…ἐξεγερεῖ 1 Here, **raised** and **raise up** have the same meaning. Paul uses a slightly different word for variety or because he is referring to the future. In your translation, you could use the same word for **raised** and **raise up**. Alternate translation: “raised … will … raise” 1CO 6 14 wgh4 figs-abstractnouns διὰ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **power**, you could express the idea by using an adverb such as “powerfully” or an adjective such as “powerful.” Alternate translation: “by working powerfully” or “by his powerful action” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -1CO 6 15 gt2x figs-metaphor μέλη Χριστοῦ…τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ…πόρνης μέλη 1 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -1CO 6 15 io5p figs-rquestion οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν? 1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -1CO 6 15 agvy figs-metaphor ἄρας…τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -1CO 6 15 f4vd figs-rquestion ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη? 1 Shall I then take away the members of Christ and join them to a prostitute? May it not be! (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -1CO 6 15 kmt2 figs-idiom μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it not be! (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -1CO 6 16 seg6 figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ, ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν? 1 Do you not know that … her? Paul begins to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing a truth that they already know. “I want to remind you the one who is joined to the prostitute is one body with her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -1CO 6 16 z54k figs-activepassive ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ, ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν 1 he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when a man joins his body to the body of a prostitute, it is as if their bodies become one body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -1CO 6 17 c2tb figs-activepassive ὁ…κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ, ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν 1 he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when the Lord joins his spirit to the spirit of a person, it is as if their spirits become one spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -1CO 6 18 ex92 figs-metaphor φεύγετε τὴν πορνείαν 1 Flee from Paul speaks of a person rejecting sexual sin as if that person were running away from danger. Alternate translation: “Get away from sexual sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -1CO 6 18 sc9d figs-explicit πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν, ὁ δὲ πορνεύων εἰς τὸ ἴδιον σῶμα ἁμαρτάνει 1 immorality! Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but This could mean: (1) Paul is showing that sexual sin is especially bad because it is not only against others but against the sinner’s own body. (2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: “immorality! Some of you are saying, ‘Every sin that a person commits is outside the body,’ but I say that the one who is sexually immoral sins against his own body.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1CO 6 18 jr46 ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος 1 sin that a person commits “evil deed that a person does” -1CO 6 19 qy5j figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν, ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν Ἁγίου Πνεύματός ἐστιν, οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ Θεοῦ? 1 Do you not know … God? … that you are not your own? Paul is continuing to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing what they already know. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have from God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -1CO 6 19 bb35 τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν 1 your body the **body** of each individual Christian -1CO 6 19 d2mc figs-metaphor ναὸς τοῦ…Ἁγίου Πνεύματός 1 temple of the Holy Spirit A **temple** is dedicated to divine beings, and it is also where they dwell. In the same way, each Corinthian believer’s body is like a temple because the Holy Spirit is present within them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -1CO 6 20 qv47 figs-activepassive ἠγοράσθητε γὰρ τιμῆς 1 For you were bought with a price God paid for the freedom of the Corinthians from the slavery of sin. You can state this as active. Alternate translation: “for God paid for your freedom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -1CO 6 20 y7fe δὴ 1 Therefore “Because what I have just said is true” +1CO 6 15 gt2x figs-metaphor μέλη Χριστοῦ…τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ…πόρνης μέλη 1 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Here, Paul speaks as if the Corinthians were **members**, which are body parts, that belong to **Christ** or to a **prostitute**. He speaks in this way to indicate how closely joined the Corinthians are to **Christ** or to a **prostitute**. This union is as close as the union between a finger and the body to which it belongs. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “united to Christ … people who are united to Christ … unite with a prostitute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 15 io5p figs-rquestion οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν? 1 Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “You should know that your bodies are members of Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +1CO 6 15 agvy figs-metaphor ἄρας…τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here Paul speaks about **taking away the members of Christ** as if he could remove a body part from **Christ**, like cutting off a finger. He speaks in this way to show how bad it is to remove a person from union with **Christ**. It is as bad as cutting a finger, arm, or leg off a person’s body. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “having removed people from union with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 15 f4vd figs-rquestion ἄρας…τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη? 1 Shall I then take away the members of Christ and join them to a prostitute? May it not be! Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, you should not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “I should never take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +1CO 6 15 h21r figs-123person ποιήσω 1 Shall I then take away the members of Christ and join them to a prostitute? May it not be! Here Paul speaks in the first person because he is using himself as an example. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul uses the first person here, you could include a word or phrase that clarifies that Paul is treating himself as an example, or you could use a form that would naturally provide an example in your language. Alternate translation: “should I, for example, make them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +1CO 6 15 kmt2 figs-idiom μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it not be! Here, **May it never be!** gives Paul’s own response to his question. The phrase is one of the strongest negatives Paul could use. Use a strong word or phrase that answers a question with a no. Alternate translation: “Never!” or “Absolutely not!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +1CO 6 16 seg6 figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ, ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν? 1 Do you not know that … her? Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an emphatic statement. Alternate translation: “You know for sure that the one who is joined to the prostitute is one body.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +1CO 6 16 zcgg figs-euphemism ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ 1 Do you not know that … her? Here, being **joined to the prostitute** is a euphemism for having sex with a **prostitute**. Paul uses this euphemism in order to be polite. He also picks this specific euphemism because it can also refer to being **joined** to someone without sexual implications. He uses the phrase in this way in the next verse to speak about union with Christ ([6:17](../06/17.md)). If your readers would misunderstand **joined to the prostitute**, you could use a similar polite euphemism in your language. If possible, use a euphemism that can also work to describe the non-sexual union with Christ in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the one who lives with the prostitute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) +1CO 6 16 z54k figs-activepassive ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ 1 he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that the person did it to himself. Alternate translation: “the one who joins himself to the prostitute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 6 16 w1am figs-genericnoun τῇ πόρνῃ 1 he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her Jesus is speaking of prostitutes in general, not of one particular **prostitute**. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a phrase that refers in general to “prostitutes.” Alternate translation: “to any prostitute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) +1CO 6 16 up28 figs-ellipsis ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν 1 he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her Here Paul is pointing out that the **one who is joined** and the **prostitute** make up **one body** together. He is not arguing that the **one who is joined** by himself is **one body**. If your readers would misunderstand this point, you could include some words that Paul implies. Alternate translation: “is one body with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +1CO 6 16 fioa figs-metaphor ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν 1 he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her Here Paul is speaking as if the **one who is joined** and the **prostitute** together share **one body** when they have sex. He speaks in this way to emphasize the unity that these two people have when they have sex, which is as close as if they had only one body. