Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote 1CO front intro e8ey 0 # Introduction to 1 Corinthians
## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Book of 1 Corinthians

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

### Who wrote the Book of 1 Corinthians?

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

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

### What is the Book of 1 Corinthians about?

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

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “First Corinthians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s First Letter to the Church in Corinth.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What was the city of Corinth like?

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

### What was the problem with meat sacrificed to idols?

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

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, 1 Corinthians ULT uses the following principles:

* Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “holy people.” (See: 1:2; 3:17)
* Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 6:1, 2; 14:33; 16:1, 15)
* Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “reserved for,” or “sanctified.” (See: 1:2; 6:11; 7:14, 34)

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

### What is the meaning of “flesh?”

Paul frequently used the terms “flesh” or “fleshly” to refer to Christians who did sinful things. However, it is not the physical world that is evil. Paul also described Christians who lived in a righteous way as “spiritual.” This is because they did what the Holy Spirit taught them to do. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])

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

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

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

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

For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. Translators are advised to follow the modern versions of the Bible. However, if in the translators’ region there are Bibles that read according to older versions of the Bible, the translators can follow those. If so, these verses should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to 1 Corinthians.

* “Therefore glorify God with your body.” Some older versions read “Therefore glorify God with your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (6:20)
* “I did this even though I myself was not under the law” (9:20). Some older versions leave this passage out.
* “for the sake of conscience--the conscience of the other man.” Some older versions read “for the sake of conscience: for the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord: the conscience of the other man.” (10:28)
* “and that I give my body to be burned” (13:3). Some older versions read, “and that I give my body so that I might boast.”
* “But if anyone does not recognize this, let him not be recognized” (14:38). Some older versions read, “But if anyone is ignorant of this, let him be ignorant.”


(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1CO 1 intro ud5y 0 # 1 Corinthians 01 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Disunity
In this chapter, Paul scolds the church for being divided and for following different apostles. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]])

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Idioms

In this chapter, Paul refers to the return of Christ using two different phrases: “the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” and “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

### Rhetorical questions
Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the Corinthians for dividing into factions and for relying on human wisdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Stumbling block
A stumbling block is a rock people stumble over. Here it means the Jews find it hard to believe that God allowed his Messiah to be crucified. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO 1 1 e8j3 Παῦλος 1 Paul Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Alternate translation: “I, Paul” 1CO 1 1 qp1n translate-names Σωσθένης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς 1 Sosthenes our brother This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Sosthenes. Alternate translation: “Sosthenes the brother you and I know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 1 2 r9kg τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ…ἐν Κορίνθῳ 1 to the church of God at Corinth Your language may have a particular way of introducing the intended audience. Alternate translation: “wrote this letter to you in Corinth who believe in God” 1CO 1 2 e75p ἡγιασμένοις ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus Here “sanctified” refers to people whom God has reserved to honor him. Alternate translation: “to those whom Christ Jesus has set apart for God” or “to those whom God has set apart for himself because they belong to Christ Jesus” 1CO 1 2 e8jw figs-activepassive τῇ οὔσῃ…κλητοῖς ἁγίοις 1 who are called to be saints This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God has called to be holy people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 1 2 l21m figs-metonymy τοῖς ἐπικαλουμένοις τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 those who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ The word “name” here is a metonym for person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “who call on the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 1 2 l9rq figs-inclusive αὐτῶν καὶ ἡμῶν 1 their Lord and ours The word “ours” includes Paul’s audience. Jesus is the Lord of Paul and the Corinthians and all the churches. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 1 3 gc2b 0 General Information: Paul and Sosthenes wrote this letter to the Christians who belonged to the church in Corinth. 1CO 1 3 gc2c figs-you 0 General Information: Unless otherwise noted, such words as “you” and “your” refer to Paul’s audience and so are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 1 4 pt1r 0 Connecting Statement: Paul describes the believer’s position and fellowship in Christ as they wait for his coming. 1CO 1 4 t16d figs-metaphor ἐπὶ τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ δοθείσῃ ὑμῖν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 because of the grace of God that was given to you in Christ Jesus Paul speaks of grace as though it were a physical object that Jesus gives Christians as a gift. Alternate translation: “because Christ Jesus has made it possible for God to be kind to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 1 5 js7f ἐπλουτίσθητε ἐν αὐτῷ 1 you have been made rich in him Possible meanings are 1) “Christ has made you rich” or 2) “God has made you rich.” 1CO 1 5 jw1s figs-hyperbole ἐν παντὶ ἐπλουτίσθητε 1 in everything you have been made rich Paul is speaking in general terms. Alternate translation: “made you rich with all kinds of spiritual blessings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) 1CO 1 5 j48t ἐν παντὶ λόγῳ 1 in all speech God has enabled you to tell others about God’s message in many ways. 1CO 1 5 qy8c πάσῃ γνώσει 1 all knowledge God has enabled you to understand God’s message in many ways. 1CO 1 6 h9zk τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐβεβαιώθη ἐν ὑμῖν 1 the testimony about Christ has been confirmed as true among you Possible meanings are 1) “you saw for yourselves that what we had said about Christ was true” or 2) “other people learned from seeing how you now live that what we and you say about Christ is true.” 1CO 1 7 t2hd ὥστε 1 Therefore “Because what I have just said is true” 1CO 1 7 p5y6 figs-litotes ὑμᾶς μὴ ὑστερεῖσθαι ἐν μηδενὶ χαρίσματι 1 you lack no spiritual gift This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you have every spiritual gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) 1CO 1 7 fe4q τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ Possible meanings are 1) “the time when God will reveal the Lord Jesus Christ” or 2) “the time when our Lord Jesus Christ will reveal himself.” 1CO 1 8 pif5 ἀνεγκλήτους 1 you will be blameless There will be no reason for God to condemn you. 1CO 1 9 u6w6 πιστὸς ὁ Θεὸς 1 God is faithful “God will do everything he has said he will do” 1CO 1 9 kx3z guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) 1CO 1 10 spu8 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they are to live in unity with each other and that the message of the cross of Christ, not baptism by people, is what saves. 1CO 1 10 k7gw ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women. 1CO 1 10 sw54 figs-metonymy διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ “Name” here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by means of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 1 10 u4y2 ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες 1 that you all agree “that you live in harmony with one another” 1CO 1 10 j75c καὶ μὴ ᾖ ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα 1 that there be no divisions among you “that you do not divide into separate groups among yourselves” 1CO 1 10 emt2 ἦτε…κατηρτισμένοι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοῒ καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ 1 be joined together with the same mind and by the same purpose “live in unity” 1CO 1 11 e8jb τῶν Χλόης 1 Chloe’s people This refers to family members, servants, and others who are part of the household of which Chloe, a woman, is the head. 1CO 1 11 vbe6 ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν 1 there are factions among you “you are in groups that quarrel one with another” 1CO 1 12 a57r ἕκαστος ὑμῶν λέγει 1 Each one of you says Paul is expressing a general attitude of division. 1CO 1 13 wf6r figs-rquestion μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός? 1 Is Christ divided? Paul wishes to emphasize the truth that Christ is not divided but one. “It is not possible to divide Christ in the way you are doing!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 1 13 g5qh figs-rquestion μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν 1 Was Paul crucified for you? Paul wishes to emphasize that it was Christ, not Paul or Apollos, who was crucified. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It certainly was not Paul whom they put to death on the cross for your salvation!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 1 13 tb2i figs-rquestion εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε? 1 Were you baptized in the name of Paul? Paul wishes to emphasize that we all are baptized in the name of Christ. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It was not in the name of Paul that people baptized you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 1 13 zi1y figs-metonymy εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου 1 in the name of Paul “In the name of” here is a metonym for “by the authority of.” Alternate translation: “by Paul’s authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 1 14 hhh8 οὐδένα ὑμῶν…εἰ μὴ 1 none of you, except “only” 1CO 1 14 vqq6 translate-names Κρίσπον 1 Crispus He was a synagogue ruler who became a Christian. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) 1CO 1 14 lv4y translate-names Γάϊον 1 Gaius He traveled with the Apostle Paul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) 1CO 1 15 hv3m figs-metonymy ἵνα μή τις εἴπῃ, ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ἐβαπτίσθητε 1 This was so that no one would say that you were baptized into my name Here “name” represents “authority.” This means Paul did not baptize others because they may claim that they became Paul’s disciples. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For some of you might have claimed that I baptized you to make you my disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 1 16 ed59 translate-names τὸν Στεφανᾶ οἶκον 1 the household of Stephanas This refers to the family members and slaves in the house where Stephanas, a man, was the head. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) 1CO 1 17 tg7i οὐ…ἀπέστειλέν με Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν 1 Christ did not send me to baptize This means that baptism was not the primary goal of Paul’s ministry. 1CO 1 17 zn1n figs-activepassive σοφίᾳ λόγου…μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 clever speech…the cross of Christ should not be emptied of its power Paul speaks of “words of human wisdom” as if they were people, the cross as a container, and of power as a physical thing that Jesus can put in that container. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “words of human wisdom…those words of human wisdom should not empty the cross of Christ of its power” or “words of human wisdom…people should not stop believing the message about Jesus and start thinking I am more important than Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 1 18 j7cw 0 Connecting Statement: Paul emphasizes God’s wisdom rather than man’s wisdom. 1CO 1 18 fq4x ὁ λόγος…ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ 1 the message about the cross “the preaching about the crucifixion” or “the message of Christ’s dying on the cross” 1CO 1 18 p4wb μωρία ἐστίν 1 is foolishness “is senseless” or “is silly” 1CO 1 18 lq5z τοῖς μὲν ἀπολλυμένοις 1 to those who are dying Here “dying” refers to the process of spiritual death. 1CO 1 18 ji74 δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν 1 it is the power of God “it is God working powerfully in us” 1CO 1 19 tc6n τὴν σύνεσιν τῶν συνετῶν ἀθετήσω 1 I will frustrate the understanding of the intelligent “I will confuse intelligent people” or “I will make the plans intelligent people make completely fail” 1CO 1 20 m6tf figs-rquestion ποῦ σοφός? ποῦ γραμματεύς? ποῦ συνζητητὴς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου? 1 Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this world? Paul emphasizes that truly wise people are nowhere to be found. Alternate translation: “Compared with the wisdom of the gospel, there are no wise people, no scholars, no debaters!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 1 20 rkf9 γραμματεύς 1 the scholar a person who is recognized as someone who has studied a great deal 1CO 1 20 u5j5 συνζητητὴς 1 the debater a person who argues about what he knows or who is skilled in such arguments 1CO 1 20 a7zl figs-rquestion οὐχὶ ἐμώρανεν ὁ Θεὸς τὴν σοφίαν τοῦ κόσμου? 1 Has not God turned the wisdom of the world into foolishness? Paul uses this question to emphasize what God has done to the wisdom of this world. Alternate translation: “God has shown that everything they call wisdom is really foolishness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 1 21 d7xw τοὺς πιστεύοντας 1 those who believe Possible meanings are 1) “all who believe the message” or 2) “all who believe in Christ.” 1CO 1 22 v9fa figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Here the word “we” refers to Paul and other Bible teachers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) 1CO 1 23 ntu3 figs-activepassive Χριστὸν ἐσταυρωμένον 1 Christ crucified “about Christ, who died on a cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 1 23 krw3 figs-metaphor σκάνδαλον 1 a stumbling block Just as a person can stumble over a block on a road, so the message of salvation through the crucifixion of the Christ keeps Jews from believing in Jesus. Alternate translation: “not acceptable” or “very offensive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 1 24 h7iw αὐτοῖς…τοῖς κλητοῖς 1 to those whom God has called “to the people God calls” 1CO 1 24 hu1s Χριστὸν Θεοῦ δύναμιν, καὶ Θεοῦ σοφίαν 1 Christ as the power and the wisdom of God Possible meanings are 1) “God acted powerfully and wisely by sending Christ to die for us” or “through Christ God has shown how strong and wise he is.” 1CO 1 24 w9vm Θεοῦ δύναμιν 1 the power…of God Another possible meaning is that Christ is powerful and it is through Christ that God saves us. 1CO 1 24 p1hu Θεοῦ σοφίαν 1 the wisdom of God Another possible meaning is that God shows the content of his wisdom through Christ. 1CO 1 25 h9hh figs-irony τὸ μωρὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, σοφώτερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐστίν, καὶ τὸ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἰσχυρότερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 the foolishness of God is wiser than people, and the weakness of God is stronger than people Possible meanings are 1) Paul is speaking ironically about God’s foolishness and weakness. Paul knows God is not foolish or weak. Alternate translation: “what seems to be the foolishness of God is wiser than people’s wisdom, and what seems to be the weakness of God is stronger than the people’s strength” or 2) Paul is speaking from the point of view of the Greek people who may think God is foolish or weak. Alternate translation: “what people call God’s foolishness is really wiser than what people call wisdom, and what people call God’s weakness is really stronger than people’s strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) 1CO 1 26 ps3r 0 Connecting Statement: Paul emphasizes the believer’s position before God. 1CO 1 26 w6l1 οὐ πολλοὶ 1 Not many of you This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Very few of you” 1CO 1 26 pws2 σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα 1 wise according to the flesh “what most people would call wise” 1CO 1 26 w8rv εὐγενεῖς 1 of noble birth “special because your family is important” 1CO 1 27 qv5l figs-parallelism ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός…τοὺς σοφούς…ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός…τὰ ἰσχυρά 1 God chose…wise. God chose…strong Paul repeats many of the same words in two sentences that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the difference between God’s way of doing things and how people think God should do them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) 1CO 1 27 b5n6 τὰ μωρὰ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τοὺς σοφούς 1 God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise “God chose to use those whom the world thinks are foolish to shame those whom the world thinks are wise” 1CO 1 27 tsv5 τὰ ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τὰ ἰσχυρά 1 God chose what is weak in the world to shame what is strong “God chose to use those whom the world thinks are weak to shame those whom the world thinks are strong” 1CO 1 28 k3kd τὰ ἀγενῆ…καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα 1 what is low and despised the people whom the world rejects. Alternate translation: “people who are humble and rejected” 1CO 1 28 ald1 figs-activepassive τὰ μὴ ὄντα 1 things that are regarded as nothing This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that which people usually regard as without value” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 1 28 gj19 μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ 1 nothing, to bring to nothing things that are held as valuable “nothing. He did this so he could show that the things that are held as valuable are really worthless” 1CO 1 28 f11p figs-activepassive τὰ μὴ ὄντα 1 things that are held as valuable This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “things that people think are worth money” or “things that people think are worth respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 1 30 fmr3 ἐξ αὐτοῦ 1 because of him This refers to the work of Christ on the cross. 1CO 1 30 a7bs figs-inclusive ἡμῖν 1 us These words refer to Paul, those with him, and the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 1 30 f1at figs-metonymy Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὃς ἐγενήθη σοφία ἡμῖν ἀπὸ Θεοῦ 1 Christ Jesus, who was made for us wisdom from God Possible meanings are 1) “Christ Jesus, who has made clear to us how wise God is” or 2) “Christ Jesus, who has given us God’s wisdom.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 1 31 fym9 ὁ καυχώμενος, ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω 1 Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord “If a person boasts, he should boast about how great the Lord is” 1CO 2 intro k86p 0 # 1 Corinthians 02 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Wisdom
Paul continues the discussion from the first chapter that contrasts human wisdom and God’s wisdom. For Paul, wisdom can be simple and human ideas foolish. He said the wisdom from the Holy Spirit is the only true wisdom. Paul uses the phrase “hidden wisdom” when he refers to previously unknown truths. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/foolish]])
1CO 2 1 kjc7 0 Connecting Statement: Paul contrasts human wisdom and God’s wisdom. He emphasizes that spiritual wisdom comes from God. 1CO 2 1 qvj7 ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women. 1CO 2 2 a2g9 figs-hyperbole ἔκρινά τι εἰδέναι…εἰ μὴ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν 1 I decided to know nothing…except Jesus Christ When Paul said that he “decided to know nothing” he exaggerated to emphasize that he decided focus on and teach about nothing other than Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “I decided to teach nothing…except Jesus Christ” or “I decided not to teach anything…except Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) 1CO 2 3 s9lp κἀγὼ…ἐγενόμην πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 I was with you “I was visiting with you” 1CO 2 3 e8li ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ 1 in weakness Possible meanings are: 1) “physically weak” or 2) “feeling like I could not do what I needed to do.” 1CO 2 4 z81a πειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις 1 persuasive words of wisdom words that sound wise and with which the speaker hopes to cause people to do or believe something 1CO 2 6 sg76 0 General Information: Paul interrupts his main argument to explain what he means by “wisdom” and to whom he desires to speak. 1CO 2 6 azm7 δὲ λαλοῦμεν 1 Now we do speak The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Paul begins to explain that true wisdom is God’s wisdom. 1CO 2 6 uka3 figs-abstractnouns σοφίαν…λαλοῦμεν 1 speak wisdom The abstract noun “wisdom” can be stated as the adjective, “wise.” Alternate translation: “speak wise words” or “speak a wise message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) 1CO 2 6 eq1q τοῖς τελείοις 1 the mature “mature believers” 1CO 2 7 k2ct πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων 1 before the ages “before God created anything” 1CO 2 7 q2z9 εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν 1 for our glory “in order to ensure our future glory” 1CO 2 8 zc89 τὸν Κύριον τῆς δόξης 1 the Lord of glory “Jesus, the glorious Lord” 1CO 2 9 fu1y ἃ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ…ἀνέβη, ἃ…ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν 1 Things that no eye…arisen, the things…who love him This is an incomplete sentence. Some translations make it a complete sentence: “Things that no eye…imagined; these are the things…who love him.” Others leave it incomplete but show that it is incomplete by using non-final punctuation here and beginning the next verse as a continuation of this verse: “‘Things that no eye…imagined, the things…who love him’—” 1CO 2 9 j9ib figs-metonymy ἃ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ εἶδεν, καὶ οὖς οὐκ ἤκουσεν, καὶ ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἀνέβη 1 Things that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined This is a triplet referring to all parts of a person to emphasize that no man has ever been aware of the things that God has prepared. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 2 9 t61v ἃ ἡτοίμασεν ὁ Θεὸς τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν 1 the things that God has prepared for those who love him The Lord has created in heaven wonderful surprises for those who love him. 1CO 2 11 h4p8 figs-rquestion τίς γὰρ οἶδεν ἀνθρώπων τὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, εἰ μὴ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ? 1 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of the person in him? Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows what a person is thinking except the person himself. Alternate translation: “No one knows what a person is thinking except that person’s spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 2 11 i47d τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου 1 spirit of the person This refers to a person’s inner being, his own spiritual nature. 1CO 2 11 gw3u figs-doublenegatives τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐδεὶς ἔγνωκεν, εἰ μὴ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 no one knows the deep things of God except the Spirit of God This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “only the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) 1CO 2 12 zbv8 figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Here the word “we” includes both Paul and his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 2 12 n1c7 figs-activepassive ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ χαρισθέντα ἡμῖν 1 freely given to us by God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God freely gave to us” or “that God has kindly given us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 2 13 u797 ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος, πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες 1 The Spirit interprets spiritual words with spiritual wisdom The Holy Spirit communicates God’s truth to believers in the Spirit’s own words and gives them his own wisdom. 1CO 2 13 yg45 ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος, πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες 1 The Spirit interprets spiritual words with spiritual wisdom “The Spirit explains uses his own spiritual wisdom to explain spiritual words” 1CO 2 14 cve2 figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Here the word “we” includes both Paul and his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 2 14 hq3u ψυχικὸς…ἄνθρωπος 1 unspiritual person the non-Christian person, who has not received the Holy Spirit 1CO 2 14 gwe3 ὅτι πνευματικῶς ἀνακρίνεται 1 because they are spiritually discerned “because understanding these things requires the aid of the Spirit” 1CO 2 15 w4q7 ὁ…πνευματικὸς 1 the one who is spiritual “The believer who has received the Spirit” 1CO 2 16 m4pu figs-rquestion τίς γὰρ ἔγνω νοῦν Κυρίου, ὃς συμβιβάσει αὐτόν? 1 For who can know the mind of the Lord, that he can instruct him? Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows the mind of the Lord. No one is as wise as the Lord. Alternate translation: “No one can know the mind of the Lord, so no one can teach him anything he does not already know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 3 intro g6ku 0 # 1 Corinthians 03 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Fleshly people
The Corinthian believers were immature because of their unrighteous actions. He calls them “fleshly,” meaning acting as nonbelievers. This term is used in opposition to those who are “spiritual.” Christians following their “flesh” are acting foolishly. They are following the wisdom of the world. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/foolish]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphor
There are many metaphors in this chapter. Paul uses “babies” and “milk” to illustrate spiritual immaturity. He uses the metaphors of planting and watering to describe the roles he and Apollos played in growing the church in Corinth. Paul uses other metaphors to help teach spiritual truths to the Corinthians and to help them to understand his teachings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 1 a43d 0 Connecting Statement: Paul now reminds the Corinthian believers of how they are actually living instead of behaving as their position before God is. He then reminds them that the person who teaches them is not as important as God who gives their growth. 1CO 3 1 r4iw ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women. 1CO 3 1 jx17 πνευματικοῖς 1 spiritual people people who obey the Spirit 1CO 3 1 r5w5 σαρκίνοις 1 fleshly people people who follow their own desires 1CO 3 1 ja6t figs-metaphor ὡς νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ 1 as to little children in Christ The Corinthians are compared to children very young in age and understanding. Alternate translation: “as to very young believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 2 vg2v figs-metaphor γάλα ὑμᾶς ἐπότισα, οὐ βρῶμα 1 I fed you milk, not solid food The Corinthians can understand only easy truths like babies who can drink only milk. They are not mature enough to understand greater truths like older children who now can eat solid food. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 2 vt3e figs-explicit οὐδὲ νῦν δύνασθε 1 you are not yet ready It is implied that they are not ready to understand more difficult teachings. Alternate translation: “you still are not ready to understand the harder teachings about following Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 3 3 m712 ἔτι…σαρκικοί 1 still fleshly still behaving according to sinful or worldly desires 1CO 3 3 k5ll figs-rquestion οὐχὶ σαρκικοί ἐστε καὶ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖτε? 1 are you not living according to the flesh, and are you not walking by human standards? Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for their sinful behavior. “Walking” here is a metaphor for “judging your behavior,” deciding what is good and bad. Alternate translation: “you should be ashamed because you are behaving according to your sinful desires and you are using human standards to decide whether your behavior is good or bad!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 4 s96g figs-rquestion οὐκ ἄνθρωποί ἐστε? 1 are you not living as human beings? Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “you should be ashamed because you are living the same way people who do not have the Spirit live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 3 5 m463 figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἐστιν Ἀπολλῶς? τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος? 1 Who then is Apollos? And who is Paul? Paul is emphasizing that he and Apollos are not the original source of the gospel, and therefore the Corinthians should not follow them. Alternate translation: “It is wrong to form groups to follow Apollos or Paul!” or (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 3 5 lq6n figs-rquestion τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος? 1 And who is Paul? Paul is speaking of himself as though he were speaking of someone else. Alternate translation: “I am not important!” or “Who am I?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) 1CO 3 5 qmy2 figs-ellipsis διάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε 1 Servants through whom you believed Paul answers his own question by saying that he and Apollos are God’s servants. Alternate translation: “Paul and Apollos are servants of Christ, and you believed in Christ because we served him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 3 5 f6wm figs-ellipsis διάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε, καὶ ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ Κύριος ἔδωκεν 1 Servants through whom you believed, to each of whom the Lord gave tasks This can be stated with the understood information. Alternate translation: “We are servants through whom youbelieved. We are only people to whom the Lord gave tasks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 3 6 iah7 figs-metaphor ἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα 1 I planted The knowledge of God is compared to a seed which must be planted in order to grow. Alternate translation: “When I preached God’s word to you, I was like one who plants seeds in a garden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 6 gyi5 figs-metaphor Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν 1 Apollos watered As seeds need water, faith needs further teaching in order for it to grow. Alternate translation: “and when Apollos continued to teach you God’s word, he was like one who waters a garden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 6 iq9n figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ηὔξανεν 1 but God gave the growth As plants grow and develop, so faith and knowledge in God also grow and become deeper and stronger. Alternate translation: “but God caused you to grow” or “but just as God causes plants to grow, he causes you to grow spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 7 dl3z οὔτε ὁ φυτεύων ἐστίν τι…ἀλλ’ ὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός 1 neither he who plants is anything…but God is the one who causes the growth Paul stresses that neither he nor Apollos is responsible for the believers’ spiritual growth, but it is God’s doing. 1CO 3 7 c68g figs-abstractnouns ὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός 1 but God is the one who causes the growth Here to give growth means to cause growth. The abstract noun “growth” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “it is God who causes you to grow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) 1CO 3 8 s16b figs-metaphor ὁ φυτεύων…καὶ ὁ ποτίζων, ἕν εἰσιν 1 he who plants and he who waters are one Paul speaks of telling people the good news and teaching those who have accepted it as if they were planting and watering plants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 8 za43 ἕν εἰσιν 1 are one Possible meanings are “one” are 1) “united in purpose” or 2) “equal in importance.” 1CO 3 8 zd36 μισθὸν 1 wages an amount of money that a worker receives for his work 1CO 3 9 gj26 figs-exclusive ἐσμεν 1 we are brutally beaten This refers to Paul and Apollos but not the Corinthian church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) 1CO 3 9 r9sn Θεοῦ…συνεργοί 1 God’s fellow workers Paul considers himself and Apollos as working together. 1CO 3 9 lqg1 figs-metaphor Θεοῦ γεώργιον 1 God’s garden Possible meanings are 1) being God’s garden represents belonging to God. Alternate translation: “You are like a garden that belongs to God” or 2) being God’s garden represents God causing us to grow. Alternate translation: “You are like a garden that God makes grow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 9 l2fq figs-metaphor Θεοῦ οἰκοδομή 1 God’s building Possible meanings are 1) being God’s building represents belonging to God. Alternate translation: “and you are like a building that belongs to God” or 2) being God’s building represents God causing us to become what he wants. Alternate translation: “and you are like a building that God is constructing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 10 iln9 figs-activepassive κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι 1 According to the grace of God that was given to me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “According to the task that God freely gave me to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 3 10 a69q figs-metaphor θεμέλιον ἔθηκα 1 I laid a foundation Paul equates his teaching of faith and salvation in Jesus Christ to laying a foundation for a building. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 10 pwi7 figs-metaphor ἄλλος…ἐποικοδομεῖ 1 another is building on it Paul is referring to the person or people who are teaching the Corinthians at that time as if they are carpenters who are constructing the building above the foundation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 10 px9c ἕκαστος 1 each man This refers to God’s workers in general. Alternate translation: “let each person who serves God” 1CO 3 11 jt2b figs-activepassive θεμέλιον…ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι, παρὰ τὸν κείμενον 1 no one can lay a foundation other than the one that has been laid This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “no one can lay a foundation other than the foundation that I, Paul, have laid” or “I have already laid the only foundation that anyone can lay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 3 12 np7c 0 General Information: Paul speaks of what builders usually do when constructing a building to describe what the teachers in Corinth are actually doing. Builders usually only use gold, silver, or precious stones as decorations on buildings. 1CO 3 12 nbu2 figs-metaphor εἰ δέ τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην 1 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw The building materials used to build a new building are being compared to the spiritual values used to build a person’s behavior and activities during his lifetime. Alternate translation: “Whether a person builds with valuable materials that will last or with cheap materials that burn easily” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 12 i14y λίθους τιμίους 1 precious stones “expensive stones” 1CO 3 13 t2mk figs-activepassive ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται 1 his work will be revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will show everyone what the builder has done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 3 13 mv14 figs-metaphor ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει 1 for the daylight will reveal it The “daylight” here is a metaphor for the time when God will judge everyone. When God shows everyone what these teachers have done, it will be like the sun has come up to reveal what happened during the night. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 13 ndu3 figs-metaphor ὅτι ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται; καὶ ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον, ὁποῖόν ἐστιν, τὸ πῦρ αὐτὸ δοκιμάσει 1 For it will be revealed in fire. The fire will test the quality of what each one had done Just as fire will reveal the strengths or destroy the weaknesses of a building, God’s fire will judge man’s efforts and activities. Alternate translation: “God will use fire to show the quality of his work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 3 14 t8yv 0 General Information: The terms “a person” and “anyone’s” and “he” and “himself” refer to believers. 1CO 3 14 s4u3 τὸ ἔργον μενεῖ 1 work remains “work lasts” or “work survives” 1CO 3 15 c2xj figs-activepassive εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται 1 if anyone’s work is burned up This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if the fire destroys anyone’s work” or “if the fire ruins anyone’s work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 3 15 ups4 figs-abstractnouns ζημιωθήσεται 1 he will suffer loss The abstract noun “loss” can be expressed with the verb “lose.” Alternate translation: “he will lose his reward” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) 1CO 3 15 w1zv figs-activepassive αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται 1 but he himself will be saved This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but God will save him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 3 16 uq2g figs-rquestion οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐστε, καὶ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν? 1 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You act as though you do not know that you are God’s temple and the Spirit of God lives in you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 3 18 glg8 μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω 1 Let no one deceive himself Nobody should believe the lie that he himself is wise in this world. 1CO 3 18 p3wi ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ 1 in this age according to the way people who do not believe decide what is wise 1CO 3 18 s7xi figs-irony μωρὸς γενέσθω 1 let him become a “fool” “that person should be willing to have people who do not believe call him a fool” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) 1CO 3 19 zws3 ὁ δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτῶν 1 He catches the wise in their craftiness God traps the people who think they are clever and uses their own schemes to trap them. 1CO 3 20 la6x Κύριος γινώσκει τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν, ὅτι εἰσὶν μάταιοι 1 The Lord knows that the reasoning of the wise is futile “The Lord knows that what people who think they are wise plan to do is futile” 1CO 3 20 kz2u μάταιοι 1 futile useless 1CO 3 23 nj48 ὑμεῖς δὲ Χριστοῦ, Χριστὸς δὲ Θεοῦ 1 you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s “you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God” 1CO 4 intro vg5z 0 # 1 Corinthians 04 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Pride
Paul contrasts the Corinthians being proud with the apostles being humble. The Corinthian believers had no reason to be proud. All that they had, and all they were, was a gift from God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphors
Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. He describes the apostles as servants. Paul speaks of a victory parade where the apostles are the prisoners who will be killed. He uses a rod to stand for punishment. He calls himself their father because he is their “spiritual father.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])

