Book	Chapter	Verse	ID	SupportReference	OrigQuote	Occurrence	GLQuote	OccurrenceNote
1CO	front	intro	e8ey			0		# Introduction to 1 Corinthians<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of 1 Corinthians<br><br>1. Opening (1:1–9)<br>2. Against divisions (1:10–4:15)<br>3. Against sexual immorality (4:16–6:20)<br>4. On abstinence (7:1–40)<br>5. On food (8:1–11:1)<br>6. On head coverings (11:2–16)<br>7. On the Lord’s Supper (11:17-34)<br>8. On spiritual gifts (12:1–14:40)<br>9. On the resurrection of the dead (15:1–58)<br>10. On the collection and visits (16:1–12)<br>11. Closing: final commands and greetings (16:13–24)<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of 1 Corinthians?<br><br>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.<br><br>Paul started the church that met in Corinth. He was staying in the city of Ephesus when he wrote this letter.<br><br>### What is the Book of 1 Corinthians about?<br><br>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.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>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]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What was the city of Corinth like?<br><br>Corinth was a major city located in ancient Greece. Because it was near the Mediterranean Sea, many travelers and traders came to buy and sell goods there. This resulted in the city having people from many different cultures. The city was famous for having people who lived in immoral ways. The people worshipped Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. As part of the ceremonies honoring Aphrodite, her worshipers had sexual intercourse with temple prostitutes.<br><br>### What was the problem with meat sacrificed to idols?<br><br>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.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What do “knowledge” and “wisdom” mean in 1 Corinthians?<br><br>### How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in 1 Corinthians in the ULT?<br><br>The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, 1 Corinthians ULT uses the following principles:<br><br>* Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “holy people.” (See: 1:2; 3:17)<br>* 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)<br>* Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “reserved for,” or “sanctified.” (See: 1:2; 6:11; 7:14, 34)<br><br>The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.<br><br>### What is the meaning of “flesh?”<br><br>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]])<br><br>### What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?<br><br>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.<br><br>Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 1 Corinthians?<br><br>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.<br><br>* “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)<br>* “I did this even though I myself was not under the law” (9:20). Some older versions leave this passage out.<br>* “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)<br>* “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.”<br>* “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.”<br><br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1CO	1	intro	ud5y			0		# 1 Corinthians 1 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>1. Opening (1:1–9)<br>      * Greetings and Blessing (1:1–3)<br>      * Praise and Prayer (1:4–9)<br>2. Against divisions (1:10–4:15)<br>      * Divisions, Leaders, and Baptism (1:10–17)<br>      * Wisdom, Foolishness, and Boasting (1:18–31)<br><br>Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verse 19, which are from the Old Testament.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Disunity<br><br>In this chapter, Paul urges the Corinthians to stop dividing up into smaller groups that identify themselves with one specific leader. He mentions some of the leaders, including himself, in [1:12](../01/12.md). The Corinthians probably chose these leaders themselves, since there is no evidence that any of the people mentioned in [1:12](../01/12.md) were trying to create their own groups. People in the Corinthian church were probably trying to sound wiser or more powerful than other people, so they would choose a group and a leader and say they were better than others. Paul argues against these kinds of divisions first, and then he argues against anyone who tries to sound wiser and more powerful than others.<br><br>### Wisdom and foolishness<br><br>Throughout this chapter, Paul speaks of both wisdom and foolishness. These words do not refer primarily to how much or how little education someone has. Rather, they refer to how well or how poorly someone plans actions and knows how the world works. If someone creates plans and ideas that work out well, that person is wise. If someone creates plans and ideas that do not work out well, that person is foolish. The wise person makes good choices, and the foolish person makes bad choices. Use words in your language that indicate these ideas. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fool]])<br><br>### Power and weakness<br><br>Throughout this chapter, Paul speaks of both power and weakness. These words primarily refer to how much influence and authority a person has and to how much they can accomplish. Someone who has “power” has much influence and authority and can accomplish many things. Someone who has “weakness” does not have much influence and authority and is not able to accomplish many things. Use words in your language that indicate these ideas (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/power]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Metaphors about Christ<br><br>In this chapter, Paul says that “Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God” ([1:24](../01/24.md)) and that Christ “was made for us wisdom from God, righteousness, and also sanctification and redemption” ([1:30](../01/30.md)). With these two verses, Paul is not saying that Christ is no longer a person and is instead these abstract ideas. Rather, Paul is speaking in this way because Christ and his work for believers include all of these abstract ideas. Christ’s work is powerful and wise, and gives those who believe in him wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. For ways to translate these two statements, see the notes on these two verses.<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>Paul asks many questions in this chapter. He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Positive and negative uses of “wisdom”<br><br>Throughout this chapter, Paul speaks about wisdom in both positive and negative ways. He uses the same words throughout the chapter, and he distinguishes between positive and negative meanings by connecting the words to different people or ideas. For example, he speaks of wisdom negatively when it is the wisdom of the world, or the wisdom of humans. However, he speaks of wisdom positively when it is wisdom from God or wisdom given by God. If possible, translate the negative and positive meanings of wisdom with the same word, just as Paul uses one word for both negative and positive. If you must use different words, use positive words for God’s wisdom and negative words for human wisdom.<br><br>### Using different perspectives<br><br>Sometimes, Paul speaks of God as if God were “foolish” and “weak” ([1:25](../01/25.md)) and as if he chose “foolish” and “weak” things ([1:27](../01/27.md)). Paul does not actually think that God is foolish and weak and chooses foolish and weak things. Rather, he is speaking from the perspective of normal human thinking. What God does, from a human perspective, is “weak” and “foolish.” He makes this clear in several verses. For example, in [1:26](../01/26.md), Paul says that most of the Corinthians were not wise “according to the flesh.” This is Paul’s way of saying that they were not wise according to human thinking. If possible translate the times Paul speaks from a human perspective with the same words he uses for “weakness” and “foolishness” when he speaks from God’s perspective. If it is necessary to distinguish these uses, use a word or phrase that explains which perspective Paul is using. He does this himself sometimes, and if it is necessary, you can do it in other places as well.<br><br>### Information presented out of order<br><br>The ULT puts parentheses around [1:16](../01/16.md) because Paul is speaking about whom he baptized, an idea that fits logically with [1:14](../01/14.md) and not as well after [1:15](../01/15.md). Paul has remembered someone else that he baptized, and instead of going back and putting that information in [1:14](../01/14.md), he includes it in [1:16](../01/16.md), interrupting the flow of the argument. If possible, keep [1:16](../01/16.md) where it is, and use a form in your language that indicates that Paul is interrupting his argument. If there is no way to do this in your language, you could move it between [1:14](../01/14.md) and [1:15](../01/15.md).
1CO	1	1	m3dd	figs-exclusive		0	General Information	Throughout this letter the words “we,” “us,” “our,” and “ours” include the Corinthian believers unless otherwise noted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	1	1	lihg	figs-yousingular		0	General Information	The words “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to the Corinthians believers and so are plural unless otherwise noted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	1	1	o7ie	figs-123person	Παῦλος	1		In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, referring to themselves in the third person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you can use the first person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “From Paul. I have been” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	1	1	e8j3	translate-names	Παῦλος	1	Paul	Here and throughout the letter, this is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	1	1	qp1n	figs-activepassive	κλητὸς ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ	1	Sosthenes our brother	If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express **called by Christ Jesus {to be} an apostle** in active form. Alternate translation: “whom Christ Jesus called {to be} an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	1	qvn5	figs-possession	διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **the will** that **God** has. If it would be misunderstood in your language that this phrase refers to what God wills, you could express the idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because God desired this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	1	xfbo	figs-explicit	καὶ Σωσθένης	1		This phrase means that Sosthenes is with Paul, and Paul writes the letter for both of them. It does not mean that Sosthenes was the scribe who wrote the letter down. It also does not mean that Sosthenes dictated the letter with Paul, since Paul uses the first person singular more than the first person plural in the letter. If there is a way in your language to indicate that Paul writes in behalf of Sosthenes, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “and I write in behalf of Sosthenes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	1	1	n9zv	translate-names	Σωσθένης	1		This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	1	2	r9kg	figs-123person	τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ…τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Κορίνθῳ	1	to the church of God at Corinth	In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would name those to whom they sent the letter, referring to them in the third person. If that is confusing in your language, you can use the second person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the recipient of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “This letter is for you who are members of the church of God at Corinth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	1	2	e75p	figs-activepassive	ἡγιασμένοις	1	those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express **having been sanctified** in active form with “God” as the subject. Alternate translation: “God having sanctified you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	2	lp42	figs-metaphor	ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ	1		Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ**, or united to Christ, explains: (1) the means by which God has sanctified the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “by means of your union with Christ Jesus” (2) the reason why God has sanctified the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “because of your union with Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	2	e8jw	figs-activepassive	κλητοῖς ἁγίοις	1	who are called to be saints	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express **called {to be} saints** in active form with “God” as the subject. Alternate translation: “whom God has called {to be} saints” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	2	nz5s	figs-hyperbole	ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ	1		Here, Paul describes all believers as if they were **in every place**. He speaks this way to emphasize that believers can be found in many countries, towns, and villages. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could indicate that believers are found in many places around the world. Alternate translation: “in many places” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	1	2	l21m	figs-idiom	ἐπικαλουμένοις τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν	1	those who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ	“Calling on the name of” someone is an idiom that refers to worshiping and praying to that person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “who pray to and venerate our Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	1	2	l9rq	figs-ellipsis	αὐτῶν καὶ ἡμῶν	1	their Lord and ours	In the phrase, Paul has left out words that may be needed in some languages to make a complete thought. If you cannot leave out these words in your language, you could supply words such as “who is” and “Lord” to make a complete thought. Alternate translation: “who is Lord over them and us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	1	3	gc2c	translate-blessing	χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ	1	General Information:	After stating his name and the name of the person to whom he is writing, Paul adds a blessing for the Corinthians. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience kindness and peace within you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah” or “I pray that grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah will always be with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
1CO	1	4	zd7l	figs-hyperbole	πάντοτε	1		Here, **always** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to express how often he prays for the Corinthians. If **always** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that indicates frequency. Alternate translation: “consistently” or “frequently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	1	4	qoag	figs-distinguish	τῷ Θεῷ μου	1		When Paul speaks of **my God**, he does not mean that this is a different **God** than the one the Corinthians believe in. Rather, he simply wishes to state that this is **God** is his God. If **my God** in your translation sounds like it makes a distinction between Paul’s God and the Corinthians’ God, you could translate with a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: “to our God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
1CO	1	4	t16d	figs-activepassive	τῇ δοθείσῃ	1	because of the grace of God that was given to you in Christ Jesus	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express **that was given** in active form with “God” or “he” as the subject. Alternate translation: “that he gave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	4	jjtn	figs-metaphor	ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ	1		Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ**, or united to Christ, explains (1) the means by which God has given grace to the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “by means of your union with Christ Jesus” (2) the reason why God has given grace to the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “because of your union with Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	5	nl9z	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ὅτι	1		The word translated **For** introduces an explanation of “the grace of God that was given” in [1:4](../01/04.md). Use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation or elaboration in your language. Alternate translation: “That is,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	5	qsc9		παντὶ	1		Alternate translation: “every way”
1CO	1	5	js7f	figs-metaphor	ἐπλουτίσθητε	1	you have been made rich in him	Here, Paul speaks as if the Corinthians had received a lot of money **in him**. With this language of being **rich**, Paul means that the Corinthians have received more than they need, and [1:7](../01/07.md) shows that what they have received are spiritual blessings and gifts. If being **made rich** would be misunderstood by your readers, you could: (1) express this idea with a phrase that refers to how much God has given them. Alternate translation: “you were given many gifts” (2) clarify that Paul speaks of spiritual riches. Alternate translation: “you were made spiritually rich” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	5	kaie	figs-activepassive	ἐπλουτίσθητε	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express **you were made rich** in active form, with “God” as the subject. Alternate translation: “God has made you rich” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	5	n9wn	writing-pronouns	ἐν αὐτῷ	1		The word translated **him** refers to Jesus, since God the Father is the one who makes the Corinthians rich. If **him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use the words “Christ” or “Christ Jesus” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “in Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	1	5	j48t	figs-abstractnouns	παντὶ λόγῳ	1	in all speech	If you cannot use this form in your language, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **word** with a verb. Alternate translation: “everything you speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	1	5	qy8c	figs-abstractnouns	πάσῃ γνώσει	1	all knowledge	If you cannot use this form in your language, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **knowledge** with a verb. Alternate translation: “everything you know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	1	6	ef38	grammar-connect-words-phrases	καθὼς	1		The word translated **just as** could introduce: (1) the reason why the Corinthians were made rich. Alternate translation: “which is due to how” (2) a comparison that illustrates how the Corinthians were made rich. Alternate translation: “in the same way that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	6	ub5r	figs-exmetaphor	τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐβεβαιώθη	1		In this verse, Paul speaks as if what he told the Corinthians about Christ was testimony he gave as a witness in a court of law. This testimony has been **confirmed**, just as if other evidence proved to the judge that his **testimony** was accurate. With this metaphor, he reminds the Corinthians that they have believed the message about Christ and that it is now an important part of their lives. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “our message about Christ has been firmly founded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	1	6	h9zk	figs-possession	τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ	1	the testimony about Christ has been confirmed as true among you	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak about a **testimony** that concerns **Christ**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it explicit that **Christ** is the content of the **testimony**. Alternate translation: “the testimony about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	6	tfo3	figs-activepassive	τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐβεβαιώθη	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express this idea in active form with “God” as the subject. Alternate translation: “God has confirmed the testimony of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	7	t2hd	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ὥστε	1	Therefore	The word translated **so that** could introduce: (1) a result from “being made rich” in [1:5](../01/05.md) and from the confirmation of the “testimony” in [1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “God has made you rich and confirmed our testimony so that” (2) a result from just the confirmation in [1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “God confirmed our testimony among you so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	7	p5y6	figs-litotes	ὑμᾶς μὴ ὑστερεῖσθαι ἐν μηδενὶ χαρίσματι	1	you lack no spiritual gift	Here, Paul uses two negative words, **not** and **lack**, to express a strong positive meaning. He means that the Corinthians have every spiritual gift that God gives. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea in positive form. Alternate translation: “you have every gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1CO	1	7	ymph	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	ἀπεκδεχομένους	1		The word translated **eagerly waiting for** introduces something that happens at the same time as not lacking **in any gift**. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “while you eagerly wait for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	1	7	fe4q	figs-possession	τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ;	1	the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **revelation** whose content is **our Lord Jesus Christ**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit by translating the phrase with a verb with “God” or **our Lord Jesus Christ** as the subject. Alternate translation: “God to reveal our Lord Jesus Christ” or “our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	7	o145	figs-explicit	τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ	1		In this context, it is clear that Paul does not simply mean that knowledge about **our Lord Jesus Christ** will be revealed. Rather, he means that **our Lord Jesus Christ** himself will return to earth. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word such as “return” to make this idea clear. Alternate translation: “the return of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	1	8	cqpk	writing-pronouns	ὃς	1		This pronoun could refer to: (1) God, who is the implied subject of all the verbs in this section. Alternate translation: “It is God who” (2) Jesus, which is the closest name. Alternate translation: “It is Jesus who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	1	8	usci	translate-unknown	καὶ βεβαιώσει ὑμᾶς	1		The word translated **confirm** is the same word that Paul used in [1:6](../01/06.md), also translated “confirmed.” Paul uses the word **also** to remind the reader that he has already used **confirmed**. If possible, translate **confirmed** as you did in [1:6](../01/06.md). Just as there, here it refers to something or someone that is proved to be true or accurate. In this case, it means that God will make the Corinthians’ faith true **to the end**. Alternate translation: “will also firmly found your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	8	qtpq	figs-idiom	ἕως τέλους	1		The phrase translated **to the end** means that some activity or state will continue until a definable point in the future. Here, it means that God will **confirm** the Corinthians until their earthly lives end. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “until your race is run” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	1	8	pif5	grammar-connect-logic-result	ἀνεγκλήτους	1	you will be blameless	The word translated **blameless** gives the result of God confirming them to the end. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this connection explicit. Alternate translation: “so that you will be blameless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	1	9	hp30	figs-activepassive	δι’ οὗ ἐκλήθητε	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “who called you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	9	u2z0	figs-possession	εἰς κοινωνίαν τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **fellowship** that is with **his Son**. If this form would be misunderstood in you language, you could (1) use a word such as “with” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “into fellowship with his Son” (2) translate **fellowship** with a verb such as “share in” or “commune with.” Alternate translation: “to commune with his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	9	kx3z	guidelines-sonofgodprinciples	τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ	1	his Son	**Son** is an important title for Jesus and describes his relationship with God the Father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1CO	1	10	huz1	grammar-connect-words-phrases	παρακαλῶ δὲ	1		The word translated **now** indicates the beginning of a new section. Paul transitions from giving thanks to appealing to the Corinthians to avoid divisions. You could: (1) leave this word untranslated, and show the shift in topic by starting a new paragraph. Alternate translation: “I urge” (2) use a word or phrase that indicates the beginning of a new section. Alternate translation: “Next, I urge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	10	u1u1	figs-infostructure	παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ,	1		In this sentence, **I urge you** is far away from what Paul is urging. If it would be clearer in your language, you could move **I urge you** so that it comes right before **that you all speak**. Alternate translation: “Now brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I urge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	1	10	k7gw	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	brothers	Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	1	10	sw54	figs-metonymy	διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ	1	through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ	Here, Paul uses the **name** of Jesus to refer to the authority of Jesus. With this language, he reminds the Corinthians that he is an apostle with authority from Jesus. If the meaning of **name** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “on behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	1	10	u4y2	figs-idiom	τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες	1	that you all agree	In this language, to **speak the same thing** is an idiom that means that everyone is in agreement, not only in what they speak but also in what they believe and set as goals. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you all see eye to eye” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	1	10	j75c	translate-unknown	σχίσματα	1	that there be no divisions among you	The word translated **divisions** refers to when one group splits into multiple different groups because they have different leaders, beliefs, or opinions. If this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a comparable noun or a short phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “opposing parties” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	10	tjkg	translate-unknown	κατηρτισμένοι	1		The word translated **joined together** refers to putting something into its proper position or state, often returning it to that state. Here, then, it refers to restoring the community to the unity it had and is supposed to have. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “restored to your previous unity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	10	emt2	figs-abstractnouns	ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοῒ καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ	1	be joined together with the same mind and by the same purpose	If you cannot this form in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **mind** and **purpose** with verbs such as “think” and “decide” or “choose.” Alternate translation: “by thinking the same things and by choosing the same things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	1	11	dtsp	grammar-connect-logic-result	γάρ	1		The word translated **for** introduces the reason why Paul is urging them to become united together. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a short phrase to express the idea. Alternate translation: “I speak this way because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	1	11	tayn	figs-activepassive	ἐδηλώθη…μοι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί μου, ὑπὸ τῶν Χλόης	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could write this sentence in active form. Alternate translation: “those of Chloe have made it clear to me concerning you, my brothers,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	11	ur84	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί μου	1		Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to both men or women. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “my brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	1	11	e8jb	figs-explicit	τῶν Χλόης	1	Chloe’s people	**those of Chloe** refers to people who are connected to Chloe and probably live in her house or work for her. Paul does not tell us whether they are family members, slaves, or employees. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that these people are related to or dependent on Chloe. Alternate translation: “people connected to Chloe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	1	11	fd71	translate-names	Χλόης	1		This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	1	11	vbe6	translate-unknown	ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν	1	there are factions among you	The word translated **factions** refers to quarrels or strife within a community. These quarrels or fights are not physical but verbal. If possible, use a word that refers to verbal conflict or express the idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “you have verbal fights with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	12	umbx	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1		Paul uses the word translated **Now** to introduce a further explanation of what he started talking about in [1:11](../01/11.md). If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave the word untranslated or use a word that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	12	tsn6	figs-idiom	λέγω…τοῦτο,	1		Here, Paul uses the phrase **I say this** to explain what he meant in the previous verse when he mentioned “factions” ([1:11](../01/11.md)). If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom for explaining what has already been said or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “what I mean is this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	1	12	a4lo	figs-explicitinfo	τοῦτο, ὅτι	1		Having both **this** and **that** in this sentence may be redundant in your language. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a simpler way to introduce what Paul wants to “say.” Alternate translation: “that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])