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “shares all things with her” or “is united to her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 16 m2gm writing-quotations γάρ, φησίν, 1 he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her In Paul’s culture, **For it says** is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book titled “Genesis” (see [Genesis 2:24](gen/02/24.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “For it can be read in the Old Testament” or “For the book of Genesis says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) +1CO 6 16 vv2n figs-quotations ἔσονται…φησίν, οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν 1 he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her If you do not use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “it says that the two will become as one flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) +1CO 6 16 ks89 figs-explicit ἔσονται…οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν 1 he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her The passage that Paul quotes here comes from the book of Genesis. The story is about God creating Adam and Eve, the first man and woman. When God brings Eve, the woman, to the man named Adam, the narrative comments that this is why “a man will leave his father and his mother, and he will cling to his wife, and they will become one flesh” ([Genesis 2:24](gen/02/24.md)). Paul quotes the end of this sentence here. If your readers would misunderstand what this quote refers to, you could include a footnote explaining the context. Additionally, you could clarify what the word **two** refers to. Alternate translation: “A man and a woman will become as one flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 6 17 zyjd figs-metaphor ὁ…κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ 1 he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him Here, being **joined to the Lord** refers to what Paul elsewhere describes as being “in Christ” or “united to Christ.” Paul uses this specific phrase because he used it in the last verse to refer to union with a “prostitute” (see [6:16](../06/16.md)). If your readers would misunderstand **joined to the Lord**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. If possible, use the same words you that you used in the last verse for “joined to the prostitute.” Alternate translation: “the one who lives with the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 17 c2tb figs-activepassive ὁ…κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ 1 he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that the person did it to himself. Alternate translation: “the one who joins himself to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 6 17 z273 figs-ellipsis ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν 1 he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him Here Paul is pointing out that the **one who is joined** and the **Lord** make up **one spirit** together. He is not arguing that the **one who is joined** by himself is **one spirit**. If your readers would misunderstand this point, you could include some words that Paul implies. Alternate translation: “is one spirit with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +1CO 6 17 vv1s figs-metaphor ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν 1 he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him Here Paul is speaking as if the **one who is joined** and the **Lord** together share **one spirit** when the **one who is joined** believes in the **Lord**. He speaks in this way to emphasize the unity between a believer and Jesus, which is as close as if they had only one spirit. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “shares all things with him spiritually” or “is spiritually united to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 17 kt2x πνεῦμά 1 he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him Here, **spirit** could refer to: (1) a person’s **spirit** in contrast to his or her “body.” While a prostitute and a man can have “one body” ([6:16](../06/16.md)), which is a physical union, the Lord and a believer can have **one spirit**, which is a spiritual union. Alternate translation: “spiritually” (2) the Holy Spirit, who unites the Lord and the believer. Alternate translation: “in the Holy Spirit” +1CO 6 18 ex92 figs-metaphor φεύγετε 1 Flee from Here Paul wants the Corinthians to avoid **sexual immorality** as urgently as if it were an enemy or danger that they might **flee from**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Carefully stay away from” or “Fight against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 18 nhpq figs-abstractnouns τὴν πορνείαν 1 Flee from If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **immorality**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “immoral.” Alternate translation: “what is sexually immoral” or “sexually immoral behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +1CO 6 18 sc9d grammar-connect-exceptions πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν, ὁ δὲ πορνεύων εἰς τὸ ἴδιον σῶμα ἁμαρτάνει 1 immorality! Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using exception language. Alternate translation: “Almost every sin that a man might commit is outside the body, but the one who is sexually immoral sins against his own body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]]) +1CO 6 18 dfck figs-gendernotations ἄνθρωπος…τὸ ἴδιον 1 immorality! Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but Although **man** and **his** are masculine, Paul is using these words to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **man** and **his**, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “a man or woman … his or her own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) +1CO 6 18 jr46 figs-metaphor ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν 1 sin that a person commits Here, Paul speaks as if sins were located **outside the body**. By speaking in this way, he means that most sins do not affect the **body** the way **sexual immorality** does. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “does not directly affect the body” or “is apart from the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 19 i5bt grammar-connect-words-phrases ἢ 1 Do you not know … God? … that you are not your own? The word **Or** introduces an alternate to what Paul speaks about in [6:18](../06/18.md). Some people are indeed “sinning against their bodies.” Paul gives the correct alternative: they should **know** that their bodies are “temple” of the **Holy Spirit**. If your readers would misunderstood **Or**, you could use a word that signifies a contrast or gives an alternative. Alternate translation: “Rather,” or “On the other hand,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) +1CO 6 19 qy5j figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν, ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν Ἁγίου Πνεύματός ἐστιν, οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ Θεοῦ? 1 Do you not know … God? … that you are not your own? Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “You certainly know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have from God.” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +1CO 6 19 bb35 grammar-collectivenouns τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν 1 your body The word **body** is a singular noun that refers to multiple “bodies.” Paul makes this clear by using a plural **your**. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “each of your bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) +1CO 6 19 d2mc figs-metaphor ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν Ἁγίου Πνεύματός 1 temple of the Holy Spirit Here, Paul speaks of the relationship between the believer and the **Holy Spirit** as if the believer were a **temple** and the **Holy Spirit** were the god that dwelled in that temple. In Paul’s culture, deities had specific temples, and they would be specially present to their worshipers in those temples. Paul applies this thinking to believers. Each believer is a **temple**, and the **Holy Spirit** is **in** each believer. This means that the Holy Spirit is specially present with each believer. This is a significant metaphor in the Bible, so if possible, preserve the metaphor or express the idea by using a simile. Alternate translation: “is a temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 19 cg8m οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ Θεοῦ 1 temple of the Holy Spirit Alternate translation: “whom God has given to you” +1CO 6 20 vzz8 figs-metaphor ἠγοράσθητε…τιμῆς 1 For you were bought with a price Here Paul speaks if the Corinthians were slaves whom God had **bought with a price** from someone else. Paul is speaking of what we often call “redemption.” The **price** is Christ’s death on the cross, which “redeems” believers from sin and evil powers. This is an important biblical metaphor, so if possible preserve the metaphor or express it as an analogy. Alternate translation: “you were bought with a price, which is the Messiah’s death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 6 20 qv47 figs-activepassive ἠγοράσθητε…τιμῆς 1 For you were bought with a price If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God bought you with a price” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 6 20 y7fe ἐν τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν 1 Therefore Alternate translation: “with your body” or “with what you do with your body” 1CO 7 intro a25m 0 # 1 Corinthians 7 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