### Irony
Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians for being proud. The Corinthian believers are reigning but the apostles are suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

### Rhetorical questions
Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
1CO 4 1 k1v5 0 Connecting Statement: Having just reminded the people not to be proud concerning who taught them about the Lord and who had baptized them, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that all believers are to be humble servants. 1CO 4 2 th8e figs-123person ὧδε λοιπὸν ζητεῖται ἐν τοῖς οἰκονόμοις 1 what is required of stewards Paul is speaking of himself as if he were speaking about other people. Alternate translation: “we are required to be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) 1CO 4 3 k6nc ἐλάχιστόν ἐστιν, ἵνα ὑφ’ ὑμῶν ἀνακριθῶ 1 it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you Paul is comparing the difference between human judgment and God’s judgment. Man’s judgment is not important compared to God’s true judgment upon man. 1CO 4 4 u9jd οὐδὲν…ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα 1 I am not aware of any charge being made against me “I have not heard anyone accuse me of doing wrong” 1CO 4 4 h3wl οὐκ ἐν τούτῳ δεδικαίωμαι; ὁ δὲ ἀνακρίνων με Κύριός ἐστιν 1 that does not mean I am innocent. It is the Lord who judges me “that lack of accusation does not prove I am innocent. The Lord knows if I am innocent or guilty” 1CO 4 5 qi3g ὥστε 1 Therefore “Because what I have just said is true” 1CO 4 5 wl3i figs-metaphor ὃς καὶ φωτίσει τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους, καὶ φανερώσει τὰς βουλὰς τῶν καρδιῶν 1 He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the purposes of the heart Here “bring to light the hidden things of darkness” is a metaphor for making known to everyone things that were done in secret. Here “heart” is a metonym for people’s thoughts and intentions. Alternate translation: “Like a light that shines on things in darkness, God will show what people have secretly done and what they secretly planned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 4 6 ijn5 ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women. 1CO 4 6 ziz9 δι’ ὑμᾶς 1 for your sakes “for your welfare” 1CO 4 7 fnu3 figs-you σε…ἔχεις…ἔλαβες…ἔλαβες…καυχᾶσαι…λαβών 1 between you…do you have that you did not…you have freely…do you boast…you had not Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” here are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 4 7 gtb5 figs-rquestion τίς γάρ σε διακρίνει? 1 For who makes you superior? Paul is rebuking the Corinthians who think they are better than those who heard the gospel from someone else. Alternate translation: “For there is no difference between you and others.” or “For you are not superior to other people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 4 7 r6yw figs-rquestion τί δὲ ἔχεις ὃ οὐκ ἔλαβες? 1 What do you have that you did not freely receive? Paul uses this question to emphasize that they did not earn the things they have. Alternate translation: “Everything that you have is what you have freely received.” or “God gave to you everything that you have for free!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 4 7 e8l2 figs-rquestion τί καυχᾶσαι ὡς μὴ λαβών? 1 why do you boast as if you had not done so? Paul was rebuking them for boasting in what they had. Alternate translation: “you should not boast as if you had not done so.” or “you have no right to boast!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 4 7 rqd7 ὡς μὴ λαβών 1 as if you did not receive it The phrase “done so” refers to freeling receiving what they had. Alternate translation: “as you had not freely received it” or “as if you had earned it” 1CO 4 8 yp8s figs-irony 0 General Information: Paul uses irony here to shame the Corinthians and make them realize that they are sinning when they are proud of themselves and their teachers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) 1CO 4 9 bb41 figs-parallelism ὁ Θεὸς ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους…ἀπέδειξεν 1 God has put us apostles on display Paul expresses two ways how God has put his apostles on display for the world to see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) 1CO 4 9 vfq3 figs-metaphor ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους…ἀπέδειξεν 1 has put us apostles on display God has displayed the apostles just like prisoners at the end of a Roman military parade, who are humiliated before their execution. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 4 9 cs4r figs-metaphor ὡς ἐπιθανατίους 1 like men sentenced to death God put the apostles on display like men who are about to be executed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 4 9 cqh4 figs-merism τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ἀγγέλοις καὶ ἀνθρώποις 1 to the world—to angels, and to human beings Possible meanings are 1) “the world” consists of both supernatural (“angels”) and natural (“human beings”) or 2) the list consists of three items: “to the world, to angels, and to human beings.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) 1CO 4 10 fkw2 figs-irony ἡμεῖς μωροὶ…ἄτιμοι 1 We are fools…in dishonor Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians so they will think about what he is saying. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) 1CO 4 10 wqh7 ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι 1 You are held in honor “People treat you Corinthians as though you are important people” 1CO 4 10 z22c ἡμεῖς…ἄτιμοι 1 we are held in dishonor “people shame us apostles” 1CO 4 11 i298 ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας 1 Up to this present hour “Until now” or “Up to now” 1CO 4 11 jj2y figs-activepassive κολαφιζόμεθα 1 we are brutally beaten This refers to hitting with the hand, not with whips or clubs. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people beat us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 4 11 yhf4 ἀστατοῦμεν 1 we are homeless Paul means that they had places to stay, but they had to move around from place to place. They had no fixed home. 1CO 4 12 n389 figs-activepassive λοιδορούμενοι, εὐλογοῦμεν 1 When we are reviled, we bless This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people revile us, we bless them” or “When people scorn us, we bless them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 4 12 kue7 figs-activepassive διωκόμενοι 1 When we are persecuted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people persecute us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 4 13 a6hp figs-activepassive δυσφημούμενοι 1 When we are slandered This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people slander us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 4 13 xz66 ὡς περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐγενήθημεν, πάντων περίψημα ἕως ἄρτι 1 We have become as the scum of the world and the refuse all things, even until now “People began to consider us—and they still consider us—to be the garbage of the world” 1CO 4 14 k1at οὐκ ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς γράφω ταῦτα, ἀλλ’…νουθετῶ 1 I do not write these things to shame you, but to correct you “I do not intend to shame you, but to improve you” or “I am not trying to shame you, but I want to correct you” 1CO 4 14 t8jc νουθετῶ 1 correct tell someone that what they are doing is wrong and will cause bad things to happen 1CO 4 14 ruu5 figs-metaphor τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ 1 my beloved children Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, they are like his spiritual children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 4 15 n8c1 figs-hyperbole μυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς 1 ten thousand guardians This is an exaggeration of the number of people guiding them, to emphasize the importance of the one spiritual father. Alternate translation: “very many guardians” or “a large crowd of guardians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) 1CO 4 15 m9ek ἐν…Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα 1 I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel Paul is emphasizing firstly that his relationship with the Corinthians is most importantly “in Christ,” secondly that it came because he told them the good news, and thirdly that he is the one who is like a father to them. Alternate translation: “it was because God joined you to Christ when I told you the good news that I was the one who became your father” 1CO 4 15 n9hp figs-metaphor ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα 1 I became your father Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, he is like a father to them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 4 17 hi7w μου τέκνον, ἀγαπητὸν καὶ πιστὸν ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 my beloved and faithful child in the Lord “whom I love and whom I teach about the Lord as if he were my own child” 1CO 4 18 v4fn δέ 1 Now This word indicates that Paul is shifting his topic to rebuking the arrogant behavior of the Corinthian believers. 1CO 4 19 jdk5 ἐλεύσομαι…πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 I will come to you “I will visit you” 1CO 4 21 ix5g figs-rquestion τί θέλετε? 1 What do you want? Paul was making a last appeal to the Corinthians, as he has been rebuking them for the errors they had made. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you want to happen now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 4 21 wv61 figs-rquestion ἐν ῥάβδῳ ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἢ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, πνεύματί τε πραΰτητος? 1 Shall I come to you with a rod or with love and in a spirit of gentleness? Paul is offering the Corinthians two opposing attitudes he could use when approaching them. Alternate translation: “If you want, I can come to punish you, or I can come to show you how much I love you by being gentle with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 4 21 ix7l πραΰτητος 1 of gentleness “of kindness” or “of tenderness” 1CO 5 intro vb3l 0 # 1 Corinthians 05 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Euphemisms