1CO	1	12	wf0n	figs-hyperbole	ἕκαστος ὑμῶν λέγει	1		Here, Paul uses **each of them** to emphasize that many individuals within the Corinthian congregation are saying these kinds of things. He does not mean that each person says all four of these things. He also does not mean that every single person in the church is making these kinds of claims. Finally, he does not mean that these are the only four claims that they are making. If the form that Paul uses would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that singles out many individuals within a group, and you could add a phrase that indicates that these are examples of what they are saying. Alternate translation: “people in your group say are saying things like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	1	12	vpym	translate-names	Παύλου…Ἀπολλῶ…Κηφᾶ	1		These are the names of three men. Cephas is another name for Peter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	1	12	bfd0	figs-quotations	ἐγὼ μέν εἰμι Παύλου, ἐγὼ δὲ Ἀπολλῶ, ἐγὼ δὲ Κηφᾶ, ἐγὼ δὲ Χριστοῦ	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “that you are of Paul, or you are of Apollos, or you are of Cephas, or you are of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	1	12	a57r	figs-possession	ἐγὼ μέν εἰμι Παύλου, ἐγὼ δὲ Ἀπολλῶ, ἐγὼ δὲ Κηφᾶ, ἐγὼ δὲ Χριστοῦ	1	Each one of you says	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to indicate that these people claim to be part of a specific leader’s group. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a word such as “belong” or “follow.” Alternate translation: “‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	13	iam2	figs-123person	μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, ἢ εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε	1		In this verse, Paul speaks of himself in the third person. This could sound like he is speaking about a different **Paul** than himself. If this use of **Paul** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is naming himself. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, was not crucified for you, was I? Or were you baptized in my name, that of Paul?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	1	13	wf6r	figs-rquestion	μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός?	1	Is Christ divided?	Paul asks if **Christ** has **been divided**, but he is not really asking for information. Rather, the question assumes that the answer is “no,” and Paul uses a question to invite the Corinthians to think about how absurd their behavior is. If the meaning of this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong negative statement. Alternate translation: “Christ has certainly not been divided!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	1	13	w175	figs-activepassive	μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός?	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form, with an indefinite or vague subject. Alternate translation: “Have they divided Christ?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	13	aw2r	figs-metaphor	μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός	1		Here, Paul speaks as if **Christ** could be **divided** into pieces and given to different groups. He speaks this way because he identifies the church with the body of Christ. If the church is divided into groups, then the body of Christ has been divided up as well. However, it is absurd to think that Christ’s body has been cut up into pieces, so it is also absurd to divide the church into pieces. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this connection more explicit. Alternate translation: “Has Christ’s own body been divided, just as your church has been divided?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	13	g5qh	figs-rquestion	μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν	1	Was Paul crucified for you?	Paul asks if **Paul was not crucified**, but he is not really asking for information. Rather, the question assumes that the answer is “no,” and Paul uses a question to invite the Corinthians to think about how absurd their thinking is. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong negative statement. Alternate translation: “Paul was certainly not crucified for you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	1	13	lqsy	figs-activepassive	μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express this idea in active form, with an indefinite or vague subject. Alternate translation: “They did not crucify Paul for you, did they?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	13	tb2i	figs-rquestion	ἢ εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε?	1	Were you baptized in the name of Paul?	Paul asks if they **were baptized in the name of Paul**, but he is not really asking for information. Rather, the question assumes that the answer is “no,” and Paul uses a question to invite the Corinthians to think about how absurd their thinking is. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong negative statement. Alternate translation: “You were certainly not baptized in the name of Paul!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	1	13	tii7	figs-activepassive	ἢ εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε?	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express this idea in active form, with a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “Or did they baptize you in the name of Paul?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	13	zi1y	figs-metonymy	εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου	1	in the name of Paul	Here, Paul uses the word **name** to refer to authority. What he means is that, when they were baptized, no one used the **name of Paul**, and therefore they do not belong to his group. Instead, he implicitly asserts that they belong to God, whose name would have been used when they were baptized. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by using the word “authority” or by a phrase that includes the language of “belonging.” Alternate translation: “under the authority of Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	1	14	hhh8	grammar-connect-exceptions	οὐδένα ὑμῶν ἐβάπτισα, εἰ μὴ	1	none of you, except	If it would appear in your language that Paul is making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword the sentence to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “I baptized only two of you:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	1	14	vqq6	translate-names	Κρίσπον…Γάϊον	1	Crispus	These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	1	15	hv3m	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα	1	This was so that no one would say that you were baptized into my name	The word translated **so that** introduces a purpose or result. In this case, it introduces what results from Paul not baptizing many of the Corinthians. Because he did not baptize almost any of them, they cannot say that they were baptized into his name. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that indicates result, and you could specify that it is the result of Paul not baptizing many of them. Alternate translation: “The result is that” or “Therefore,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	1	15	dwdv	figs-activepassive	εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ἐβαπτίσθητε	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could state this in active form with an indefinite subject or with Paul as the subject. Alternate translation: “someone baptized you into my name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	15	u8f6	figs-metonymy	εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα	1		Here, just as in [1:13](../01/13.md), Paul uses the word **name** to refer to authority. What he means is that, when they were baptized, no one used Paul’s **name**, and therefore they do not belong to his group. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by using the word “authority” or by a phrase that includes the language of “belonging.” Alternate translation: “under the my authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	1	16	mq74	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1		Here, the word translated **Now** interrupts the argument and reintroduces the theme of [1:14](../01/14.md), which is about whom Paul baptized. If this transition would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea by using punctuation that indicates a brief aside or parenthesis, or you could use a phrase that introduces when someone remembers something. Alternate translation: “Speaking of baptizing, I remember that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	16	ed59	translate-names	Στεφανᾶ	1	the household of Stephanas	This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	1	16	nlzn	translate-unknown	οὐκ οἶδα εἴ τινα ἄλλον ἐβάπτισα	1		This statement could be more or less confident about how many people Paul baptized. It could be: (1) relatively confident that Paul has thought of everyone he baptized. Alternate translation: “I think that this is everyone that I baptized” (2) less confident that Paul has thought of everyone he baptized. Alternate translation: “I do not remember if I baptized any others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	16	qbjf	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ	1		Paul here uses the condition introduced by **if** because he wishes to acknowledge that he thinks he has mentioned everyone that he baptized, but he is not sure. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that expresses uncertainty. Alternate translation: “whether” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	1	17	jkfj	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1		The word translated **For** introduces an explanation for why Paul has baptized so few people. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that introduces an explanation, and you could clarify that it explains how little he baptizes. Alternate translation: “I only baptized a few people because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	1	17	ga5k	figs-infostructure	οὐ…ἀπέστειλέν με Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν, ἀλλὰ εὐαγγελίζεσθαι	1		If putting the negative statement before the positive statement would be misunderstood in your language, you could reverse them and introduce **not with wise speech** by repeating **proclaim**. Alternate translation: “Christ sent me to proclaim the gospel, not to baptize. I proclaim the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	1	17	tg7i	figs-ellipsis	ἀλλὰ εὐαγγελίζεσθαι	1	Christ did not send me to baptize	In this clause, Paul has omitted some words that might be necessary to make a complete thought in your language. If this sentence would be misunderstood in your language, you could repeat the “sending” language. Alternate translation: “but he sent me to proclaim the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	1	17	p3cf	figs-ellipsis	οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ λόγου	1		In this clause, Paul has omitted some words that might be necessary to make a complete thought in your language. If this sentence would be misunderstood in your language, you could repeat the “proclaiming” language. Alternate translation: “I do not proclaim it with wise speech” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	1	17	u60s	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα	1		The word translated **so that** introduces the purpose for which Paul does not use “wise speech.” Here, you could use a word or phrase that normally indicates purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	1	17	zn1n	figs-metaphor	μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ	1	clever speech … the cross of Christ should not be emptied of its power	Here, Paul speaks as if the **cross of Christ** was a container that was full of power that he does not wish to empty of that power. By this, he means that he does not want to take away the power that the cross and the message about it have. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively, including the idea of power. Alternate translation: “the cross of Christ would not lose its power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	17	qdyj	figs-activepassive	μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express this idea in active form, with Paul as the subject. Alternate translation: “I would not empty the cross of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	18	j7cw	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1	Connecting Statement:	The word translated **For** introduces an explanation of the last part of [1:17](../01/17.md). In this verse, then, Paul explains further why he does not use wise speech. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that introduces an explanation, and you could briefly restate what Paul is explaining. Alternate translation: “I speak in this way because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	1	18	fq4x	figs-possession	ὁ λόγος…ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ	1	the message about the cross	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak about a **word** that is about **the cross**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that the **cross** is the content of the **word**. Alternate translation: “the word about the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	18	utr3	figs-metonymy	τοῦ σταυροῦ	1		Here, the word **cross** stands for the event in which Jesus died on the cross. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could include Jesus’ death in your translation. Alternate translation: “of Jesus’s death on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	1	18	p4wb	figs-abstractnouns	μωρία ἐστίν	1	is foolishness	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **foolishness** by translating it as an adjective such as “foolish.” Alternate translation: “seems foolish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	1	18	lq5z	figs-activepassive	τοῖς…ἀπολλυμένοις	1	to those who are dying	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express this in active form, with: (1) themselves as the subject. Alternate translation: “to those who will experience destruction” (2) God as the subject. Alternate translation: “to those whom God will destroy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	18	ao4m	figs-activepassive	τοῖς δὲ σῳζομένοις ἡμῖν	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express this clause in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “but to us whom God is saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	18	m66w	figs-distinguish	τοῖς δὲ σῳζομένοις ἡμῖν	1		The description **who are being saved** distinguishes **us** from anyone else. It is not just adding information. Use a form in your language that shows that this is a distinguishing phrase. Alternate translation: “but to us, that is, the ones who are being saved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
1CO	1	18	ji74	figs-possession	δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν	1	it is the power of God	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **power** that comes from **God**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that **God** is the source of the **power**. Alternate translation: “power from God” or “God working in power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	19	fdhk	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γάρ	1		Here, the word translated **For** introduces Paul’s evidence that what he said in [1:18](../01/18.md) is true. You could use a word that introduces evidence for a claim or leave the word untranslated. Alternate translation: “As” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	19	wx5x	figs-activepassive	γέγραπται	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express this in active form, with: (1) the scripture or scripture author as the subject. Alternate translation: “Isaiah has written” (2) God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God has said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	19	tc6n	figs-quotations	ἀπολῶ τὴν σοφίαν τῶν σοφῶν, καὶ τὴν σύνεσιν τῶν συνετῶν ἀθετήσω	1	I will frustrate the understanding of the intelligent	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could translate this direct quote as an indirect quote, specifying that God is the subject and including an introductory word such as “that.” Alternate translation: “that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and he will frustrate the understanding of the intelligent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	1	19	kzb0	figs-possession	τὴν σοφίαν τῶν σοφῶν…τὴν σύνεσιν τῶν συνετῶν	1		In both of these clauses, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **wisdom** or **understanding** that belongs to **the wise** or **the intelligent**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could indicate that **wisdom** and **understanding** belong to **the wise** or **the intelligent**. Alternate translation: “the wisdom that the wise have … the understanding that the intelligent have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	19	gft6	figs-nominaladj	τῶν σοφῶν…τῶν συνετῶν	1		Paul is using the adjectives **wise** and **intelligent** as nouns in order to describe groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “of the people who are wise … of the people who are intelligent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	1	19	pa5n	translate-unknown	τῶν συνετῶν	1		The word translated **intelligent** describes someone who is good at figuring problems out, understanding new ideas, and making smart decisions. Use a word in your language that gets this general idea across. Alternate translation: “of the smart” or “of the clever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
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?	With these questions, Paul is not actually asking about the location of certain people. Rather, he is suggesting to the Corinthians that these kinds of people cannot be found. If these questions would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with statements that: (1) assert that these people do not actually have real wisdom, knowledge, or skill. Alternate translation: “The wise person does not really have wisdom. The scholar does not really know much. The debater of this age is not really good at arguing” (2) assert that these people do not exist. Alternate translation: “There is no wise person. There is no scholar. There is no debater of this age” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	1	20	h0qa	figs-genericnoun	σοφός…γραμματεύς…συνζητητὴς	1		Paul uses these singular nouns to identify types of people, but he does not mean just one **wise person**, **scholar**, or **debater**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that identifies a type of person, or you could translate these nouns in plural form. Alternate translation: “the kind of person who has wisdom … the kind of person who is a scholar … the kind of person who is a debater” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	1	20	mzxx	figs-possession	συνζητητὴς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **debater** who is part of **this age**. In fact, Paul may mean that the **wise person** and the **scholar** also belong to **this age**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “the debater, who belongs in this age” or “the debater? All these kinds of people belong to this age” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	20	u5j5	translate-unknown	συνζητητὴς	1	the debater	The word translated **debater** refers to someone who spends much of their time arguing about beliefs, values, or actions. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a short phrase or a term that expresses this idea better. Alternate translation: “the disputant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a statement. Alternate translation: “ God has turned the wisdom of the world into foolishness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	1	20	y5wx	figs-possession	τὴν σοφίαν τοῦ κόσμου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **wisdom** that seems wise according to the standard of this **world**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “the wisdom that this world values” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	21	cihg	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1		The word translated **For** introduces an explanation of how God has turned the wisdom of the world into foolishness ([1:20](../01/20.md)). You could use a word that introduces an explanation in your language or a short phrase that identifies that this verse explains the previous verse. Alternate translation: “That is,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	1	21	eauj	grammar-connect-logic-result	ἐπειδὴ…οὐκ ἔγνω ὁ κόσμος διὰ τῆς σοφίας τὸν Θεόν, εὐδόκησεν ὁ Θεὸς	1		The word translated **since** introduces the reason for the second half of the verse, beginning with **God was pleased**. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this more explicit or break the two pieces into two sentences and use a transition word that indicates result. Alternate translation: “because … the world did not know God through wisdom, therefore God was pleased” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	1	21	tnez	figs-possession	ἐν τῇ σοφίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **wisdom** that **God** uses when he makes decisions or acts. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by adding “plans” or “thinking” and translating **wisdom** with an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “in God’s wise plan” or ”in God’s wise thinking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	21	odyk	figs-synecdoche	ὁ κόσμος	1		Here, Paul uses the word translated **world** to refer to the humans that are part of the **world**. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate **world** with a word or phrase that refers to people who do not believe in Christ, or you could use a phrase like “people of the world.” Alternate translation: “the people of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	1	21	d7xw	figs-possession	τῆς μωρίας τοῦ κηρύγματος	1	those who believe	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **preaching** that is characterized by **foolishness**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by translating **foolishness** as an adjective describing **the preaching** or the content of **the preaching**. Alternate translation: “the foolish preaching” or “the foolish message that we preach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	21	lkk1	figs-irony	τῆς μωρίας	1		Paul describes the **preaching** as **foolishness**. He does not actually think his message is foolish. Instead, he speaks from the perspective of **the world** and its **wisdom**, because the message is foolish to **the world**. If this way of speaking would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that indicates that Paul is using irony or speaking from another person’s perspective. Alternate translation: “the so-called foolishness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	1	22	j8nh	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἐπειδὴ καὶ	1		The word translated **For** sets up the contrast between this verse and what Paul preaches in the next verse. If your language has a way to begin a contrast, you could use it here. Otherwise, you could leave the word untranslated. Alternate translation: “It is indeed true that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	22	e1sy	figs-hyperbole	Ἰουδαῖοι…Ἕλληνες	1		By using the words translated **Jews** and **Greeks**, Paul is not saying that every single Jewish and Greek person does these things. Instead, he is generalizing, identifying common patterns among people who are Jewish and Greek. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that not all **Jews** and **Greeks** are meant. Alternate translation: “most Jews … most Greeks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	1	22	t32r	translate-unknown	Ἕλληνες	1		The word translated **Greeks** does not refer only to people who are ethnically Greek. However, it also does not refer to everyone who is not a Jew. Rather, it refers to people who speak the Greek language and who value the philosophy and education that are part of Greek culture. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies these people by their interests and values more than by their ethnicity. Alternate translation: “people who value Greek philosophy” or “people who had a Greek education” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	23	q8sj	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	δὲ	1		Here, Paul continues the contrast he set up in [1:22](../01/22.md). Jews seek signs, and Greeks seek wisdom, but Paul and those like him proclaim that the Messiah was crucified. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates a strong contrast between behavior or beliefs. Alternate translation: “In contrast with them,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	1	23	v9fa	figs-exclusive	ἡμεῖς	1	General Information:	Here, the word **we** refers to Paul and others who proclaim the Gospel with him. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	1	23	ntu3	figs-activepassive	Χριστὸν ἐσταυρωμένον	1	Christ crucified	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could state this in active form, with: (1) **Christ** as the subject. Alternate translation: “that Christ laid down his life on the cross” (2) an indefinite or vague subject. Alternate translation: “that they crucified Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	23	krw3	figs-metaphor	σκάνδαλον	1	a stumbling block	Paul uses the word translated **stumbling block** to indicate that the message about “Christ crucified” causes offense or repulses many Jews. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “a repulsive concept” or “an unacceptable idea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	23	n6u2	figs-hyperbole	Ἰουδαίοις…ἔθνεσιν	1		By using the words translated **Jews** and **Gentiles**, Paul is not saying that every single Jewish and Gentile person responds to the Gospel in these ways. Instead, he is generalizing, identifying common patterns among people who are Jewish and Gentile. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that not all **Jews** and **Gentiles** are meant. Alternate translation: “to most Jews … to most Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	1	24	xgw1	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	δὲ	1		Here, Paul uses the word translated **But** to contrast **those who are called** and the “Jews” and “Gentiles” in [1:23](../01/23.md). If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that contrasts people and their thinking. Alternate translation: “In contrast with them,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	1	24	i7l4	figs-infostructure	αὐτοῖς…τοῖς κλητοῖς, Ἰουδαίοις τε καὶ Ἕλλησιν, Χριστὸν Θεοῦ δύναμιν, καὶ Θεοῦ σοφίαν	1		Paul here puts the people he is talking about first before he makes a statement about them. If this is unnatural in your language, you could: (1) phrase the sentence so that **those who are called** is the subject of the whole sentence. Alternate translation: “those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, know that Christ {is} the power of God and the wisdom of God” (2) move **to those who are called** to the end of the sentence. Alternate translation: “Christ {is} the power of God and the wisdom of God to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	1	24	h7iw	figs-123person	αὐτοῖς…τοῖς κλητοῖς	1	to those whom God has called	Paul uses the third person to speak about those whom God has called because he is speaking of the group as a category in comparison with Jews who find the Gospel a stumbling block and Gentiles who find the Gospel to be foolish. He does not use the third person because he excludes himself or the Corinthians from this category. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with the first person. Alternate translation: “to those of us who are called” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	1	24	appp	figs-activepassive	τοῖς κλητοῖς	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could write this in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “whom God has called” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	24	pt5x	translate-unknown	Ἕλλησιν	1		The word translated **Greeks** does not refer only to people who are ethnically Greek. However, it also does not refer to everyone who is not a Jew. Rather, it refers to people who speak the Greek language and who value the philosophy and education that are part of Greek culture. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies these people by their interests and values more than by their ethnicity. Alternate translation: “people who value Greek philosophy” or “people who had a Greek education” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	24	hu1s	figs-metonymy	Χριστὸν	1	Christ as the power and the wisdom of God	Here, the word **Christ** could refer to: (1) the message about the work of Christ. Alternate translation: “the message about Christ” (2) the work of Christ, especially his death. Alternate translation: “Christ’s work” or “Christ’s death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	1	24	w9vm	figs-possession	Θεοῦ δύναμιν	1	the power … of God	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **power** that comes from **God**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that **God** is the source of the **power**. Alternate translation: “power from God” or “God acting powerfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	24	p1hu	figs-possession	Θεοῦ σοφίαν	1	the wisdom of God	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **wisdom** that comes from **God**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that **God** is the source of the **wisdom**. Alternate translation: “wisdom from God” or “God giving wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	25	fst8	grammar-connect-logic-result	ὅτι	1		With the word translated **For**, Paul introduces the reason why the seemingly foolish message about Christ is power and wisdom ([1:24](../01/24.md)). If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that introduces a reason or a short phrase that connects this verse to the previous verse or verses. Alternate translation: “God works through foolishness because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	1	25	h9hh	figs-irony	τὸ μωρὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ…τὸ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ Θεοῦ	1	the foolishness of God is wiser than people, and the weakness of God is stronger than people	Paul describes God as having **foolishness** and **weakness**. He does not actually think that God is weak and foolish, but he is speaking from the perspective of the world and its wisdom. From the perspective of the world, Paul’s God is indeed foolish and weak. What Paul means to say is that what the world sees as **foolishness** and **weakness** is still **wiser** and **stronger** than anything that humans have to offer. If this way of speaking would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that indicates that Paul is using irony or speaking from another person’s perspective. Alternate translation: “the apparent foolishness of God … the apparent weakness of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	1	25	esc9	figs-gendernotations	τῶν ἀνθρώπων	-1		The words translated **men** in both places in this verse do not refer just to male people. Rather, Paul means any human of any sex. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use both genders or a gender-neutral word. Alternate translation: “women and men … women and men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	1	25	jydy	figs-possession	τὸ μωρὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ…ἐστίν	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **foolishness** that comes from **God**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a phrase that indicates that **God** does **foolishness**. Alternate translation: “the foolish things that God does are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	25	uciw	figs-ellipsis	σοφώτερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐστίν	1		Paul does not say everything that is needed in many languages to make a complete comparison. If the sentence would be misunderstood in your language, you could add whatever is needed to make the comparison complete, such “the wisdom.” Alternate translation: “is wiser than the wisdom of men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	1	25	gnpe	figs-possession	τὸ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **weakness** that comes from **God**. If it this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate this idea with a phrase that indicates that **God** does **weakness**. Alternate translation: “the weak things that God does {are}” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	25	i7pl	figs-ellipsis	ἰσχυρότερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων	1		Paul does not say everything that is needed in many languages to make a complete comparison. If this sentence would be misunderstood in your language, you could add whatever is needed to make the comparison complete, such “the strength.” Alternate translation: “stronger than the strength of men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	1	26	je03	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	1		Here, the word translated **For** introduces proof for or examples of what Paul has claimed so far about God choosing to work through foolishness and weakness. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces examples or support. Alternate translation: “For instance,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	26	c8sf	translate-unknown	τὴν κλῆσιν ὑμῶν	1		Here, the word translated **calling** primarily to who they were at the time of their **calling**. It does not primarily refer to God’s act in **calling** them. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood language, you can emphasize this aspect in your translation. Alternate translation: “who you were at your calling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	1	26	xq6b	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1		Here, the word translated **brothers** does not just refer to men but to people of any sex. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could: (1) use a non-gendered word. Alternate translation: “siblings” (2) use words for both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	1	26	w6l1	figs-litotes	οὐ πολλοὶ	-1	Not many of you	Here, Paul uses a form that can more easily be stated in inverse form in many languages. If: (1) your language would most naturally put **not** with the verb instead of **many**, you could do so here. Alternate translation: “many {were} not … many {were} not … and many {were} not” (2) your language would most naturally use a word that indicates a small number of people here, you could use it without **not**. Alternate translation: “few … few … and few” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1CO	1	26	unig	writing-pronouns	οὐ πολλοὶ	-1		While Paul does not explicitly state that **not many** refers to the Corinthians, he is referring to the Corinthians when he says **not many**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could insert “you.” Alternate translation: “not many of you … not many of you … and not many of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	1	26	camj	figs-infostructure	οὐ πολλοὶ σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα, οὐ πολλοὶ δυνατοί, οὐ πολλοὶ εὐγενεῖς	1		Paul here uses the phrase **according to the flesh** to clarify what he means by **wise**, **powerful**, and **of noble birth**, not just **wise**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could move **according to the flesh** so that it is clear that it modifies all three of these statements. Alternate translation: “according to the flesh, not many {were} wise, not many {were} powerful, and not many {were} of noble birth (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	1	26	pws2	figs-idiom	κατὰ σάρκα	1	wise according to the flesh	Here, Paul uses the phrase **according to the flesh** to refer to human ways of thinking. If the meaning of thsi phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idiom **according to the flesh** with a phrase that refers to human values or perspectives. Alternate translation: “according to human definitions” or “according to what humans value” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	1	27	qjvd	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	ἀλλὰ	1		Here, Paul introduces a contrast. hH is contrasting **God chose the foolish things** with what a person might expect about how God would treat foolish and weak people like the Corinthians. He is not contrasting how **God chose the foolish things** with the statements in the previous verse about the foolishness and weakness of the Corinthians. If this contrast would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul writes **But** to contrast with what a person might expect about God. Alternate translation: “Despite what might be expected,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	1	27	qv5l	figs-parallelism	τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ…τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ	2	God chose … wise. God chose … strong	Here, Paul repeats the exact same words: **God chose … in order that he might shame**. He does this because repeating the same idea with different examples was more convincing than just one example in his culture. If possible, translate these words the same way in both parts of the sentence to preserve the parallelism. If it is necessary, you could remove or change some of the words if it makes the sentence sound more convincing, which is what Paul intended. Alternate translation: “God chose … of the world in order that he might shame … he chose … of the world to shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	1	27	r4ly	figs-possession	τὰ μωρὰ τοῦ κόσμου…τὰ ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου	1		Paul uses the possessive form twice to clarify that the **foolish things** and **weak things** are only **foolish** and **weak** from the perspective of the **world**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a phrase such as “according to the world.” Alternate translation: “things that are foolish according to the world … things that are weak according to the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	27	gdob	figs-synecdoche	τοῦ κόσμου	-1		When Paul uses **the world** in this context, he is not referring primarily to everything that God has made. Rather, he uses **the world** to refer to human beings. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that refers to human beings in general. Alternate translation: “of people … of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	1	27	iwho	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα	-1		Here, the word translated **in order that** could introduce: (1) the purpose for which **God chose the foolish things of the world** and **the weak things of the world**. Alternate translation: “so that … so that” (2) what happened when **God chose the foolish things of the world** and **the weak things of the world**. Alternate translation: “with the result that … with the result that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	1	27	vtzx	figs-nominaladj	τοὺς σοφούς…τὰ ἰσχυρά	1		Paul uses the adjective **wise** to describe a group of people, and he uses the adjective **strong** to describe a group of people and things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these two adjectives with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are wise … people and things which are strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	1	28	tqxg	figs-parallelism	τοῦ κόσμου…ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός,…ἵνα	1		In this verse, Paul repeats many of the words from the parallel parts of previous verse. He does this because repeating the same idea with different examples was more convincing than just one example in his culture. If possible, translate these words the same way that you translated them in [1:27](../01/27.md). If it is necessary, you could remove or change some of the words if it makes the sentence sound more convincing, which is what Paul intended. Alternate translation: “he chose … of the world … in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	1	28	k3kd	translate-unknown	τὰ ἀγενῆ	1	what is low and despised	The word translated **base things** is the opposite of the word translated “of noble birth” in [1:26](../01/26.md). Paul uses it to refer to things and people that were not considered important or powerful in his culture. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to people and things that have low status or low importance. Alternate translation: “the marginalized things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	28	d5pa	translate-unknown	τὰ ἐξουθενημένα	1		While the word translated **base things** refers to a person’s status or a thing’s status, the word translated **despised things** refers to how people treat other people or things that have low status. Usually, people badly treat others whom they consider to be of lower status, ignoring them or mocking them. That is what Paul means when he says **despised**. If this might be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to how people treat others of lower status badly. Alternate translation: “the scorned things” or “the things people treat with contempt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	28	wir6	figs-possession	τὰ ἀγενῆ τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα	1		Here, Paul uses **of the world** to describe both **the base things** and **the despised things**. As in [1:27](../01/27.md), he uses the possessive form to clarify that **base things and the despised things** are only **base** and **despised** from the perspective of the world. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a phrase such as “according to the world.” Alternate translation: “the base things and the despised things according to the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	1	28	unyl	figs-synecdoche	τοῦ κόσμου	1		When Paul uses **the world** in this context, he is not referring primarily to everything that God has made. Rather, he uses **the world** to refer to human beings. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that refers to human beings in general. Alternate translation: “of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	1	28	gj19	figs-hyperbole	τὰ μὴ ὄντα	1	nothing, to bring to nothing things that are held as valuable	Here, Paul further describes the **base things** and **the despised things** as if they were **things that are not**. He does not mean that the **base** and **despised things** do not exist. Instead, he is identifying how people often ignore the **base** and **despised things**, just as if they did not exist at all. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the things that people ignore” or “the nobodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	1	28	f11p	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα	1	things that are held as valuable	Here, the word translated **in order that** could introduce: (1) the purpose for which **God chose the base things and the despised things of the world, the things that are not**. Alternate translation: “so that” (2) what happened when **God chose the base things and the despised things of the world, the things that are not**. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	1	28	f9s5	translate-unknown	καταργήσῃ	1		The word translated **he might bring to nothing** refers to making something ineffective, useless, or irrelevant. What Paul means is that God has made **the things that are** unimportant and without function because he instead worked through **the things that are not**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that a person has acted so that something else is no longer important, useful, or effective. Alternate translation: “he might sideline” or “render ineffective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	1	28	etjg	figs-idiom	τὰ ὄντα	1		In this context, **the things that are** does not refer primarily to things that exist. Rather, it refers primarily to things that are important in society and culture. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that refers to important or significant things and people in your culture. Alternate translation: “the things that people care about” or “the somebodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	1	29	unr6	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ὅπως	1		The word translated **so that** introduces a final goal. In [1:28–29](../01/28–29.md), Paul uses “in order that” to introduce immediate goals, but here, **so that** is the overall goal. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a final or overall goal, making sure to distinguish it from the words you used in [1:28–29](../01/28–29.md), if possible. Alternate translation: “so that, in the end,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	1	29	q4gh	figs-idiom	μὴ…πᾶσα σὰρξ	1		Paul uses the word **flesh** to refer to humans. Unlike in other places in his letters, **flesh** does not indicate sinful and weak humanity. Instead, it simply refers to humans compared to their creator, God. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that commonly refers to people in general, especially if it includes the idea that people are created by God. Alternate translation: “no creature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	1	29	fdv5	figs-metaphor	ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul speaks of people not boasting **before God**, as if they were standing in front of **God**. With this way of talking, Paul means that people are acting as if they could see God and God could see them. This means that they recognize that God knows what they say and do. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that someone recognizes that God knows what they are doing and thinking. Alternate translation: “when they know that God sees them” or “while God looks on” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	30	yk4y	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1		The word translated **But** introduces a slight contrast between people who might boast and the Corinthians, who are united to Christ. However, **But** primarily means that Paul is moving to the next step in his argument. If **But** would not express this idea in your language, you could use a word that indicates that the author is moving on to the next step, or you could leave it untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	1	30	fmr3	figs-activepassive	ἐξ αὐτοῦ…ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ	1	because of him	While **because of him, you are in Christ Jesus** is not written the way most passive sentences are, this construction is like a passive sentence and may be difficult to represent in your language. What **because of him** means is that God is the source of how the Corinthians **are in Christ Jesus**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could rephrase these words so that “God” is the subject who makes it so that **you are in Christ Jesus**. Alternate translation: “he puts you in Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	30	alyj	writing-pronouns	αὐτοῦ	1		The word translated **of him** refers to God. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use the name “God” here. Alternate translation: “of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	1	30	a986	figs-metaphor	ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ	1		Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ Jesus**, or united to Christ Jesus, explains how **Christ Jesus** can be **wisdom**, **righteousness**, **sanctification**, and **redemption** for the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “in union with Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	30	f1at	figs-metaphor	ὃς ἐγενήθη σοφία ἡμῖν ἀπὸ Θεοῦ, δικαιοσύνη τε, καὶ ἁγιασμὸς, καὶ ἀπολύτρωσις;	1	Christ Jesus, who was made for us wisdom from God	Here, Paul uses language and structure that is very similar to what he used in [1:24](../01/24.md). Refer back to that verse to help you translate this verse. When Paul says that Jesus **was made … wisdom** and **righteousness, and also sanctification and redemption**, he does not mean that Jesus has become these abstract ideas. Instead, he means that Jesus is the source of **wisdom**, **righteousness**, **sanctification**, and **redemption** for **us** who are **in Christ Jesus**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could include some clarifying words such as “the source of.” Alternate translation: “who was made for us the source of wisdom from God, the source of righteousness, and also the source of sanctification and redemption” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	1	30	lxpy	figs-activepassive	ὃς ἐγενήθη σοφία ἡμῖν ἀπὸ Θεοῦ	1		If you cannot write **who was made for us wisdom from God** in this form, you could state it in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God made for us wisdom from himself” or “whom God made for us wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	1	30	yyns	writing-pronouns	ὃς	1		The word **who** refers to **Christ Jesus**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could write the name of **Christ Jesus** instead of using **who** or along with **who**. Alternate translation: “the Christ who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	1	30	g5um	figs-abstractnouns	σοφία…ἀπὸ Θεοῦ, δικαιοσύνη τε, καὶ ἁγιασμὸς, καὶ ἀπολύτρωσις	1		If you cannot write the abstract nouns **wisdom**, **righteousness**, **sanctification**, and **redemption** in your language, you could express their meaning by using verbs with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “a person through whom God taught us, judged us not guilty, and also set us apart for himself and set us free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	1	31	dm5h	grammar-connect-logic-result	ἵνα	1		Paul uses the word translated **so that** to introduce (1) the result of everything he has said about God being the one who chooses and acts. If you use one of the following alternate translations, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “Because of all this” or “Therefore” (2) the purpose for which God chose the weak and foolish. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	1	31	gtv0	figs-ellipsis	ἵνα καθὼς γέγραπται	1		Here, Paul leaves out some words that might be required in your language to make a complete thought. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply the needed words, such as “we should do.” Alternate translation: “so that we should behave just as it is written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	1	31	paga	figs-infostructure	καθὼς γέγραπται, ὁ καυχώμενος, ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω	1		If it would be unnatural in your language to put **just as it is written** before the quotation, you could put **just as it is written** at the end of the sentence. Alternate translation: “‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord,’ just as it is written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	1	31	ebvw	writing-quotations	καθὼς γέγραπται	1		In Paul’s culture, **just as it is written** is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Jeremiah the prophet. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “as it can be read in the Old Testament” or “according to Jeremiah the prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	1	31	fym9	figs-imperative	ὁ καυχώμενος, ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω	1	Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could (1) translate this one as a conditional sentence, adding “if.” Alternate translation: “If people want to boast, they should boast in the Lord” (2) translate this one using a word such as “should.” Alternate translation: “Anyone who boasts should boast in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	1	31	mo0q	figs-idiom	ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω	1		When Paul says that someone can **boast in the Lord**, he does not mean that they are inside **the Lord**. Rather, he means that they are boasting about **the Lord** and what he has done. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that someone is boasting about someone else. Alternate translation: “Let … boast with reference to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	2	intro	k86p			0		# 1 Corinthians 2 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>2. Against divisions (1:10–4:15)<br>      * Paul’s attitude among the Corinthians (2:1–5)<br>      * The wisdom of God, revealed by the Spirit (2:6–16)<br><br>Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verses 9 and 16, which are from the Old Testament. Verse 9 quotes from Isaiah 64:4, and verse 16 quotes from Isaiah 40.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Wisdom and foolishness<br><br>Throughout this chapter, Paul continues to speak of both wisdom and foolishness. Just as in chapter one, these words do not refer primarily to how much or how little education someone has. Rather, they refer to how well or how poorly someone plans actions and knows how the world works. Continue to use the words you chose in chapter one. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fool]])<br><br>### Power and weakness<br><br>Throughout this chapter, Paul continues to speak of both power and weakness. Just as in chapter one, these words primarily refer to how much influence and authority a person has and to how much they can accomplish. Someone who has “power” has much influence and authority and can accomplish many things. Someone who has “weakness” does not have much influence and authority and is not able to accomplish many things. Continue to use the words that you chose in chapter one. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/power]])<br><br>### The Spirit<br><br>Paul first mentions the “Spirit” in this chapter. In most places where this word appears, it refers to God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit), who is the third person of the Trinity. However, in two places in this chapter, the word “spirit” refers to something else. First, “spirit of the world” in [2:12](../02/12.md) refers to a “spirit” that is not God’s Spirit and that originates from within the world. Paul says that this kind of “spirit” is not the kind that believers in Jesus have received. Second, the “spirit of a man” in [2:11](../02/11.md) refers to the non-physical part of a person. It does not refer to God’s Spirit or to something that God’s Spirit replaces. Sometimes Paul uses the adjective form “spiritual” ([2:13](../02/13.md); [2:15](../02/15.md)) and the adverb form “spiritually” ([2:14](../02/14.md)). Both of these forms also refer to God’s Spirit. If someone or something is “spiritual,” that means that the person or thing has or is characterized by God’s Spirit. If something is done “spiritually,” that means that it is done by the power of God’s Spirit. Once, Paul uses the word “natural” ([2:14](../02/14.md)), which is the opposite of “spiritual.” “Natural” means that the person or thing does not have and is not characterized by God’s Spirit. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])<br><br>### The Mystery<br><br>Paul speaks of a “mystery” in [2:1](../02/01.md); [2:7](../02/07.md). This “mystery” is not some secret truth that is hard to understand and that only a few privileged individuals can learn about. Instead, it refers to God’s plans that once were unknown but are now known to all his people. As Paul has already stated in chapter one, these plans center around the cross, which seems to be foolishness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### The deep things of God<br><br>In [2:10](../02/10.md), Paul says that the Spirit searches “the deep things of God.” Paul talks about God as if he were a well or a lake with parts that are deep down in order to identify things about God that humans cannot understand or find it difficult to understand. He does not mean that God is a being or location with deep parts. See the note on this verse for translation options.<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### The rulers of this age<br><br>In [2:6](../02/06.md); [2:8](../02/08.md), Paul speaks about “the rulers of this age.” This phrase refers to individuals who have power in the created world during the time between Christ’s first and second comings. While Paul does not state whether these individuals with power are humans or spiritual beings, he does say that they were the ones who crucified Jesus ([2:8](../02/08.md)). This suggests that they are humans, and they would be people like governors, emperors, and unfaithful religious leaders. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/ruler]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/age]])<br><br>### Positive and negative uses of “wisdom”<br><br>Just as in chapter one, Paul continues to speak about wisdom in both positive and negative ways. He uses the same words throughout the chapter, and he distinguishes between positive and negative meanings by connecting the words to different people or ideas. For example, he speaks of wisdom negatively when it is the wisdom of the world, or the wisdom of humans. However, he speaks of wisdom positively when it is wisdom from God or wisdom given by God. If possible, translate the negative and positive meanings of wisdom with the same word, just as Paul uses one word for both negative and positive. If you must use different words, use positive words for God’s wisdom and negative words for human wisdom.<br><br>### First person singular and plural<br><br>Paul uses the first person singular in [2:1–5](../02/01–05.md) because in these verses he speaks of his own time among the Corinthians. He switches to the first person plural in [2:6–16](../02/06–16.md) because in these verses he is speaking more generally about everyone who proclaims the Gospel as he does. In [2:6–16](../02/06–16.md), the first person plural sometimes includes the Corinthians and sometimes does not include the Corinthians. Throughout the chapter, the first person plural will include the Corinthians unless a note specifies that it does not include them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	2	1	pxmq	grammar-connect-words-phrases	κἀγὼ	1		Here, the word translated **And I** introduces how Paul himself fits into the pattern he introduced in the last chapter. Just as God chooses the weak and the foolish, Paul preaches the Gospel in weak and foolish ways. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that introduces an example or a comparison. Alternate translation: “In the same way, I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	2	1	qvj7	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	brothers	Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to both men or women. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	2	1	koh8	figs-explicitinfo	ἐλθὼν πρὸς ὑμᾶς…ἦλθον οὐ	1		Here, Paul twice says that he has **come** to them. This is a structure that makes sense in Paul’s language. However, if this repetition would be misunderstood in your language, you could: (1) translate the first **come** with a different word, such as “visit.” Alternate translation: “having visited you, did not come” (2) combine these two phrases. Alternate translation: “did not come to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])
1CO	2	1	o0vw	grammar-connect-time-background	ἐλθὼν πρὸς ὑμᾶς	1		The phrase **having come to you** gives background information. It describes what happened before Paul **did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom**. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify by using a word that introduces action that has already occurred. Alternate translation: “after I came to you” or “when I came to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
1CO	2	1	o3ks	figs-possession	ὑπεροχὴν λόγου ἢ σοφίας	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **speech** and **wisdom** that have **superiority**. If the meaning of this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by translating **superiority** as an adjective. Alternate translation: “superior speech or superior wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	1	ikmt	translate-unknown	ὑπεροχὴν λόγου ἢ σοφίας	1		The word translated **superiority** refers to how something or someone has more authority, skill, knowledge, or power than something or someone else. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable word or a short description. Alternate translation: “greatness of speech or of wisdom” or “speech or wisdom that was better than what others have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	1	kxie	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	καταγγέλλων ὑμῖν τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		The phrase **proclaiming to you the mystery of God** gives the situation in which Paul **did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom**. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it explicit by including a word that indicates that these things are happening at the same time. Alternate translation: “when I proclaimed to you the mystery of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	2	1	nam8	figs-possession	τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **mystery** that is: (1) revealed by God. Alternate translation: “the mystery given by God” or “the mystery from God” (2) about God. Alternate translation: “the mystery about God” or “the mystery concerning God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	2	a2g9	figs-hyperbole	οὐ…ἔκρινά τι εἰδέναι ἐν ὑμῖν, εἰ μὴ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν	1	I decided to know nothing … except Jesus Christ	Here, Paul speaks as if he decides to forget all his knowledge and become ignorant of everything except for **Jesus Christ**. This is an exaggeration that Paul uses to emphasize his focus on **Jesus Christ** as the one thing he wished to tell the Corinthians about. If this exaggeration would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that it is an exaggeration or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I decided to speak among you only about Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	2	2	nk9r	grammar-connect-exceptions	οὐ…ἔκρινά τι εἰδέναι ἐν ὑμῖν, εἰ μὴ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν, καὶ τοῦτον ἐσταυρωμένον	1		If it would appear in your language that Paul makes a strong statement about knowing nothing and then contradicts it, you could reword this sentence so that there is no **except**. Alternate translation: “I decided that I would only know among you Jesus Christ and him crucified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	2	2	zvge	figs-activepassive	τοῦτον ἐσταυρωμένον	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form, using a phrase such as “he died on the cross” or adding a vague subject. Alternate translation: “how they crucified him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	3	xen3	grammar-connect-words-phrases	κἀγὼ	1		Here, the word translated **And I** is the same word Paul used to introduce [2:1](../02/01.md). It again introduces how Paul himself fits into the pattern he introduced in the last chapter. Just as God chooses the weak and the foolish, Paul himself was weak and foolish. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that introduces an example or a comparison. Alternate translation: “Just as I did not use superior words and wisdom, I myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	2	3	s9lp		κἀγὼ…ἐγενόμην πρὸς ὑμᾶς	1	I was with you	Alternate translation: “And I remained with you”
1CO	2	3	e8li	figs-abstractnouns	ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ, καὶ ἐν φόβῳ, καὶ ἐν τρόμῳ πολλῷ,	1	in weakness	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the abstract nouns **weakness**, **fear**, and **trembling** with adjectives or verbs. Alternate translation: “as a weak, afraid, and frequently trembling person” or “while I ailed, feared, and often trembled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	2	4	lewv	figs-ellipsis	ὁ λόγος μου καὶ τὸ κήρυγμά μου, οὐκ ἐν πειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις	1		Here, Paul does not use the verb **were** in his sentence. In English, this word is essential, so it has been included in the ULT. If you can translate this sentence without **were**, you could do so here. Otherwise, you could retain **were** as it appears in the ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	2	4	g5my	figs-abstractnouns	ὁ λόγος μου καὶ τὸ κήρυγμά μου, οὐκ	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **word** and **proclamation** with verbs. Alternate translation: “I spoke and proclaimed a message not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	2	4	m23e	figs-abstractnouns	ἐν πειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **words** with a verb such as “speak” and the idea behind the abstract noun **wisdom** with an adverb such as “wisely.” Alternate translation: “based on speaking persuasively and wisely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	2	4	hl7e	figs-possession	σοφίας λόγοις	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to identify the **words** as containing **wisdom**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by translating **wisdom** with an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “wise words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	4	chtx	figs-ellipsis	ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀποδείξει Πνεύματος καὶ δυνάμεως;	1		Here, Paul has omitted some words that may be necessary to make a complete thought in your language. If the sentence would be misunderstood without these words, you could add them here, supplying the idea from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “but my word and my proclamation were with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	2	4	kgnb	figs-abstractnouns	ἐν ἀποδείξει Πνεύματος καὶ δυνάμεως	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **demonstration** and **power** with verbs. Alternate translation: “based on demonstrating the Spirit and how he works powerfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	2	4	qrfj	figs-possession	ἀποδείξει Πνεύματος καὶ δυνάμεως	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **demonstration** that: (1) comes from **the Spirit** and **power**. Alternate translation: “a demonstration by the Spirit and by power” (2) proves that the **Spirit** and **power** are present. Alternate translation: “a demonstration of the presence of the Spirit and of power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	4	s83h	translate-unknown	ἀποδείξει	1		The word translated **demonstration** refers to proving or showing that something is true. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “a validation” or “a confirmation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	4	s6h6	figs-hendiadys	Πνεύματος καὶ δυνάμεως	1		This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **Spirit** tells who is acting in **power**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “of the Spirit’s power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1CO	2	5	av3t	figs-idiom	ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν, μὴ ᾖ ἐν σοφίᾳ ἀνθρώπων, ἀλλ’ ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ	1		Here, the phrase translated **faith … in** refers to believing something (**faith**) based on (**in**) something else. It does not refer, as it does in many other places, to believing in or trusting in something. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use translate **in** with a word or phrase that indicates the basis of the **faith**. Alternate translation: “your faith might not be based on the wisdom of men but based on the power of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	2	5	ovoj	figs-activepassive	ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν, μὴ ᾖ	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form by translating **faith** with a verb such as “trust” or “believe.” Alternate translation: “you might believe not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	5	rkoy	figs-possession	σοφίᾳ ἀνθρώπων	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe what **men** think is **wisdom**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by translating **men** with an adjective such as “human.” Alternate translation: “in human wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	5	cdw7	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώπων	1		Although the word translated **men** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	2	5	b29d	figs-possession	δυνάμει Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **power** that **God** has and shows. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by translating **power** as a verb or adverb with **God** as the subject. Alternate translation: “God working powerfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	6	azm7	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	Now we do speak	Here, the word translated **Now** introduces a contrast with what Paul has said in [2:4–5](../02/4–5.md). In those verses, he said that he did not speak with **wisdom**. In this verse, however, he clarifies that he does **speak** with a kind of **wisdom**. If **Now** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “In spite of this,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	2	6	uena	figs-exclusive	λαλοῦμεν	1		Here, **we** refers to Paul and others like him who preach the Gospel. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	2	6	uka3	figs-abstractnouns	σοφίαν	-1	speak wisdom	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **wisdom** by using an adverb such as “wisely” or an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “wisely … the wise speech” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	2	6	eq1q	figs-nominaladj	τοῖς τελείοις	1	the mature	Paul is using the adjective **mature** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate **mature** with a noun phrase or a relative clause. Alternate translation: “those who are mature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	2	6	tm2e	figs-possession	σοφίαν δὲ, οὐ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου, οὐδὲ τῶν ἀρχόντων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **wisdom** that fits with the standards and values of **this age** and that **rulers of this age** value. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “but not wisdom that fits with this age nor wisdom that the rulers of this age value” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	6	xn85	figs-ellipsis	σοφίαν δὲ, οὐ	1		Here, Paul omits some words that may be needed in your language to make this a complete thought. If so, you could supply words from early in the verse. Alternate translation: “but we do not speak wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	2	6	xydl	figs-possession	τῶν ἀρχόντων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **rulers** who are in power during **this age**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using language about the time in which the rulers have power or the place in which they have power. Alternate translation: “of the rulers who have power now” or “of the rulers who control this world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	6	endk	translate-unknown	τῶν ἀρχόντων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου	1		The **rulers of this age** could refer to: (1) humans who have power. Alternate translation: “of the people who rule this age” (2) spiritual beings that have power. Alternate translation: “of the spiritual powers that rule this age” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	6	tbnh	translate-unknown	τῶν καταργουμένων	1		Paul has already used the word translated **passing away** in [1:28](../01/28.md), where it is translated **bring to nothing**. Here, the word means that the **rulers** are becoming ineffective, useless, or irrelevant, which means that they will no longer have power. If possible, translate this word like you did in [1:28](../01/28.md). Alternate translation: “who are becoming ineffective” or “who are losing their power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	7	l064	figs-exclusive	λαλοῦμεν…ἡμῶν	1		Here, the word **we** refers to Paul and anyone who preaches the Gospel. It does not include the Corinthians. However, the word **our** does include the Corinthians along with Paul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	2	7	bsme	figs-possession	Θεοῦ σοφίαν	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **wisdom** that **God** would consider to be true **wisdom**. This also means that the **wisdom** comes from **God**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that the **wisdom** comes from **God**. Alternate translation: “the wisdom from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	7	wy8u	figs-abstractnouns	σοφίαν	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun wisdom by using an adverb such as “wisely” or an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “the wise message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	2	7	xbye	figs-explicitinfo	ἐν μυστηρίῳ τὴν ἀποκεκρυμμένην	1		Here, Paul uses both **has been hidden** and **in a mystery**. Both of these phrases refer to something that is secret. If using both of these phrases is redundant and would be misunderstood in your language, you could use only one. Alternate translation: “that has been hidden” or “that is a mystery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])