4. On abstinence (7:1–40)
* Directions on sex in marriage (7:1–7)
* Directions on marriage and divorce (7:8–16)
* Believers should remain as God called them (7:17–24)
* Benefit of staying as one is, whether single or married (7:25–35)
* Exceptions for engaged Christians and widows (7:36–40)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### The letter from the Corinthians to Paul

In [7:1](../07/01.md), Paul says that the Corinthians wrote to him. In fact, the second half of the verse is probably a quote from their letter to Paul. To show this, the ULT puts the quotation inside quotation marks. We do not know what else the letter included about marriage and sex. In the rest of the chapter, though, Paul responds to what they wrote to him.

### Sex and marriage

Throughout this chapter, Paul speaks at length about sex and marriage. While he does not argue this here, he assumes that sex should only happen within a marriage. This is clear when he makes lack of sexual self-control a good reason to get married in [7:9](../07/09.md). Further, he has four categories of people in mind: those who have never gotten married, those who are engaged to be married, those who are no longer married (whether through divorce or death of a spouse), and those who are currently married. Whether your language has more or fewer categories for marital status, make the distinctions between these four categories as clear as possible.

### Sanctification of unbelieving spouse and children

In [7:12–16](../07/12.md), Paul addresses Christian men and women who have an unbelieving spouse. He specifically argues that they should stay together unless the unbelieving spouse wishes to leave the marriage. He argues that they should stay together because the unbelieving spouse and the children are “sanctified” by the believing spouse. By “sanctified,” Paul does not mean that the unbelieving spouse and the children are considered to be Christians whom God will save. Rather, “sanctified” identifies the unbelieving spouse and the children as appropriate family for the believing spouse. In other words, having an unbelieving spouse does not make one’s marriage and children improper before God. Instead, God “sanctifies” them. If your language has a way to refer to an improper or unacceptable marriage, you might be able to use those kinds of words here.

### Divorce

In this passage, Paul uses a number of words and phrases to refer to what we call divorce: “being separated” ([7:10–11](../07/10.md)), “divorce” ([11–13](../07/11.md)), “departing” ([15](../07/15.md)), and “being released” ([27](../07/27.md)). In Paul’s culture, the rules for divorce were different in different places, and some divorces would have been more formal and legal than others. Additionally, in many places both men and women could divorce a spouse, but in a few places only men could divorce their wives. If Paul’s language would be understood in your language, you should try to preserve the different words and phrases he uses. If you need to make his language more consistent, use a word or phrase that refers generally to ending a marriage. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/divorce]])

### The “virgin”

In [7:25–38](../07/25.md), Paul refers repeatedly to “virgins.” With this word, he identifies a woman who has never been married. The word does not necessarily mean that the woman has never had any sexual experiences. When Paul identifies the virgin as “his virgin,” he refers either to a woman who is engaged to be married to a man or to a daughter who is under the authority of her father (see the last section in this introduction). In your language, use a word or phrase that refers to a woman who has never been married.

### The “coming distress”

In [7:26](../07/26.md), Paul speaks of the “coming distress.” This is trouble, persecution, or difficulties that affect the Corinthian church and perhaps all churches. When Paul says that the distress is “coming,” he could mean that it has already begun to happen and will continue to happen. It is more likely, however, that “coming” means that the distress is about to begin. Because of this “distress,” Paul thinks that believers are better off not getting married. It is unclear what Paul thought about the length of this “distress.” Is the “distress” still happening in the present day? It is better not to clarify the answer to this in your translation, since Paul does not give any hints. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/trouble]])

### Calling

Paul refers consistently to a “calling” and to “being called” in [7:17–24](../07/17.md). Throughout this section, “being called” refers to God’s action to save a person. Paul speaks about a person’s situation when they “were called” as a “calling” in [7:20](../07/20.md), while in other places he specifies what that situation might be: married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free. The point Paul wishes to make is that God’s “call” does not require one to change one’s situation. Rather, God’s “call” is for people to serve him in the situation they are in. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/call]])

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### Euphemisms for having sex

In the first half of this chapter, Paul uses many euphemisms for having sex: “touching a woman” ([7:1](../07/01.md)), “duty” ([3](../07/03.md)), not “depriving each other” ([5](../07/05.md)), and being “together again” ([5](../07/05.md)). In most cases, he speaks in this way to be polite and avoid offending those who would read the letter. When this is true, you can translate Paul’s language with any polite way of referring to having sex in your language. However, the euphemism “duty” in ([7:3](../07/03.md)) particularly emphasizes that married couples are required to have sex. If your language has a euphemism that emphasizes “duty,” you could use it in that verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

### Redemption

Just as in [6:20](../06/20.md), in [7:23](../07/23.md) Paul tells the Corinthians that they have been “bought with a price.” He does not state what the price is or whom God bought the Corinthians from. However, it is clear that Paul is speaking about what we call “redemption” here. Paul thinks of the Corinthians as slaves up for sale, and God buys them from their previous owner by paying a price. The previous owner can be understood as sin, death, and evil powers, while the price is Jesus the Son dying for believers. You should not include all these implications in your translation, but you should use words that can be interpreted in this way. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/redeem]])

### Those who have … should be as those who do not have …

In [7:29–31](../07/29.md), Paul emphasizes that those who have or do something “should be as those” who do not have or do that thing. He emphasizes this by giving a list of five examples. Paul’s point is that actions or things related to this world should not define who Christians are. He backs this up in [7:31](../07/31.md) by stating that “the present form of this world is passing away.” Therefore, those who weep should act like those who do not weep, and those who are married should act like those who are not married. Neither weeping nor marriage should have an impact on who the Christian is and on what the Christian does. None of these five things, which stand for everything in the “present form of this world,” are significant for one’s relationship to God as a Christian. If possible, preserve the strong contrasts, which almost sound like contradictions. These strong contrasts are an essential part of Paul’s argument.

### Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions in [7:16](../07/16.md). He asks these questions to involve the Corinthians in his argument and to force them to think about what he is saying. He again uses rhetorical questions in [7:18](../07/18.md), [21](../07/21.md), [27](../07/27.md). He asks these questions for a different reason: to identify those to whom his statements apply. If possible, you should preserve these questions. However, if your language does not use rhetorical questions, see the notes on each question for other translation possibilities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### Translating gendered words

In much of this chapter, Paul uses masculine and feminine words to identify when he is addressing men and when he is addressing women. Unlike in most of the previous chapters, then, you should intentionally preserve most of the gendered language in this chapter. The notes will identify any cases of gendered language that refer to all people. If there is no note, assume that the gendered language is functioning to distinguish between genders.

### Who speaks, Paul or the Lord?

Throughout this chapter, Paul uses a number of phrases to indicate whose authority lies behind the commands he gives. First, he marks [7:10–11](../07/10.md) as something that the Lord, not him, has spoken. Of course, he himself is speaking, but he is summarizing the Lord’s teaching on divorce. Therefore, “not I, but the Lord” in [7:11](../07/11.md) is Paul’s way of indicating that he is summarizing teaching directly from the Lord. Second, he marks [7:12–16](../07/12.md) as something he commands. Therefore, by using “I, not the Lord” in [7:12](../07/12.md), he indicates that he gives the commands that follow on his own authority as an apostle. He is not saying that these commands are not as authoritative or important as those in [7:10–11](../07/10.md). Third, Paul introduces [7:25–40](../07/25.md) by stating that again he does “not have a command from the Lord,” but that he gives “an opinion” that God has made “trustworthy.” He concludes the section by stating that he has given his “judgment,” and he has the “Spirit of God” ([7:40](../07/40.md)). This is a slightly weaker claim to authority than he made in [7:12](../07/12.md): these are his “opinion” or “judgment.” However, Paul also claims that God has made him “trustworthy” and given him the Spirit, so these verses should not be taken simply as Paul’s private opinion. Rather, Paul himself already provides exceptions and qualifications in this section because he is less confident. Do not translate what Paul says as if it is advice from anyone. Instead, this whole chapter carries apostolic authority.