Paul uses euphemisms to describe sensitive topics. This chapter deals with sexual immorality of one church member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fornication]])

### Metaphor
Paul uses an extended comparison using many metaphors. Yeast represents evil. The loaf probably represents the whole congregation. The unleavened bread represents living purely. So the whole passage means: Don’t you know that a little evil will affect the whole congregation? So get rid of the evil so you can live purely. Christ has been sacrificed for us. So let us be sincere and truthful and not wicked and behaving badly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/unleavenedbread]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/purify]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]])

### Rhetorical questions
Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
1CO 5 1 e66c 0 Connecting Statement: Paul now specifically states about what sin of theirs he has heard, and how the Corinthian believers are proud of their acceptance of that man and his sin. 1CO 5 1 dlj2 figs-activepassive ἥτις οὐδὲ ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν 1 which does not even exist among the Gentiles This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that not even the Gentiles permit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 5 1 b9xn γυναῖκά τινα τοῦ πατρὸς ἔχειν 1 a man has his father’s wife “A man among you is commiting adultery with his father’s wife” 1CO 5 1 lxp1 γυναῖκά…πατρὸς 1 father’s wife the wife of his father, but probably not his own mother 1CO 5 2 zk7g figs-rquestion οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἐπενθήσατε 1 Should you not mourn instead? This rhetorical question is used to scold the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You should mourn over this instead!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 5 2 rr93 figs-activepassive ἵνα ἀρθῇ ἐκ μέσου ὑμῶν ὁ, τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο ποιήσας 1 The one who did this must be removed from among you This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must remove the one who did this from among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 5 3 xm4e παρὼν…τῷ πνεύματι 1 I am present in spirit “I am with you in spirit.” Being with them in spirit represents caring about them or wanting to be with them. Alternate translation: “I care about you” or “I want to be with you” 1CO 5 3 ax3u ἤδη κέκρικα…τὸν οὕτως τοῦτο κατεργασάμενον 1 I have already passed judgment on the one who did this Possible meanings are 1) “I have decided what you should do with the one who did this” or 2) “I have found the person who did this guilty” 1CO 5 4 m9yz συναχθέντων ὑμῶν 1 When you are assembled “When you are together” or “When you meet together” 1CO 5 4 t83d figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ 1 in the name of our Lord Jesus Possible meanings are 1) the name of the Lord Jesus is a metonym that represents his authority. Alternate translation: “with the authority of our Lord Jesus” or 2) being assembled in the Lord’s name implies meeting together to worship him. Alternate translation: “to worship our Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 5 5 xcf6 figs-metaphor παραδοῦναι τὸν τοιοῦτον τῷ Σατανᾷ 1 hand this man over to Satan Handing the man over to Satan represents not allowing the man to be part of their group so that Satan would be allowed to harm him. Alternate translation: “make this man leave your group so that Satan can harm him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 5 5 nq4y figs-metaphor εἰς ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός 1 for the destruction of the flesh Possible meanings are 1) “flesh” refers to his physical body. Alternate translation: “so that Satan may harm his body” or 2) “flesh” is a metaphor for the sinful nature. Alternate translation: “so that his sinful nature will be destroyed” or “so that he will not continue to live according to his sinful nature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 5 5 z2cl figs-activepassive ἵνα τὸ πνεῦμα σωθῇ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου 1 so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God may save his spirit on the day of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 5 6 h2hk οὐ καλὸν τὸ καύχημα ὑμῶν 1 Your boasting is not good “Your boasting is bad” 1CO 5 6 ng4m figs-metaphor οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι μικρὰ ζύμη, ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ? 1 Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole loaf? Just as a little yeast spreads throughout a whole loaf of bread, so can a little sin impact the entire fellowship of believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 5 7 ret3 figs-metaphor τὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός 1 Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed As the Passover lamb covered the sins of Israel by faith each year, so did Christ’s death cover the sins of all who trust in Christ by faith for eternity. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord has sacrificed Christ, our Passover lamb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 5 9 nrb4 πόρνοις 1 sexually immoral people This refers to people who claim to believe in Christ but behave in this manner. 1CO 5 10 xp48 τοῖς πόρνοις τοῦ κόσμου τούτου 1 the immoral people of this world people who have chosen to live an immoral lifestyle, who are not believers 1CO 5 10 taf5 τοῖς πλεονέκταις 1 the greedy “those who are greedy” or “those who are willing to be dishonest to get what others have” 1CO 5 10 hu63 ἅρπαξιν 1 swindlers This means people who cheat to get others’ property. 1CO 5 10 m59j ὠφείλετε…ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελθεῖν 1 you would need to go out of the world “you would need to avoid all people” 1CO 5 11 wcm2 0 Connecting Statement: Paul tells them how to treat believers in the church who refuse to be corrected for their involvement in sexual immorality and other obvious sins before others. 1CO 5 11 w9w8 τις…ὀνομαζόμενος 1 anyone who is called “anyone who calls himself” 1CO 5 11 b4us ἀδελφὸς 1 brother Here this means a fellow Christian, either a man or a woman. 1CO 5 12 xeu7 figs-rquestion τί…μοι τοὺς ἔξω κρίνειν? 1 how am I involved with judging those who are outside the church? Paul is emphasizing that he is not the one to judge people outside the church. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am not the one who should judge people who do not belong to the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 5 12 m4s6 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ τοὺς ἔσω ὑμεῖς κρίνετε? 1 Are you not to judge those inside? Paul is scolding the Corinthians. “you should know that you are the ones who should judge those who are inside the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 intro s6hb 0 # 1 Corinthians 06 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Lawsuits

Paul teaches that a Christian should not take another Christian to court before a non-Christian judge. It is better to be cheated. Christians will judge the angels. So they should be able to solve problems among themselves. It is especially bad to use a court to cheat another believer. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphor
The temple of the Holy Spirit is an important metaphor. It refers to the place where the Holy Spirit stays and is worshiped. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