1CO	2	7	fd3s	figs-activepassive	τὴν ἀποκεκρυμμένην	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “that God has hidden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	7	ctb4	writing-pronouns	ἣν	1		The word translated **that** refers to **the wisdom**, not **a mystery**. If what **that** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could repeat **wisdom** here. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “the wisdom that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	2	7	k2ct	figs-idiom	πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων	1	before the ages	Paul uses the phrase translated **before the ages** to say that God **predestined** before he made anything. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “before the beginning of time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	2	7	q2z9	grammar-connect-logic-goal	εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν	1	for our glory	Here, the phrase translated **for our glory** introduces the purpose for which **God predestined** the **wisdom**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “so that we might have glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	2	8	bw5i	writing-pronouns	ἣν	1		Just as in [2:7](../02/07.md), the word translated **which** refers to “the wisdom,” not to “a mystery.” If what **which** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could repeat “wisdom” here. Alternate translation: “the wisdom that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	2	8	imbk	figs-possession	τῶν ἀρχόντων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου	1		Just as in [2:6](../02/06.md), Paul uses the possessive form to describe **rulers** who are in power during **this age**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using language about the time in which **the rulers** have power or the place in which they have power. Alternate translation: “of the rulers who have power now” or “of the rulers who control this world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	8	ur15	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	1		The word translated **for** introduces Paul’s proof that **the rulers** did not understand. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea using a word that customarily introduces proof or evidence. Alternate translation: “which is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	2	8	ji1o	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	εἰ…ἔγνωσαν, οὐκ ἂν τὸν Κύριον τῆς δόξης ἐσταύρωσαν;	1		Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a scenario that he knows is not true. He wants to point out that the **rulers** were the ones who **crucified** Jesus, and this proves that they did not understand God’s wisdom. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by reversing the two clauses and making **they understood it** negative and **they would not have crucified the Lord of glory** positive. Alternate translation: “they crucified the Lord glory, which means that they did not understand it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	2	8	zc89	figs-possession	τὸν Κύριον τῆς δόξης	1	the Lord of glory	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **the Lord** who has **glory**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by translating **glory** with an adjective or a relative clause. Alternate translation: “the Lord who has glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	9	fu1y	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	ἀλλὰ	1	Things that no eye … arisen, the things … who love him	The word translated **But** introduces a contrast with the hypothetical statement in [2:8](../02/08.md) about how the rulers would not have crucified the Lord if they had understood God’s wisdom. The **But** reminds the reader that this hypothetical statement is not true, and Paul wishes to introduce further statements about how people do not understand God’s wisdom. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave **But** untranslated or use a word or phrase that would signal that Paul is now longer speaking hypothetically. Alternate translation: “But no,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	2	9	wuar	figs-ellipsis	ἀλλὰ καθὼς γέγραπται	1		Here, Paul has omitted some words that may be necessary in your language to form a complete thought. If necessary, you can supply a summary from [2:8](../02/08.md) of what the rulers did not understand and how they acted. Alternate translation: “But the rulers did not understand, just as it is written” or “But the rulers did do these things, just as it is written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	2	9	qcb2	writing-quotations	καθὼς γέγραπται	1		In Paul’s culture, **just as it is written** is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Isaiah the prophet. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “as it can be read in the Old Testament” or “according to Isaiah the prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	2	9	pt3m	figs-infostructure	ἃ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ εἶδεν, καὶ οὖς οὐκ ἤκουσεν, καὶ ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἀνέβη, ἃ ἡτοίμασεν ὁ Θεὸς τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν	1		In this quotation, **What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and has not arisen in the heart of man** are the **things God has prepared**. If hearing **What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and has not arisen in the heart of man** before **God has prepared** would be misunderstood in your language, you could reverse the order. Alternate translation: “God has prepared for those who love him what eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and has not arisen in the heart of man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	2	9	j9ib	figs-synecdoche	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	Here, the words **eye**, **ear**, and **heart** refer to the parts of the person that see, hear, and think. In each case, the word means that the whole person sees, hears, and thinks. If this way of speaking would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that refers to a person as a whole instead of just a part of that person. Alternate translation: “What a person has not seen, and a person has not heard, and has not arisen when a person thinks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	2	9	xe03	figs-idiom	ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἀνέβη	1		The phrase **heart of man** refers to the place where humans think. If something “arises” there, that means that a human has thought about that thing. If the meaning of **arisen in the heart of man** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “man has not thought about” or “man has not imagined” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	2	9	pigi	figs-possession	καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **heart** that belongs to a **man**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate **man** with an adjective such as “human.” Alternate translation: “the human heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	9	yw0a	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώπου	1		Although the word translated **man** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	2	9	us5y	grammar-collectivenouns	ἀνθρώπου	1		Here, even though **man** is written in singular form, it refers to anyone who would be considered a **man**, that is, any human. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you can make **man** plural. Alternate translation: “of men” or “of humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
1CO	2	10	z472	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	1		The word translated **For** introduces an explanation of the last line of the quote from [2:9](../02/09.md): “these things God has prepared for those who love him.” Paul wants to explain that these are the things that **God has revealed** to those who believe. If the meaning of **For** would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave the word untranslated or use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	2	10	hp6w	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	2		Here, the word translated **For** introduces an explanation for why God’s revelation is made **to us through the Spirit**. It is because the **Spirit searches everything** and knows everything that is **revealed**. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase that introduces this kind of explanation. Alternate translation: “He works through the Spirit because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	2	10	zccl	translate-unknown	ἐραυνᾷ	1		Here, the word translated **searches** refers to how someone can explore or know about something else. If the meaning of **searches** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use another word for “exploring” or “knowing.” Alternate translation: “comprehends” or “knows about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	10	bhyv	translate-unknown	τὰ βάθη τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		The phrase **deep things of God** refers to things about God that are hard to understand or things about God that no one can fully comprehend. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “secrets about God” or “things about God that no one knows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
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?	Here, Paul uses question because he thinks that everyone will agree with him, for this information is common knowledge in his culture. He does not use a question because he is not sure about the answer. If using a question here would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a form that presents information that everyone knows and agrees with. Alternate translation: “For it is a well-known fact that no one among men knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man that {is} within him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	2	11	gw3u	grammar-connect-exceptions	τίς γὰρ οἶδεν ἀνθρώπων τὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, εἰ μὴ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ? οὕτως καὶ 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	In both parts of this verse, Paul makes a negative claim and then gives an exception to that claim. If it would appear in your language that Paul is contradicting himself, you could use a different structure that also singles out one possibility and negates all other possibilities. Alternate translation: “For the spirit of the man that {is} within him is the only one among men that knows the things of a man, right? So also, the Spirit of God is the only one that knows the things of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	2	11	li8e	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώπων…ἀνθρώπου…τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ	1		Although the words translated **men**, **man**, and **him** are masculine, Paul is using them to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “among people … of a person … of the person that {is} within that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	2	11	lmzi	figs-genericnoun	ἀνθρώπου…τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ	1		Paul uses the word **man** to speak of people in general, not one specific person. If the meaning of **man** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that indicates people in general in your language. Alternate translation: “of a certain man … of that certain man that {is} within him” or “of men … of men that {is} within them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	2	11	wfr2	figs-idiom	τίς…ἀνθρώπων	1		The phrase **who among men** is a way of asking about people or things that belong to a specific category. Paul means to ask if there are any **men** who can know **the things of a man**. He uses this phrase because God also **knows the things of a man**, so he must limit his question to only **men**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a phrase that asks about people or things, but only those that belong in a specific category. Alternate translation: “which man” or “out of all men, who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	2	11	mi27	figs-idiom	τὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου…τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the phrases **the things of a man** and **the things of God** to refer to everything that makes up the person, including personality, thoughts, actions, desires, possessions, and many more similar categories. Paul is intentionally general and does not narrow down which of these categories he has in mind. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that refers to all the aspects of a person that makes that person unique. Alternate translation: “all the details about a man … all the details about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	2	11	i47d	translate-unknown	τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ	1	spirit of the person	The word translated **spirit** is the same word that Paul uses for the Holy **Spirit**. It refers to the interior life of a person, to the part of them that people cannot see, including their thoughts and desires. If possible, use the same word here that you will use later in the verse for the **Spirit**, since Paul is drawing an analogy between the human **spirit** and God’s **Spirit**. If you cannot use the word for God’s **Spirit** to describe a human being, you could: (1) refer simply to a human without specifying which part of the human **knows**. Alternate translation: “the man himself” (2) use an expression that refers to the interior life of a human. Alternate translation: “the consciousness of the man that {is} within him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	11	to3t	figs-idiom	τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ	1		In this culture, people would speak of the non-physical part of human beings as if it were inside the physical part of human beings. Here, Paul speaks in this way when he says that the **spirit of the man** is **within him**. By using **within him**, Paul is identifying the **spirit** as the one that belongs to **the man**. It is not some other man’s **spirit**. If the meaning of **within him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could: (1) use a word or phrase that identifies that the **spirit** belongs to **the man** only. Alternate translation: “that man’s own spirit” (2) express the idea by using a phrase that describes where a human being’s non-physical part would be in your culture. Alternate translation: “the spirit of the man that permeates him” or “the spirit of the man that suffuses him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	2	12	zbv8	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	General Information:	Here, the word translated **But** introduces the next part of Paul’s argument. If the meaning of **But** would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave it untranslated or use a word or phrase that signifies that the argument is moving on. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	2	12	evts	figs-infostructure	ἡμεῖς…οὐ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ κόσμου ἐλάβομεν, ἀλλὰ τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		If stating the negative before the positive would be misunderstood in your language, you could reverse the order of the **not** statement and the **but** statement. Alternate translation: “we received the Spirit who {is} from God, not the spirit of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	2	12	emse	translate-unknown	τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ κόσμου	1		The phrase **spirit of the world** could refer to: (1) a **spirit** that does not actually exist. In other words, Paul is saying that the Spirit they received did not come from the **world** but rather came from **God**. Alternate translation: “a spirit that comes from the world” (2) human ways of thinking and understanding, which could be called a **spirit**. In other words, Paul is saying that they did not receive human ways of thinking but rather ways of thinking that God’s Spirit brings. Alternate translation: “human ways of thinking” ((See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	12	ev7j	figs-possession	τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ κόσμου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **spirit** that comes from or has its source in **the world**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that **the world** is the source or origin of this **spirit**. Alternate translation: “the spirit from the world” or “the spirit that comes from the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	12	vw4v	figs-ellipsis	ἀλλὰ τὸ Πνεῦμα	1		Here, Paul omits some words that may be needed in your language to make a complete thought. If this shortened form would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply some words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “but we received the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	2	12	w1qd	figs-activepassive	τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could make God the subject of the **who** statement. Alternate translation: “the Spirit whom God sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	12	n1c7	figs-activepassive	τὰ ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ χαρισθέντα ἡμῖν	1	freely given to us by God	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that God has freely given to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	13	nan2	figs-exclusive	λαλοῦμεν	1		Here, the word **we** refers to Paul and others who proclaim the Gospel with him. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	2	13	u797	figs-infostructure	οὐκ ἐν διδακτοῖς ἀνθρωπίνης σοφίας λόγοις, ἀλλ’ ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος	1	The Spirit interprets spiritual words with spiritual wisdom	If putting the negative statement before the positive statement would be misunderstood in your language, you could reverse them, putting **words** with the positive statement. Alternate translation: “in words taught by the Spirit, not in those taught by human wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	2	13	yg45	figs-activepassive	διδακτοῖς ἀνθρωπίνης σοφίας λόγοις	1	The Spirit interprets spiritual words with spiritual wisdom	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “words that human wisdom teaches” or “words that humans teach as wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	13	ywbw	figs-activepassive	διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “those that the Spirit teaches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	13	gueq	translate-unknown	πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες	1		Here, the phrase **combining spiritual things with spiritual words** could mean: (1) that Paul and those with him interpret **spiritual things** and ideas with **spiritual words**. Alternate translation: “interpreting spiritual things with spiritual words” (2) that Paul and those with him explain **spiritual things** to **spiritual** people. Alternate translation: “explaining spiritual things to spiritual people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	13	kinz	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	συνκρίνοντες	1		Here, the word translated **combining** introduces an action that takes place at the same time as when **we speak**. The idea is that **combining spiritual things with spiritual words** is the way that **we speak these things**. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by including a word or phrase that indicates that **combining** is the way in which **we speak**. Alternate translation: “by means of combining” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	2	13	mnpq	translate-unknown	συνκρίνοντες	1		The word translated **combining** could mean: (1) interpreting or explaining an idea. Alternate translation: “interpreting” (2) putting two things together, either to compare or blend them together. Alternate translation: “comparing” or “compounding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	14	i8jw	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	δὲ	1		The word translated **But** introduces a new part of Paul’s argument, and it also introduces a contrast with how Paul and those with him speak by the power of the Spirit in [2:13](../02/13.md). Unlike Paul and those with him, the **natural person** does not have the Spirit and does not use spiritual words. If the meaning of **But** would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave it untranslated or use a word that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “However,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	2	14	hq3u	translate-unknown	ψυχικὸς…ἄνθρωπος	1	unspiritual person	The phrase **the natural person** describes a person who does not have God’s Spirit. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that describes someone who has not received God’s Spirit. Alternate translation: “the person without the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	14	cve2	figs-genericnoun	ψυχικὸς…ἄνθρωπος, οὐ δέχεται…αὐτῷ…οὐ δύναται	1	General Information:	Paul uses the words **person**, **him**, and **he** to speak of people in general, not one specific man. If the meaning of these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that indicates people in general in your language. Alternate translation: “any natural person does not receive … to him or her … he or she is not able” or “natural people do not receive … to them … they are not able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	2	14	vvju	figs-gendernotations	αὐτῷ…οὐ δύναται	1		Here, the words translated **him** and **he** are written in masculine form, but they refer to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **he** and **him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “to that person … that person is not able” or “to him or her … he or she is not able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	2	14	fye5	figs-activepassive	μωρία…αὐτῷ ἐστίν	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could reverse the structure and make **him** the subject of a verb such as “think” or “consider.” Alternate translation: “for he thinks that they are foolishness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	14	gwe3	figs-activepassive	πνευματικῶς ἀνακρίνεται	1	because they are spiritually discerned	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form with vague or non-specific subject. Alternate translation: “people can only discern them spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	14	vznr		πνευματικῶς ἀνακρίνεται	1		Alternate translation: “they are discerned by the power of the Spirit” or “they are discerned by people who are indwelt by the Spirit”
1CO	2	15	w4q7	translate-unknown	ὁ…πνευματικὸς	1	the one who is spiritual	Here, Paul uses **the spiritual one** as the opposite of “the natural person” in [2:14](../02/14.md). The phrase **the spiritual one** describes a person who does have God’s Spirit. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that describes someone who has received God’s Spirit. Alternate translation: “the person with the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	2	15	gcv7	figs-genericnoun	ὁ…πνευματικὸς ἀνακρίνει…αὐτὸς…ἀνακρίνεται	1		Paul uses the words **spiritual one** and **he himself** to speak of people in general, not one specific man. If the meaning of these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that indicates people in general. Alternate translation: “any spiritual person discerns … he himself or she herself” or “spiritual people discern … they themselves are discerned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	2	15	ap89	figs-hyperbole	τὰ πάντα	1		Here, Paul uses phrase translated **all things** as an exaggeration to emphasize that the **spiritual one** can discern God’s gifts and the message of the Gospel. He does not mean that every **spiritual** person is able to discern everything there is to know. If this exaggeration would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a phrase such as “many things,” and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “many things indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	2	15	ji5n	figs-activepassive	αὐτὸς…ὑπ’ οὐδενὸς ἀνακρίνεται	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “no one discerns him himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	2	15	ypl6	figs-gendernotations	αὐτὸς…ἀνακρίνεται	1		Here, the words translated **he himself** are written in masculine form, but they refer to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **he himself** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “that person is discerned” or “he himself or she herself is discerned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	2	15	zg4b	figs-explicit	αὐτὸς…ὑπ’ οὐδενὸς ἀνακρίνεται	1		Here, Paul wishes to say that it is impossible for someone without the Spirit to properly understand or make judgments about the person who does have the Spirit. If this implication would be missed by your readers, you could make it more explicit that Paul speaking about the possibility of someone without the Spirit “discerning” someone with the Spirit. Alternate translation: “he himself cannot be discerned by anyone who is not spiritual” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	2	16	ye98	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	1		Here, the word translated **For** introduces proof from Scripture to support what Paul has said about the “natural person” and the “spiritual” person in [2:14–15](../02/14–15.md). If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that Paul is introducing proof. Alternate translation: “You can tell that these things are true because” or “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	2	16	tj79	writing-quotations	γὰρ	1		The word translated **For** is the only word that Paul has used to introduce this quotation from the Old Testament, in this case, from the book written by Isaiah the prophet. If introducing a quotation in this way would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “For, as it can be read in the Old Testament,” or “For, according to Isaiah the prophet,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	2	16	m4pu	figs-rquestion	τίς…ἔγνω νοῦν Κυρίου, ὃς συμβιβάσει αὐτόν?	1	For who can know the mind of the Lord, that he can instruct him?	Here, the passage that Paul quotes from the book of Isaiah uses a question to indicate that no human **has known the mind of the Lord**, and no human **will instruct him**. The question is not asking for information. Instead, it assumes that the answer is “no one,” and the author uses a question to make a negative claim that is stronger than a simple statement. If the question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong negative statement. Alternate translation: “no one has known the mind of the Lord—no one will instruct him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	2	16	wacc	figs-possession	νοῦν Κυρίου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **mind** that the **Lord** has or uses. If it would be misunderstood that the **Lord** is one who is thinking with **the mind**, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the thoughts that the Lord thinks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	2	16	r18k	figs-metaphor	νοῦν Χριστοῦ ἔχομεν	1		Here, Paul speaks as if **we** are people who possess **the mind of Christ**. Paul means that **we** are able to understand what Christ thinks and share the same ways of thinking with him. He does not mean that we have taken Christ’s **mind** from him or that we no longer have our own **mind**. If “having someone else’s mind” would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or with a verb such as “share.” Alternate translation: “think the same thoughts as Christ does” or “share in the mind of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	2	16	pr9b	figs-possession	νοῦν Χριστοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **mind** that **Christ** has or uses. If it would be misunderstood that **Christ** is one who is thinking with **the mind**, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the thoughts that Christ thinks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	3	intro	g6ku			0		# 1 Corinthians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>2. Against divisions (1:10–4:15)<br>    * Paul identifies the divisions (3:1–5)<br>    * Farming metaphor (3:6–9a)<br>    * Building metaphor (3:9b–15<br>    * Temple metaphor (3:16–17)<br>    * Wisdom and folly (3:18–20)<br>    * All things are yours (3:21–23)<br><br>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. Verse 19 quotes from Job 5:13, and verse 20 quotes from Psalm 94:11.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Fleshly people<br><br>In [3:1–4](../03/01–04.md), Paul calls the Corinthian believers “fleshly.” In [3:3](../03/03.md), he defines “fleshly” as “walking according to men.” The word “fleshly” thus refers to people who think and behave from a merely human point of view, without thinking and behaving from God’s perspective. The opposite of “fleshly” is “spiritual,” which refers to those who think and behave by the power of the Spirit (see [3:1](../0/01.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])<br><br>### Fire and judgment<br><br>In Paul’s culture, fire was commonly associated with the day when God would come to judge everyone. Paul uses this association when he makes use of the metaphor of a building. When a building catches on fire, it shows how well it was build. Similarly, when the fire of God’s judgment comes, it will show who has taught the gospel correctly. Fire fits within the metaphor of a building, but it is not just a part of that metaphor. If it is possible, retain the language of fire for God’s judgment. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judgmentday]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fire]])<br><br>### Wisdom and Foolishness<br><br>Throughout this chapter, Paul continues to speak of both wisdom and foolishness. Just as in chapters one and two, these words do not refer primarily to how much or how little education someone has. Rather, they refer to how well or how poorly someone plans actions and knows how the world works. Continue to use the words you chose in chapters one and two. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fool]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Infants and food metaphor<br><br>In [3:1–2](../03/01–02.md), Paul speaks as if the Corinthians are infants who were, and still are, unable to eat any solid food but can only drink milk. By speaking about them as if they were infants, Paul wishes to tell the Corinthians that they are spiritually immature. They are immature enough that they can only drink milk. Paul uses “milk” to refer to the very basic teachings about Christ, while he uses “solid food” to refer to the more advanced teachings. In translating this metaphor, use words that identify what very small children can eat (milk) and what they cannot eat (solid food). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])<br><br>### Farming metaphor<br><br>In [3:6–9a](../03/06–09.md), Paul speaks as if he and Apollos were farmers. Paul first proclaimed the gospel to the Corinthians, so he is like a farmer who plants seeds. Apollos taught the Corinthians more about the gospel, so he is like a farmer who waters the plants when they start to grow. However, God is the one who makes seeds grow into plants and the one who enables believers to accept and learn more about the gospel. With this metaphor, Paul wishes to emphasize that he and Apollos are equal in that they both teach about the gospel. However, neither one of them is significant in comparison to God, who is the one who actually enables people to accept and believe in the gospel. If possible, preserve the farming metaphor, even if you need to adjust some of the details. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])<br><br>### Building metaphor<br><br>In [3:9b–15](../03/09–15.md), Paul speaks of the Corinthians as if they were a house. Paul is the one who laid the house’s foundation, because he was the one who first proclaimed the gospel to them. Other people, whom Paul does not name, build on the foundation. They are the ones who are teaching the Corinthians more, whether what they teach is correct or not. Paul then says that the building will catch on fire, and what each of these builders used to construct the house will become clear. If they built with durable materials, they will be rewarded, but if they built with materials that burn, they will suffer loss, and the builders themselves will barely escape from the fire. In speaking this way, Paul is warning those who teach more about the gospel that God himself will judge whether what they teach is correct or not. If it is incorrect, those teachers will lose everything and barely be saved themselves. If it is correct, God will honor and reward those teachers. If possible, preserve the building metaphor, even if you need to adjust some of the details. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])<br><br>### Temple metaphor<br><br>In [3:16–17](../03/16–17.md), Paul speaks as if the Corinthians were God’s temple. By speaking this way, he identifies the Corinthian believers as a place where God is specially present. Paul then notes that anyone who does anything to harm God’s temple will be punished by God. Since the Corinthians are like God’s temple, God will punish anyone who does anything to harm them, including if anyone tries to divide them up into different groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>Paul asks many questions in this chapter ([3:3–5](../03/03–05.md); [16](../03/16.md)). He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Christ is God’s<br><br>In [3:23](../03/23.md), Paul says that “Christ is God’s.” He does not mean that Christ is a person who belongs to God, but is not God. Rather, he means that Christ is part of who God is. Christ belongs to the being of God. In your translation, you should to try to preserve this meaning. However, if possible, do not make your translation into a statement about the divinity of Christ, since that is not the main point that Paul is trying to make.