### Father or fiancé in [7:36–38](../07/36.md)?

In this verses, Paul repeatedly refers to “he” or “him.” He does not state who this man is, but the man has a “virgin.” There are two common ways to understand these verses. First, and more likely, the man is engaged to “his virgin,” and Paul is giving him instructions on whether to get married or not. Second, and less likely, the man is the father of the daughter (“his virgin”), and Paul is giving him instructions on whether to give his daughter in marriage or not. If a specific translation choice follows one of these interpretations instead of the other, the notes on these verses will point out whether it matches the “fiancé interpretation” or the “father interpretation.” 1CO 7 1 y4lx grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Now Here, **Now** introduces a new topic in the letter. Paul begins to discuss things that the Corinthians asked him about in a letter. If **Now** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new topic. Alternate translation: “Next,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) 1CO 7 1 jq21 figs-explicit ὧν ἐγράψατε 1 the issues you wrote about The phrase **what you wrote** implies that the Corinthians had previously written a letter to Paul in which they asked him questions. Paul now begins to answer those questions. If **what you wrote** would not imply that the Corinthians had already written a letter to Paul, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “what you wrote to me in your letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -988,36 +1005,89 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNo 1CO 7 40 hwz4 figs-abstractnouns κατὰ τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην 1 my judgment If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **judgment**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “I judge that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) 1CO 7 40 pse4 figs-explicit οὕτως μείνῃ 1 lives as she is Here Paul is referring back to wife whose husband had died from the previous verse ([7:39](../07/39.md)). By **remain as she is**, Paul means “remain unmarried after her husband died.” If **remain as she is** would be misunderstood in your language, you clarify that the wife from the previous verse is in view. Alternate translation: “she remains unmarried” or “she does not marry again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 7 40 hd7f figs-explicit κἀγὼ, Πνεῦμα Θεοῦ ἔχειν 1 happier This could mean that (1) Paul thinks his **judgment** is backed up by **the Spirit of God**. Alternate translation: “I have the Spirit of God supporting my judgment” (2) Paul wishes to say that he has the **Spirit of God** as much as the Corinthians do. Alternate translation: “I also, not just you, have the Spirit of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1CO 8 intro c8l6 0 # 1 Corinthians 8 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Meat sacrificed to idols

Paul answers this question by saying that idols are gods that do not really exist. Therefore nothing is wrong with the meat. Christians are free to eat it. However, someone who does not understand this may see a Christian eating it. They may then be encouraged to eat the meat as an act of worship to the idol. -1CO 8 1 jf6h figs-exclusive 0 General Information: **We** and **we** refer to Paul and, though specifically writing to the Corinthian believers, include all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) -1CO 8 1 nzt4 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds the believers that though idols have no power, believers must be careful not to affect the weaker believers who might think they care about the idols. He tells believers to be careful with the liberty believers have in Christ. -1CO 8 1 cep1 περὶ δὲ 1 Now about Paul uses the phrase **Now about** to move on to the next question the Corinthians had asked him. -1CO 8 1 g5t3 τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων 1 food sacrificed to idols Gentile worshipers would offer grain, fish, fowl, or meat, to their gods. The priest would burn a portion of it on the altar. Paul is speaking of the portion the priest would give back for the worshiper to eat or sell in the market. -1CO 8 1 ri3s figs-metaphor ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ 1 Knowledge puffs up Here, **puffs up** is a metaphor for making someone proud. Alternate translation: “Knowledge makes people proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -1CO 8 1 ytrf figs-abstractnouns ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ, 1 The abstract noun **knowledge** can be expressed with the verb “know.” Alternate translation: “People who think that they know a lot become proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -1CO 8 1 yw8s figs-abstractnouns ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ 1 but love builds up The abstract noun **love** can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “but when we love people, we build them up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -1CO 8 1 an8s figs-metaphor ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ 1 love builds up Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. Alternate translation: “love strengthens people” or “when we love people, we strengthen them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -1CO 8 2 qbh9 δοκεῖ ἐγνωκέναι τι 1 thinks he knows something “believes he knows everything about something” -1CO 8 3 etd6 figs-activepassive οὗτος ἔγνωσται ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 that person is known by him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -1CO 8 4 v4gx figs-exclusive 0 General Information: “We” and “us” here refer to all believers and include Paul’s audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) -1CO 8 4 y3ee figs-explicit οἴδαμεν ὅτι οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ, καὶ ὅτι οὐδεὶς Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς 1 We know that an idol in this world is nothing and that there is no God but one Paul is probably quoting phrases that some Corinthians used. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1CO 8 4 g67g figs-metaphor οἴδαμεν ὅτι οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ, καὶ ὅτι οὐδεὶς Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς 1 Being **nothing** represents having no power. Alternate translation: “We all know, as you yourselves like to say, that an idol in this world has no power and that there is no God but one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -1CO 8 5 sl8j λεγόμενοι θεοὶ 1 so-called gods “things that people call gods” -1CO 8 5 l7ib θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κύριοι πολλοί 1 many “gods” and many “lords.” Paul does not believe that many **gods** and many **lords** exist, but he recognizes that the pagans believe they do. -1CO 8 6 y6hq ἀλλ’ ἡμῖν εἷς Θεὸς 1 Yet for us there is only one God “yet we know that there is only one God” -1CO 8 7 th5p 0 General Information: Paul is speaking here of **weak** brothers, people who cannot separate food sacrificed to idols from the worship of those idols. If a Christian eats food that has been sacrificed to an idol, weak brothers might think that God will allow them to worship the idol by eating the food. Even if the eater has not worshiped the idol and is simply eating the food, he has still corrupted his weak brothers’ conscience. -1CO 8 7 v7lt πᾶσιν…τινὲς 1 everyone … some “all people … some people who are now Christians” -1CO 8 7 ba7e μολύνεται 1 is defiled is ruined or harmed -1CO 8 8 ii4m figs-personification βρῶμα…ἡμᾶς οὐ παραστήσει τῷ Θεῷ 1 food will not present us to God Paul speaks of **food** as though it were a person who could make God welcome us. Alternate translation: “food does not give us favor with God” or “the food we eat does not make God pleased with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) -1CO 8 8 x91v figs-doublenegatives οὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν, ὑστερούμεθα; οὔτε ἐὰν φάγωμεν, περισσεύομεν 1 We are not worse if we do not eat, nor better if we do eat it You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “Some people might think that if we do not eat some things, God will love us less. But they are wrong. Those who think that God will love us more if we do eat those things are also wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) -1CO 8 9 f3ds τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν 1 those who are weak for believers who are not strong in their faith -1CO 8 10 usg7 figs-you ἴδῃ τὸν ἔχοντα 1 sees the one who has Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so **the one** is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -1CO 8 10 i6ej ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ 1 his … conscience what he understands to be right and wrong -1CO 8 10 x5pa οἰκοδομηθήσεται, εἰς τὸ…ἐσθίειν 1 built up so as to eat “will … be encouraged to eat” -1CO 8 11 ez6t figs-you τῇ σῇ γνώσει 1 your knowledge Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word **your** here is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -1CO 8 11 g5tn ἀπόλλυται…ὁ ἀσθενῶν 1 the one who is weak … is destroyed The brother or sister who is not strong in his or her faith will sin or lose his or her faith. -1CO 8 13 i8tb διόπερ 1 Therefore “Because what I have just said is true” -1CO 8 13 vf92 figs-metonymy εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου 1 if food causes to stumble Here, **food** is a metonym for the person eating the food. Alternate translation: “if I cause by eating” or “if I, because of what I eat, cause my brother to stumble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +1CO 8 intro c8l6 0 # 1 Corinthians 8 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