### Rhetorical questions
Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
1CO 6 1 hv79 0 Connecting Statement: Paul then explains how believers are to settle disagreements with other believers. 1CO 6 1 q5d3 πρᾶγμα 1 dispute disagreement or argument 1CO 6 1 gmy5 figs-rquestion τολμᾷ…κρίνεσθαι…τῶν ἁγίων? 1 does he dare to go…saints? Paul is emphasizing that Christians must resolve disagreements among themselves. Alternate translation: “he should not dare to go…saints!” or “he should be fear God and not go…saints!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 2 i1m5 figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ ἅγιοι τὸν κόσμον κρινοῦσιν? 1 Or do you not know that the believers will judge the world? Paul is shaming the Corinthians for acting like they do not know. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 2 i67f figs-rquestion καὶ εἰ ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος, ἀνάξιοί ἐστε κριτηρίων ἐλαχίστων? 1 If then, you will judge the world, are you not able to settle matters of little importance? Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. Alternate translation: “you will judge the world in the future, so you should be able to settle this matter now.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 3 h374 βιωτικά 1 matters of this life “stop arguments about things that have to do with this life” 1CO 6 3 us55 figs-rquestion οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἀγγέλους κρινοῦμεν 1 Do you not know that we will judge the angels? Paul is surprised that they do not seem to know. Alternate translation: “You know that we will judge the angels.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 3 v5r5 figs-inclusive κρινοῦμεν 1 we will judge Paul includes himself and the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 6 3 x6h3 figs-rquestion μήτι γε βιωτικά? 1 How much more, then, can we judge matters of this life? Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. Alternate translation: “Because we know we will judge the angels, we can also be sure that God will enable us to judge matters in this life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 4 vw5t figs-rquestion βιωτικὰ μὲν οὖν κριτήρια ἐὰν ἔχητε, τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε? 1 If then you have to make judgments that pertain to daily life, why do you lay such cases as these before those who have no standing in the church? Possible meanings are 1) this is a rhetorical question or 2) this is a statement, “When in the past you have settled matters that are important in this life, you have not handed off disputes between Christians to be settled by unbelievers” or 3) this is a command, “When you settle matters that are important in this life, it is even to those who have no standing in the church that you should hand off disputes to be settled!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 4 xn32 βιωτικὰ μὲν οὖν κριτήρια ἐὰν ἔχητε, τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε? 1 If then you have to make judgments that pertain to daily life “If you are called upon to make decisions about daily life” or “If you must settle matters that are important in this life” 1CO 6 4 e791 figs-rquestion τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε? 1 why do you lay such cases as these before those who have no standing in the church? Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for how they are handling these cases. Possible meanings are that 1) “you should stop giving such cases to people who are outside the church.” or 2) “you could give such cases even to members of the church who are not well regarded by other believers.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 5 b2vy πρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῖν 1 to your shame “to your dishonor” or “to show how you have failed in this matter” 1CO 6 5 fue4 figs-rquestion οὕτως οὐκ ἔνι ἐν ὑμῖν οὐδεὶς σοφὸς, ὃς δυνήσεται διακρῖναι ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ? 1 Is there no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between brothers? Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You should be ashamed that you cannot find a wise believer to settle arguments between believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 5 l1hd τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ 1 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women. 1CO 6 5 h8sv διακρῖναι 1 to settle a dispute argument or disagreement 1CO 6 6 m7ls ἀλλὰ ἀδελφὸς μετὰ ἀδελφοῦ κρίνεται, καὶ τοῦτο ἐπὶ ἀπίστων? 1 But brother goes to court against brother, and this before unbelievers! “believers who have disputes with each other ask unbelieving judges to make decisions for them” 1CO 6 7 sv9j ἤδη…ἥττημα…ἐστιν 1 is already a defeat “is already a failure” 1CO 6 7 tn9m figs-rquestion διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀδικεῖσθε? διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀποστερεῖσθε? 1 Why not rather suffer the wrong? Why not rather allow yourselves to be cheated? Paul continues to shame the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “It would be better to let others wrong you and cheat you than to take them to court.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 8 kk7b ἀδελφούς 1 your own brothers All believers in Christ are brothers and sisters of each other. “your own fellow believers” 1CO 6 9 h17l figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι 1 Or do you not know that Paul emphasizes that they should already know this truth. Alternate translation: “You already know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 9 t1rt figs-metaphor κληρονομήσουσιν 1 will inherit Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 6 9 vqx4 Θεοῦ Βασιλείαν οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν 1 will not inherit the kingdom of God God will not judge them as righteous at the judgment, and they will not enter eternal life. 1CO 6 9 h2na figs-merism μαλακοὶ, οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται 1 male prostitutes, those who practice homosexuality Possible meanings are 1) this is a merism for all homosexual activity or 2) Paul is naming two different activities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) 1CO 6 9 blc7 μαλακοὶ, οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται 1 male prostitutes Possible meanings are 1) men who allow other men to sleep with them or 2) men who allow men who pay them to sleep with them or 3) men who allow other men to sleep with them as part of a religious activity. 1CO 6 9 qja8 ἀρσενοκοῖται 1 those who practice homosexuality men who sleep with other men 1CO 6 10 f7gp κλέπται 1 thieves people who steal from others 1CO 6 10 bgj9 πλεονέκται 1 the greedy people who are willing to use evil means to take others’ property 1CO 6 11 v5yq figs-activepassive ἀπελούσασθε 1 you have been cleansed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has cleansed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 6 11 u8kl figs-activepassive ἡγιάσθητε 1 you have been sanctified This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has set you apart for himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 6 11 gnr6 figs-activepassive ἐδικαιώθητε 1 you were justified This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has made you right with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 6 11 s55x figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ “Name” here is a metonym for the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 6 12 sw2e 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that God wants them pure because Christ has bought them with his death. Their bodies are now God’s temple. He does so by saying what the Corinthians might say and then correcting them. 1CO 6 12 r4mx πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν 1 Everything is lawful for me Possible meanings are 1) Paul is answering what some Corinthians might be thinking, “Some say, ‘I can do anything’” or 2) Paul is actually saying what he thinks is true, “God allows me to do anything.” 1CO 6 12 q7dc ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει 1 but not everything is beneficial Paul is answering whoever says, “Everything is lawful for me.” Alternate translation: “but not everything is good for me” 1CO 6 12 c8vz figs-activepassive οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος 1 I will not be mastered by any of them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not allow these things to rule over me like a master” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 6 13 jz55 τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν; ὁ δὲ Θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει 1 “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” but God will do away with both of them Possible meanings are 1) Paul is correcting what some Corinthians might be thinking, “food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” by answering that God will do away with both the stomach and food or 2) Paul actually agrees that “food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” but he is adding that God will do away with both of them. 1CO 6 13 jta4 τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν; ὁ δὲ Θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει 1 Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food One possible meanings is that the speaker is speaking indirectly of the body and sex, but you should translate this literally as “stomach” and “food.” 1CO 6 13 uc1v καταργήσει 1 do away with “destroy” 1CO 6 14 ev9l τὸν Κύριον ἤγειρεν 1 raised the Lord “caused the Lord to live again” 1CO 6 15 gt2x figs-metaphor οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν? 1 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? The word translated as “members” refers to parts of a body. Our belonging to Christ is spoken of as if we were parts of his body. We belong to him so much that even our bodies belong to him. Paul uses this question to remind the people of something they should already know. Alternate translation: “You should know that your bodies belong to Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 15 f4vd figs-rquestion ἄρας οὖν τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη? μὴ γένοιτο! 1 Shall I then take away the members of Christ and join them to a prostitute? May it not be! Paul uses this question to emphasize how wrong it is for someone who belongs to Christ to go to a prostitute. Alternate translation: “I am part of Christ. I will not take my body and join myself to a prostitute!” or “We are parts of Christ’s body. We must not take our bodies and join ourselves to prostitutes!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 15 kmt2 μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it not be! “That should never happen!” or “We must never do that!” 1CO 6 16 seg6 figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι…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 that…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 This can also be stated 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 This can also be stated 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 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 6 18 sc9d figs-explicit τὴν πορνείαν. πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν…δὲ 1 immorality! Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but Possible meanings are 1) Paul is showing that sexual sin is especially bad because it is not only against others but against the sinner’s own body or 2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: “immorality! Some of you are saying, ‘Every sin that a person commits is outside the body,’ but I say that” (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…ἀπὸ Θεοῦ? καὶ οὐκ ἐστὲ ἑαυτῶν 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…God and that you are not your own.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 6 19 bb35 τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν 1 your body the body of each individual Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit 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. This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “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 7 intro a25m 0 # 1 Corinthians 07 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Divorce
Paul says married Christians should not divorce. A Christian married to an unbeliever should not leave their husband or wife. If the unbelieving husband or wife leaves, this is not a sin. Paul advises that, because of the difficult times and being near to time that Jesus will return, it is acceptable to remain unmarried. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Euphemisms
Paul uses many euphemisms to discreetly refer to sexual relations. This is often a sensitive topic. Many cultures do not wish to speak openly about these matters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO 7 1 iue7 0 Connecting Statement: Paul gives the believers some specific instructions on marriage. 1CO 7 1 y4lx δὲ 1 Now Paul is introducing a new topic in his teaching. 1CO 7 1 jq21 ὧν ἐγράψατε 1 the issues you wrote about The Corinthians had written a letter to Paul to ask for answers to certain questions. 1CO 7 1 erl5 καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι 1 “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” Possible meanings are 1) Paul is quoting what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: “you wrote, ‘It is good for a man not to touch a woman.’” or 2) Paul is saying what he really thinks. Alternate translation: “my answer is that yes, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.” 1CO 7 1 ui5c καλὸν 1 It is good “It is most helpful” 1CO 7 1 cm7y ἀνθρώπῳ 1 for a man Possible meanings are 1) “a man” refers to a married man. Alternate translation: “a husband” or 2) “a man” refers to any man. 1CO 7 1 mx7w figs-euphemism γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι 1 not to touch a woman Possible meanings are 1) “touch a woman” is a euphemism for having sexual relations. Alternate translation: “not to have sexual relations with his wife for a while” or 2) “touch a woman” is a metonym for marry. Alternate translation: “not to marry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 7 2 c3uq διὰ δὲ 1 But because Possible meanings are 1) Paul is responding to what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: “That is true, but because” or 2) Paul is saying what he really thinks. 1CO 7 2 fys4 διὰ δὲ τὰς πορνείας, ἕκαστος 1 But because of temptations for many immoral acts, each “But because Satan tempts people to commit sexual sin, each” or “But we desire to commit sexual sin because of our sinful nature, so each” 1CO 7 3 mj8l figs-euphemism ὀφειλὴν 1 sexual rights Both husbands and wives are obligated to regularly sleep with their spouses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) 1CO 7 3 vhv1 figs-ellipsis ὁμοίως…καὶ ἡ γυνὴ τῷ ἀνδρί 1 likewise the wife to her husband The words “should give” and “sexual rights” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “likewise the wife should give to her husband his sexual rights” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 7 5 qq7u figs-euphemism μὴ ἀποστερεῖτε ἀλλήλους 1 Do not deprive each other The word “deprive” means to keep from someone something that the other person has the right to receive. “Do not refuse to have marital relations with your spouse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 7 5 uq6x ἵνα σχολάσητε τῇ προσευχῇ 1 so that you may devote yourselves to prayer in order to have a period of especially deep prayer 1CO 7 5 d3er σχολάσητε 1 devote yourselves “commit yourselves” 1CO 7 5 s1ya πάλιν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ἦτε 1 come together again “sleep together again” 1CO 7 5 ii8n διὰ τὴν ἀκρασίαν ὑμῶν 1 because of your lack of self-control “because after some days, your sexual desires will be harder to keep under control” 1CO 7 6 xe7r τοῦτο δὲ λέγω κατὰ συνγνώμην, οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγήν 1 I say these things to you as a concession and not as a command Possible meanings are Paul is telling the Corinthians that he is allowing them, but not commanding them, 1) to marry and sleep together or 2) to stop sleeping together for a time. 1CO 7 7 rbe7 εἶναι ὡς καὶ ἐμαυτόν 1 were as I am Either Paul had never married or his wife had died. It is unlikely that he had been through a divorce. 1CO 7 7 w9ld ἀλλὰ ἕκαστος ἴδιον ἔχει χάρισμα ἐκ Θεοῦ; ὁ μὲν οὕτως, ὁ δὲ οὕτως 1 But each one has his own gift from God. One has this kind of gift, and another that kind “God enables people to do different things. He enables one person to do one thing and another person to do something different” 1CO 7 8 a58l τοῖς ἀγάμοις 1 the unmarried “this those who are not married” 1CO 7 8 fq46 ταῖς χήραις 1 to the widows “to women whose husband has died” 1CO 7 8 r27x καλὸν 1 it is good See how you translated this in [1 Corinthians 7:1](../07/01.md). 1CO 7 9 ty79 πυροῦσθαι 1 to burn with desire “to live with the constant desire to sleep with someone” 1CO 7 10 hc5p ἀπὸ…μὴ χωρισθῆναι 1 should not separate from Paul’s readers knew no difference between separating and divorcing. To stop living with someone was to end the marriage. Alternate translation: “should not divorce” 1CO 7 11 lxf7 figs-activepassive τῷ ἀνδρὶ καταλλαγήτω 1 be reconciled to her husband This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “she should make peace with her husband and return to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 7 11 jd5w μὴ ἀφιέναι 1 should not divorce Paul’s readers knew no difference between divorcing and simply separating. To do either was to end the marriage. Alternate translation: “should not separate from” 1CO 7 12 k9yd συνευδοκεῖ 1 agrees willing or satisfied 1CO 7 13 mw6k ἄνδρα 1 husband This is the same Greek word as for “man.” 1CO 7 14 l84p figs-activepassive ἡγίασται γὰρ ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ ἄπιστος ἐν τῇ γυναικί 1 For the unbelieving husband is set apart because of his wife Possible meanings are 1) “For God has set apart the unbelieving husband for himself because of his believing wife” or 2) “God treats the unbelieving husband as he would treat a son for the sake of his believing wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 7 14 s3gw ὁ ἀνὴρ…τῇ γυναικί 1 husband…wife These are the same Greek words as for “man” and “woman.” 1CO 7 14 w5y9 figs-activepassive ἡγίασται ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄπιστος ἐν τῷ ἀδελφῷ 1 the unbelieving wife is set apart because of the brother Possible meanings are 1) “God has set apart the unbelieving wife for himself because of her husband who believes” or 2) “God treats the unbelieving wife as he would treat a daughter for the sake of her husband who believes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 7 14 i1x4 τῷ ἀδελφῷ 1 the brother the believing man or husband 1CO 7 14 fmu5 figs-activepassive ἅγιά ἐστιν 1 they are set apart Possible meanings are 1) “God has set them apart for himself” or 2) “God treats them as he would treat his own children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 7 15 jef4 figs-metaphor οὐ δεδούλωται ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις 1 In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound to their vows Here “brother” and “sister” refers to a Christian husband or wife. Here “not bound to their vows” is a metaphor that mean the person is not obligated to do what they vowed to do. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “In such cases, God does not require the believing spouse to continue to obey the marriage vow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 7 16 l559 figs-you οἶδας, γύναι…τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις…οἶδας, ἄνερ…τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις 1 do you know, woman…you will save your husband…do you know, man…you will save your wife Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 7 16 h5td figs-rquestion τί…οἶδας, γύναι, εἰ τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις 1 how do you know, woman, whether you will save your husband? Paul uses a question to cause women to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving husband.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 7 16 dbz6 figs-rquestion τί οἶδας, ἄνερ, εἰ τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις 1 how do you know, man, whether you will save your wife? Paul uses a question to cause men to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving wife.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 7 17 ya76 ἑκάστῳ 1 each one “each believer” 1CO 7 17 iid2 οὕτως ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις πάσαις διατάσσομαι 1 I direct in this way in all the churches Paul was teaching believers in all the churches to act in this manner. 1CO 7 18 unc4 figs-rquestion περιτετμημένος τις ἐκλήθη? 1 Was anyone called when he was circumcised? Paul was addressing the circumcised ones (the Jews). Alternate translation: “To the circumcised ones, when God called you to believe, you had already been circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 7 18 fqv6 figs-rquestion ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ κέκληταί τις? 1 Was anyone called in uncircumcision? Paul was now addressing the uncircumcised ones. Alternate translation: “To the uncircumcised ones, when God called you to believe, you were not circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 7 20 yy8l figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Here the words “us” and “we” refer to all Christians and include Paul’s audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 7 20 hsz1 ἐν τῇ κλήσει…μενέτω 1 in the calling…he should remain Here “calling” refers to the work or social position in which you were involved. Alternate translation: “live and work as you did” 1CO 7 21 ag5a figs-you ἐκλήθης…σοι…δύνασαι 1 Were you…called you? Do not be…you can become Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” and the command “be” here are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 7 21 nli9 figs-rquestion δοῦλος ἐκλήθης? μή σοι μελέτω 1 Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned This can be stated as a statement. Alternate translation: “To those who were slaves when God called you to believe, I say this: do not be concerned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 7 22 l6vq ἀπελεύθερος Κυρίου 1 the Lord’s freeman This freeman is forgiven by God and therefore free from Satan and sin. 1CO 7 23 m53p figs-activepassive τιμῆς ἠγοράσθητε 1 You have been bought with a price This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Christ bought you by dying for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 7 24 qu1l ἀδελφοί 1 Brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women. 1CO 7 24 c83e figs-activepassive ἐκλήθη 1 was called This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when God called us to believe in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 7 25 f71a περὶ δὲ τῶν παρθένων, ἐπιταγὴν Κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω 1 Now concerning those who never married, I have no commandment from the Lord Paul knows no teaching of Jesus that speaks about this situation. Alternate translation: “The Lord has not commanded me to say anything to people who have never married” 1CO 7 25 vaa4 γνώμην…δίδωμι 1 I give my opinion “I tell you what I think” 1CO 7 25 qqz7 ὡς ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ Κυρίου, πιστὸς εἶναι 1 as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy “because, by the Lord’s mercy, I am trustworthy” 1CO 7 27 a77x figs-you 0 General Information: Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if he were speaking to each person, so all these instances of “you” and the command “do not seek” here are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 7 27 k9td figs-rquestion δέδεσαι γυναικί? μὴ ζήτει 1 Are you married to a wife? Do not… Paul uses this question to introduce a possible condition. The question can be translated as a phrase with “if.” Alternate translation: “If you are married, do not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 7 27 x2lk μὴ ζήτει λύσιν 1 Do not seek a divorce “Do not try to divorce her” or “Do try to separate from her” 1CO 7 27 d79c μὴ ζήτει…γυναῖκα 1 do not seek a wife “do not try to get married” 1CO 7 28 whf5 figs-explicit ἐγὼ…ὑμῶν φείδομαι 1 I want to spare you from this The word “this” refers to the kinds of worldly trouble that married people might have. Alternate translation: “I want to help you not to have worldly trouble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 7 29 r594 ὁ καιρὸς συνεσταλμένος ἐστίν 1 The time is short “There is little time” or “Time is almost gone” 1CO 7 30 vm8k οἱ κλαίοντες 1 those who weep cry or grieve with tears 1CO 7 31 t41v οἱ χρώμενοι τὸν κόσμον 1 those using the world “those who deal every day with unbelievers” 1CO 7 31 jl2r ὡς μὴ καταχρώμενοι 1 as though they were not using it “should show by their actions that they have their hope in God” 1CO 7 32 t4ab figs-idiom ἀμερίμνους 1 free from worries “Free” here is an idiom which means the ability to live without constantly thinking about.” Alternate translation: “without needing to worry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 7 32 d4zd μεριμνᾷ 1 concerned about “focused on” 1CO 7 34 ug6n μεριμνᾷ 1 is concerned about “he is trying to please God and please his wife at the same time” 1CO 7 35 rp3w βρόχον 1 constraint restriction 1CO 7 35 ffx4 εὐπάρεδρον 1 devoted “can concentrate on” 1CO 7 36 jn8j ἀσχημονεῖν ἐπὶ 1 he is acting improperly toward “not being kind to” or “not honoring” 1CO 7 36 crb8 τὴν παρθένον αὐτοῦ 1 his virgin Possible meanings are 1) “the woman whom he promised to marry” or 2) “his virgin daughter.” 1CO 7 36 wdj5 γαμείτωσαν 1 let them marry Possible meanings are 1) “He should marry his fiancée” or 2) “He should let his daughter get married.” 1CO 7 37 nm99 figs-metaphor ὃς δὲ ἕστηκεν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἑδραῖος 1 But if he is standing firm in his heart Here “standing firm” is a metaphor for deciding something with certainty. Here “heart” is metonym for a person’s mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “But if he has decided firmly in his own mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 7 39 d413 figs-metaphor γυνὴ δέδεται ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς 1 A wife is bound for as long as her husband lives Here “bound” is a metaphor for a close relationship between people in which they support each other emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Here it means the union of marriage. Alternate translation: “A woman is married to her husband” or “A woman is united with her husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 7 39 ms7z ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ 1 for as long as…lives “until he dies” 1CO 7 39 y6rz ᾧ θέλει 1 whomever she wishes “anyone she wants” 1CO 7 39 rr2d ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 in the Lord “if the new husband is a believer” 1CO 7 40 hwz4 τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην 1 my judgment “my understanding of God’s word” 1CO 7 40 hd7f μακαριωτέρα 1 happier more contented, more joyful 1CO 7 40 pse4 οὕτως μείνῃ 1 lives as she is “remains unmarried” 1CO 8 intro c8l6 0 # 1 Corinthians 08 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-inclusive 0 General Information: “We” means Paul and, though specifically writing to the Corinthian believers, includes all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 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 this phrase 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 “Knowledge puffs people up.” Here “puffs up” is a metaphor for making someone proud. The abstract noun “knowledge” can be expressed with the verb “know.” Alternate translation: “Knowledge makes people proud” or “People who think that they know a lot become proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 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 This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 8 4 v4gx figs-inclusive 0 General Information: “We” and “us” here refer to all believers and include Paul’s audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 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. 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-explicit]] and [[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 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 This can be stated 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 believers 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 these words are 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…ἐσθίειν 1 built up so as to eat “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 1 if food causes to stumble “Food” here 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 9 intro z8d4 0 # 1 Corinthians 09 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]]) 1CO 9 1 dbp9 figs-rquestion οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος 1 Am I not an apostle? Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is and the rights he has. Alternate translation: “I am an apostle.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 1 re1t figs-rquestion οὐχὶ Ἰησοῦν τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν ἑόρακα 1 Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is. Alternate translation: “I have seen Jesus our Lord.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 1 zd7e figs-rquestion οὐ τὸ ἔργον μου ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Are you not my workmanship in the Lord? Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of their relationship to him. Alternate translation: “You believe in Christ because I have worked the way the Lord wants me to.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 2 j6qz figs-metonymy ἡ…σφραγίς μου τῆς ἀποστολῆς, ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 you are the proof of my apostleship in the Lord “Proof” here is a metonym for the evidence needed to prove something. Alternate translation: “you are evidence I can use to prove that the Lord has chosen me to be an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 9 3 b17x ἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία…ἐμὲ…αὕτη: 1 This is my defense…me: Possible meanings are 1) the words that follow are Paul’s defense or 2) the words in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 are Paul’s defense. Alternate translation: “This is my defense…me.” 1CO 9 4 mr4g figs-rquestion μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν 1 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We have the absolute right to receive food and drink from the churches.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 4 p4vq figs-exclusive ἔχομεν 1 we…have Here “we” refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) 1CO 9 5 s9k8 figs-rquestion μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν ἀδελφὴν, γυναῖκα περιάγειν, ὡς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπόστολοι, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ τοῦ Κυρίου, καὶ Κηφᾶς? 1 Do we not have the right to take along with us a wife who is a believer, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “If we have believing wives, we have a right to take them with us just as the other apostles take them, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 6 wx1p figs-rquestion ἢ μόνος ἐγὼ καὶ Βαρναβᾶς, οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν μὴ ἐργάζεσθαι? 1 Or is it only Barnabas and I who do not have the right not to work? Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You seem to think that the only people you think need to work to earn money are Barnabas and me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 7 f3qf figs-rquestion τίς στρατεύεται ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ποτέ? 1 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that no soldier has to buy his own supplies.” or “We all know that every soldier receives his supplies from the government.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 7 zh5m figs-rquestion τίς φυτεύει ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐσθίει? 1 Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that the one who plants a vineyard will always eat its fruit.” or “We all know that no one expects someone who plants a vineyard not to eat its fruits.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 7 r1ih figs-rquestion ἢ τίς ποιμαίνει ποίμνην, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ γάλακτος τῆς ποίμνης, οὐκ ἐσθίει? 1 Or who tends a flock and does not drink milk from it? Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that those who tend flocks get their drink from the flocks.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 8 jld4 figs-rquestion μὴ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον, ταῦτα λαλῶ 1 Am I not saying these things according to human authority? Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You seem to think that I am saying these things based on merely human authority.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 8 vy1n figs-rquestion ἢ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα οὐ λέγει? 1 Or does not the law also say this? Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You act as if you do not know that this is what is written in the law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 9 h2d3 figs-you οὐ φιμώσεις 1 Do not put a muzzle on Moses was speaking to the Israelites as if they were one person, so this command is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 9 9 sxk2 figs-rquestion μὴ τῶν βοῶν μέλει τῷ Θεῷ? 1 Is it really the oxen that God cares about? Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that it is not the oxen that God cares most about.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 10 x84t figs-rquestion ἢ δι’ ἡμᾶς πάντως λέγει? 1 Or is he speaking entirely for our sake? Paul asks a question to emphasize the statement he is making. Alternate translation: “Instead, God was certainly speaking about us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 10 f8f4 figs-exclusive δι’ ἡμᾶς 1 for our sake Here “us” refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) 1CO 9 11 g1wh figs-rquestion μέγα εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῶν τὰ σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν? 1 is it too much for us to reap material things from you? Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Alternate translation: “you should know without me telling you that it is not too much for us to receive material support from you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 12 lld4 figs-exclusive εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς ὑμῶν ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν, οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς? 1 If others exercised this right over you, should we not even more? Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Here “we” refers to Paul and Barnabas. Alternate translation: “Others exercised…you, so you know without me telling you that we have this right even more.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 12 v333 εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς…ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν 1 If others exercised this right Paul and the Corinthians both know that others exercised the right. “Since others exercised this right” 1CO 9 12 nr6u ἄλλοι 1 others other workers of the gospel 1CO 9 12 q7vj τῆς…ἐξουσίας 1 this right the right to have the believers at Corinth provide for the living expenses of those who told them the good news 1CO 9 12 vt6t μή τινα ἐνκοπὴν δῶμεν 1 to cause any hindrance “be a burden to” or “stop the spread of” 1CO 9 13 slf9 figs-rquestion οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ τὰ ἱερὰ ἐργαζόμενοι, τὰ ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ ἐσθίουσιν 1 Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat from the things of the temple Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 13 wwj4 figs-rquestion οἱ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ παρεδρεύοντες, τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ συνμερίζονται? 1 those who serve at the altar partake from the altar? Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that those who serve at the altar get some of the foods and meat that people offer on the altar.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 14 rj38 figs-metonymy ἐκ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ζῆν 1 get their living from the gospel The words “the gospel” here are a metonym for 1) the people to whom they tell the gospel, “receive their food and other things they need from those to whom they teach the good news,” or 2) the result of working to tell the gospel, “receive their food and other things they need because they work to tell the good news.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 9 15 fs7a τούτων 1 these rights “these things that I deserve” 1CO 9 15 sy42 figs-activepassive ἵνα οὕτως γένηται ἐν ἐμοί 1 so that this might be done for me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so you will do something for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 9 15 fd69 τὸ καύχημά μου…κενώσει 1 deprive me of my boasting “take away this opportunity I have to boast” 1CO 9 16 ecw2 ἀνάγκη…μοι ἐπίκειται 1 this necessity was placed upon me “I must preach the gospel” 1CO 9 16 l7as οὐαὶ…μοί ἐστιν, ἐὰν 1 woe be to me if “may I suffer misfortune if” 1CO 9 17 x6s9 εἰ…ἑκὼν τοῦτο πράσσω 1 if I do this willingly “if I preach willingly” or “if I preach because I want to” 1CO 9 17 t8pm figs-ellipsis εἰ δὲ ἄκων 1 But if not willingly The words “I do this” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “But if I do this unwillingly” or “But if I do this even though I do not want to” or “But if I do this because I was forced to do it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 9 17 xa5p figs-activepassive οἰκονομίαν πεπίστευμαι 1 I have been entrusted with a stewardship This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I must do this work that God trusted me to complete” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 9 18 lg51 figs-rquestion τίς οὖν μού ἐστιν ὁ μισθός? 1 What then is my reward? Paul is preparing them for the new information he is going to give them. Alternate translation: “This is my reward.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 18 ia5x ἵνα εὐαγγελιζόμενος ἀδάπανον, θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον 1 That when I preach, I may offer the gospel without charge “My reward for preaching is that I can preach without receiving payment” 1CO 9 18 dln7 θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον 1 offer the gospel “preach the gospel” 1CO 9 18 fn7i εἰς τὸ μὴ καταχρήσασθαι τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ 1 so not take full use of my right in the gospel “so not ask people to support me as I travel and preach” 1CO 9 19 s48l figs-metaphor ἐλεύθερος…ὢν ἐκ πάντων 1 I am free from all “Free from all” here is an idiom meaning the ability to live without thinking of what one must do for others. Alternate translation: “I am able to live without serving others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 9 19 mms9 τοὺς πλείονας κερδήσω 1 I might gain even more “persuade others to believe” or “help others trust in Christ” 1CO 9 20 hh8t ἐγενόμην…ὡς Ἰουδαῖος 1 I became like a Jew “I acted like a Jew” or “I practiced Jewish customs” 1CO 9 20 s9tu ὡς ὑπὸ νόμον 1 I became like one under the law “I became like one committed to following the demands of the Jewish leadership, accepting their understanding of the Jewish scriptures” 1CO 9 21 qtu7 ἀνόμοις 1 outside the law “who do not obey the laws of Moses” 1CO 9 24 vn1d 0 Connecting Statement: Paul explains that he uses the liberty he has in Christ to discipline himself. 1CO 9 24 urh5 figs-rquestion οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι οἱ ἐν σταδίῳ τρέχοντες, πάντες μὲν τρέχουσιν, εἷς δὲ λαμβάνει τὸ βραβεῖον? 1 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run the race, but that only one receives the prize? Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “Let me remind you that although all runners run the race, only one runner receives the prize.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 9 24 mq1d figs-metaphor τρέχουσι 1 run Paul compares living the Christian life and working for God to running a race and being an athlete. As in a race, the Christian life and work require strict discipline on the part of the runner, and, as in a race, the Christian has a specific goal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 9 24 mh8z figs-metaphor οὕτως τρέχετε, ἵνα καταλάβητε 1 So run in such a way that you might obtain it Paul is speaking of the reward God will give his faithful people as if it were a prize given for an athletic contest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 9 25 bfe4 figs-metaphor φθαρτὸν στέφανον…ἄφθαρτον 1 a wreath that is perishable…one that is imperishable A wreath is a bunch of leaves twisted together. Wreaths were given as prizes to athletes who won games and races. Paul speaks of eternal life as if it were a wreath that would never dry up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 9 26 k64n figs-metaphor ἐγὼ…οὕτως τρέχω, ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως; οὕτως πυκτεύω, ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων 1 I do not run without purpose or box by beating the air Here “running” and “boxing” are both metaphors for living the Christian life and serving God. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I know very well why I am running, and I know what I am doing when I box” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) 1CO 9 27 blb7 figs-activepassive μή…αὐτὸς ἀδόκιμος γένωμαι 1 I myself may not be disqualified This passive sentence can be rephrased to an active form. The judge of a race or competition is a metaphor for God. Alternate translation: “the judge will not disqualify me” or “God will not say that I have failed to obey the rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 10 intro abcd 0 # 1 Corinthians 10 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