1CO	3	1	zfdg	grammar-connect-words-phrases	κἀγώ	1		The word translated **And I** is the same word that appears at the beginning of [2:1](../02/01.md). Just as there, Paul uses **And I** here to introduce how his own experience visiting the Corinthians fits into the general pattern he has outlined at the end of chapter 2. Here, however, his experience with the Corinthians is the opposite of what he would have liked. Therefore, the words **And I** introduce a contrast with what he said in [2:16](../02/16.md) about having the mind of Christ. If the meaning of **And I** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that introduces a specific example or a word or phrase that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “But I” or “As for me, I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	3	1	r4iw	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	brothers	Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If **brothers** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	1	jn0q	figs-infostructure	οὐκ ἠδυνήθην λαλῆσαι ὑμῖν ὡς πνευματικοῖς, ἀλλ’ ὡς σαρκίνοις, ὡς νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ.	1		If stating the negative before the positive would be misunderstood in your language, you could reverse the order of the **not** statement and the **but** statements. Alternate translation: “had to speak to you as to fleshly, as to infants in Christ, not as to spiritual” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	3	1	jx17	figs-nominaladj	πνευματικοῖς…σαρκίνοις	1	spiritual people	Paul is using the adjectives **spiritual** and **fleshly** as nouns in order to describe groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “to spiritual people … to fleshly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	3	1	r5w5	figs-ellipsis	ἀλλ’ ὡς σαρκίνοις, ὡς νηπίοις	1	fleshly people	Here, Paul leaves out some words that might be required in your language to make a complete thought. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply the needed words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “but I spoke to you as to fleshly, I spoke to you as to infants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	1	ja6t	figs-metaphor	νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ	1	as to little children in Christ	Here, Paul speaks as if the Corinthians were **infants**. He wants the Corinthians to think about how **infants** are immature, do not have much knowledge, and are unable to understand most things. By calling the Corinthians **infants in Christ**, he means that in their relationship with Jesus, they were immature, had little knowledge, and were unable to understand very much. If calling the Corinthians **infants** would be misunderstood in your language, you could a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “to beginners in Christ” or “to those who could understand very little about their faith in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	3	1	m588	figs-metaphor	ἐν Χριστῷ	1		Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ**, or being united to Christ, explains in what area of their lives they were like **infants**. They acted like **infants** in their relationship with Christ. If the meaning of **in Christ** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by referring to their “faith” in **Christ** or their “relationship” with **Christ**. Alternate translation: “in their faith in Christ” or “in their relationship with 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	Paul refers to **milk** because it is the food of “infants,” whom Paul already mentioned in [3:1](../03/01.md). The **milk** is the only thing that the “infants” can eat, and Paul thus uses **milk** to refer to the very simplest things that the Corinthians were able to understand about the Gospel. “Infants” do not eat **solid food**, because they are not yet able to properly chew or digest it. So, Paul uses **solid food** to refer to the more complex things about the Gospel that he could not teach the Corinthians because they were “infants,” that is, people who could not understand such complex teachings. If that metaphor about **milk** and **solid food** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I taught you the basics, not the full picture” or “I taught you things that are easy to understand, not things that are hard to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	3	2	fujt	figs-ellipsis	οὐ βρῶμα	1		Here, Paul has omitted some words that may be necessary to make a complete thought in your language. If the sentence would be misunderstood without these words, you could add a phrase such as “to eat.” Alternate translation: “not solid food to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	2	d2x5	figs-ellipsis	οὔπω…ἐδύνασθε…οὐδὲ νῦν δύνασθε	1		Here, Paul has omitted some words that may be necessary to make a complete thought in your language. If the sentence would be misunderstood without these words, you could add them here, supplying the idea from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “you were not yet able to eat solid food … even now, you are not able to eat solid food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	2	i3r5	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	ἀλλ’	1		The word translated **Indeed** functions to contrast the time when Paul visited the Corinthians with the time when Paul is writing this letter. He speaks of these two different times to say that the Corinthians could not to eat the **solid food** at either time. If the meaning of **Indeed** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that contrasts two times or a word that introduces additional information. Alternate translation: “But” or “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	3	3	m712	figs-nominaladj	σαρκικοί	-1	still fleshly	Paul is using the adjective **fleshly** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this adjective with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “fleshly people … fleshly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	3	3	o618	figs-abstractnouns	ὅπου…ἐν ὑμῖν ζῆλος καὶ ἔρις	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **jealousy** and **strife** by using verbs such as “being jealous” and “fighting.” Alternate translation: “where you are jealous and fight with one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	3	3	s1uy	figs-metonymy	ὅπου	1		The word translated **where** often refers to space. However, here Paul uses it to refer to time. Instead of identifying a specific location, it identifies a specific time. If the meaning of **where** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that refers to time. Alternate translation: “when there is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information or for agreement or disagreement. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a statement that draws a conclusion from the **jealousy** and the **strife**. Alternate translation: “you are fleshly and walking according to men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	3	3	oz5v	figs-hendiadys	καὶ	2		Here, Paul uses the word translated **and** to introduce a definition of what **fleshly** means. It means **walking according to men**. If you cannot use **and** to introduce a definition or explanation, you could use another word or phrase that does introduce a definition or explanation. If you use one of the following alternate translations, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “that is, are you not” or “which means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1CO	3	3	as2u	figs-metaphor	κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖτε	1		Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were **walking**. If **walking** would not be understood as a description of a person’s way of life in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “behaving as men do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	3	3	ljri	figs-idiom	κατὰ ἄνθρωπον	1		Here, Paul speaks of behavior that is **according to men**. By using this phrase, he wishes to identify behaviors that people who think and act in only human ways do. These people do not have God’s Spirit, so they “walk” according to the values and goals of this world. If the phrase **according to men** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that refers to things and behaviors that people who do not believe value. Alternate translation: “according to what mere humans value” or “according to this world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	3	3	y8b4	figs-gendernotations	ἄνθρωπον	1		Although the word translated **men** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	4	cidr	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	1		Here, the word translated **For** introduces further evidence for Paul’s argument that the Corinthians in acting in merely humans ways. If that meaning for **For** would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave **For** untranslated or express the idea using a word or phrase that introduces more evidence or examples. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	3	4	g8zt	writing-pronouns	λέγῃ τις…ἕτερος	1		Here, Paul uses the pronouns **one** and **another** to give two examples of some people in the Corinthian church who are sayings these kinds of things. He does not mean that only two people are saying these things. He also does not mean that these are the only things that people in the church are saying. If the form that Paul uses would be misunderstood in your language, you could use words that introduce examples of a larger pattern, and you could add a phrase that indicates that the words **I am of Paul** and **I am of Apollos** are two examples of the kinds of things that they are saying. Alternate translation: “some people among you say things like … other people among you say things like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	3	4	rmtq	figs-quotations	ἐγὼ…εἰμι Παύλου…ἐγὼ Ἀπολλῶ	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “that he or she is of Paul … that he or she is of Apollos” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	3	4	g68p	figs-possession	ἐγὼ…εἰμι Παύλου…ἐγὼ Ἀπολλῶ	1		Just as in [1:12](../01/12.md), Paul uses the possessive form to indicate that people are claiming to be part of a specific leader’s group. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a word such as “belong” or “follow.” Alternate translation: “‘I follow Paul’ … ‘I follow Apollos’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	3	4	zsby	translate-names	Παύλου…Ἀπολλῶ	1		These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	3	4	s96g	figs-rquestion	οὐκ ἄνθρωποί ἐστε?	1	are you not living as human beings?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information or for agreement or disagreement. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a statement that draws a conclusion from what Paul says the Corinthians are saying. Alternate translation: “you are men” or “this shows that you are men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	3	4	mmlq	figs-explicit	ἄνθρωποί	1		When Paul says that the Corinthians are **men**, he means that they are “only” or “merely” **men**. He is not identifying them as humans. Rather, he means that they are acting and speaking from “merely human” perspective rather than from God’s perspective, a perspective they can share if they have God’s Spirit. If the meaning of **men** would be misunderstood in your language, you could add a word or phrase that clarifies that **men** refers to a “merely human” view of the world. Alternate translation: “merely men” or “speaking from a human perspective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	3	4	te5r	figs-gendernotations	ἄνθρωποί	1		Although the word translated **men** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If **men** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “humans” or “men and women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	5	typo	grammar-connect-words-phrases	οὖν	1		The word translated **then** introduces a further stage in Paul’s argument. He has argued in [3:3](../03/04.md) that **Paul** and **Apollos** should not be treated as leaders of groups. In this verse, he goes on to explain how he thinks that **Paul** and **Apollos** should be treated, which is as servants of Christ. Thus, the word translated **then** introduces who **Paul** and **Apollos** really are. If how **then** functions would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave it untranslated or use a word that introduces the next step in an argument. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “therefore,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	3	5	m463	figs-rquestion	τί οὖν ἐστιν Ἀπολλῶς? τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος? διάκονοι	1	Who then is Apollos? And who is Paul?	Here, Paul uses these questions to do two things. First, the questions imply that **Apollos** and **Paul** are not very important. Therefore, an implied answer to these questions would be that **Apollos** and **Paul** are “not very much.” Second, Paul uses the questions to introduce his own answer to these questions. After using the questions to imply that he and **Apollos** are not much, he then states that they are **servants**. If using questions in these ways would be misunderstood in your language, you could express them as a statement about the status of **Apollos** and **Paul** as **servants**, and you could use a word such as “only” or “merely” to express the idea that they are not very important. Alternate translation: “Apollos and Paul are merely servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	3	5	i9d0	translate-names	Ἀπολλῶς…Παῦλος	1		These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	3	5	lq6n	figs-123person	ἐστιν Παῦλος?	1	And who is Paul?	In this verse, **Paul** speaks of himself in the third person. This could sound like he is speaking about a different **Paul** than himself. If this use of **Paul** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that **Paul** is naming himself. Alternate translation: “am I, Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	3	5	qmy2	figs-ellipsis	διάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε	1	Servants through whom you believed	Here, Paul omits several words that may be required in your language to make a complete thought. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could include the words needed to make a complete thought, such as “we are” or “they are.” Alternate translation: “We are servants through whom you believed” or “They are servants through whom you believed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	5	edod	figs-explicit	διάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε	1		When **Paul** says that he and **Apollos** are those **through whom** the Corinthians **believed**, he is implying that the Corinthians believed in someone other than **Paul** and **Apollos**. That is, they believed in Christ. If this implication about **whom** the Corinthians **believed** in would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it explicit by including what the Corinthians **believed** in, which is “Christ” and not **Apollos** or **Paul**. Alternate translation: “Servants through whom you believed in Christ” or “Servants through whom you believed in Christ, not in us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	3	5	h2jv	grammar-connect-words-phrases	καὶ…ὡς	1		Here, the words translated **even as** introduce the way in which **Apollos** and **Paul** act as **servants**. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that could introduce the ways in which **Apollos** and **Paul** asre servants. Alternate translation: “who do what” or “serving just as” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	3	5	f6wm	figs-ellipsis	καὶ ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ Κύριος ἔδωκεν	1	Servants through whom you believed, to each of whom the Lord gave tasks	Here, Paul omits what **the Lord gave** because it would be clear that he means that **the Lord gave** a specific job or task **to each one** of them. If **the Lord gave to each one** would be misunderstood in your language, you could add a word or phrase that indicates that **the Lord gave** a specific job or task. Alternate translation: “even as the Lord gave a task to teach one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	5	e8tb	writing-pronouns	ἑκάστῳ	1		The word translated **to each one** directly refers back to **Apollos** and **Paul**. However, it also probably refers to everyone who serves the Lord. If you can refer to multiple individuals considered separately in your language, you could use that form here. Alternate translation: “to each and every one who serves him” or “per person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	3	6	iah7	figs-exmetaphor	ἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα, Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν, ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ηὔξανεν.	1	I planted	Paul speaks about the roles that God gave to him and to **Apollos** as if they were farmers who **planted** and **watered** their crops. The one who “plants” is the person who begins the farming process, just like Paul first introduced the Corinthians to the gospel. The one who “waters” is the person who continues the farming process by making sure the plants receive what they need to grow, just like **Apollos** continued to proclaim the gospel to the Corinthians. It is a well-known fact in Paul’s culture that plants grow because God enables them to do so, just like God enabled to the Corinthians to receive the gospel and learn more about God. If the way Paul uses farming language to describe how the Corinthians received the Gospel would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I invested the money, Apollos managed the portfolio, but God gave the return on investment” or “I introduced you to the gospel, Apollos taught you more about the gospel, but God enabled you to believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	6	ic6x	figs-ellipsis	ἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα, Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν, ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ηὔξανεν.	1		Paul never states what it is that he **planted**, that **Apollos watered**, and that **God caused to grow**. He does not state what it is because he wishes to use a general statement about farming practices. If you need to state what is **planted** and **watered**, you could include a general word or words such as “seed,” “plant,” or “crop.” Alternate translation: “I planted the seeds, Apollos watered the plants, but God caused the them to grow” or “I planted the crop, Apollos watered it, but God caused it to grow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	6	gyi5	translate-names	Ἀπολλῶς	1	Apollos watered	This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	3	6	iq9n	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	ἐφύτευσα, Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν, ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς	1	but God gave the growth	Here, Paul uses **but** to contrast himself and **Apollos** with **God**. The point is that what he did and what **Apollos** did are at the same level of importance, but God’s work is the most important. Another way to understand this contrast is to notice that Paul and **Apollos** assist in the process of plants growing, but **God** is the only one who actually makes them grow. Again, the main point is that Paul and **Apollos** are simply “servants” of God ([3:5](../03/05.md)) in a process that God oversees. If **but** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that puts Paul and **Apollos** together in contrast with **God**. Alternate translation: “planted, and Apollos watered. However, it was God who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	3	7	g78n	grammar-connect-logic-result	ὥστε	1		Paul uses the word translated **so then** to introduce a conclusion or inference from what he said about watering, planting, and growth in [3:6](../03/06.md). Here, he wishes to explain that the difference between **God** who **causes the growth** and anyone who **plants** or **waters** is about their importance in the process. It is **God** who is important, because he is the only one who **causes the growth**, just as he stated in [3:6](../03/06.md). If that meaning of **so then** would be misunderstood in your language, you could a comparable word or phrase that introduces a conclusion or an inference. Alternate translation: “Therefore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	3	7	c4wy	figs-exmetaphor	οὔτε ὁ φυτεύων ἐστίν τι, οὔτε ὁ ποτίζων, ἀλλ’ ὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός.	1		Paul now speaks in general about the tasks that God has given to those who proclaim the gospel. He continues to speak as if those who proclaim the gospel were farmers who planted and watered their crops. The **one who plants** is the person who begins the farming process, just like the person who first proclaims the gospel. The **one who waters** is the person who continues the farming process by making sure the plants receive what they need to grow, just like the person who continues to teach the gospel. It is a well-known fact in Paul’s culture that plants grow because God enables them to do so, just like God enables those who believe to receive the gospel and learn more about God. If the way Paul uses farming language to describe how people proclaim the gospel and how God enables others to receive it would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “neither the one who invests the money nor the one who manages the portfolio is anything, but God {is} the one who gives the return on investment” or “neither the person who introduces believers to the gospel nor the person who teaches believers more about the gospel is anything, but God {is} the one who enables believers to have faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	7	dl3z	figs-genericnoun	ὁ φυτεύων…ὁ ποτίζων	1	neither he who plants is anything … but God is the one who causes the growth	When Paul speaks of **the one who plants**, he has himself in mind. When he speaks of **the one who waters**, he has Apollos in mind. This is clear from what he says in the last verse ([3:6](../03/06.md)). However, he is now speaking in more general terms. He does not mean just **one** person who does “planting” and one person who does “watering.” Rather, he wishes to refer to anyone who does either of these tasks. If the phrase **the one who** would not be understood to mean that in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to any person who does the task. Alternate translation: “any person who plants … any person who waters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	3	7	uutk	figs-ellipsis	ὁ φυτεύων…ὁ ποτίζων	1		Paul never states what it is that someone **plants** and that someone else **waters**. He does not state what it is because he wishes to use a general statement about farming practices. If you need to state what is planted and watered, you could include a general word or words such as “seed,” “plant,” or “crop.” Alternate translation: “the one who plants the seeds … the one who waters the plants” or “the one who plants the crop … the one who waters it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	7	jrb1	figs-hyperbole	τι	1		Here, the word translated **anything** is an exaggeration that emphasizes how unimportant the people who plant and water are. It is as if they are nothing, as if they do not exist. Paul does not mean that they do not exist. Instead, he uses this exaggeration to show how unimportant the people who plant and water are compared to God. If the meaning of **anything** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates “importance.” Alternate translation: “important” or “significant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	3	7	hmk6	figs-ellipsis	ἀλλ’ ὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός.	1		Here, Paul does not directly finish the contrast between the people who plant and water and **God**. What he means is that **God** is the one who is important because he **causes the growth**. If the meaning of this contrast would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply the words that Paul omits, including a word or phrase about how God is “important.” Alternate translation: “but God, who is the one who causes the growth, is the important one” or “but God is the significant one because he causes the growth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	7	c68g	figs-abstractnouns	αὐξάνων	1	but God is the one who causes the growth	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **growth** with a verb such as “grow.” Alternate translation: “who makes it grow” or “who causes things to grow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	3	8	dmfs	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1		Here, the word translated **Now** introduces the next step in Paul’s argument. If the meaning of **Now** would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave it untranslated or use a word or phrase that introduces the next step in an argument. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	3	8	s16b	figs-exmetaphor	ὁ φυτεύων…καὶ ὁ ποτίζων, ἕν εἰσιν; ἕκαστος δὲ τὸν ἴδιον μισθὸν λήμψεται, κατὰ τὸν ἴδιον κόπον.	1	he who plants and he who waters are one	Here, Paul continues to speak as if those who proclaim the gospel were farmers who planted and watered their crops. The **one who plants** is the person who begins the farming process, just like the person who first proclaims the gospel. The **one who waters** is the person who continues the farming process by making sure the plants receive what they need to grow, just like the person who continues to teach the gospel. The **one who plants** and the **one who waters** will receive **wages** that match the kind of **labor** they did. In the same way, those who first proclaim the gospel and those who teach more about the gospel will receive rewards from God that match the task they accomplished. If the way Paul uses farming language to describe how people proclaim the gospel and how God rewards those who do so, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the one who invests the money and the one who manages the portfolio are one, and each will receive his own paycheck according to his own job” or “the person who introduces believers to the gospel and the person who teaches believers more about the gospel are one, and each will receive his own reward from God according to his own task” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	8	ydx8	figs-genericnoun	ὁ φυτεύων…ὁ ποτίζων	1		Just as in [3:7](../03/07.md), when Paul speaks of **the one who plants**, he has himself in mind. When he speaks of **the one who waters**, he has Apollos in mind. This is clear from what he says in [3:6](../03/06.md). However, he is now speaking in more general terms. He does not mean just **one** person who does “planting” and one person who does “watering.” Rather, he wishes to refer to anyone who does either of these tasks. If the phrase **the one who** would not be understood to mean that in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to any person who does the task. Alternate translation: “any person who plants … any person who waters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	3	8	fsj6	figs-ellipsis	ὁ φυτεύων…ὁ ποτίζων	1		Paul never states what it is that someone **plants** and that someone else **waters**. He does not state what it is because he wishes to use a general statement about farming practices. If you need to state what is planted and watered, you could include a general word or words such as “seed,” “plant,” or “crop.” Alternate translation: “the one who plants the seeds … the one who waters the plants” or “the one who plants the crop … the one who waters it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	3	8	za43	figs-metaphor	ἕν εἰσιν	1	are one	Paul here speaks as if the **one who plants** and the **one who waters** are the same person. He speaks in this way in order to: (1) show that the **one who plants** and the **one who waters** do the same kind of work with the same goal in mind. Alternate translation: “share a common goal” or “do the same kind of work” (2) state that the **one who plants** and the **one who waters** have equal status. Alternate translation: “are of equal importance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	3	8	dfhn	figs-gendernotations	τὸν ἴδιον	-1		Here, the words translated **his** are written in masculine form, but they refer to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **his** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “his or her own … his or her own” or “that person’s own … that person’s own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	9	vphl	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γάρ	1		Here, the word translated **For** introduces a summary statement that concludes the whole section in which Paul compares those who proclaim the gospel to farmers ([3:5–8](../03/05–08.md)). If this meaning of **For** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that introduces a summary statement. Alternate translation: “Thus,” or “In the end,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	3	9	gj26	figs-exclusive	ἐσμεν	1	we are brutally beaten	Here, **we** refers to Paul, Apollos, and others who proclaim the gospel. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	3	9	r9sn	figs-possession	Θεοῦ…συνεργοί	1	God’s fellow workers	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe: (1) **fellow workers** who work for **God**. Alternate translation: “coworkers under God’s leadership” (2) **workers** who join **God** in God’s work. Alternate translation: “people who work with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	3	9	iaan	figs-infostructure	Θεοῦ γεώργιον, Θεοῦ οἰκοδομή ἐστε.	1		Here, Paul switches from a metaphor about farming to a metaphor about building. He makes this switch without using any connecting words, and he makes the switch within one sentence. Consider whether your language would include the introduction of a new topic at the end of the previous section or at the beginning of a new section, and put **God’s building** where it would be understood as introducing a new section, including **you are** again if it would be necessary. Additionally, if beginning a new section without using a connecting word or phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use such a word or phrase here. Alternate translation: “you are God’s field. In fact, you are also God’s building” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	3	9	lqg1	figs-metaphor	Θεοῦ γεώργιον	1	God’s garden	Here, Paul concludes the farming metaphor he began in [3:6](../03/06.md). He identifies the Corinthians as a **field** that is owned by **God**. It is in this field that those who proclaim the gospel “plant” and “water” the crop. By calling the Corinthians a **God’s field**, Paul means to say that they belong to God and that they are the people among whom those who proclaim the gospel work. If the meaning of this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “God’s portfolio” or “people who belong to God and among whom we work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	3	9	l2fq	figs-exmetaphor	Θεοῦ οἰκοδομή	1	God’s building	Here, Paul introduces a new metaphor that compares the Corinthians to a building. This building belongs to God, and those who proclaim the gospel, including Paul, help to construct the building. He uses this metaphor and variations of it in [3:9–17](../03/09–17.md). Here, he calls the Corinthians **God’s building**, by which he means basically the same thing as when he calls them **God’s field**. They belong to God, and he and others who proclaim the gospel work among them. If the meaning of this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “God’s movie” or “people who belong to God and among whom we work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	10	iln9	figs-activepassive	τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι	1	According to the grace of God that was given to me	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “that God gave me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	3	10	a69q	figs-exmetaphor	ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον ἔθηκα, ἄλλος δὲ ἐποικοδομεῖ. ἕκαστος δὲ βλεπέτω, πῶς ἐποικοδομεῖ.	1	I laid a foundation	Paul began using the metaphor of a house in [3:9](../03/09.md). Here he continues that metaphor by speaking about himself as a **wise master builder** who lays **a foundation**. By speaking in this way, he means that he is the one who first introduced them to the gospel, just like a **master builder** first lays **a foundation**. He then speaks of people who build **on** that foundation. By speaking in this way, he means that others who proclaim more about the gospel can only do this by using and continuing from the good news that Paul already proclaimed. If this extended metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I proposed an idea for a movie as a skilled script writer, and another is filming that movie, but let each person be careful how they film that movie” or “as a wise church planter, I first proclaimed the gospel to you, and another is teaching you more about that gospel, but let each one be careful how he teaches you more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	10	nw8f	figs-infostructure	ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον ἔθηκα	1		The phrase **as a wise master builder** could describe: (1) the way in which Paul **laid a foundation**. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “I laid a foundation as a wise master builder” (2) the specific **grace** that God gave to Paul. Alternate translation: “to be a wise master builder, I laid a foundation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	3	10	mpxl	translate-unknown	σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων	1		Here, the word translated **master builder** refers to the person who is in charge of an entire construction project, including designing it and making sure that the building is constructing according to the design. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase. Alternate translation: “a wise architect” or “a wise construction manager” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	3	10	mqb8	writing-pronouns	ἄλλος…ἐποικοδομεῖ	1		Here, the word translated **another** refers to anyone who **is building on** the foundation, including Apollos. However, Paul does not mean to identify one specific person who **is building**. If it would be misunderstood that **another** refers to any builder, you could use a word or phrase that identifies any person who does a specific task. Alternate translation: “other people are building on it” or “someone else is building on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	3	10	pwi7	figs-imperative	ἕκαστος…βλεπέτω	1	another is building on it	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should.” Alternate translation: “each one should be careful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	3	10	px9c	writing-pronouns	ἕκαστος	1	each man	Here, the word translated **each one** refers to any person who **builds** on the **foundation**. If the meaning of **each one** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies any person who falls into a certain category. Alternate translation: “every person who builds on it” or “each builder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	3	10	krd6	writing-pronouns	ἐποικοδομεῖ	2		Here, the word translated **he** is written in masculine form, but it refers to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **he** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she builds on it” or “each one builds on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	11	m4j2	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1		Here, the word translated **for** introduces the reason why the people who build on the foundation should “be careful how” they build “on it” ([3:10](../03/10.md)). They need to “be careful” because what they build must match the only **foundation** that exists, which is **Jesus Christ**. If **for** would not indicate this connection in your language, you could express the idea with a word that gives a reason or basis for a command. Alternate translation: “This is because” or “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	3	11	qd1o	figs-exmetaphor	θεμέλιον…ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι, παρὰ τὸν κείμενον, ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός.	1		In this verse, Paul continues the metaphor about houses by continuing to speak about a **foundation**. Here, he reminds the Corinthians that each house has only one **foundation**, and once that **foundation** has been **laid**, no one lays another **foundation** for the house. He speaks in this way to remind them that only one person can introduce them to the gospel, and anyone who tries to introduce them to another gospel is building a different house, not the same house. Paul then directly states that the **foundation** refers to the message about **Jesus Christ** that he preached to them. Paul speaks in this way to indicate that the message about **Jesus Christ** that he proclaimed to them should be the starting point and basis for everything else they learn about the gospel. If the meaning of this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “no one can write a script other than the one that has already been written, that is, Jesus Christ” or “no one can first proclaim a gospel to you other than the one that I already proclaimed to you, which is Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	11	jt2b	figs-activepassive	τὸν κείμενον	1	no one can lay a foundation other than the one that has been laid	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form, with Paul as the person who is doing the “laying.” Alternate translation: “the one that I already laid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	3	11	yh1f		ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός.	1		If you use the second alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “which is Jesus Christ” or “That foundation is Jesus Christ”
1CO	3	11	azm0	figs-metonymy	Ἰησοῦς Χριστός	1		Here, Paul uses the words translated **Jesus Christ** to refer to the message he proclaimed to them about **Jesus Christ**. If the meaning of **Jesus Christ** would be misunderstood in your language, you could include a word or phrase that refers to Paul’s message about **Jesus Christ**. Alternate translation: “the good news about Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	3	12	nuza	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δέ	1		Here, the word translated **Now** introduces the next step in Paul’s argument. If the meaning of **Now** would be misunderstood in your language, you could leave it untranslated or use a word or phrase that introduces the next step in an argument. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	3	12	nbu2	figs-exmetaphor	εἰ…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	Here, Paul continues the metaphor about building a house. He compares those who teach more about the gospel with builders who construct a house on its foundation. These builders can use a variety of different materials to construct the house, and Paul lists six. The first three, **gold, silver, precious stones**, are more durable, while the last three, **wood, hay, straw**, are less durable. It is clear that Paul is interested in durability because of the next verse, where he states that all of these materials will be tested with fire ([3:13](../03/13.md)). By speaking this way, he indicates that those who proclaim more about the gospel can teach things that are more or less true and acceptable to God. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “if anyone films the movie with expensive and sturdy cameras and film or with cheap and fragile cameras and film” or “if anyone teaches you more about the gospel with words that are acceptable to God or words that are not acceptable to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	12	f8oa	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἰ…τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον	1		Here, Paul uses a conditional **if**, but he does not think that this is a hypothetical situation or something that is likely not true. Instead, Paul thinks that people are “building” on the foundation, and he wants to talk about how they are doing so. Additionally, the “then” part of the **if** statement does not begin until the next verse. If this form and structure would be misunderstood in your language, you could rephrase the condition into a circumstance or an assumption. Alternate translation: “people build on the foundation, using” or “when anyone builds on the foundation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	3	12	tzgf	translate-unknown	χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην,	1		These six things are all materials that could be used in constructing buildings. The first three will survive if the building catches on fire, but the last three will not (for the fire, see [3:13–15](../03/13–15.md)). In your culture, you may not use all of these materials for constructing buildings. In that case, you could include just some of these materials or include materials that you do use for constructing buildings in your culture, making sure to include some materials will not burn up and others that will burn up. Alternate translation: “steel, concrete, lumber, or cloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	3	13	ndu3	figs-exmetaphor	ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται; ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει, 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	Here, Paul continues the metaphor about building a house. He speaks as if **the day** of God’s judgment is like a fire that **will test** the building and show what kind of building materials the builders used. Paul speaks in this way to illustrate how God’s judgment will reveal whether what those who proclaim more about the gospel teach is pleasing to him or not. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the work of each one will become evident, for opening night will display it; for opening night always draws critics, and the critics will test of what value is the work of each one” or “the truth of what each one has taught you will become evident, for God will show how true it is when he comes to judge everyone; when he comes, he will judge everyone, and his judgment will reveal whether what each person has taught is true or not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	13	wv4h	figs-synecdoche	ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον	1		Here, Paul uses the word translated **work** to refer to the product or result of the **work**, not the action of “working.” If that meaning for **work** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that refers to the product of the **work**. Alternate translation: “what each one has made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	3	13	t2mk	figs-activepassive	ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται	1	his work will be revealed	If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea using words such as “God will reveal.” Alternate translation: “God will reveal the work of each one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	3	13	mv14	figs-explicit	ἡ…ἡμέρα δηλώσει	1	for the daylight will reveal it	Here, Paul uses the word translated **day** in the same way the Old Testament uses it: to refer to an event in which God saves his people and punishes his enemies. Paul specifically refers to the event in which Jesus returns to judge everyone. If that meaning of **day** would be misunderstood in your language, you could include more words that clarify what Paul means by **day**. Alternate translation: “the day of Christ’s return will display” or “when Christ returns, he will display it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	3	13	lyny	figs-activepassive	ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται	1		If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God reveals it in fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	3	13	x48s	writing-pronouns	ἀποκαλύπτεται	1		Here, **it** refers to **the day**. It does not refer to the **work**. If the meaning of **it** would be misunderstood in your language, you clarify that **it** refers to **the day**. Alternate translation: “that day is revealed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	3	13	ozx6		ἀποκαλύπτεται	1		Here, Paul speaks as if the day **is revealed** right now. In his language, he can use the present tense to speak about the way in which something happens in general, even if it is not happening in the present moment. If this use of the present tense would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using the future tense. Alternate translation: “it will be revealed”
1CO	3	13	rgfy		ἐν πυρὶ	1		Alternate translation: “with fire” or “in a fiery way”
1CO	3	14	wexj	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον μενεῖ, ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν, μισθὸν λήμψεται.	1		Here and in [3:15](../03/15.md), Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a person’s **work** might remain, or it might not. He then specifies the result for each possibility. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “Anyone whose work that he built will remain will receive a reward” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	3	14	ygva	figs-exmetaphor	εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον μενεῖ, ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν, μισθὸν λήμψεται.	1		Here, Paul continues the metaphor about building a house. In this verse, he notes that builders whose structures survive a fire receive rewards. He speaks in this way to indicate that God will reward those who proclaim more about the gospel if God finds their teachings to be accurate and acceptable to him when he judges everyone. The **reward** includes public recognition and other blessings. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “If anyone’s film that he created receives good reviews on opening night, he will receive an award” or “If anyone teaches you more about the gospel with words that are acceptable to God, he will be honored by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	14	iddt	figs-explicitinfo	τινος τὸ ἔργον…ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν	1		Here, Paul speaks both of **work** and what **he built**. If using both of these terms would be misunderstood or redundant in your language, you could combine the ideas into one expression. Alternate translation: “anyone’s building project” or “what anyone built” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])
1CO	3	14	s4u3	figs-synecdoche	τὸ ἔργον	1	work remains	Here, Paul uses the word translated **work** to refer to the product or result of the **work**, not the action of “working.” If that meaning for **work** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that refers to the product of the **work**. Alternate translation: “project” or “house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	3	14	tec9		μενεῖ	1		Alternate translation: “does not burn up”
1CO	3	14	ge6s	figs-gendernotations	τινος…ἐποικοδόμησεν…λήμψεται	1		Here, the word translated **he** is written in masculine form, but it refers to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **he** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “anyone’s … he or she built … he or she will receive” or “people’s … they built … they will receive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	15	vax6	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται, ζημιωθήσεται	1		Here, just as in [3:14](../03/14.md), Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a person’s work might remain, or it might not. He then specifies the result for each possibility. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “Anyone whose work will be burned up will suffer loss” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	3	15	ysjz	figs-exmetaphor	εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται, ζημιωθήσεται; αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται, οὕτως δὲ ὡς διὰ πυρός.	1		Here, Paul continues the metaphor about building a house. In this verse, he notes that builders whose structures do not survive a fire **suffer loss**. The builders themselves do not die, but they are in trouble, almost as if they were in the building and barely escaped as it burned to the ground. Paul speaks in this way to indicate that God will not reward those who proclaim more about the gospel if God finds their teachings to be inaccurate and unacceptable to him when he judges everyone. The **loss** includes lack of honor and rewards from God. However, those who proclaim more about God in inaccurate and unacceptable ways are not condemned to punishment by God. Instead, just like someone escaping from a burning building, they are just barely accepted by God. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “If anyone’s film that he created receives bad reviews on opening night, he will lose money on the film, but he himself will not face financial ruin, but as though through bankruptcy” or “If anyone teaches you more about the gospel with words that are not acceptable to God, he will receive no honor or blessing when God judges everyone, but he himself will be accepted by God, although just barely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	15	c2xj	figs-activepassive	τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται	1	if anyone’s work is burned up	If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with “fire” as the subject. Alternate translation: “fire burns up anyone’s work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	3	15	fyfr	figs-activepassive	τὸ ἔργον	1		Here, Paul uses the word translated **work** to refer to the product or result of the **work**, not the action of “working.” If that meaning for **work** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that refers to the product of the **work**. Alternate translation: “project” or “house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	3	15	b2l8	figs-gendernotations	τινος…ζημιωθήσεται…αὐτὸς…σωθήσεται	1		Here, the words translated **he** and **himself** are written in masculine form, but they refer to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **he** and **himself** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “anyone’s … he or she will suffer loss … he himself or she herself will be saved” or “people’s … they will suffer loss … they themselves will be saved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	15	ups4	translate-unknown	ζημιωθήσεται	1	he will suffer loss	The phrase **he will suffer loss** expresses the opposite of “receiving a reward.” Instead of gaining honor and money, the person loses honor and money. If the phrase **he will suffer loss** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a phrase that refers to losing honor and money. Alternate translation: “he will lose honor and money” or “he will be deprived of any reward” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	3	15	w1zv	figs-activepassive	αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται	1	but he himself will be saved	If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with **he** saving **himself** or **he** not perishing. Alternate translation: “but he will save himself” or “but he will not perish” (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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information or for agreement or disagreement. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing by reminding them of something that they should already know. The question assumes that the answer is “yes.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with an emphatic statement. Alternate translation: “you know that you are a temple of God, and you know that the Spirit of God lives in you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	3	16	yc1g	figs-exmetaphor	οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐστε, καὶ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν?	1		Here, Paul develops the metaphor about constructing a building in a new way. First, he says that the Corinthians together are **a temple of God**, which is a specific type of building. The **temple of God** was the place where God was present in a special way. Paul is thus identifying the Corinthians as people among whom God is present in the same kind of special way. Second, he says that the Corinthians together are the house or city in which the **Spirit of God lives**. The house or city in which someone lives is where they are always present. Paul is thus saying that the Holy Spirit is always present with the Corinthians. If the meaning of Paul’s metaphors would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “Do you not know that you are the sacred shrine where God dwells, and you are the country in which the Spirit of God has residency?” or “Do you not know that God is present among you, and the Spirit of God is always with you?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	17	pc0d	figs-exmetaphor	εἴ τις τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ φθείρει, φθερεῖ τοῦτον ὁ Θεός; ὁ γὰρ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ἅγιός ἐστιν, οἵτινές ἐστε ὑμεῖς.	1		Here, Paul finishes the metaphor about the temple that he began in [3:16](../03/16.md). He notes that, because God’s temple is **holy**, God will **destroy** anyone who **destroys** the temple. He then again repeats that the Corinthians **are** the temple. By speaking in this way, Paul wishes to remind everyone among the Corinthian believers that “destroying” the unity of the believers is like “destroying” the **temple**, and God will act in response to this like he would if someone “destroyed” his **temple**. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “If anyone desecrates God’s sacred shrine, God will punish that person. For the sacred shrine is holy, and you are God’s sacred shrine” or “If anyone divides the place of God’s presence, God will punish that person. For wherever God’s presence can be found is holy, and you are the place where God’s presence can be found” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	3	17	pv8w	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ τις τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ φθείρει, φθερεῖ τοῦτον ὁ Θεός	1		Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a person might destroy God’s temple, or that person might not. He then specifies the result for if someone does destroy God’s temple. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “God will destroy anyone who destroys the temple of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	3	17	vcuv	writing-pronouns	οἵτινές ἐστε ὑμεῖς	1		Here, the word translated **which** could refer to: (1) **the temple of God**. Alternate translation: “which temple you are” (2) **holy**. Alternate translation: “and you too are holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	3	18	glg8	figs-imperative	μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω…μωρὸς γενέσθω	1	Let no one deceive himself	In this verse, Paul uses two third person imperatives. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use them here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the ideas using a word such as “should.” Alternate translation: “No one should deceive himself … he should become a ‘fool’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	3	18	s57s	figs-gendernotations	μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω; εἴ τις δοκεῖ σοφὸς εἶναι ἐν ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, μωρὸς γενέσθω, ἵνα γένηται σοφός.	1		Here, the words translated **himself**, **he**, and **him** are written in masculine form, but they refer to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **himself**, **he**, and **him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using words that do not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “Let no one deceive himself or herself. If anyone among you thinks he or she is wise in this age, let him or her become a ‘fool,’ that he or she may become wise” or “Let no people deceive themselves. If any people among you think they are wise in this age, them become ‘fools,’ that they may become wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	18	p3wi	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ τις δοκεῖ σοφὸς εἶναι ἐν ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, μωρὸς γενέσθω	1	in this age	Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a person might think that **he is wise**, or that person might not think this. He then specifies the result for if someone does think that **he is wise**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “Let whoever among you thinks he is wise in this age become a ‘fool’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	3	18	p53y		ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ	1		Alternate translation: “according to the standards of this age”