5. On food (8:1–11:1)
* The truth about food and idols (8:1–6)
* Respecting the “weak” (8:7–13)

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Meat sacrificed to idols

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

### The “weak”

### Knowledge

## Important figures of speech in this chapter


## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Other “gods” and “lords”

+1CO 8 1 cep1 grammar-connect-words-phrases περὶ δὲ 1 Now about Just as in 7:1, **Now about** introduces a new topic that Paul wishes to address. Likely, the topics that he introduces in this way are what the Corinthians wrote to him about. Translate **Now about** here as you translated “now concerning” in [7:1](../07/01.md), [7:25](../07/25.md). Alternate translation: “Next, about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) +1CO 8 1 g5t3 translate-unknown τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων 1 food sacrificed to idols Here Paul speaks about animals that are slaughtered, offered to a god, and then eaten. For many people in Paul’s culture, this was the only meat that was available for them to eat. In many cases, people would eat this meat at a god’s temple or shrine. However, sometimes the meat could be sold to people, who would then eat it in their homes. In the next few chapters, Paul will speak about whether and how Christians should eat or not eat this meat. If your language has a specific word or phrase for meat from an animal that has been offered to a god, you could use it here. If your language does not have such a word, you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +1CO 8 1 beh8 figs-activepassive τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων 1 food sacrificed to idols If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 8 1 vk06 figs-explicit οἴδαμεν ὅτι πάντες γνῶσιν ἔχομεν 1 food sacrificed to idols Here Paul could be (1) expressing his own view about **knowledge**. Alternate translation: “We know that we all indeed have knowledge” (2) quoting what the Corinthians said in their letter so that he can respond to it, much like he did in [6:12–13](../06/12.md); [7:1](../07/01.md). Alternate translation: “you wrote, ‘we know that we all have knowledge.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 1 a6hi figs-explicit πάντες γνῶσιν ἔχομεν 1 food sacrificed to idols Here Paul does not specify what the **knowledge** is about. It becomes clear in [8:4–6](../08/4.md) that Paul is speaking about **knowledge** about other gods, specifically knowing that there is only one God and that other gods do not really exist. If possible, do not give further explanation of **knowledge** here, since Paul explains himself later on in the chapter. If you must specify what the **knowledge** is about, you could clarify that it is about the **idols** or the topic of **things sacrificed to idols**. Alternate translation: “we all have knowledge about idols” or “we all have knowledge about this issue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 1 ytrf figs-abstractnouns πάντες γνῶσιν ἔχομεν…ἡ γνῶσις 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **knowledge**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: “we all know things. Knowing things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +1CO 8 1 yw8s figs-abstractnouns ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη 1 but love builds up If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **love**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “love.” Alternate translation: “but loving other believers” or “but loving action” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +1CO 8 1 an8s figs-metaphor ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ 1 love builds up Paul here speaks as if believers were a building that one **builds up**. With this metaphor, he emphasizes that **love** helps other believers become stronger and more mature, just like building a house makes it strong and complete. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “love enables other believers to grow” or “love edifies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 2 egjr figs-hypo εἴ τις δοκεῖ ἐγνωκέναι τι, οὔπω ἔγνω 1 thinks he knows something Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that someone might think **he knows something**, or that person might not. He then specifies the result for if the person does think **he knows something**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause or by introducing the sentence with “whenever.” Alternate translation: “Anyone who thinks he knows something does not yet know” or “Whenever anyone thinks he knows something, he does not yet know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) +1CO 8 2 qbh9 figs-gendernotations ἐγνωκέναι…οὔπω ἔγνω…δεῖ 1 thinks he knows something Although **he** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If **he** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she knows … he or she does not yet know … he or she ought” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations) +1CO 8 3 qsa7 figs-hypo εἰ…τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν Θεόν, οὗτος ἔγνωσται 1 that person is known by him Just as in the last verse, here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that someone might love **God**, or that person might not. He then specifies the result for if the person does love **God**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause or by introducing the sentence with “whenever.” Alternate translation: “anyone who loves God is known” or “whenever anyone loves God, that one is known” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) +1CO 8 3 etd6 figs-activepassive οὗτος ἔγνωσται ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 that person is known by him If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he knows that one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 8 3 lnwx writing-pronouns οὗτος…αὐτοῦ 1 that person is known by him Here, **that one** refers back to **anyone**, and **him** refers back to **God**. If these pronouns would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify what they refer to. Alternate translation: “that person … God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +1CO 8 4 v4gx grammar-connect-words-phrases περὶ 1 General Information: Here Paul repeats **about** from [8:1](../08/01.md) to let his readers know that he is going to speak directly about **things sacrificed to idols** again. If the repetition of the phrase from [8:1](../08/01.md) would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is returning to the topic he introduced there. Alternate translation: “returning to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) +1CO 8 4 bgd2 figs-possession τῆς βρώσεως…τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων 1 General Information: Here Paul uses the possessive form to speak about **eating** meat **sacrificed to idols**. If your language does not use this form to express that meaning, you could use express the idea by using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “eating things sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +1CO 8 4 wkep translate-unknown τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων 1 General Information: Here, **the things sacrificed to idols** refers to meat that has been offered to an idol. Translate this phrase the same way you did in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “of meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +1CO 8 4 mbqo figs-activepassive τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων 1 General Information: If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “of the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 8 4 y3ee figs-explicit οἴδαμεν ὅτι οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ, καὶ ὅτι οὐδεὶς Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς 1 We know that an idol in this world is nothing and that there is no God but one Here Paul could be (1) expressing his own view about **an idol** and **God**. Alternate translation: “We know that an idol in the world indeed {is} nothing that {there is} indeed no God except one” (2) quoting what the Corinthians said in their letter so that he can respond to it, much like he did in [6:12–13](../06/12.md); [7:1](../07/01.md). If you chose this option in [8:1](../08/01.md), you should also choose it here. Alternate translation: “you wrote, ‘we know that an idol in the world {is} nothing’ and, ‘{there is} no God except one’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 4 g67g figs-metaphor οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ 1 Here Paul says that **an idol** is **nothing** in order to emphasize that idols are not really gods. He is not saying that images or statues do not exist. If **nothing** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is speaking about how **an idol** does not have the power or existence of the true God. Alternate translation: “an idol in the world {is} not really a god” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 4 w8ar grammar-connect-exceptions οὐδεὶς Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς 1 If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “{there is} only one God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]]) +1CO 