In this chapter, Paul uses the exodus to warn people not to sin. Then, he returns to discussing meat offered to idols. He uses the Lord’s Supper as an example. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

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

### Eating meat sacrificed to idol
Paul discusses meat offered to idols. Christians are allowed to eat, but it may hurt others. So when buying meat or eating with a friend, do not ask if it has been offered to idols. But if someone tells you it has been offered to idols, don’t eat it for the sake of that person. Do not offend anyone. Seek to save them instead. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

### Rhetorical questions
Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
1CO 10 1 r66h 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds them of the example of their ancient Jewish fathers’ experiences with immorality and idolatry. 1CO 10 1 g34f figs-inclusive οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 our fathers Paul is referring to the time of Moses in the book of Exodus when Israel fled through the Red Sea as the Egyptian army pursued them. The word “our” refers to himself and the Corinthians and is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 10 1 v4c6 διὰ τῆς θαλάσσης διῆλθον 1 passed through the sea This sea is known by two names, the Red Sea and the Sea of Reeds. 1CO 10 1 z5s9 διὰ…διῆλθον 1 passed through “walked through” or “traveled through” 1CO 10 2 f7cq πάντες εἰς τὸν Μωϋσῆν ἐβαπτίσαντο 1 All were baptized into Moses “All followed and were committed to Moses” 1CO 10 2 y72i ἐν τῇ νεφέλῃ 1 in the cloud by the cloud that represented the presence of God and led the Israelites during the day 1CO 10 4 xut2 τὸ αὐτὸ πνευματικὸν ἔπιον πόμα…πνευματικῆς…πέτρας 1 drank the same spiritual drink…spiritual rock “drank the same water that God supernaturally brought out of the rock…supernatural rock” 1CO 10 4 whj4 figs-metonymy ἡ…πέτρα ἦν ὁ Χριστός 1 that rock was Christ The “rock” was a literal, physical rock, so it would be best to translate this literally. If your language cannot say that a rock “was” a person’s name, treat the word “rock” as a metonym for the power of Christ that worked through the rock. Alternate translation: “it was Christ who worked through that rock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 10 5 lh93 figs-litotes οὐκ…ηὐδόκησεν 1 not well pleased “displeased” or “angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) 1CO 10 5 tnu4 τοῖς πλείοσιν αὐτῶν 1 most of them the Israelite fathers 1CO 10 5 w673 κατεστρώθησαν 1 their corpses were scattered about “God scattered their dead bodies around” or “God killed them and scattered their bodies” 1CO 10 5 b96g ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ 1 in the wilderness the desert land between Egypt and Israel through which the Israelites wandered for 40 years 1CO 10 7 nzt9 εἰδωλολάτραι 1 idolaters people who worship idols 1CO 10 7 n175 ἐκάθισεν…φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν 1 sat down to eat and drink “sat down to eat a meal” 1CO 10 7 ukp4 figs-euphemism παίζειν 1 to play Paul is quoting the Jewish scriptures. His readers would have understood from this one word that the people were worshiping an idol by singing and dancing and engaging in sexual activities, not simply enjoying innocent fun. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) 1CO 10 8 vw5g ἔπεσαν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες 1 In one day, twenty-three thousand people died “God killed 23,000 people in one day” 1CO 10 9 l5h4 figs-activepassive ὑπὸ τῶν ὄφεων ἀπώλλυντο 1 were destroyed by snakes This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “did. As a result, snakes destroyed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 10 10 nye7 γογγύζετε 1 grumble complaining 1CO 10 10 i3q3 figs-activepassive ἀπώλοντο ὑπὸ τοῦ ὀλοθρευτοῦ 1 were destroyed by the destroyer This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “did. As a result, an angel of death destroyed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 10 11 u1mp ταῦτα…συνέβαινεν ἐκείνοις 1 these things happened to them “God punished our ancestors” 1CO 10 11 wmp1 figs-inclusive τυπικῶς 1 as examples Here “us” refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 10 11 j3z1 τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων 1 the end of the ages “the last days” 1CO 10 12 df2p μὴ πέσῃ 1 does not fall does not sin or reject God 1CO 10 13 a8vj figs-doublenegatives πειρασμὸς ὑμᾶς οὐκ εἴληφεν, εἰ μὴ ἀνθρώπινος 1 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to all humanity This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “The temptations that affect you are temptations that all people experience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) 1CO 10 13 hc7q ὃς οὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι ὑπὲρ ὃ δύνασθε 1 He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability “He will only allow you to be tempted in ways that you are strong enough to resist” 1CO 10 13 a72t figs-activepassive οὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι 1 will not let you be tempted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will not allow anyone to tempt you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 10 14 dab4 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues to remind them to be pure and to stay away from idolatry and immorality as he talks about communion, which represents the blood and body of Christ. 1CO 10 14 n5tb figs-metaphor φεύγετε ἀπὸ τῆς εἰδωλολατρίας 1 flee away from idolatry Paul is speaking of the practice of worshiping idols as if it were a physical thing like a dangerous animal. Alternate translation: “do all you can to get away from worshiping idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 10 16 gi4s figs-metaphor τὸ ποτήριον τῆς εὐλογίας 1 The cup of blessing Paul is speaking of God’s blessing as though it were the wine in the cup used in the ritual of the Lord’s Supper. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 10 16 tv8e ὃ εὐλογοῦμεν 1 that we bless “for which we thank God” 1CO 10 16 y5uv figs-rquestion οὐχὶ κοινωνία ἐστὶν τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ? 1 is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know, that the cup of wine that we share represents us sharing in the blood of Christ. Alternate translation: “we share in the blood of Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 10 16 ngf6 figs-rquestion τὸν ἄρτον ὃν κλῶμεν, οὐχὶ κοινωνία τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐστιν? 1 The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know. Alternate translation: “We share in the body of Christ when we share bread.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 10 16 n77u κοινωνία 1 a sharing “taking part in” or “equally participating with others in” 1CO 10 17 g954 ἄρτος 1 loaf of bread a single unit of baked bread that is sliced or broken into pieces before it is eaten 1CO 10 18 q9ng figs-rquestion οὐχὶ οἱ ἐσθίοντες τὰς θυσίας, κοινωνοὶ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου εἰσίν 1 Are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. Alternate translation: “those who eat the sacrifices share in the activities and the blessings of the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 10 19 ix5q figs-rquestion τί οὖν φημι? 1 What am I saying then? Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. Alternate translation: “Let me review what I am saying.” or “This is what I mean.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 10 19 hy95 figs-rquestion ἢ ὅτι εἴδωλόν τὶ ἐστιν? 1 Or that an idol is anything? Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not saying that an idol is something real.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 10 19 j8dj figs-rquestion ὅτι εἰδωλόθυτόν τὶ ἐστιν 1 Or that food sacrificed to an idol is anything? Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not saying that food sacrificed to an idol is not important.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 10 21 dy2g figs-metonymy οὐ δύνασθε ποτήριον Κυρίου πίνειν, καὶ ποτήριον δαιμονίων 1 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons Paul speaks of a person drinking from the same cup as the demon as evidence that that person is a friend of the demon. Alternate translation: “It is impossible for you to be true friends with both the Lord and demons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 10 21 qwk7 οὐ δύνασθε τραπέζης Κυρίου μετέχειν, καὶ τραπέζης δαιμονίων 1 You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons “It is impossible for you to be truly one with the Lord’s people and also with demons” 1CO 10 22 l8ik ἢ παραζηλοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον 1 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this question in their minds. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that it is not right to make the Lord jealous.” 1CO 10 22 h9fh παραζηλοῦμεν 1 provoke to anger or irritate 1CO 10 22 zv17 figs-rquestion μὴ ἰσχυρότεροι αὐτοῦ ἐσμεν? 1 We are not stronger than him, are we? Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this question in their minds. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that we are not stronger than God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 10 23 ped1 0 Connecting Statement: Paul again reminds them of the law of liberty and doing everything for the benefit of others. 1CO 10 23 tu2m πάντα ἔξεστιν 1 Everything is lawful Possible meanings are 1) Paul is answering what some Corinthians might be thinking, “Some say, ‘I can do anything’” or 2) Paul is actually saying what he thinks is true, “God allows me to do anything.” This should be translated as in [1 Corinthians 6:12](../06/12.md). 1CO 10 23 jm4k οὐ πάντα συμφέρει 1 not everything is beneficial “some things are not beneficial” 1CO 10 23 ex6z figs-metaphor οὐ πάντα οἰκοδομεῖ 1 not everything builds people up Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in [1 Corinthians 8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “not everything strengthens people” or “some things do not strengthen people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 10 27 g31y ὑμῖν…μηδὲν ἀνακρίνοντες διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν 1 you without asking questions of conscience “you. God wants you to eat the food with a clear conscience” 1CO 10 28 q3zt figs-you ἐὰν δέ τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ…μὴ ἐσθίετε…τὸν μηνύσαντα 1 But if someone says to you…do not eat…who informed you Some translations put this verse, continuing to “and not yours” in the next verse, in parentheses because 1) the forms of “you” and “eat” here are singular, but Paul uses the plural form immediately before and after this sentence, and 2) the words “For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience?” in the next verse seem to build on “eat whatever is set before you without asking questions of conscience” ([1 Corinthians 10:27](../10/27.md)) rather than “the conscience of the other man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 10 28 qi77 figs-you ὑμῖν εἴπῃ…μὴ ἐσθίετε…τὸν μηνύσαντα 1 says to you…do not eat…informed you Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” and the command “do not eat” here are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 10 29 v1d9 figs-you συνείδησιν δὲ λέγω, οὐχὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ 1 the conscience of the other man, I mean, and not yours Some translations put these words, along with the words in the verse before this one, in parentheses because 1) the form of “yours” here is singular, but Paul uses the plural form immediately before and after this sentence, and 2) the words “For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience?” in this verse seem to build on “eat whatever is set before you without asking questions of conscience” ([1 Corinthians 10:27](../10/27.md)) rather than “the conscience of the other man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 10 29 s1wk figs-you οὐχὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ 1 and not yours Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “yours” here is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 10 29 k8xr ἵνα τί γὰρ…συνειδήσεως? 1 For why…conscience? Possible meanings for this question, along with the question in the next verse, are 1) the word “for” refers back to [1 Corinthians 10:27](../10/27.md). Alternate translation: “I am not to ask questions of conscience, so why…conscience?” or 2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: “As some of you might be thinking, ‘For why…conscience?’” 1CO 10 29 d4q1 figs-rquestion ἵνα τί…ἡ ἐλευθερία μου κρίνεται ὑπὸ ἄλλης συνειδήσεως? 1 why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience? The speaker wants the hearer to answer the question in his mind. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that no one should be able to say I am doing wrong just because that person has ideas about right and wrong that are different from mine.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 10 30 dv5f figs-rquestion εἰ ἐγὼ χάριτι μετέχω, τί βλασφημοῦμαι ὑπὲρ οὗ ἐγὼ εὐχαριστῶ? 1 If I partake of the meal with gratitude, why am I being insulted for that for which I gave thanks? The speaker wants the hearer to answer the question in his mind. Alternate translation: “I partake of the meal with gratitude, so no one should insult me for that for which I gave thanks.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 10 30 x2v5 εἰ ἐγὼ…μετέχω 1 If I partake If Paul is not quoting what some Corinthians might be thinking, the “I” represents those who eat meat with thankfulness. “If a person partakes” or “When a person eats” 1CO 10 30 n89t χάριτι 1 with gratitude “and thank God for it” or “and thank the person who gave it to me for it” 1CO 10 32 ag47 ἀπρόσκοποι καὶ Ἰουδαίοις γίνεσθε, καὶ Ἕλλησιν 1 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks “Do not displease Jews or Greeks” or “Do not make Jews or Greeks angry” 1CO 10 33 kj14 πάντα…ἀρέσκω 1 try to please all people “make all people glad” 1CO 10 33 b4jv μὴ ζητῶν τὸ ἐμαυτοῦ σύμφορον 1 I do not seek my benefit “I do not do things I desire for myself” 1CO 10 33 hd2z τῶν πολλῶν 1 the many as many people as possible 1CO 11 intro abce 0 # 1 Corinthians 11 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Proper conduct in a church service

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

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the people for their unwillingness to follow the rules for worship he has suggested. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