1CO	3	18	s7xi	figs-irony	μωρὸς γενέσθω, ἵνα γένηται σοφός	1	let him become a “fool”	Here, Paul commands any **wise** person among the Corinthians to become a **fool**. He does not actually think that doing what he commands makes a person a **fool**, which is why **fool** appears in quotation marks. Rather, he knows that many will call doing what he commands becoming a **fool**. To make this clearer, he then says that becoming what many will call **a “fool”** will actually lead to becoming truly **wise**. If Paul’s use of the word **fool** would be misunderstood by your readers, you could use a form in your language that indicates that Paul is speaking from the perspective of other people. Alternate translation: “let him become a so-called ‘fool,’ that he may become truly wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	3	18	pvt3	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα	1		Here, the word translated **that** introduces the goal or purpose for which a person should **become a “fool”**. If the meaning of **that** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that introduces a goal or purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	3	19	m0gd	figs-possession	ἡ…σοφία τοῦ κόσμου τούτου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe what **this world** considers to be **wisdom**. If **the wisdom of this world** would be not be understood in your language as **wisdom** from the perspective of **this world**, you could use a different form that makes this meaning clear. Alternate translation: “what this world considers to be wisdom” or “worldly wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	3	19	uqb3	figs-idiom	παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ	1		Here, Paul uses the phrase **with God** to identify God’s perspective. If **with God** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that identifies that this is **foolishness** according to how God views the world. Alternate translation: “from God’s perspective” or “in God’s eyes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	3	19	ayvv	writing-quotations	γέγραπται γάρ	1		In Paul’s culture, **For it is written** is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book titled “Job.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “For it can be read in the Old Testament” or “For the book of Job says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	3	19	zws3	figs-quotations	γέγραπται…ὁ δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτῶν	1	He catches the wise in their craftiness	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “it is written that God catches the wise in their craftiness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	3	19	wxz2	figs-metaphor	δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτῶν	1		Here, Paul speaks as if God reaches out and grabs **the wise** as they act in **craftiness**. By speaking in this way, he means that even “crafty” or clever people cannot avoid God when he wishes to “catch” them. God is not deceived, and he can disrupt their clever plans. If **catches** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “interrupts the clever plans of the wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	3	19	j0ga	figs-nominaladj	τοὺς σοφοὺς	1		Paul is using the adjective **wise** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this adjective with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “wise people” or “those who are wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	3	19	x6ts	figs-abstractnouns	τῇ πανουργίᾳ	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **craftiness** by using a phrase such as “crafty plans” or “clever planning.” Alternate translation: “crafty plans” or “clever planning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	3	20	n5pu	writing-quotations	καὶ πάλιν	1		In Paul’s culture, **And again** is a normal way to introduce another quotation from an important text that supports the same point. In this case, Paul quotes from the Old Testament book titled “Psalms.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is introducing another quotation from an important text. Alternate translation: “It can be read in another place in the Old Testament” or “And the book of Psalms also says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	3	20	la6x	figs-quotations	Κύριος γινώσκει τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν, ὅτι εἰσὶν μάταιοι	1	The Lord knows that the reasoning of the wise is futile	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “that the Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are futile” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	3	20	gvyq	figs-explicitinfo	γινώσκει τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν, ὅτι εἰσὶν μάταιοι	1		If the form **the reasonings of the wise, that they** would be redundant in your language, you could express the idea without the redundant words. Alternate translation: “knows that the reasonings of the wise are futile” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])
1CO	3	20	ot38	figs-abstractnouns	τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν	1		If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **reasonings** with a verb such as “reason” or “plan.” Alternate translation: “the things that the wise reason” or “the things that the wise plan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	3	20	tlk9	figs-nominaladj	τῶν σοφῶν	1		Paul is using the adjective **wise** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this adjective with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “of wise people” or “of those who are wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	3	20	kz2u		εἰσὶν μάταιοι	1	futile	Alternate translation: “they will come to nothing” or “they are worthless”
1CO	3	21	molu	figs-imperative	μηδεὶς καυχάσθω ἐν ἀνθρώποις	1		Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should.” Alternate translation: “no one should boast in men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	3	21	xyti	figs-idiom	μηδεὶς καυχάσθω ἐν ἀνθρώποις	1		The phrase **boast in men** means that a person is boasting “about” humans. If **boast in** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that clarifies that the “boasting” has **men** as its content. Alternate translation: “let no one boast about men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	3	21	k9i3	figs-explicit	ἐν ἀνθρώποις	1		The next verse makes it clear that here Paul specifically has leaders in mind. He wishes to tell the Corinthians that they should not boast about having a specific leader that they follow. If this meaning of **in men** would not be understood in your language, you could include some words that clarify that it refers to following leaders. Alternate translation: “in men that they follow” or “in men whose group they are part of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	3	21	ogfq	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώποις	1		Although the word translated men is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “in people” or “in men or women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	3	21	g0hr	figs-explicit	πάντα…ὑμῶν ἐστιν	1		Here, **all things are yours** also implies that **boasting in men** is foolish. If the Corinthians have everything, then boasting about following a specific leader does not make sense. All the Corinthians have all the leaders, and much more beyond that (see [3:22](../03/22.md)). If it would be misunderstood in your language that **all things are yours** implies these conclusions, you could include a phrase that states these conclusions. Alternate translation: “all things are yours, including all leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	3	22	lrlg	translate-names	Παῦλος…Ἀπολλῶς…Κηφᾶς	1		These are the names of three men. They are the same men who were mentioned in [1:12](../01/12.md) as leaders whom the Corinthians were claiming to follow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	3	22	x1w6		εἴτε Παῦλος, εἴτε Ἀπολλῶς, εἴτε Κηφᾶς, εἴτε κόσμος, εἴτε ζωὴ, εἴτε θάνατος, εἴτε ἐνεστῶτα, εἴτε μέλλοντα;	1		Paul does not want his readers to think that this list tells the Corinthians everything that they have. Rather, he uses the list to give examples. If the use of this list would be misunderstood in your language, you could include a word or phrase that shows that the list gives examples. Alternate translation: “including Paul and Apollos and Cephas and the world and life and death and things present and things to come”
1CO	3	22	o3k5	figs-explicit	εἴτε ζωὴ, εἴτε θάνατος	1		When Paul says that **life** and **death** are theirs, he means that neither **life** nor **death** has control over the Corinthians. Rather, they have control over **life** and **death**. What this means is that they can live their lives without being afraid of what will happen while they are alive or afraid of losing their lives when they die. If the meaning of the **life** and **death** would be misunderstood in your language, you could add some words that clarify their meaning. Alternate translation: “or confidence in life or peace in death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	3	22	pyir	figs-explicit	εἴτε ἐνεστῶτα, εἴτε μέλλοντα	1		Here, Paul refers to **things present** because it refers to what was happening at the time when Paul wrote this letter. On the other hand, **things to come** refers to what is going to happen in the future, specifically when Jesus comes back. The **things present** is the way the world works right now. The **things to come** is the way the world will work when Jesus returns. If the meaning of these phrases would be misunderstood in your language, you could add some words that clarify their meaning. Alternate translation: “or the current order or the order that Jesus will bring” or “or what happens now or what will happen soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	3	22	jt0x	figs-infostructure	πάντα ὑμῶν	1		Here, Paul uses the same phrase he used at the end of [3:21](../03/21.md): **all things are yours**. He repeats the phrase here to explain that the list provides examples of **all things** and also to introduce the point he is about to make in the next verse. Because **all things are yours** ends the list and also introduces the next idea, the ULT begins a new sentence with **all things are yours**. Use whatever form in your language most clearly identifies a conclusion that also introduces the next statement. Alternate translation: “Thus, all things are yours,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	3	23	nj48	figs-possession	ὑμεῖς…Χριστοῦ	1	you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to show the Corinthians that they belong to Christ. If the meaning of this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a phrase such as “belong to” or a verb such as “has.” Alternate translation: “you belong to Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	3	23	dc6v	figs-possession	Χριστὸς…Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to show the Corinthians that **Christ** belongs to who **God** is. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a phrase such as “belongs to” or a verb such as “includes.” Alternate translation: “Christ belongs to God” or “who God is includes Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	4	intro	vg5z			0		# 1 Corinthians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>2. Against divisions (1:10–4:15)<br>      * God alone is judge (4:1–5)<br>      * Present weakness (4:6–15)<br>3. Against sexual immorality (4:16–6:20)<br>      * Paul’s planned visit (4:16–21)<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Judgment<br><br>In [4:3–5](../04/03.md), Paul refers to three different judgments. The first judgment is what humans think of each other, including what they think of Paul. The second is Paul’s own judgment of himself. The third is God’s judgment, which occurs when the Lord returns. Paul argues that the first two judgments are not important and carry no weight. Rather, the only judgment that matters is God’s judgment. Therefore, Paul argues that no one should issue a final verdict about anything until God has performed his judgment ([4:5](../04/05.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/discernment]])<br><br>### Pride<br><br>Paul mentions the Corinthians’ pride many times in this chapter. He speaks specifically of being “puffed up” ([4:6](../04/06.md); [4:18–19](../04/18.md)), and boasting ([4:7](../04/07.md)). In contrast, Paul describes himself and the other apostles as humble and weak ([4:9–13](../04/09.md)). By making this contrast, Paul wants the Corinthians to rethink their opinions about themselves. If the apostles, the leaders of the church, are weak and humble, they need to think again about whether they really are as great as they think they are.<br><br>### Word and power<br><br>In [4:19–20](../04/19.md), Paul contrasts “word” with “power.” This is common comparison in his culture that contrasts talk and deeds. Anyone can say they are capable of doing something, but only those with “power” can actually do what they claim. Paul introduces this contrast because he is coming to see if those who claim greatness (“word”) can do what they claim (“power”). He argues that “power” is what matters more than “word” because God’s kingdom is a matter of “power,” not “word.” It is about action, not just talk. If your language has a standard comparison between “talk” and “deeds,” you could use it in these verses.<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Paul as father<br><br>In [4:14–15](../04/14.md), Paul identifies the Corinthians as his children, which makes him their father. He became their father when he preached the gospel to them. Thus, he is their spiritual father, the one who helped bring them into the Christian life. In the metaphor, Paul does not specify who the mother is, and he does not intend his audience to make an inference as to who it might be. In [4:17](../04/17.md), Paul continues this metaphor by claiming Timothy as his spiritual child. If possible, use words in your language that do not always require biological relationships. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/father]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/children]])<br><br>### The spectacle<br><br>In [4:9](../04/09.md), Paul speaks of the “spectacle” that he and the other apostles participate in. The “spectacle” could be a victory parade in which Paul and the other apostles are prisoners who will be killed, or it could be a gladiatorial performance in an arena in which Paul and the other apostles are destined to die. See the notes on the verse for translation options. Whichever “spectacle” Paul refers to, he is presenting himself and the other apostles as people who are going to be humiliated and killed in public. With this metaphor he continues the theme of Christ working in power through his and others’ weakness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Irony<br><br>In [4:8](../04/08.md), Paul says that the Corinthians are satisfied, rich, and reigning. In the second half of the verse, however, he says that he “wishes” that they were actually reigning. The first part of the verse, then, presents how the Corinthians think about themselves. Paul speaks from their perspective in order to show them that their views are foolish and impossible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In [4:7](../04/07.md) and [4:21](../04/21.md), Paul uses several questions. All the questions in these two verses are not seeking answers that provide information or further knowledge. Rather, all the questions are meant to make the Corinthians think about what they are thinking and doing. For translation options, see the notes on these two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### “Not beyond what is written”<br><br>In [4:6](../04/06.md), Paul quotes a phrase: “Not beyond what is written.” This is not a quote from Scripture, and Paul does not say where the phrase comes from. However, the way he quotes it shows that both he and the Corinthians were familiar with this saying. Most likely, the phrase is a well-known proverb or wise saying that Paul uses to strengthen his argument. For the meaning of the phrase and translation options, see the notes on that verse.<br><br>### Paul’s coming<br><br>In [4:18–21](../04/18.md), Paul speaks many times about how he will “come” to them. He intends to visit them again, and he speaks in these verses about what his visit might be like. Use words in your language that refer to someone temporarily visiting someone else.
1CO	4	1	nkda	figs-explicitinfo	οὕτως ἡμᾶς λογιζέσθω ἄνθρωπος ὡς	1		If the form **In this manner let a man regard us: as** would be redundant in your language, you could express the idea without the redundant words. Alternate translation: “Let a man regard us as” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])
1CO	4	1	k1v5	figs-imperative	ἡμᾶς λογιζέσθω ἄνθρωπος	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should.” Alternate translation: “a man should regard us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	4	1	xt4u	figs-gendernotations	ἄνθρωπος	1		Although the word translated **man** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “man or woman” or “human” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	4	1	fk8c	figs-genericnoun	ἄνθρωπος	1		Paul uses the word **man** to speak of people in general, not one specific person. If the meaning of **man** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that indicates people in general in your language. Alternate translation: “everybody” or “any person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	4	1	px42	figs-exclusive	ἡμᾶς	1		Here, **us** refers to Paul, Apollos, and others who proclaim the gospel. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	4	1	if6t	figs-possession	οἰκονόμους μυστηρίων Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **stewards** who are in charge of **the mysteries of God**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “manage” or “oversee.” Alternate translation: “stewards who manage the mysteries of God” or “stewards who oversee the mysteries of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	4	1	duab	figs-possession	μυστηρίων Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **mysteries** that are: (1) revealed by **God**. Alternate translation: “of the mysteries given by God” or “of the mysteries from God” (2) about **God**. Alternate translation: “of the mysteries about God” or “of the mysteries concerning God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	4	2	th8e	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ὧδε λοιπὸν	1	what is required of stewards	Here, Paul uses the phrase **In this case** to introduce further information about what it means to be **stewards**. Since he is talking about himself and others who proclaim the gospel as **stewards**, it is important to understand what it is that **stewards** are **required** to do. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces more information about a topic. Alternate translation: “Now” or “Speaking of stewards,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	4	2	de61	figs-explicit	ζητεῖται ἐν τοῖς οἰκονόμοις, ἵνα πιστός τις εὑρεθῇ	1		While Paul does not directly apply this sentence to himself and others who proclaim the gospel, it is clear that he intends the reader to apply it to him and these others. Paul then means that he and others who proclaim the gospel are required to do so faithfully by God. If this implication would not be understood by your readers, you could a word or phrase that makes it clear by identifying Paul as one of the stewards. Alternate translation: “it is required in stewards like us that we be found faithful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	4	2	qek0	figs-activepassive	ζητεῖται	1		If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with a vague subject or “masters” as the subject. Alternate translation: “people require” or “a master requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	2	dpeo	figs-activepassive	πιστός τις εὑρεθῇ	1		If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with a vague subject or “masters” as the subject. Alternate translation: “people find one faithful” or “a master finds one faithful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	2	yesr	writing-pronouns	τις	1		Here, Paul uses **one** to refer to any of the **stewards**. If **one** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a plural pronoun such as “they.” Alternate translation: “they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	4	3	t133		ἐμοὶ…ἐστιν	1		Alternate translation: “I consider it” or “from my perspective”
1CO	4	3	fspp	figs-idiom	εἰς ἐλάχιστόν ἐστιν	1		When Paul says that **it is a very small thing** for him to **be examined**, what he means is that their “examination” of him is unimportant to him. Whether they think he has been faithful or not does not matter to him at all. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “it is no big deal” or “it has no significance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	4	3	k6nc	figs-activepassive	ὑφ’ ὑμῶν ἀνακριθῶ, ἢ ὑπὸ ἀνθρωπίνης ἡμέρας;	1	it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you	If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “you or a human court would examine me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	3	l2tt	translate-unknown	ἀνθρωπίνης ἡμέρας	1		Here, the words translated **a human court** refer to an official legal proceeding where whether Paul was faithful or not could be judged by those in charge. Here, he uses the words primarily to refer to any people who are in charge of this legal proceeding. If this language would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to an official meeting to decide whether someone is innocent or guilty or a word or phrase that refers to who is in charge at such a meeting. Alternate translation: “a court of law” or “a human jury” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	4	3	skwh	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἀλλ’	1		Here, the word translated **For** introduces an even stronger statement about how little Paul cares about being **examined** by humans. He cares so little that he does not even **examine** himself. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that normally introduces a further, stronger statement. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	4	4	u9jd	figs-idiom	οὐδὲν…ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα	1	I am not aware of any charge being made against me	Paul says that he is **aware of nothing against** himself. By this, he means that he does not know about anything that could be used to accuse him. He is not aware of anything he has done wrong. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I have a clear conscience” or “I cannot think of any wrong things I have done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	4	4	h3wl	figs-activepassive	οὐκ ἐν τούτῳ δεδικαίωμαι;	1	that does not mean I am innocent. It is the Lord who judges me	If you cannot use this form in your language, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “this does not justify me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	4	bulo	writing-pronouns	τούτῳ	1		The word translated **this** refers back to the whole idea that Paul is **aware of nothing against** himself. If the meaning of **this** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it refers back to the whole previous statement. Alternate translation: “what I am aware of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	4	4	hjob	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	δὲ	1		Paul uses the word translated **but** to introduce a contrast with everyone else who might “examine” Paul (see [4:3–4](../04/03.md)). If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a contrast with several previous statements. Alternate translation: “Instead,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	4	4	f6bb		ὁ…ἀνακρίνων με Κύριός ἐστιν.	1		Alternate translation: “the Lord is the one who judges me”
1CO	4	5	qi3g	figs-explicitinfo	πρὸ καιροῦ…ἕως ἂν ἔλθῃ ὁ Κύριος	1	Therefore	If the form **before the time, until the Lord comes** contains redundant information that would be unnatural to state in your language, you could express the idea without the redundant words. Alternate translation: “before the Lord comes” or “until the Lord comes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])
1CO	4	5	wl3i	figs-metaphor	ὃς καὶ φωτίσει τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους	1	He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the purposes of the heart	Here, Paul speaks as if **the Lord** will bring a flashlight or torch when he comes, and he will use that torch or flashlight to shine **light** on things that are currently **hidden** in the **darkness**. By speaking in this way, Paul means that **the Lord** will reveal what no person knows right now. If the meaning of this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “who will both disclose what people do not know about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	5	dcje	figs-possession	τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **things** that are **hidden** in **darkness**. If the **hidden things** would not be understood to be in **darkness** in your language, you could express the idea by using a word such “in” or “within.” Alternate translation: “the things hidden in darkness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	4	5	ywuk	figs-abstractnouns	τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους	1		If your language does not use the abstract noun **darkness**, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that describes something that cannot be seen because there is no light, such as “in shadow.” Alternate translation: “the hidden things in shadow” or “the things hidden where no light shines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	4	5	spwh	figs-possession	τὰς βουλὰς τῶν καρδιῶν	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **purposes** that come from or are created in **the hearts**. If it would be misunderstood in your language that **the purposes** are located in **the hearts**, you could express the idea by using a word such as “from” or “in.” Alternate translation: “the purposes in the hearts” or “the purposes from the hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	4	5	tgdg	translate-unknown	τὰς βουλὰς	1		Here, **purposes** refers to how humans have specific goals in mind and plan ways of attaining those goals. If the meaning of **purposes** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word such as “plans” or “intentions.” Alternate translation: “the plans” or “the intentions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	4	5	tgox	figs-metonymy	τῶν καρδιῶν	1		In Paul’s culture, **hearts** are the places where humans think and plan. If that meaning of **hearts** would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the place where humans think in your culture or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “of the minds” or “that humans plan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	4	5	pw6r	figs-idiom	ὁ ἔπαινος γενήσεται ἑκάστῳ ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul speaks as if **praise** were something that could **come** or travel from **God** to humans. Paul means that **God** is the source of the **praise** that **each one** will receive. If the meaning of this sentence would be misunderstood in your language, you could make **God** the person who gives the **praise**. Alternate translation: “God will give praise to each one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	4	5	kcya	figs-explicit	ὁ ἔπαινος γενήσεται ἑκάστῳ ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1		Here, Paul seems to say that every person will receive some **praise** from **God**. However, Paul does not mean this. Instead, he only gives the example of the person who has been faithful to God, not the example of the person who has not been faithful to God. If using only one example would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that this example is only about those who are faithful, or you could include the opposite example about those who have been unfaithful. Alternate translation: “the praise from God will come to each faithful one” or “the praise and blame from God will come to teach one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	4	6	agfz	writing-pronouns	ταῦτα	1		The word translated **these things** refers back to everything Paul has said about himself and Apollos in [3:4–23](../03/04.md). If what **these things** refers to would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it refers to what Paul has said about farming and building. Alternate translation: “what I have said about farming and building” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	4	6	ijn5	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	brothers	Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	4	6	xxp2	translate-names	Ἀπολλῶν	1		This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	4	6	ymxi	figs-exclusive	ἡμῖν	1		Here, the word **us** refers to Paul and Apollos only. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	4	6	ziz9	figs-quotations	μάθητε, τό μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγραπται	1	for your sakes	If you your language does not use this form, you could translate this statement as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “you might learn not to go beyond what is written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	4	6	o02a	figs-explicit	τό μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγραπται,	1		Here, Paul quotes a short phrase that is not from the Old Testament but that would have been well-known to the Corinthians. The phrase **what is written** could refer to: (1) the Old Testament scriptures. Paul is telling the Corinthians that they should only act in ways that the Old Testament approves of. Alternate translation: “Not beyond what the scriptures say” (2) general principles of life that everyone knows about. Paul is telling the Corinthians that they should only act in ways that are generally approved and accepted. Alternate translation: “Not beyond proper standards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	4	6	hk55	figs-infostructure	ἵνα	2		The statement introduced by **so that** could be the purpose of (1) learning that they should not go **beyond what is written**. Alternate translation: “with the goal that” (2) Paul applying **these things** to himself and Apollos. Alternate translation: “so that, in the end,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	4	6	e79m	figs-activepassive	μὴ εἷς…φυσιοῦσθε	1		If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with **no one** as the subject and the object. Alternate translation: “no one would puff himself or herself up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	6	hjfu	writing-pronouns	τοῦ ἑνὸς…τοῦ ἑτέρου	1		The words translated **the one** and **the other** refer to any specific leaders the Corinthians might praise or blame. Perhaps Paul specifically has himself and Apollos in mind, but he intentionally uses words that would include any leader whom the Corinthians could praise or blame. If the meaning of **the one** and **the other** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that indicates that Paul is speaking generally of any leaders here. Alternate translation: “of any leader … any other leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	4	7	fnu3	figs-yousingular	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	In this verse, Paul uses the singular form for **you**. He does this in order to directly address each specific person among the Corinthian believers. In the next verse, he again uses the plural form of “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	4	7	gtb5	figs-rquestion	τίς…σε διακρίνει?	