8 4 tx5b figs-explicit εἰ μὴ εἷς 1 Here Paul does not directly quote from the Old Testament, but he uses words that would make any reader who is familiar with the Old Testament think about [Deuteronomy 6:4](deu/06/04.md), which says that “the Lord is one.” If your readers would not make this connection, you could include a footnote or a brief reference to Deuteronomy. Alternate translation: “except one, as the Scripture says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 5 s77m grammar-connect-condition-contrary καὶ…εἴπερ 1 so-called gods Here, **even if** introduces a possibility that Paul does not believe to be true. In other words, Paul does not think that there are **many gods** and **many lords**. He does think that people speak about **many gods** and **many lords**. Thus, his main point is that, no matter how many **gods** and **lord** other people talk about, believers only acknowledge one God and one Lord ([8:6](../08/206md)). If **even if** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “although it might be that” or “while some people claim that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]]) +1CO 8 5 sl8j εἰσὶν λεγόμενοι θεοὶ 1 so-called gods Alternate translation: “people name many ‘gods’” +1CO 8 5 x4ob figs-merism θεοὶ, εἴτε ἐν οὐρανῷ εἴτε ἐπὶ γῆς 1 so-called gods Paul speaks figuratively, using **heaven** and **earth** in order to include them and everything in between. By speaking in this way, he includes every place that God created. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “gods in all parts of creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) +1CO 8 5 l7ib figs-irony θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κύριοι πολλοί 1 many “gods” and many “lords.” Here Paul acknowledges that there are **many “gods”** and **“lords”**. He implies that **so-called** from earlier in the verse also applies here, so the ULT has put quotation marks around **gods** and **lords** to indicate that these are the names people use. Paul himself does not believe that what people call **gods** and **lords** really are those things; rather, [10:20–21](../10/20.md) suggests that Paul thinks these **gods** and **lords** are actually demons. If what Paul means by **“gods”** and **“lords”** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that indicates that Paul is speaking from someone else’s perspective. Alternate translation: “many so-called gods and many so-called lords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) +1CO 8 6 y6hq figs-explicit ἡμῖν εἷς Θεὸς 1 Yet for us there is only one God In this verse, Paul does not directly quote from the Old Testament, but he uses words that would make any reader who is familiar with the Old Testament think about [Deuteronomy 6:4](deu/06/04.md), just like he did in [8:4](../08/04.md). The Old Testament passage says, “The Lord is our God, the Lord is one.” If your readers would not make this connection, you could include a footnote or a brief reference to Deuteronomy. Alternate translation: “we accept from the Scriptures that {there is} one God” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit) +1CO 8 6 sv67 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ 1 Yet for us there is only one God **Father** is an important title that describes one person in the Trinity. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “that is, the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) +1CO 8 6 x3d6 figs-explicit ἐξ οὗ τὰ πάντα 1 Yet for us there is only one God Here Paul emphasizes that **God the Father** created all things and is their ultimate source. If **from whom {are} all things** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that identifies **God the Father** as the creator of everything that exists. Alternate translation: “who is the creator of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 6 vw06 figs-explicit ἡμεῖς εἰς αὐτόν 1 Yet for us there is only one God Here Paul emphasizes that the purpose for which **we** exist is to serve and honor God. If **for whom we {are}** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that identifies **God the Father** as the goal or purpose of Christian life. Alternate translation: “whom we are to serve” or “whom we worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 6 cokf figs-explicit δι’ οὗ τὰ πάντα 1 Yet for us there is only one God Here Paul emphasizes that the **Lord Jesus Christ** is the agent through whom **God the Father** created all things. If **through whom all things {are}** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that identifies the **Lord Jesus Christ** as the agent in the creation of everything that exists. Alternate translation: “through whom God the Father created all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 6 jsqb figs-explicit ἡμεῖς δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 Yet for us there is only one God Here Paul could be expressing the idea (1) that **we** exist because of what Christ has done by creating and then saving us. Alternate translation: “through whom we live” (2) that **we** have been saved and given new life by Christ. Alternate translation: “through whom we have new life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 7 th5p figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐν πᾶσιν ἡ γνῶσις 1 General Information: Here Paul speaks as if **everyone** were a container in which **knowledge** could be stored, but some people do not have **knowledge** stored in them. He speaks in this way to show that not everyone understands what he has just said about how God the Father and Jesus are the only God and Lord. If your readers would misunderstand the idea that **knowledge** is **not in** someone, you could use a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “not everyone knows this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 7 v7lt figs-idiom τῇ συνηθείᾳ…τοῦ εἰδώλου 1 everyone … some The Corinthians would have understood **the custom of the idols** to refer to regular practices associated with worshiping **idols**, including eating meat **sacrificed to idols**. If your readers would misunderstand **the custom of the idols**, you could refer to worshiping idols “regularly.” Alternate translation: “regularly involved in worshiping idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +1CO 8 7 heud figs-abstractnouns τῇ συνηθείᾳ…τοῦ εἰδώλου 1 everyone … some If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **custom**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “used to” or “accustomed.” Alternate translation: “accustomed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +1CO 8 7 e737 figs-explicit ἕως ἄρτι 1 everyone … some Here, **now** refers to the time since these people became believers. Paul means that these people worshiped idols until they became Christians, not until the time he writes this letter. If your readers would misunderstand **until now**, you could clarify that Paul is referring to when these people first believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “until they believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 7 jdnr translate-unknown εἰδωλόθυτον 1 everyone … some Here, the **things sacrificed to idols** refers to meat that has been offered to an idol. Translate this phrase the same way you did in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +1CO 8 7 pdev figs-activepassive εἰδωλόθυτον 1 everyone … some If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 8 7 o04n grammar-connect-time-simultaneous ὡς εἰδωλόθυτον ἐσθίουσιν 1 everyone … some This phrase could refer to: (1) whenever the people that Paul is talking about eat **things sacrificed to idols**. Alternate translation: “happen to eat things sacrificed to idols” (2) how the people that Paul is talking about think that the **things sacrificed to idols** actually belongs to another god. Alternate translation: “eat meat as if it really were sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) +1CO 8 7 xl4f grammar-collectivenouns ἡ συνείδησις αὐτῶν 1 everyone … some The word **conscience** is a singular noun that refers to all **their** consciences. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “each of their consciences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) +1CO 8 7 pbyx figs-metaphor ἀσθενὴς οὖσα 1 everyone … some Here, **weak** identifies a **conscience** easily leads a person to feel guilty. A **weak** conscience condemns some things that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “being sensitive” or “which often condemns them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 7 ba7e figs-activepassive ἡ συνείδησις αὐτῶν ἀσθενὴς οὖσα μολύνεται 1 is defiled If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Luke implies that “they” did it. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “their conscience being weak, they defile it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 8 8 ii4m figs-personification βρῶμα…ἡμᾶς οὐ παραστήσει τῷ Θεῷ 1 food will not present us to God Here Paul speaks as if **food** were a person who could **bring us near to God**. By speaking in this way, Paul discusses whether food can make our relationship with God stronger or not. Just like a person who cannot **bring us near** to someone so that we can know that person better, so food cannot make our relationship with God any stronger. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “food will not make our relationship with God any stronger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) +1CO 8 8 yzt9 grammar-connect-logic-contrast οὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν, ὑστερούμεθα; οὔτε ἐὰν φάγωμεν, περισσεύομεν 1 food will not present us to God Here, Paul contrasts “eating” and “not eating” while negating both sides of the contrast. If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea with two negative clauses. Alternate translation: “we are not made to lack if we do not eat, and we do not abound if we eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) +1CO 8 8 wp5k grammar-connect-logic-contrast οὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν, ὑστερούμεθα; οὔτε ἐὰν φάγωμεν, περισσεύομεν 1 food will not present us to God Here Paul uses **if** twice to introduce true possibilities. He means that a person might **not eat**, or that person might **eat**. He specifies the result for each option. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statements by introducing them with a word such as “whenever” or by using relative clauses. Alternate translation: “neither are we made to lack whenever we do not eat, nor do we abound whenever we eat” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo) +1CO 8 8 x91v figs-explicit ὑστερούμεθα…περισσεύομεν 1 We are not worse if we do not eat, nor better if we do eat it Here Paul does not specify what **we** might **lack** or **abound** in. If possible, do not specify this is in your translation. If you must clarify what we might **lack** or **abound**, Paul implies that it is God’s “favor” or “grace.” Alternate translation: “are we made to lack God’s grace … we abound in God’s grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 8 ciez figs-explicit μὴ φάγωμεν…φάγωμεν 1 We are not worse if we do not eat, nor better if we do eat it Here Paul states a general principle, and he does not clarify what kinds of **food** he has in mind. If possible, do not specify what **we eat** in your translation. If you must clarify what **we eat**, you could include a vague or generic reference to “certain kinds of food.” Alternate translation: “we do not eat specific kinds of food … we eat specific kinds of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 9 ns0y figs-explicit ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη 1 those who are weak Here Paul implies that their **authority** is over “food” as mentioned in the last verse ([8:8](../08/08.md)). The point is that food has no **authority** over believers, whether to make them more or less “near to God.” Instead, believers have **authority** over food and can thus eat whatever they want. If your readers would misunderstand what **authority** refers to here, you could clarify that it refers to **authority** over “food.” Alternate translation: “this authority of yours over food” or “this authority of yours concerning eating” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 9 vu0y figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη 1 those who are weak If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **authority**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “rule” or “manage” and include “food” or “eating” as the object. Alternate translation: “how you rule over food” or “how you manage your eating (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +1CO 8 9 loo1 ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη 1 those who are weak Alternate translation: “this authority that you have” +1CO 8 9 f3ds figs-metaphor τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν 1 those who are weak Much like in [8:7](../08/07.md), **weak** identifies a person who easily feels guilty. A **weak** person thinks some things are wrong that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “for the sensitive” or “for those who often condemn themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 9 deu5 figs-nominaladj τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν 1 those who are weak Paul is using the adjective **weak** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are weak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +1CO 8 10 usg7 grammar-connect-condition-fact ἐὰν…τις ἴδῃ 1 sees the one who has Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it will happen at some point. If your language does not state something as a condition if it will happen, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying might not happen, then you could introduce the clause by using a word such as “when” or “after”. Alternate translation: “whenever someone might see” or “after someone sees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) +1CO 8 10 a7qn figs-explicit γνῶσιν 1 sees the one who has Here Paul does not specify what the **knowledge** is about. However, it is clear from [8:4–6](../08/04.md) that Paul is speaking about **knowledge** about other gods, specifically knowing that there is only one God and that other gods do not really exist. If you must specify what the knowledge is about, you could clarify that it is about the idols or the topic of things sacrificed to idols. Alternate translation: “knowledge about idols” or “knowledge about this issue” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit) +1CO 8 10 v611 figs-abstractnouns τὸν ἔχοντα γνῶσιν 1 sees the one who has If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **knowledge**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: “the person who knows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +1CO 8 10 xhn9 translate-unknown κατακείμενον 1 sees the one who has In Paul’s culture, people ate lying down on their side (**reclining**). If your readers would misunderstand **reclining to eat**, you could use a word or phrase that describes the normal position for eating in your culture or indicate that the person is about to eat. Alternate translation: “about to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +1CO 8 10 ph53 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ ἀσθενοῦς ὄντος οἰκοδομηθήσεται, εἰς τὸ τὰ εἰδωλόθυτα ἐσθίειν 1 sees the one who has Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, it will be built up.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “his conscience, being weak, will surely be built up so as to eat the things sacrificed to idols.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +1CO 8 10 i6ej figs-gendernotations αὐτοῦ 1 his … conscience Here, **his** is written in masculine form, but it refers to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If your readers would misunderstand **his**, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “his or her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) +1CO 8 10 x5pa figs-metaphor οἰκοδομηθήσεται 1 built up so as to eat Here, Paul speaks as if **his conscience** were a structure that could be **built up**. By speaking in this way, he means that the **conscience** becomes more confident or stronger, just a like a structure is stronger after it is **built up**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “will … become stronger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 10 t5ae figs-activepassive οὐχὶ ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ ἀσθενοῦς ὄντος οἰκοδομηθήσεται 1 built up so as to eat If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that seeing the person with knowledge eating in an idol’s temple did it. Alternate translation: “will this not build up his conscience, which is weak,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 8 10 ohzy figs-metaphor ἀσθενοῦς ὄντος 1 built up so as to eat Here, **weak** identifies a **conscience** that easily leads a person to feel guilty. A **weak** conscience condemns some things that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “being sensitive” or “which often condemns him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 10 mdqc translate-unknown τὰ εἰδωλόθυτα 1 built up so as to eat Here, **the things sacrificed to idols** refers to meat that has been offered to an idol. Translate this phrase the same way you did in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +1CO 8 10 a7s8 figs-activepassive τὰ εἰδωλόθυτα 1 built up so as to eat If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 8 11 g5tn figs-activepassive ἀπόλλυται…ὁ ἀσθενῶν ἐν τῇ σῇ γνώσει, ὁ ἀδελφὸς, δι’ ὃν Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν 1 the one who is weak … is destroyed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “you” or “your knowledge” did it. Alternate translation: “you, through your knowledge, destroy the one who is weak, the brother for whom Christ died,” or “your knowledge destroys the one who is weak, the brother for whom Christ died (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +1CO 8 11 x6jd figs-genericnoun ὁ ἀσθενῶν…ὁ ἀδελφὸς 1 the one who is weak … is destroyed Jesus is speaking of those who are weak and brothers in general, not of one particular person **who is weak** who is one particular **brother**. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could express the idea in a form that is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “each one who is weak, who is a brother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) +1CO 8 11 zy3t figs-activepassive ὁ ἀσθενῶν 1 the one who is weak … is destroyed Much like in [8:9](../08/09.md), **one who is weak** identifies a person who easily feels guilty. A **weak** person thinks some things are wrong that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the one who is sensitive” or “the one who often condemns himself or herself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 11 xs2l figs-gendernotations ὁ ἀδελφὸς 1 the one who is weak … is destroyed Although the word translated **brother** is masculine, Paul is using this word to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If **brother** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “the brother or sister” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) +1CO 8 11 ez6t figs-yousingular σῇ 1 your knowledge Here Paul addresses specific individuals within the Corinthian church. Because of this, **your** in this verse is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]]) +1CO 8 11 gwc9 figs-explicit γνώσει 1 your knowledge Here Paul does not specify what the **knowledge** is about. However, just as in [8:10](../08/10.md) it is clear that Paul is speaking about knowledge about other gods, specifically knowing that there is only one God and that other gods do not really exist. If you must specify what the **knowledge** is about, you could clarify that it is about the idols or the topic of things sacrificed to idols. Alternate translation: “knowledge about idols” or “knowledge about this issue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +1CO 8 11 f6bg figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῇ σῇ γνώσει 1 your knowledge If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **knowledge**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: “through what you know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +1CO 8 12 azal writing-pronouns οὕτως 1 your knowledge Here, **thus** refers back to the series of actions and results in [8:10–11](../08/10.md). If your readers would misunderstand what **thus** refers to, you could clarify that it refers to the previous two verses. Alternate translation: “through your knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +1CO 8 12 d8ni grammar-connect-time-simultaneous οὕτως…ἁμαρτάνοντες εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, καὶ τύπτοντες αὐτῶν τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν, εἰς Χριστὸν ἁμαρτάνετε 1 your knowledge Here Paul means that whenever the Corinthians “sin against” and “wound” their **brothers**, they at the same time **sin against Christ**. If your readers would misunderstand the relationship between **sinning against your brothers and wounding their weak consciences** and **sin against Christ**, you could clarify that they happen at the same time. Alternate translation: “any time you thus sin against your brothers and wound their weak consciences, you at the same time sin against Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) +1CO 8 12 i5f6 καὶ τύπτοντες 1 your knowledge Alternate translation: “by wounding” or “because you wound” +1CO 8 12 o0w5 figs-gendernotations τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς 1 your knowledge Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “your brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) +1CO 8 12 ti84 figs-metaphor τύπτοντες αὐτῶν τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν 1 your knowledge Here Paul speaks as if **consciences** were a body part that could be “wounded.” By speaking in this way, he emphasizes that the Corinthians who have knowledge are hurting the **weak consciences** of other believers as surely as if they had “wounded” their arms or bodies. If your readers would misunderstand **wounding their weak consciences**, you could clarify that Paul means that the Corinthians who have knowledge are “hurting” **weak consciences** or making the **weak consciences** “feel guilty.” Alternate translation: “hurting their weak consciences” or “making their weak consciences feel guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 12 x857 figs-metaphor τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν 1 your knowledge Here, **weak** identifies **consciences** that easily lead people to feel guilty. **Weak consciences** condemn some things that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “sensitive consciences” or “consciences, which often condemn them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +1CO 8 13 i8tb figs-personification βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου 1 Therefore Here, **food** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could cause someone **to stumble**. Paul speaks in this way to emphasize that the **food** is the key issue that leads to “stumbling.” If this might be confusing for your readers, you could clarify that the person that eats the food causes someone **to stumble**. Alternate translation: “how I eat causes my brother to stumble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) +1CO 8 13 seua figs-123person εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, οὐ μὴ φάγω κρέα εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα 1 Therefore Here Paul uses the first person in order to use himself as an example for the Corinthians to follow. If your readers would misunderstand that this is why Paul uses the first person, you could clarify that Paul is offering himself as an example. Alternate translation: “if food causes my brother to stumble, I for one will certainly not ever eat meat” or “take me as an example: if food causes my brother to stumble, I will certainly not ever eat meat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +1CO 8 13 vf92 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου 1 if food causes to stumble Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it will happen at some point. If your language does not state something as a condition if it will happen, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying might not happen, then you could introduce the clause by using a word such as “in cases where” or “since.” Alternate translation: “because food causes my brother to stumble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) +1CO 8 13 eyrr figs-gendernotations τὸν ἀδελφόν -1 Therefore Although the word translated **brother** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brother**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brother or sister … brother or sister” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations) +1CO 8 13 ucfd figs-genericnoun τὸν ἀδελφόν μου -1 Therefore Paul is speaking of “brothers” in general, not of one particular **brother**. If your readers would misunderstand **my brother**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to “brothers” in general. Alternate translation: “any brother of mine … any brother of mine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) +1CO 8 13 ra1m figs-doublenegatives οὐ μὴ 1 Therefore The words translated **certainly not** are two negative words. In Paul’s culture, two negative words made the statement even more negative. English speakers would misunderstand two negatives, so the ULT expresses the idea with one strong negative. If your language can use two negatives as Paul’s culture did, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in this way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) +1CO 8 13 k5oj figs-explicit κρέα 1 Therefore Throughout this section, the “things sacrificed to idols” refers primarily to **meat**, and eating this kind of **meat** was one of the only ways for most people to eat **meat** at all. Paul here is stating that he will give up **meat** in general, whether it is sacrificed to idols or not. He implies that he does this so that fellow believers, who do not know whether the **meat** has been sacrificed to idols or not, will not stumble. If your readers would misunderstand the implications here, you can make them explicit. Alternate translation: “meat, even if it has not been sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 9 intro z8d4 0 # 1 Corinthians 9 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Earning money from the church

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphor

Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors teach complex truths. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Contextualization

This passage is important because Paul “contextualizes” ministering the gospel to different audiences. This means that Paul makes himself and the gospel understandable without his actions hindering the gospel being received. The translator should take extra care to preserve aspects of this “contextualization” if possible. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]])

### Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize various points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion) 1CO 9 1 fu7x 0 Connecting Statement: Paul explains how he uses the liberty he has in Christ. 1CO 9 1 mdm4 figs-rquestion οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐλεύθερος? 1 Am I not free? Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of the rights he has. Alternate translation: “I am a free person.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])