### The head

Paul uses “head” as a metonym for authority in verse 3 and also to refer to a person’s actual head in verse 4 and following. Since they are so close together, it is likely that Paul intentionally used “head” in this way. This would show that the ideas in these verses were connected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO 11 1 h5fg 0 Connecting Statement: After reminding them to follow him the way he follows Christ, Paul gives some specific instructs in how women and men are to live as believers. 1CO 11 2 qsk9 πάντα μου μέμνησθε 1 you remember me in everything “you think of me at all times” or “you always try act as I would want you to act” The Corinthians had not forgotten who Paul was or what he had taught them. 1CO 11 3 k5um θέλω δὲ 1 Now I want Possible meanings are 1) “Because of this, I want” or 2) “However, I want.” 1CO 11 3 hbt7 ἡ κεφαλὴ…ἐστιν 1 is the head has authority over 1CO 11 3 en95 κεφαλὴ…γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ 1 a man is the head of a woman Possible meanings are 1) “men are to have authority over women” or 2) “the husband is to have authority over the wife” 1CO 11 4 uuv2 κατὰ κεφαλῆς ἔχων 1 having something on his head “and does so after placing a cloth or veil over his head” 1CO 11 4 lit3 καταισχύνει τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ 1 dishonors his head Possible meanings are 1) “brings disgrace on himself” or 2) “brings disgrace on Christ, who is his head.” 1CO 11 5 b7ku γυνὴ προσευχομένη…καταισχύνει τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτῆς 1 woman who prays…dishonors her head Possible meanings are 1) “woman who prays…brings disgrace on herself” or 2) “wife who prays…brings disgrace on her husband.” 1CO 11 5 k5yl ἀκατακαλύπτῳ τῇ κεφαλῇ 1 with her head uncovered That is, without the cloth that was worn on the top of the head and that covered the hair and shoulders. 1CO 11 5 e1pz τῇ ἐξυρημένῃ 1 as if her head were shaved as if she had removed all the hair on her head with a razor 1CO 11 6 s4r5 εἰ…αἰσχρὸν γυναικὶ 1 If it is disgraceful for a woman It was a mark of disgrace or humiliation for a woman to have her hair shaved off or cut short. 1CO 11 6 i624 κατακαλύπτεται 1 cover her head place on her head the cloth that was worn on the top of the head and that covered the hair and shoulders 1CO 11 7 aa4r figs-activepassive οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν 1 should not have his head covered This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) “must not cover his head” or 2) “does not need to cover his head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 11 7 t5jn δόξα ἀνδρός 1 glory of the man Just as man reflects God’s greatness, the woman reflects the man’s character. 1CO 11 8 s5ns figs-activepassive οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἀνὴρ ἐκ γυναικός, ἀλλὰ γυνὴ ἐξ ἀνδρός. 1 For man was not made from woman. Instead, woman was made from man God made the woman by taking a bone from the man and making the woman from that bone. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not make the man from the woman. Instead, he made the woman from the man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 11 9 w8jm γὰρ οὐκ…διὰ τὸν ἄνδρα 1 For neither…for man These words and all of [1 Corinthians 11:8](../11/08.md) could be put in parentheses so that the reader can see that the word “this” in “this is why…the angels” clearly refers back to the words “the woman is the glory of the man” in [1 Corinthians 11:7](../11/07.md). 1CO 11 10 wh4c ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς 1 have a symbol of authority on her head Possible meanings are 1) “to symbolize that she has man as her head” or 2) “to symbolize that she has the authority to pray or prophesy.” 1CO 11 11 pir4 πλὴν…ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Nevertheless, in the Lord “While what I have just said is all true, the most important thing is this: in the Lord” 1CO 11 11 h9t4 ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 in the Lord Possible meanings are 1) “among Christians, who belong to the Lord” or 2) “in the world as created by God.” 1CO 11 11 hqy4 figs-doublenegatives οὔτε γυνὴ χωρὶς ἀνδρὸς, οὔτε ἀνὴρ χωρὶς γυναικὸς ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 the woman is not independent from the man, nor is the man independent from the woman This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “the woman depends on the man, and the man depends on the woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) 1CO 11 12 i8qu τὰ…πάντα ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 all things come from God “God created everything” 1CO 11 13 eex3 ἐν ὑμῖν αὐτοῖς κρίνατε 1 Judge for yourselves “Judge this issue according to the local customs and church practices you know” 1CO 11 13 hp13 figs-activepassive πρέπον ἐστὶν γυναῖκα ἀκατακάλυπτον, τῷ Θεῷ προσεύχεσθαι? 1 Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. This can be stated in active form. “To honor God, a woman should pray to God with a covering on her head.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 11 14 v5b5 figs-rquestion οὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς…αὐτῷ ἐστιν; 1 Does not even nature itself teach you…for him? Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. Alternate translation: “Nature itself even teaches you…for him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 11 14 gyw9 figs-personification οὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς…αὐτῷ ἐστιν; 1 Does not even nature itself teach you…for him? He is speaking of the way people in society normally act as if it were a person who teaches. Alternate translation: “You know just from looking at the way people normally act…for him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) 1CO 11 15 s7ys figs-activepassive ὅτι ἡ κόμη…δέδοται αὐτῇ 1 For her hair has been given to her This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For God created woman with hair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 11 17 id4f 0 Connecting Statement: As Paul talks about communion, the Lord’s supper, he reminds them to have right attitudes as well as unity. He reminds them that if they fail in those things when taking communion, they will become sick and die, as has already happened to some of them. 1CO 11 17 vt5a τοῦτο δὲ παραγγέλλων, οὐκ ἐπαινῶ, ὅτι 1 in the following instructions, I do not praise you. For Another possible meaning is “as I give you these instructions, there is something for which I cannot praise you: when” 1CO 11 17 t2sm τοῦτο…παραγγέλλων 1 the following instructions “the instructions I am about to talk about” 1CO 11 17 ry4k συνέρχεσθε 1 you come together “gather together” or “meet” 1CO 11 17 du1a οὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖσσον, ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ ἧσσον 1 it is not for the better but for the worse “you do not help each other; instead, you harm each other” 1CO 11 18 iu3q ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ 1 in the church “as believers.” Paul is not talking about being inside a building. 1CO 11 18 l9vx σχίσματα ἐν ὑμῖν ὑπάρχειν 1 there are divisions among you “you divide yourselves into opposing groups” 1CO 11 19 s9sy figs-irony δεῖ γὰρ καὶ αἱρέσεις ἐν ὑμῖν εἶναι 1 For there must also be factions among you Possible meanings 1) The word “must” indicates that this situation is likely to happen. Alternate translation: “For there will probably be factions among you” or 2) Paul was using irony to shame them for having factions. Alternate translation: “For you seem to think that there must be factions among you” or “For you seem to think that you must divide yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) 1CO 11 19 kcr7 αἱρέσεις 1 factions opposing groups of people 1CO 11 19 vfv4 figs-irony ἵνα καὶ οἱ δόκιμοι φανεροὶ γένωνται ἐν ὑμῖν 1 so that those who are approved may be recognized among you Possible meanings are 1) “so that people will know the most highly regarded believers among you” or 2) “so that people can display this approval to the others among you.” Paul may have been using irony, saying the opposite of what he wanted the Corinthians to understand, to shame them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) 1CO 11 19 j7db δόκιμοι 1 who are approved Possible meanings are 1) “whom God approves” or 2) “whom you, the church, approve.” 1CO 11 20 x9h5 συνερχομένων 1 come together “gather together” 1CO 11 20 dse7 οὐκ ἔστιν Κυριακὸν δεῖπνον φαγεῖν 1 it is not the Lord’s Supper that you eat “you may believe you are eating the Lord’s Supper, but you do not treat it with respect” 1CO 11 22 zl1h ἐσθίειν καὶ πίνειν 1 to eat and to drink in “in which to gather for a meal” 1CO 11 22 d2cm καταφρονεῖτε 1 despise hate or treat with dishonor and disrespect 1CO 11 22 w476 καταισχύνετε 1 humiliate embarrass or cause to feel shame 1CO 11 22 nz88 figs-rquestion τί εἴπω ὑμῖν? ἐπαινέσω ὑμᾶς ἐν τούτῳ? 1 What should I say to you? Should I praise you? Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “I can say nothing good about this. I cannot praise you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 11 23 av31 ἐγὼ γὰρ παρέλαβον ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου, ὃ καὶ παρέδωκα ὑμῖν, ὅτι ὁ Κύριος 1 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord “For it was from the Lord that I heard what I told you, and it was this: the Lord” 1CO 11 23 c197 figs-activepassive ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ᾗ παρεδίδετο 1 on the night when he was betrayed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “on the night that Judas Iscariot betrayed him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 11 24 e19d ἔκλασεν 1 he broke it “he pulled pieces from it” 1CO 11 24 f6hn τοῦτό μού ἐστιν τὸ σῶμα 1 This is my body “The bread I am holding is my body” 1CO 11 25 gr2k τὸ ποτήριον 1 the cup It is best to translate this literally. The Corinthians knew which cup he took, so it is not simply “a cup” or “some cup” or “any cup.” Possible meanings are that it was 1) the cup of wine that one would expect him to use or 2) the third or fourth of the four cups of wine that the Jews drank at the Passover meal. 1CO 11 25 z54e τοῦτο ποιεῖτε, ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε 1 Do this as often as you drink it “Drink from this cup, and as often as you drink from it” 1CO 11 26 sj1l τὸν θάνατον τοῦ Κυρίου καταγγέλλετε 1 proclaim the Lord’s death teach about the crucifixion and resurrection 1CO 11 26 m89f figs-explicit ἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ 1 until he comes Where Jesus comes to can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “until Jesus comes back to the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 11 27 as6y ἂν ἐσθίῃ τὸν ἄρτον ἢ πίνῃ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ Κυρίου 1 eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord “eats the bread of the Lord or drinks the cup of the Lord” 1CO 11 28 nhx7 figs-metaphor δοκιμαζέτω 1 examine Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how “test the quality” is translated in [1 Corinthians 3:13](../03/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 11 29 gqd2 μὴ διακρίνων τὸ σῶμα 1 without discerning the body Possible meanings are 1) “and does not recognize that the church is the body of the Lord” or 2) “and does not consider that he is handling the Lord’s body.” 1CO 11 30 kbi6 ἀσθενεῖς καὶ ἄρρωστοι 1 weak and ill These words mean almost the same thing and can be combined, as in UST. 1CO 11 30 vx5t figs-euphemism κοιμῶνται ἱκανοί 1 and many of you have fallen asleep “Sleep” here is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “and some of you have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]). 1CO 11 30 bh6j figs-explicit ἱκανοί 1 many of you If this would sound like Paul is talking to those who have died, you may need to make explicit that he is not. Alternate translation: “some of the members of your group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 11 31 j6ml figs-metaphor διεκρίνομεν 1 examine Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 11:28](../11/28.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 11 31 egl8 figs-activepassive οὐκ ἂν ἐκρινόμεθα 1 we will not be judged This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not judge us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 11 32 ruq5 figs-activepassive κρινόμενοι…ὑπὸ Κυρίου, παιδευόμεθα, ἵνα μὴ…κατακριθῶμεν 1 we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord judges us, he disciplines us, so that he will not condemn us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 11 33 maa7 συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν 1 come together to eat gather to eat a meal together before celebrating the Lord’s Supper 1CO 11 33 nky5 ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε 1 wait for one another “allow the others to arrive before beginning the meal” 1CO 11 34 v2uh ἐν οἴκῳ ἐσθιέτω 1 let him eat at home “let him eat before attending this gathering” 1CO 11 34 x1l8 figs-metonymy μὴ εἰς κρίμα 1 not be for judgment “it will not be an occasion for God to discipline you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 12 intro abcf 0 # 1 Corinthians 12 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

### Gifts of the Holy Spirit

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The Church, the body of Christ

This is an important metaphor in Scripture. The Church has many different parts. Each part has different functions. They combine to make one church. All of the different parts are necessary. Each part is to be concerned for all the other parts, even those that seem less important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”
In reading the Old Testament, the Jews would have substituted the word “Lord” for the word “Yahweh.” This sentence probably means that no one can say that Jesus is Yahweh, God in the flesh, without the Holy Spirit’s influence drawing them to accept this truth. If this statement is translated poorly, it can have unintended theological consequences.
1CO 12 1 da2e 0 Connecting Statement: Paul lets them know that God has given special gifts to believers. These gifts are to help the body of believers. 1CO 12 1 i3k7 figs-doublenegatives οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν 1 I do not want you to be uninformed This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “I want you to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) 1CO 12 2 hbt8 figs-metaphor ἦτε, πρὸς τὰ εἴδωλα τὰ ἄφωνα ὡς ἂν ἤγεσθε, ἀπαγόμενοι 1 you were led astray to idols who could not speak, in whatever ways you were led by them Here “led astray” is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. Being led astray to idols represents being wrongly persuaded to worship idols. The phrases “were led astray” and “you were led by them” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you were persuaded in some way to worship idols who cannot speak” or “you believed lies somehow and so you worshiped idols who cannot speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 12 3 zg4j οὐδεὶς ἐν Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λαλῶν, λέγει 1 no one who speaks by the Spirit of God can say Possible meanings are 1) “no Christian who has the Spirit of God in him can say” or 2) “no one who is prophesying by the power of the Spirit of God can say.” 1CO 12 3 jak6 ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς 1 Jesus is accursed “God will punish Jesus” or “God will make Jesus suffer” 1CO 12 6 eth3 ὁ ἐνεργῶν τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν 1 who is working all things in everyone “causes everyone to have them” 1CO 12 7 x7mv figs-activepassive ἑκάστῳ…δίδοται 1 to each one is given This can be stated in active form. God is the one who does the giving ([1 Corinthians 12:6](../12/06.md)). Alternate translation: “God gives to each one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 12 8 c9ak figs-activepassive ᾧ μὲν…διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος δίδοται λόγος 1 to one is given by the Spirit a word This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “by means of the Spirit God gives to one person the word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 12 8 us1k λόγος 1 a word “the message” 1CO 12 8 gi53 διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 by the Spirit God gives the gifts through the work of the Spirit. 1CO 12 8 a872 σοφίας…γνώσεως 1 wisdom…knowledge The difference between these two words is not as important here as the fact that God gives them both by the same Spirit. 1CO 12 8 p2pm figs-hendiadys λόγος σοφίας 1 a word of wisdom Paul is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “wise words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) 1CO 12 8 a9pr figs-hendiadys λόγος γνώσεως 1 a word of knowledge Paul is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “words that show knowldge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) 1CO 12 8 pe8s figs-activepassive δίδοται 1 is given This can be stated in active form. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 12:8](../12/08.md). Alternate translation: “God gives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 12 9 d7qg figs-ellipsis ἄλλῳ…χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων ἐν τῷ ἑνὶ Πνεύματι 1 to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit The words “are given” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit are given” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 12 10 x572 figs-ellipsis ἄλλῳ προφητεία 1 to another prophecy The phrase “is given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another prophecy is given by the same Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 12 10 v7xy figs-ellipsis ἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν 1 to another various kinds of tongues The phrase “are given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another various kinds of tongues are given by the same Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 12 10 skl8 figs-metonymy γένη γλωσσῶν 1 various kinds of tongues Here “tongues” represents languages. Alternate translation: “the ability to speak different languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 12 10 j8qk figs-ellipsis ἄλλῳ…ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν 1 to another the interpretation of tongues The phrase “is given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another the interpretation of tongues is given by the same Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 12 10 c14y ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν 1 the interpretation of tongues This is the ability to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying. Alternate translation: “the ability to interpret what is said in other languages” 1CO 12 11 z383 τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα 1 one and the same Spirit God gives the gifts through the work of the one and only Holy Spirit. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 12:8](../12/08.md). 1CO 12 12 j3xl 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues to talk of the variety of gifts God gives believers, God gives different gifts to different believers, but Paul wants them to know that all believers are made into one body, which is called the body of Christ. For this reason believers should have unity. 1CO 12 13 g8uk figs-activepassive γὰρ ἐν ἑνὶ Πνεύματι ἡμεῖς πάντες…ἐβαπτίσθημεν 1 For by one Spirit we were all baptized Possible meanings are 1) the Holy Spirit is the one who baptizes us, “For one Spirit baptized us” or 2) that the Spirit, like the water of baptism, is the medium through which we are baptized into the body, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 12 13 r9hm figs-metonymy εἴτε…δοῦλοι, εἴτε ἐλεύθεροι 1 whether bound or free “Bound” here is a metonym for “slaves.” Alternate translation: “whether slave-people or free-people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 12 13 r5kw figs-activepassive πάντες ἓν Πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν 1 all were made to drink of one Spirit This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave all of us the same Spirit, and we share the Spirit as people might share a drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 12 17 rsl6 figs-rquestion ποῦ ἡ ἀκοή?…ποῦ ἡ ὄσφρησις? 1 where would the sense of hearing be?…where would the sense of smell be? This can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “you could not hear anything…you could not smell anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 12 19 zw6k τὰ…ἓν μέλος 1 the same member The word “member” is a general word for the parts of the body, like the head, arm, or knee. Alternate translation: “the same part of the body” 1CO 12 19 y4vg figs-rquestion ποῦ τὸ σῶμα? 1 where would the body be? This can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “there would be no body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 12 21 u9r9 χρείαν σου οὐκ ἔχω 1 I have no need of you “I do not need you” 1CO 12 23 rrs6 ἀτιμότερα 1 less honorable “less important” 1CO 12 23 id5z figs-euphemism τὰ ἀσχήμονα ἡμῶν 1 our unpresentable members This probably refers to the private parts of the body, which people keep covered. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) 1CO 12 25 z4kk μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι, ἀλλὰ 1 there may be no division within the body, but “the body may be unified, and” 1CO 12 26 da97 figs-activepassive δοξάζεται μέλος 1 one member is honored This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone gives honor to one member” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 12 27 z2ct ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε 1 Now you are Here the word “now” is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. 1CO 12 28 ll3s πρῶτον ἀποστόλους 1 first apostles Possible meanings are 1) “the first gift I will mention is apostles” or 2) “the most important gift is apostles.” 1CO 12 28 unh1 ἀντιλήμψεις 1 those who provide helps “those who provide help to other believers” 1CO 12 28 l6p1 κυβερνήσεις 1 those who do the work of administration “those who govern the church” 1CO 12 28 w726 κυβερνήσεις 1 those who have various kinds of tongues an individual who can speak in one or more foreign languages without having studied that language 1CO 12 29 aq64 figs-rquestion μὴ πάντες ἀπόστολοι? μὴ πάντες προφῆται? μὴ πάντες διδάσκαλοι? μὴ πάντες δυνάμεις? 1 Are all of them apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do powerful deeds? Paul is reminding his readers of what they already know. Alternate translation: “Only some of them are apostles. Only some of them are prophets. Only some of them are teachers. Only some of them do powerful deeds.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 12 30 p919 figs-rquestion μὴ πάντες χαρίσματα ἔχουσιν ἰαμάτων? 1 Do all of them have gifts of healing? This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them have gifts of healing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 12 30 q8ht figs-rquestion μὴ πάντες γλώσσαις λαλοῦσιν? 1 Do all of them speak with tongues? This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them speak with tongues.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 12 30 d3k8 figs-rquestion μὴ πάντες διερμηνεύουσιν? 1 Do all of them interpret tongues? This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them interpret tongues.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 12 30 ab9e διερμηνεύουσιν 1 interpret This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 2:13](../02/13.md). 1CO 12 31 vb1m ζηλοῦτε…τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ μείζονα 1 earnestly desire the greater gifts. Possible meanings are 1) “You must eagerly seek from God the gifts that best help the church.” or 2) “You are eagerly looking for gifts that you think are greater because you think they are more exciting to have.” 1CO 13 intro abcg 0 # 1 Corinthians 13 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Love

Love is the most important characteristic of the believer. This chapter fully describes love. Paul tells why love is more important than the gifts of the Spirit. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/love]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphor

Paul uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He uses these metaphors to instruct the Corinthians, especially on difficult topics. Readers often need spiritual discernment to understand these teachings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO 13 1 n8lm 0 Connecting Statement: Having just talked about the gifts that God gave to believers, Paul emphasizes what is more important. 1CO 13 1 cm2n figs-hyperbole ταῖς γλώσσαις…τῶν ἀγγέλων 1 the tongues of…angels Possible meanings are 1) Paul is exaggerating for the sake of effect and does not believe that people speak the language that angels use or 2) Paul thinks that some who speak in tongues actually speak the language that angels use. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) 1CO 13 1 k2gk figs-metaphor γέγονα χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον 1 I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal I have become like instruments that make loud, annoying sounds (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 13 1 krt1 translate-unknown χαλκὸς 1 gong a large, thin, round metal plate that is hit with a padded stick to make a loud sound (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) 1CO 13 1 qbx6 translate-unknown κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον 1 a clanging cymbal two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) 1CO 13 3 ar2q figs-activepassive παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου 1 I give my body The phrase “to be burned” can be made active. Alternate translation: “I allow those who persecute me to burn me to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 13 4 m671 figs-personification ἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ…οὐ φυσιοῦται 1 Love is patient and kind…It is not arrogant Here Paul speaks about love as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) 1CO 13 5 cp6x figs-personification 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) 1CO 13 5 xt3v figs-activepassive οὐ παροξύνεται 1 It is not easily angered This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to make it angry quickly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 13 6 wl5y figs-personification 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) 1CO 13 6 tpz6 figs-doublenegatives οὐ χαίρει ἐπὶ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, συνχαίρει δὲ τῇ ἀληθείᾳ 1 It does not rejoice in unrighteousness. Instead, it rejoices in the truth This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “It rejoices only in righteousness and truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) 1CO 13 7 vf6x figs-personification 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) 1CO 13 12 bn3h βλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι’ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι 1 For now we see indirectly in a mirror Mirrors in Paul’s day were made of polished metal rather than glass and provided a dim, vague reflection. 1CO 13 12 w2eu βλέπομεν…ἄρτι 1 now we see Possible meanings are 1) “now we see Christ” or 2) “now we see God.” 1CO 13 12 xx1g figs-ellipsis τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον 1 but then face to face “but then we will see Christ face to face” This means that we will be physically present with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) 1CO 13 12 qp7g figs-ellipsis ἐπιγνώσομαι 1 I will know fully The word “Christ” is understood. Alternate translation: “I will know Christ fully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) 1CO 13 12 i28w figs-activepassive καθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην 1 just as I have also been fully known This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “just as Christ has known me fully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 13 13 nt1y figs-abstractnouns πίστις, ἐλπίς, ἀγάπη 1 faith, hope, and love These abstract nouns can be expressed in phrases with verbs. Alternate translation: “we must trust the Lord, be confident that he will do what he has promised, and love him and others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) 1CO 14 intro abch 0 # 1 Corinthians 14 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul returns to discussing spiritual gifts.

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Tongues

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

### Prophecy

Scholars disagree on the exact meaning of prophecy as a spiritual gift. Paul says prophets can build up the entire church. He describes prophecy as a gift for believers. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])
1CO 14 1 vl57 0 Connecting Statement: Paul wants them to know that though teaching is more important because it instructs people, it must be done with love. 1CO 14 1 x938 figs-123person διώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην 1 Pursue love Paul speaks of love as if it were a person. “Follow after love” or “Work hard to love people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) 1CO 14 1 ki3l μᾶλλον…ἵνα προφητεύητε 1 especially that you may prophesy “and work especially hard to be able to prophesy” 1CO 14 3 r1nx figs-metaphor οἰκοδομὴν 1 to build them up Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in [1 Corinthians 8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “to strengthen them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 14 4 b2mg figs-metaphor οἰκοδομεῖ 1 builds up Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in [1 Corinthians 8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “strengthens people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 14 5 z5my figs-synecdoche μείζων δὲ ὁ προφητεύων 1 Now the one who prophesies is greater Paul is emphasizing that the gift of prophecy is greater than the gift of speaking in tongues. Alternate translation: “The one who prophesies has a greater gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) 1CO 14 5 g9k1 διερμηνεύῃ 1 he would interpret This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 2:13](../02/13.md). 1CO 14 6 l71k figs-rquestion τί ὑμᾶς ὠφελήσω 1 how will I benefit you? This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not benefit you.” or “I will not have done anything that helps you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 14 7 t3rb διαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ 1 they do not make different sounds This refers to sounds of different pitch that make up the melody, not to the difference between a flute sound and a harp sound. 1CO 14 7 hq2u figs-rquestion πῶς γνωσθήσεται τὸ αὐλούμενον 1 how will it be known what is being played on the flute Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: “no one will know what tune the flute or harp is playing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 14 8 z6jg figs-rquestion τίς παρασκευάσεται εἰς πόλεμον? 1 who will prepare for battle? Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: “no one would know when it is time to prepare for battle.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 14 10 im7a figs-doublenegatives οὐδὲν ἄφωνον 1 none is without meaning This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “they all have meaning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) 1CO 14 12 x4v6 πνευμάτων 1 spiritual gifts “being able to do things that show that the Spirit controls you” 1CO 14 12 j1h7 figs-metaphor πρὸς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ζητεῖτε ἵνα περισσεύητε 1 try to excel in the gifts that build up the church Paul speaks of the church as if it were a house that one could build and of the work of building the church as if it were something one could harvest. Alternate translation: “to succeed greatly in making God’s people more able to serve God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 14 13 j87g διερμηνεύῃ 1 interpret This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 2:13](../02/13.md). 1CO 14 14 kjh6 figs-metaphor ὁ…νοῦς μου ἄκαρπός ἐστιν 1 my mind is unfruitful The mind not understanding what is being prayed and, therefore, receiving no benefit from the prayer is spoken of as if the “mind is unfruitful.” Alternate translation: “I do not understand it in my mind” or “my mind does not benefit from the prayer, because I do not understand the words I am saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 14 15 vm6p figs-rquestion τί…ἐστιν 1 What should I do? Paul is introducing his conclusion. Alternate translation: “This is what I will do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 14 15 r11f προσεύξομαι τῷ Πνεύματι…προσεύξομαι…τῷ νοΐ…ψαλῶ τῷ Πνεύματι…ψαλῶ…τῷ νοΐ 1 pray with my spirit…pray with my mind…sing with my spirit…sing with my mind Prayers and songs must be in a language that the people present can understand. 1CO 14 15 fi2f τῷ νοΐ 1 with my mind “with words that I understand” 1CO 14 16 niu5 figs-you εὐλογῇς…τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ…λέγεις 1 you praise God…you are giving thanks…you are saying Though “you” is singular here, Paul is addressing everyone who prays only in the spirit, but not with the mind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 14 16 r4w5 figs-rquestion πῶς ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν…οὐκ οἶδεν? 1 how will the outsider say “Amen”…saying? This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “the outsider will never be able to say ‘Amen’…saying.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 14 16 j3e3 τοῦ ἰδιώτου 1 the ungifted Possible meanings are 1) “another person” or 2) “people who are new to your group.” 1CO 14 16 ev63 figs-synecdoche ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν 1 say “Amen” “be able to agree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) 1CO 14 17 a7wr figs-you σὺ μὲν…εὐχαριστεῖς 1 you certainly give Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 14 17 w25k figs-metaphor ὁ ἕτερος οὐκ οἰκοδομεῖται 1 the other person is not built up Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated “builds up” in [1 Corinthians 8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “the other person is not strengthened” or “what you say does not strengthen any outsider who might hear you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 14 19 cbw8 translate-numbers ἢ μυρίους λόγους ἐν γλώσσῃ 1 than ten thousand words in a tongue Paul was not counting words, but used exaggeration to emphasize that a few understandable words are far more valuable than even a great number of words in a language that people cannot understand. Alternate translation: “10,000 words” or “a great many words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) 1CO 14 20 luu4 0 General Information: Paul tells them that speaking in different languages was told ahead of time by the prophet Isaiah many years before this speaking in other languages happened at the start of Christ’s church. 1CO 14 20 mh5t figs-metaphor μὴ παιδία γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν 1 do not be children in your thinking Here “children” is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate translation: “do not think like children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 14 21 jx6l figs-activepassive ἐν τῷ νόμῳ γέγραπται 1 In the law it is written, This can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: “The prophet wrote these words in the law:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 14 21 l9xz figs-parallelism ἐν ἑτερογλώσσοις καὶ ἐν χείλεσιν ἑτέρων 1 By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) 1CO 14 22 bp4j 0 Connecting Statement: Paul gives specific instructions on an orderly way to use gifts in the church. 1CO 14 22 qj5f figs-doublenegatives οὐ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν, ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἀπίστοις 1 not for unbelievers, but for believers This can be expressed positively and combined with the other positive statement. Alternate translation: “only for believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) 1CO 14 23 hj3d figs-rquestion οὐκ ἐροῦσιν ὅτι μαίνεσθε? 1 would they not say that you are insane? This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “they would say that you are insane.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 14 24 xxy5 figs-parallelism ἐλέγχεται ὑπὸ πάντων, ἀνακρίνεται ὑπὸ πάντων 1 he would be convicted by all and examined by all Paul says basically the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate translation: “he would realize that he is guilty of sin because he hears what you are saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) 1CO 14 25 ma47 figs-metonymy τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ φανερὰ γίνεται 1 The secrets of his heart would be revealed Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s thoughts. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God would reveal to him the secrets of his heart” or “He would recognize his own private inner thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 14 25 w31w figs-idiom πεσὼν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον, προσκυνήσει τῷ Θεῷ 1 he would fall on his face and worship God “Fall on his face” here is an idiom, meaning to bow down. Alternate translation: “He would bow down and worship God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 14 26 bv9k figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἐστιν, ἀδελφοί? 1 What is tp be then, brothers? Paul uses a question to introduce the next part of his message. Alternate translation: “Because everything I have just told you is true, this is what you need to do, my fellow believers.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 14 26 xzz2 ἑρμηνίαν 1 interpretation This means a telling of what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how “interpret” is translated in [1 Corinthians 2:13](../02/13.md). 1CO 14 27 wc1z καὶ ἀνὰ μέρος 1 and each one in turn “and they should speak one after another” or “and they should speak one at a time” 1CO 14 27 zh9z figs-activepassive διερμηνευέτω 1 must interpret This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “interpret what they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 14 27 ari2 διερμηνευέτω 1 must interpret This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how “interpret” is translated in [1 Corinthians 2:13](../02/13.md). 1CO 14 29 a9iz προφῆται…δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν 1 Let two or three prophets speak Possible meanings are 1) only two or three prophets speak at any one meeting or 2) only two or three prophets take turns speaking at any one time. 1CO 14 29 m5l8 figs-activepassive προφῆται δὲ δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν 1 to what is said This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 14 30 sl1q figs-activepassive ἐὰν…ἄλλῳ ἀποκαλυφθῇ 1 if a revelation is given to another This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if God gives someone insight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 14 31 xr69 καθ’ ἕνα…προφητεύειν 1 prophesy one by one Only one person should prophesy at a time. 1CO 14 31 nrq1 figs-activepassive πάντες…παρακαλῶνται 1 all may be encouraged This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you may encourage all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 14 33 my65 οὐ…ἐστιν ἀκαταστασίας ὁ Θεὸς 1 God is not a God of confusion God does not create confusing situations by making people all speak at the same time. 1CO 14 34 gjv2 σιγάτωσαν 1 let be silent Possible meanings are 1) stop speaking, 2) stop speaking when someone is prophesying, or 3) be absolutely silent during the church service. 1CO 14 36 h8lp figs-rquestion ἢ ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐξῆλθεν, ἢ εἰς ὑμᾶς μόνους κατήντησεν? 1 Did the word of God come from you? Are you the only ones it has reached? Paul emphasizes that the Corinthians are not the only ones who understand what God wants Christians to do. Alternate translation: “The word of God did not come from you in Corinth; you are not the only people who understand God’s will.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 14 36 mj6b figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the word of God “Word of God” here is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “God’s message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 14 37 ab6u ἐπιγινωσκέτω 1 he should acknowledge A true prophet or truly spiritual person will accept Paul’s writings as coming from the Lord. 1CO 14 38 l68a figs-activepassive ἀγνοείτω 1 let him be ignorant This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you should not recognize him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 14 39 jvr7 τὸ λαλεῖν μὴ κωλύετε γλώσσαις 1 do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues at a church gathering is permissible and acceptable. 1CO 14 40 d7ia πάντα δὲ εὐσχημόνως καὶ κατὰ τάξιν γινέσθω 1 But let all things be done properly and in order Paul is stressing that church gatherings should be held in an orderly manner. Alternate translation: “But do all things properly and in order” or “But do everything in an orderly, appropriate way” 1CO 15 intro abci 0 # 1 Corinthians 15 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

### Resurrection
This chapter includes a very important teaching about the resurrection of Jesus. The Greek people did not believe that a person could live after they died. Paul defends the resurrection of Jesus. He teaches why it is important to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/resurrection]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Resurrection
Paul presents the resurrection as the ultimate proof that Jesus is God. Christ is the first of many who God will raise to life. The resurrection is central to the gospel. Few doctrines are as important as this one. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/raise]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

Paul uses many different figures of speech in this chapter. He uses them to express difficult theological teachings in a way that people can understand.
1CO 15 1 gc6n 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds them that it is the gospel that saves them and he tells them again what the gospel is. Then he gives them a short history lesson, which ends with what will yet happen. 1CO 15 1 la9v γνωρίζω…ὑμῖ 1 make known to you “help you remember” 1CO 15 1 xv53 figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ…ἑστήκατε 1 on which you stand Paul is speaking of the Corinthians as if they were a house and the gospel as if it were the foundation on which the house was standing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 2 xh29 figs-activepassive σῴζεσθε 1 you are being saved This can be stated in active form. “God will save you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 2 le2k τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν 1 the word I preached to you “the message I preached to you” 1CO 15 3 sp4p ἐν πρώτοις 1 as of first importance Possible meanings are 1) as the most important of many things or 2) as the first in time . 1CO 15 3 azw6 ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 for our sins “to pay for our sins” or “so that God could forgive our sins” 1CO 15 3 inj2 κατὰ τὰς Γραφάς 1 according to the scriptures Paul is referring to the writings of the Old Testament. 1CO 15 4 wa7m figs-activepassive ἐτάφη 1 he was buried This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they buried him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 4 n7c7 figs-activepassive ἐγήγερται 1 he was raised This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God raised him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 4 d6ew ἐγήγερται 1 was raised “was caused to live again” 1CO 15 5 rhd3 0 Connecting Statement: If you need for verse 5 to be a complete sentence, end [1 Corinthians 15:4](../15/04.md) with a comma so that verse 5 completes the sentence begun in [1 Corinthians 15:3](../15/03.md). 1CO 15 5 q3nb ὤφθη 1 he appeared “showed himself to” 1CO 15 6 l7vc translate-numbers πεντακοσίοις 1 five hundred 500 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) 1CO 15 6 q8bl figs-euphemism τινὲς…ἐκοιμήθησαν 1 some have fallen asleep “Sleep” here is a common euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “some have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) 1CO 15 8 n9c6 ἔσχατον…πάντων 1 Last of all “Finally, after he had appeared to the others” 1CO 15 8 vg7t figs-idiom τῷ ἐκτρώματι 1 a child born at the wrong time This is an idiom by which Paul may mean that he became a Christian much later than the other apostles. Or perhaps he means that, unlike the other apostles, he did not witness Jesus’ three-year-long ministry. Alternate translation: “someone who missed the experiences of the others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 15 10 xiq6 χάριτι…Θεοῦ, εἰμι ὅ εἰμι 1 by the grace of God I am what I am God’s grace or kindness has made Paul as he is now. 1CO 15 10 n45h figs-litotes ἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ, οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη 1 his grace in me was not in vain Paul is emphasizing through litotes that God worked through Paul. Alternate translation: “because he was kind to me, I was able to do much good work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) 1CO 15 10 xh95 figs-metaphor ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ σὺν ἐμοί 1 the grace of God that is with me Paul speaks of the work he was able to do because God was kind to him as if that grace were actually doing the work. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) this is literally true, and God actually did the work and kindly used Paul as a tool or 2) Paul is using a metaphor and saying that God was kind to let Paul do the work and to make Paul’s work have good results. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 12 ub2p figs-rquestion πῶς λέγουσιν ἐν ὑμῖν τινες, ὅτι ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν? 1 how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? Paul is using this question to begin a new topic. Alternate translation: “you should not be saying that there is no resurrection of the dead!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 15 12 jbi8 ἐγήγερται 1 raised made alive again 1CO 15 13 cn2m figs-hypo εἰ…ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν, οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται 1 if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised Paul is using a hypothetical case to argue that there is a resurrection of the dead. He knows that Christ has been raised and so infers that there is a resurrection. To say that there is no resurrection is to say that Christ has not been raised, but this is false because Paul has seen the resurrected Christ ([1 Corinthians 15:8](../15/08.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) 1CO 15 13 mi12 figs-activepassive οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται 1 not even Christ has been raised This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has not even raised Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 15 gi99 0 Connecting Statement: Paul wants them assured that Christ rose from the dead. 1CO 15 15 ctn5 εὑρισκόμεθα…ψευδομάρτυρες τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 we are found to be false witnesses about God Paul is arguing that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then they are bearing false witness or lying about Christ’s coming alive again. 1CO 15 15 aq5s figs-activepassive εὑρισκόμεθα 1 we are found to be This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone will realize that we are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 17 v6vz ματαία ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν, ἔτι ἐστὲ ἐν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν 1 your faith is in vain and you are still in your sins Their faith is based on Christ having risen from the dead, so if that did not happen, their faith will do them no good. 1CO 15 19 d9nq πάντων ἀνθρώπων 1 of all people “of everyone, including believers and non-believers” 1CO 15 19 ts7u ἐλεεινότεροι πάντων ἀνθρώπων ἐσμέν 1 of all people we are most to be pitied “people should feel sorry for us more than they do for anyone else” 1CO 15 20 cxp9 νυνὶ…Χριστὸς 1 now Christ “as it is, Christ” or “this is the truth: Christ” 1CO 15 20 zw31 figs-metaphor ἀπαρχὴ 1 the firstfruits Here “firstfruits” is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “who is like the first part of the harvest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 20 n6cl figs-activepassive Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἀπαρχὴ τῶν κεκοιμημένων 1 Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruit of those who have fallen asleep “Raised” here is an idiom for “caused to live again.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has raised Christ, who is the firstfruits of those who died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 15 21 uca8 figs-abstractnouns δι’ ἀνθρώπου θάνατος 1 death came by a man The abstract noun “death” can be expressed with the verb “die.” Alternate translation. “people die because of what one man did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) 1CO 15 21 gf8p figs-abstractnouns καὶ δι’ ἀνθρώπου ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν 1 by a man also came the resurrection of the dead The abstract noun “resurrection” can be expressed with the verb “raise.” Alternate translation: “people are raised from the dead because of another man” or “people will become alive again because of what one man did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) 1CO 15 23 p4g9 figs-metaphor ἀπαρχὴ 1 the firstfruits Here “firstfruits” is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “who is like the first part of the harvest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 24 u298 0 General Information: Here the words “he” and “his” refer to Christ. 1CO 15 24 uwh3 καταργήσῃ πᾶσαν ἀρχὴν, καὶ πᾶσαν ἐξουσίαν, καὶ δύναμιν 1 he will abolish all rule and all authority and power “he will stop those people who rule, who have authority, and who have power from doing what they are doing” 1CO 15 25 t8mk figs-idiom ἄχρι οὗ θῇ πάντας τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ 1 until he has put all his enemies under his feet Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated. Alternate translation: “until God has completely destroyed all of Christ’s enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 15 26 x49h figs-activepassive ἔσχατος ἐχθρὸς καταργεῖται ὁ θάνατος 1 The last enemy to be destroyed is death Paul speaks of death here as if it were a person whom God will kill. Alternate translation: “The final enemy that God will destroy is death itself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) 1CO 15 27 df59 figs-idiom πάντα…ὑπέταξεν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ 1 he has put everything under his feet Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated. See how “put…under his feet” is translated in [1 Corinthians 15:25](../15/25.md). Alternate translation: “God has completely destroyed all of Christ’s enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 1CO 15 28 xm8u figs-activepassive ὑποταγῇ αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα 1 all things are subjected to him This can stated as active. Alternate translation: “God has made all things subject to Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 28 a1cd figs-activepassive αὐτὸς ὁ Υἱὸς, ὑποταγήσεται 1 the Son himself will be subjected This can stated as active. Alternate translation: “the Son himself will become subject” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 28 ksj4 αὐτὸς ὁ Υἱὸς 1 the Son himself In the previous verses he was referred to as “Christ.” Alternate translation: “Christ, that is, the Son himself” 1CO 15 28 im2j guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς 1 the Son This is an important title that describes the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) 1CO 15 29 a4d4 figs-rquestion ἐπεὶ τί ποιήσουσιν, οἱ βαπτιζόμενοι ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν? 1 Or else what will those do who are baptized for the dead? Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Otherwise it would be useless for Christians to receive baptism for the dead.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 29 lw86 figs-hypo εἰ ὅλως νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται, τί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν? 1 If the dead are not raised at all, why are they baptized for them? Paul uses a hypothetical situation to argue that the dead are raised. To say that the dead are not raised is to say that people should not be baptized for the dead. But some people, probably some members of the church in Corinth, are baptized for the dead, so he infers those people are baptized for the dead because they believe that the dead are raised. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) 1CO 15 29 jdc9 figs-activepassive νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται 1 the dead are not raised This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God does not raise the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 29 t3yc οὐκ ἐγείρονται 1 are not raised “are not caused to live again” 1CO 15 29 s7kx figs-rquestion τί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν 1 why then are they baptized for them? Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there would be no reason for them to have people baptize them on behalf of dead people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 30 h4ra figs-rquestion τί καὶ ἡμεῖς κινδυνεύομεν πᾶσαν ὥραν 1 Why then, are we in danger every hour? Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. The reason he and others were in danger is that some people were angry that they taught that Jesus will raise people from death. Alternate translation: “If people will not rise from the dead, we gain nothing by being in danger every hour for teaching that people will rise.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 15 31 i7d7 figs-hyperbole καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω 1 I die every day! This exaggeration means he was in danger of dying. He knew that some people wanted to kill him because they did not like what he was teaching. Alternate translation: “Every day I am in danger of dying” or “Every day I risk my life!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) 1CO 15 31 d51t νὴ τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν 1 I swear by my boasting in you Paul uses this statement as evidence that he faces death every day. Alternate translation: “You can know that this is true, because you know about my boasting in you” or “You can know that this is true, because you know about how much I boast in you” 1CO 15 31 znl3 figs-explicit τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν, ἀδελφοί, ἣν ἔχω ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν 1 my boasting in you, brothers, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord Paul boasted in them because of what Christ Jesus had done for them. Alternate translation: “my boasting in you, which I do because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 1CO 15 31 p3ym τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν 1 my boasting in you “the way I tell other people how good you are” 1CO 15 32 q6mb figs-rquestion εἰ…ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ…τί μοι τὸ ὄφελος…οὐκ ἐγείρονται 1 What do I gain…if I fought with beasts at Ephesus…not raised Paul wants the Corinthians to understand without him having to tell them. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “I gained nothing…by fighting with beasts at Ephesus…not raised.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 15 32 lm3v figs-metaphor ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ 1 I fought with beasts at Ephesus Paul is referring to something that he actually did. Possible meanings are 1) Paul was speaking figuratively about his arguments with learned pagans or other conflicts with people who wanted to kill him or 2) he was actually put into the arena to fight against dangerous animals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 32 c36a φάγωμεν καὶ πίωμεν, αὔριον γὰρ ἀποθνῄσκομεν 1 Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die Paul concludes that if there is no further life after death, it is better for us to enjoy this life as we can, for tomorrow our life will end without any further hope. 1CO 15 33 q7uc φθείρουσιν ἤθη χρηστὰ ὁμιλίαι κακαί 1 Bad company corrupts good morals If you live with bad people, you will act like them. Paul is quoting a common saying. 1CO 15 34 gr3v ἐκνήψατε 1 Sober up “You must think seriously about this” 1CO 15 35 w4hk 0 Connecting Statement: Paul gives some specifics about how the resurrection of the believers’ bodies will take place. He gives a picture of natural and spiritual bodies and compares the first man Adam with the last Adam, Christ. 1CO 15 35 hw4a figs-rquestion ἀλλ’ ἐρεῖ τις, πῶς ἐγείρονται οἱ νεκροί? ποίῳ δὲ σώματι ἔρχονται? 1 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised, and with what kind of body will they come?” Possible meanings are 1) The person is asking sincerely or 2) the person is using the question to mock the idea of a resurrection. Alternate translation: “But some will say that they cannot imagine how God will raise the dead, and what kind of body God would give them in the resurrection.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 15 35 ty4t ἐρεῖ τις 1 someone will say “someone will ask” 1CO 15 35 e5lv ποίῳ…σώματι ἔρχονται 1 with what kind of body will they come That is, will it be a physical body or a spiritual body? What shape will the body have? What will the body be made of? Translate using the most general question that someone who wants to know the answers to these questions would ask. 1CO 15 36 ha84 figs-you ἄφρων! σὺ ὃ σπείρεις 1 You are so foolish! What you sow Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so both instances of “you” here are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 15 36 jnf9 ἄφρων! σὺ 1 You are so foolish! What you sow “You do not know about this at all” 1CO 15 36 q2zd figs-metaphor ὃ σπείρεις, οὐ ζῳοποιεῖται, ἐὰν μὴ ἀποθάνῃ 1 What you sow will not start to grow unless it dies A seed will not grow unless it is first buried underground. In the same way, a person has to die before God can resurrect him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 37 pw6v figs-metaphor ὃ σπείρεις, οὐ τὸ σῶμα τὸ γενησόμενον 1 What you sow is not the body that will be Paul uses the metaphor of the seed again to say that God will resurrect the dead body of the believer, but that body will not appear as it was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 37 h6zi figs-you ὃ σπείρεις 1 What you sow Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 15 38 dmx1 ὁ…Θεὸς δίδωσιν αὐτῷ σῶμα, καθὼς ἠθέλησεν 1 God will give it a body as he chooses “God will decide what kind of body it will have” 1CO 15 39 qi8y σὰρξ 1 flesh In the context of animals, “flesh” may be translated as “body,” “skin,” or “meat.” 1CO 15 40 d9k2 σώματα ἐπουράνια 1 heavenly bodies Possible meanings are 1) the sun, moon, stars, and other visible lights in the sky or 2) heavenly beings, such as angels and other supernatural beings. 1CO 15 40 k9pg σώματα ἐπίγεια 1 earthly bodies This refers to humans. 1CO 15 40 qg3p ἑτέρα μὲν ἡ τῶν ἐπουρανίων δόξα, ἑτέρα δὲ ἡ τῶν ἐπιγείων 1 the glory of the heavenly body is one kind and the glory of the earthly is another “the glory that heavenly bodies have is different from the glory of human bodies” 1CO 15 40 j1kb δόξα 1 glory Here “glory” refers to the relative brightness to the human eye of objects in the sky. 1CO 15 42 s12t figs-idiom σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται 1 What is sown…what is raised The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “What goes into the ground…what comes out of the ground” or “What people bury…what God raises” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 42 ay76 ἐγείρεται 1 is raised “is caused to live again” 1CO 15 42 rw3k ἐν φθορᾷ…ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ 1 in decay…in immortality “can rot…cannot rot” 1CO 15 43 h4u5 figs-idiom σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται 1 It is sown…it is raised The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground…it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it…God raises it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 44 u856 figs-idiom σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται 1 It is sown…it is raised The writer speaks of a person’s body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground…it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it…God raises it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 46 fc51 ἀλλ’ οὐ πρῶτον τὸ πνευματικὸν, ἀλλὰ τὸ ψυχικόν, ἔπειτα τὸ πνευματικόν 1 But the spiritual did not come first but the natural, and then the spiritual “The natural being came first. The spiritual being is from God and came later.” 1CO 15 46 nd64 ψυχικόν 1 natural created by earthly processes, not yet connected to God 1CO 15 47 m2pj figs-activepassive ὁ πρῶτος ἄνθρωπος ἐκ γῆς, χοϊκός 1 The first man is of the earth, made of dust God made the first man, Adam, from the dust of the earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 47 zmx6 χοϊκός 1 dust dirt 1CO 15 48 r9be ὁ ἐπουράνιος 1 ὁ ἐπουράνιος Jesus Christ 1CO 15 48 s9pn οἱ…ἐπουράνιοι 1 those who are of heaven “those who belong to God” 1CO 15 49 mq8z ἐφορέσαμεν τὴν εἰκόνα…φορέσωμεν καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα 1 have borne the image…will also bear the image “have been just like…will also be just like” 1CO 15 50 jub2 0 Connecting Statement: Paul wants them to realize that some believers will not die physically but will still get a resurrected body through Christ’s victory. 1CO 15 50 mwy3 figs-parallelism σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ κληρονομῆσαι οὐ δύναται, οὐδὲ ἡ φθορὰ, τὴν ἀφθαρσίαν κληρονομεῖ 1 flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither does what is perishable inherit what is imperishable Possible meanings are 1) the two sentences mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “human beings who will surely die cannot inherit the permanent kingdom of God” or 2) the second sentence finishes the thought begun by the first. Alternate translation: “weak human beings cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither do those who will certainly die inherit a kingdom that will last forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) 1CO 15 50 nz7s figs-metaphor σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα 1 flesh and blood Those who inhabit a body that is doomed to die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 1CO 15 50 e4gd figs-metaphor κληρονομῆσαι 1 inherit Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 50 b9hc ἡ φθορὰ, τὴν ἀφθαρσίαν 1 the perishable…the imperishable “can rot…cannot rot.” See how these words are translated in [1 Corinthians 15:42](../15/42.md). 1CO 15 51 k5dw figs-activepassive πάντες…ἀλλαγησόμεθα 1 we will all be changed This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “God will change us all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 52 p8f8 figs-activepassive ἀλλαγησόμεθα 1 We will be changed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will change us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 52 r4ix ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ 1 in the twinkling of an eye It will happen as fast as it takes for a person to blink his or her eye. 1CO 15 52 h668 ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι 1 at the last trumpet “when the last trumpet sounds” 1CO 15 52 l66q figs-activepassive οἱ νεκροὶ ἐγερθήσονται 1 the dead will be raised This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 1CO 15 52 ymk9 ἐγερθήσονται 1 raised “caused to live again” 1CO 15 52 bmx2 ἄφθαρτοι 1 imperishable “in a form that cannot rot.” See how a similar phrase is translated in [1 Corinthians 15:42](../15/42.md). 1CO 15 53 nua2 τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο…ἀφθαρσίαν 1 this perishable body…is imperishable “this body that can rot…cannot rot.” See how similar phrases are translated in [1 Corinthians 15:42](../15/42.md). 1CO 15 53 iyd2 figs-metaphor δεῖ…ἐνδύσασθαι 1 must put on Paul is speaking of God making our bodies so they will never die again as if God were putting new clothes on us. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 54 qq5m figs-personification ὅταν…τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀφθαρσίαν 1 when this perishable body has put on what is imperishable Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming imperishable is spoken of as if being imperishable was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this perishable body has become imperishable” or “when this body that can rot can no longer rot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 54 j9zs figs-personification τὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀθανασίαν 1 this mortal body has put on immortality Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming immortal is spoken of as if being immortal was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this mortal body has become immortal” or “when this body that can die can no longer die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 55 c9zw figs-apostrophe ποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ νῖκος? ποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ κέντρον? 1 Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Paul speaks as if death were a person, and he uses this question to mock the power of death, which Christ has defeated. Alternate translation: “Death has no victory. Death has no sting.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) 1CO 15 55 gg3d figs-you σου…σου 1 your…your These are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) 1CO 15 56 iyd3 τὸ…κέντρον τοῦ θανάτου ἡ ἁμαρτία 1 the sting of death is sin It is through sin that we are destined to face death, that is to die. 1CO 15 56 pf4e ἡ…δύναμις τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ νόμος 1 the power of sin is the law God’s law that was passed down by Moses defines sin and shows us how we sin before God. 1CO 15 57 ztj6 τῷ διδόντι ἡμῖν τὸ νῖκος 1 gives us the victory “has defeated death for us” 1CO 15 58 k4c4 0 Connecting Statement: Paul wants believers, while they work for the Lord, to remember the changed, resurrected bodies that God is going to give them. 1CO 15 58 j1pl figs-metaphor ἑδραῖοι γίνεσθε, ἀμετακίνητοι 1 be steadfast and immovable Paul speaks of someone who lets nothing stop him from carrying out his decisions as if he could not be physically moved. Alternate translation: “be determined” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 15 58 zn8f figs-metaphor περισσεύοντες ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ τοῦ Κυρίου πάντοτε 1 Always abound in the work of the Lord Paul speaks of efforts made in working for the Lord as if they were objects that a person could acquire more of. Alternate translation: “Always work for the Lord faithfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 16 intro abcj 0 # 1 Corinthians 16 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Preparation for his coming

Paul gave practical instructions to help prepare the Corinthian church for his visit. He told them to start collecting money every Sunday for the believers in Jerusalem. He hoped to come and spend the winter with them. He told them to help Timothy when he came. He had hoped Apollos would go to them, but Apollos did not think it was the right time. Paul also told them to obey Stephanus. Finally, he sent his greetings to everyone.
1CO 16 1 zh6u 0 Connecting Statement: In his closing notes, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers to collect money for the needy believers in Jerusalem. He reminds them that Timothy will come to them before he goes to Paul. 1CO 16 1 yer5 εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους 1 for the saints Paul was collecting money from his churches for the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem and Judea. 1CO 16 1 kh6h ὥσπερ διέταξα 1 as I directed “as I gave specific instructions” 1CO 16 2 h8n9 θησαυρίζων 1 storing up Possible meanings are: 1) “keep it at home” or 2) “leave it with the church” 1CO 16 2 wc3w ἵνα μὴ ὅταν ἔλθω, τότε λογεῖαι γίνωνται 1 so that there will be no collections when I come “so that you will not have to collect more money while I am with you” 1CO 16 3 yj6c οὓς ἐὰν δοκιμάσητε 1 whomever you approve Paul is telling the church to choose some of their own people to take their offering to Jerusalem. “whomever you choose” or “the people you appoint” 1CO 16 3 j612 δι’ ἐπιστολῶν…πέμψω 1 I will send with letters Possible meanings are 1) “I will send with letters that I will write” or 2) “I will send with letters that you will write.” 1CO 16 6 w94k ὑμεῖς με προπέμψητε, οὗ ἐὰν πορεύωμαι 1 you may help me on my way, wherever I go This means they might give Paul money or other things he needs so that he and his ministry team could continue to travel. 1CO 16 7 xr88 οὐ θέλω…ὑμᾶς ἄρτι…ἰδεῖν 1 I do not wish to see you now Paul is stating that he wants to visit for a long time later, not just for a short time soon. 1CO 16 8 qkw9 τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς 1 Pentecost Paul would stay in Ephesus until this festival, which came in May or June, 50 days after Passover. He would then travel through Macedonia, and later try to arrive in Corinth before winter started in November. 1CO 16 9 fyj3 figs-metaphor θύρα…ἀνέῳγεν μεγάλη 1 a wide door has opened Paul speaks of the opportunity God has given him to win people to the gospel as if it were a door that God had opened so he could walk through it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 16 10 p6vb βλέπετε ἵνα ἀφόβως γένηται πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 see that he is with you unafraid “see that he has no cause to fear being with you” 1CO 16 11 f4mw μή τις…αὐτὸν ἐξουθενήσῃ 1 Let no one despise him Because Timothy was much younger than Paul, sometimes he was not shown the respect he deserved as a minister of the gospel. 1CO 16 12 is6j figs-inclusive Ἀπολλῶ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ 1 our brother Apollos Here the word “our” refers to Paul and his readers, so it is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) 1CO 16 13 p2la figs-parallelism γρηγορεῖτε, στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἀνδρίζεσθε, κραταιοῦσθε 1 Stay alert; stand firm in the faith; act like men; be strong Paul is describing what he wants the Corinthians to do as if he was giving four commands to soldiers in war. These four commands mean almost the same thing and are used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) 1CO 16 13 ng8n figs-metaphor γρηγορεῖτε 1 Stay alert Paul speaks of people being aware of what is happening as if they were guards keeping watch over a city or vineyard. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “Be careful whom you trust” or “Watch out for danger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 16 13 uys8 figs-metaphor στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει 1 stand firm in the faith Paul speaks of people continuing to believe in Christ according to his teaching as if they were soldiers refusing to retreat when the enemy attacks. Possible meanings are 1) “keep strongly believing what we have taught you” or 2) “keep strongly trusting in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 16 13 a3fs figs-metaphor ἀνδρίζεσθε 1 act like men In the society in which Paul and his audience lived, men usually provided for families by doing the heavy work and fighting against invaders. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “be responsible” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 1CO 16 14 rij5 πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω 1 Let all that you do be done in love “Everything you do should show people that you love them” 1CO 16 15 fy4e 0 Connecting Statement: Paul begins to close his letter and sends greetings from other churches, as well as from Prisca, Aquila, and Paul himself. 1CO 16 15 asp2 translate-names τὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ 1 the household of Stephanas Stephanas was one of the first believers in the church at Corinth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) 1CO 16 15 na2p translate-names Ἀχαΐας 1 Achaia This is the name of a province in Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) 1CO 16 17 iju8 Στεφανᾶ, καὶ Φορτουνάτου, καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ 1 Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus These men were either some of the first Corinthian believers or church elders who were co-workers with Paul. 1CO 16 17 e79z translate-names Στεφανᾶ, καὶ Φορτουνάτου, καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ 1 Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus These are men’s names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) 1CO 16 17 an3e τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν 1 They have made up for your absence “They made up for the fact that you were not here.” 1CO 16 18 f3kg ἀνέπαυσαν γὰρ τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα 1 For they have refreshed my spirit Paul is saying he was encouraged by their visit. 1CO 16 21 izu6 ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ, Παύλου 1 I, Paul, write this with my own hand Paul was making it clear that the instructions in this letter are from him, even though one of his co-laborers wrote what Paul was saying in the rest of the letter. Paul wrote this last part with his own hand. 1CO 16 22 c1kx ἤτω ἀνάθεμα 1 may he be accursed “may God curse him.” See how “accursed” was translated in [1 Corinthians 12:3](../12/03.md).