1	For who makes you superior?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no one.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an emphatic statement. Alternate translation: “there is no one who makes you superior.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	4	7	r6yw	figs-rquestion	τί…ἔχεις ὃ οὐκ ἔλαβες?	1	What do you have that you did not freely receive?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “nothing.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an emphatic statement. Alternate translation: “there is nothing that you have that you did not receive.” or “you received everything that you have.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	4	7	eixw	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἰ δὲ καὶ ἔλαβες	1		Paul is speaking as if “receiving it” were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “And since you indeed received it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	4	7	e8l2	figs-rquestion	τί καυχᾶσαι ὡς μὴ λαβών?	1	why do you boast as if you had not done so?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. Here, there is no answer to the question, since that is exactly Paul’s point. There is no reason for them to **boast**. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an imperative or a “should” statement. Alternate translation: “do not boast as if you did not receive it.” or “you should not boast as if you did not receive it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	4	7	p0hg	writing-pronouns	ἔλαβες…λαβών	2		Here, both uses of **it** refer back to **what** the Corinthians **have**. If your language does not use **it** to refer to an unstated “thing,” you could use a word or phrase that does refer clearly back to **what** the Corinthians **have**. Alternate translation: “you received everything … you did … receive everything” or “you received what you have … you did … receive what you have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	4	8	yp8s	figs-irony	ἤδη κεκορεσμένοι ἐστέ, ἤδη ἐπλουτήσατε, χωρὶς ἡμῶν ἐβασιλεύσατε	1	General Information:	With these statements, Paul is stating what he thinks the Corinthians would say about themselves. He does not mean that he believes that these things are true. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could include some words that clarify that Paul is speaking from the Corinthians’s perspective, such as “it is as if” or “you say.” Alternate translation: “Already it is as if you are satisfied! Already it is as if you have become rich! It is as if you began to reign apart from us” or “Already you say that you are satisfied! Already you say that you have become rich! You say that you have begun to reign apart from us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	4	8	v77u	figs-metaphor	κεκορεσμένοι ἐστέ	1		Here, Paul speaks as if the Corinthians have had more than enough food to eat and beverages to drink. By this, he means that (they think that) they have so many spiritual blessings that there are no more that they can receive. If the meaning of **satisfied** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you are stuffed with blessings” or “you have every spiritual gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	8	uc7s	figs-metaphor	ἐπλουτήσατε	1		Here, Paul speaks as if the Corinthians have become wealthy people. He speaks in this way to again emphasize that (they think that) they have more spiritual blessings than they need. If the meaning of **become rich** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you have become fat” or “you have an excess of spiritual gifts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	8	mpir	figs-exclusive	ἡμῶν…ἡμεῖς	1		Here, **us** and **we** refer to Paul and others who proclaim the gospel. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	4	9	bb41	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γάρ	1	God has put us apostles on display	Here, the word translated **For** introduces evidence that Paul and the other apostles are not “reigning” right now. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a contrast word such as “rather” or use a word or phrase that indicates that this sentence provides evidence that Paul is not “reigning.” Alternate translation: “Rather,” or “You can tell we are not reigning, since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	4	9	v0bg	translate-unknown	δοκῶ	1		Here, the word translated **I think** introduces Paul’s own opinion of what he and other **apostles** are meant to do and experience. If the meaning of **I think** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that introduces a person’s interpretation or opinion. Alternate translation: “in my opinion,” or “it seems to me that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	4	9	lz8v	figs-exclusive	ἡμᾶς…ἐγενήθημεν	1		Here, **we** and **us** refer to Paul and his fellow apostles. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	4	9	vfq3	figs-metaphor	ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους ἐσχάτους ἀπέδειξεν, ὡς ἐπιθανατίους	1	has put us apostles on display	Here, Paul uses a metaphor that identifies himself and other apostles as those who receive public humiliation and are put to death. The metaphor itself: (1) could refer to a Roman gladiatorial contest. The apostles, then, would be **exhibited** in the arena as part of the **last** event. As those who are **sentenced to death**, they would then die in this last event. Alternate translation: “has exhibited us apostles in the last event of the gladiatorial games, in which we are destined to die” (2) could refer to a victory parade. The apostles, then, would be **exhibited** at the end of the parade, or **last**. As the **last** prisoners, they are **sentenced to death**, and will be killed soon after the parade ends. Alternate translation: “has exhibited us apostles at the end of the victory parade, in the place where prisoners who are sentenced to death march” (3) could be misunderstood in your language. If this is the case, you could express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “has chosen us apostles to be humiliated, and we are destined to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	9	ayu9	translate-unknown	ἐσχάτους	1		The word translated **last of all** could identify: (1) the time when the **apostles** are **exhibited**, which would be as the last event held in the arena. Alternate translation: “at the end” (2) the place where the **apostles** are **exhibited**, which would be at the end of the victory parade. Alternate translation: “last in line” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	4	9	e4i1	figs-metaphor	θέατρον ἐγενήθημεν τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ἀγγέλοις καὶ ἀνθρώποις	1		Here, Paul speaks as if he and other apostles were part of a gladiatorial game or a theatrical show. He speaks in this way to show that the humiliation and death he and other apostles suffer happens in public, with everyone watching to see what happens. If this metaphor would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “we live in full view of the world—both of angels and of men” or “we undergo these things publicly, before the world—both angels and men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	9	cqh4	figs-infostructure	τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ἀγγέλοις καὶ ἀνθρώποις	1	to the world—to angels, and to human beings	This structure could mean that: (1) Paul wants to define the **world** as **angels** and **men**. Alternate translation: “to the world, that is, both to angels and to men” (2) Paul is listing three different things. Alternate translation: “to the world, to angels, and to men.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	4	9	d8da	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώποις	1		Although the word translated **men** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether men or women. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “to men and women” or “to people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	4	10	ds54	figs-ellipsis	ἡμεῖς μωροὶ διὰ Χριστόν, ὑμεῖς δὲ φρόνιμοι ἐν Χριστῷ; ἡμεῖς ἀσθενεῖς, ὑμεῖς δὲ ἰσχυροί; ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄτιμοι	1		In Paul’s language, he did not need to include the word translated **{are}**. However, many languages, including English, must add **{are}**, which is why the ULT includes it in brackets. If your language would not use **{are}** here, you could leave it unexpressed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	4	10	johq	figs-exclusive	ἡμεῖς	-1		Here, the word **we** refers to Paul and the other “apostles.” It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	4	10	fkw2	figs-irony	ἡμεῖς μωροὶ…ἡμεῖς ἀσθενεῖς…ἡμεῖς…ἄτιμοι	1	We are fools … in dishonor	With these statements, Paul identifies what he and the other apostles are like from the perspective of this world. They are **fools**, **weak**, and **dishonored**. Paul does know that from God’s perspective they are actually “wise,” “strong,” and “honored.” However, he speaks from the perspective of this world to help the Corinthians change their thinking. Instead of wanting to be **wise**, **strong**, and **honored**, the Corinthians need to realize that following God will instead make them appear to this world as **fools**, **weak**, and **dishonored**. If the meaning of these statements would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that clarifies that they are spoken from a different perspective. Alternate translation: “We {seem to be} fools … We {seem to be} weak … we {seem to be} dishonored” or “According to the world, we {are} fools … According to the word, we {are} weak … according to the world, we {are} dishonored’ (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	4	10	ufj2	figs-irony	ὑμεῖς δὲ φρόνιμοι…ὑμεῖς δὲ ἰσχυροί…ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι	1		With these statements, Paul identifies what the Corinthians think about themselves. They think they are **wise**, **strong**, and **honored** from the perspective of this world. Paul contrasts what the Corinthians think about themselves and how he and other apostles look from the world’s perspective in order to make the Corinthians reconsider what they think about themselves. If these statements would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies that they are spoken from the perspective of the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “but you consider yourselves wise … but you consider yourselves strong … You consider yourselves honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	4	10	wqh7	figs-metaphor	ἐν Χριστῷ	1	You are held in honor	Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ**, or united to Christ, explains: (1) the means by which God has made the Corinthians **wise**. Alternate translation: “by means of your union with Christ” (2) the reason why God has made the Corinthians **wise**. Alternate translation: “because of your union with Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	10	d1s9	figs-infostructure	ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄτιμοι.	1		Paul changes the order of the last item in the list, putting **You** in front of **we**. In his culture, this is one way to identify the last item in a list. If the change in order would be misunderstood in your language, you could change the order to match the order Paul uses for the first two items. Alternate translation: “We {are} dishonored, but you {are} honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	4	11	i298	figs-idiom	ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας	1	Up to this present hour	In Paul’s culture, the phrase **Up to this present hour** means that what Paul is about to say has been happening and continues to happen up to the time when he writes this letter. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “To this very day” “All the time we serve Christ,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	4	11	k3f1	figs-exclusive	πεινῶμεν	1		Here, the word **we** refers to Paul and the other “apostles.” It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	4	11	hqco	translate-unknown	γυμνιτεύομεν	1		The word translated **are poorly clothed** means that the clothing is old and worn and barely covers a person’s body. If the meaning of **are poorly clothed** would be misunderstood in your language, use a word or phrase that identifies clothing that barely covers a person. Alternate translation: “are clothed in rags” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	4	11	jj2y	figs-activepassive	καὶ κολαφιζόμεθα, καὶ	1	we are brutally beaten	If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form with a vague or indefinite subject. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “and people brutally beat us, and we” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	11	yhf4	translate-unknown	ἀστατοῦμεν	1	we are homeless	The word translated **are homeless** means that Paul and the other apostles do not have a permanent residence or a house that they own. It does not mean that they never had a place to stay. If the meaning of **are homeless** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that Paul and the other apostles do not have a permanent residence. Alternate translation: “do not own homes” or “are always on the move” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	4	12	exfo	figs-exclusive	ἰδίαις…εὐλογοῦμεν…ἀνεχόμεθα	1		Here, the words **our** and **we** refer to Paul and other “apostles.” They do not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	4	12	ushf	figs-doublet	κοπιῶμεν, ἐργαζόμενοι	1		Here, the words **working hard** and **working** mean basically the same thing. Paul uses both words to emphasize how **hard** he is working. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these words and indicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “are working very hard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	4	12	e0mz	figs-idiom	ἐργαζόμενοι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσίν	1		In Paul’s culture, the phrase **with our own hands** indicates that Paul and other apostles were doing manual labor. In fact, we know that Paul himself made tents (see [Acts 18:3](../act/018/03.md)), so that is probably the manual labor which he refers to here. If **with our hands** would not refer to manual labor in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or an expression that refers to manual labor. Alternate translation: “doing physically demanding work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	4	12	z6fg	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	λοιδορούμενοι…διωκόμενοι	1		The phrases **Being reviled** and **being persecuted** identify the situations in which Paul and other apostles **bless** and **endure**. If this relationship would be misunderstood in your language, you could (1) include a word such as “when” to indicate that these actions happen at the same time. Alternate translation: “Any time we are reviled … any time we are persecuted” (2) include a word such as “although” to indicate that these actions are in contrast with each other. Alternate translation: “Although we are reviled … although we are persecuted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	4	12	n389	figs-activepassive	λοιδορούμενοι	1	When we are reviled, we bless	If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “Others reviling us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	12	o7jz	translate-unknown	λοιδορούμενοι	1		Here, the word translated **Being reviled** refers to someone abusing another person with words. If that meaning for **Being reviled** would not be obvious in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does refer to using abusive words about another person. Alternate translation: “Being slandered” or “Being attacked verbally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	4	12	l71q	figs-explicit	εὐλογοῦμεν	1		Here, Paul does not state whom or what they **bless**. He could mean that they **bless**: (1) the people who “revile” them. Alternate translation: “we bless in return” (2) God, even though they are suffering. Alternate translation: “we bless God anyway” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	4	12	kue7	figs-activepassive	διωκόμενοι	1	When we are persecuted	If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “Others persecuting us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	13	xvn4	figs-exclusive	παρακαλοῦμεν…ἐγενήθημεν	1		Here, the word **we** refers to Paul and other “apostles.” It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	4	13	l3ns	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	δυσφημούμενοι	1		The phrase **being slandered** identifies the situation in which Paul and other apostles **comfort**. If this relationship would be misunderstood in your language, you could (1) include a word such as “when” to indicate that these actions happen at the same time. Alternate translation: “Any time we are slandered” (2) include a word such as “although” to indicate that these actions are in contrast with each other. Alternate translation: “Although we are slandered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	4	13	a6hp	figs-activepassive	δυσφημούμενοι	1	When we are slandered	If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “others slandering us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	13	p0fd	figs-simile	ὡς περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐγενήθημεν, πάντων περίψημα	1		Here, Paul says that he and other apostles are like **scum** and **refuse**, both of which are words that describe garbage. Paul speaks in this way to show that **the world** considers him and other apostles to be worthless, just like garbage is worthless and should be thrown away. If the meaning of this simile would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable image or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “We have no value according to the world’s perspective” or “We have become like a heap of garbage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1CO	4	13	uubg	figs-doublet	περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου…πάντων περίψημα	1		Here, Paul uses two different words for garbage. The word **scum** refers to what people throw away after they clean something. The word **refuse** refers to dirt or filth that people wipe or scrub off an object. Paul uses two very similar words in order to emphasize that the world thinks that he and other apostles are like garbage. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “the filthy scum of all the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	4	13	gqxj	figs-possession	περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe what **the world** identifies as **scum**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a short phrase to clarify that **scum** is what **the world** thinks he and other apostles are. Alternate translation: “what the world considers scum” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	4	13	flf9	figs-synecdoche	τοῦ κόσμου	1		When Paul uses **the world** in this context, he is not referring primarily to everything that God has made. Rather, he uses **the world** to refer to human beings who do not believe in Jesus. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an expression that refers to human beings in general. Alternate translation: “of human beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	4	13	ip6p	figs-possession	πάντων περίψημα	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe **refuse** that: (1) comes from **all things**. Alternate translation: “the refuse from all things” (2) **all** people consider to be garbage. Alternate translation: “what all people consider to be refuse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	4	13	z4tt	figs-idiom	ἕως ἄρτι	1		Here, Paul ends this sentence in a similar way to how he began his sentence in [4:11](../04/11.md). In Paul’s culture, the phrase **even until now** means that what Paul speaks about has been happening and continues to happen up to the time when he writes this letter. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “to this very day” “all the time we serve Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	4	14	k1at	figs-infostructure	οὐκ ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς γράφω ταῦτα, ἀλλ’ ὡς τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ, νουθετῶ	1	I do not write these things to shame you, but to correct you	If putting the negative statement before the positive statement would be misunderstood in your language, you could reverse them. Alternate translation: “I correct {you} as my beloved children. I do not write these things as shaming you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	4	14	r9pj	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς	1		Here, the phrase **as shaming you** introduces what Paul did **not write** to do. If **as shaming** would be understood as a purpose in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does clearly indicate purpose. Alternate translation: “in order to shame you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	4	14	nlzx	writing-pronouns	ταῦτα	1		The word translated **these things** refers back to what Paul has already written, focusing on [4:6–13](../04/06.md). If that meaning for **these things** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers back to what Paul has just finished writing. Alternate translation: “what I have said about us apostles and you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	4	14	t8jc	grammar-connect-logic-result	ὡς τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ	1	correct	Here, the phrase **as my beloved children** introduces (1) the reason why Paul corrects the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “because you are my beloved children” (2) the way in which he corrects the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “as a father corrects his beloved children, so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	4	14	ruu5	figs-metaphor	τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ	1	my beloved children	Here, Paul speaks of the Corinthians as if they were his **beloved children**. He speaks in this way because he is their spiritual father, the one who first preached the good news to them. Also, he loves them in the same way a father loves his own children. If Paul calling the Corinthians his **beloved children** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “my beloved younger siblings” or “fellow believers whom I love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	15	ur1i	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	ἐὰν…μυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς ἔχητε ἐν Χριστῷ	1		Here, Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He knows that the Corinthians do not have **myriads of guardians**, but he speaks in this way to emphasize that they have only one spiritual father, no matter how many **guardians** they have. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “even if you somehow had myriads of guardians in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	4	15	n8c1	figs-hyperbole	μυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς	1	ten thousand guardians	Here, **myriads of guardians** is an exaggeration that the Corinthians would have understood to mean a large number of **guardians**. If that would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to a large number. Alternate translation: “many guardians” or “a large number of guardians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	4	15	nkcc	figs-metaphor	ἐν Χριστῷ	1		Here, Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ**, or united to Christ, identifies: (1) that these **guardians** are helping the Corinthians in their union with Christ. Alternate translation: “who work to unite you more strongly to Christ” (2) the guardians as fellow believers in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who believe in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	15	d25x	figs-ellipsis	οὐ πολλοὺς πατέρας	1		Here, Paul omits some words that may be essential in your language to create a complete thought. In English, these words are essential, so they have been included in the ULT in brackets. If you can translate this sentence without these words, you could do so here. Otherwise, you could retain these words as they appear in the ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	4	15	yij4		οὐ πολλοὺς πατέρας	1		Alternate translation: “{you would have} only one father”
1CO	4	15	j01t	figs-exmetaphor	οὐ πολλοὺς πατέρας; ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα.	1		Here, Paul speaks of himself as a “father” to the Corinthian believers. He became their father **through the gospel**, which means that he is their spiritual father. He is the one who preached the **gospel** to them when they became united to **Christ Jesus**, and that makes him the one who **fathered** them. If how Paul speaks about **fathers** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul refers to “spiritual” **fathers**. Alternate translation: “{you would} not {have} many spiritual fathers; for I fathered you spiritually in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	4	15	m9ek	figs-metaphor	ἐν…Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ	2	I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel	Here, Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ**, or united to Christ, explains: (1) that the Corinthians became united to Christ when Paul preached the good news to them. Alternate translation: “when you were united to Christ Jesus” (2) Paul is their father in the Christian family, the family that is united to Christ. Alternate translation: “in the Christian family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	16	vkao	figs-abstractnouns	μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **imitators**, you could express the idea by using a verbal such as “imitate.” Alternate translation: “imitate me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	4	17	lrqn	writing-pronouns	διὰ τοῦτο	1		Here, **this** refers back to what Paul said in the previous verse about imitating him. If **this** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it refers back to the previous verse. Alternate translation: “For that reason” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	4	17	r7z7		ἔπεμψα	1		Sometimes, Paul uses the past tense **sent** with reference to the person who carries the letter to its destination. However, Paul later speak of Timothy visiting them as only a possibility (see [16:10](../16/10.md)). Therefore, the visit to which Paul refers here could: (1) have already happened by the time Paul is writing this letter. Timothy would be visiting the Corinthians while Paul is writing this letter, since Paul uses the future tense to refer to how Timothy **will remind** them of Paul’s ways. Alternate translation: “I have sent” (2) be when Timothy brings the letter to them, at which time he **will remind** them of his ways. Alternate translation: “I am sending”
1CO	4	17	hi7w	figs-metaphor	ὅς ἐστίν μου τέκνον, ἀγαπητὸν καὶ πιστὸν	1	my beloved and faithful child in the Lord	Here, Paul speaks of **Timothy** as if he were his own **child**. This continues the metaphor about Paul as a spiritual father from [4:15](../04/15.md). Paul is Timothy’s spiritual father, and Paul loves **Timothy** in the way a father loves his child. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “who is my beloved and faithful spiritual child” or “whom I love and who is faithful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	17	nwqz	figs-metaphor	ἐν Κυρίῳ	1		Here, Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in the Lord**, or united to the Lord, identifies Timothy as someone who faithfully does what he is called to do in his union with **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “in his union with the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	17	oqd7	figs-metaphor	τὰς ὁδούς μου τὰς ἐν	1		Here, Paul speaks of how he lives and what he does as **my ways**, which refers to the paths that Paul walks on. This way of speaking is related to how Paul has already spoken of behavior as “walking” (see [3:3](../03/03.md)). The phrase **my ways** could identify: (1) how Paul thinks and lives. Alternate translation: “the way that I live in” (2) the principles that Paul follows concerning how to think and live. Alternate translation: “the principles that I follow in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	17	cq9z	figs-metaphor	ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ	1		Here, Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ Jesus**, or united to Christ Jesus, describes Paul’s **ways** as ways that are appropriate for those united to Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “appropriate in union with Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	17	j6gj	figs-explicit	καθὼς…διδάσκω	1		Here, Paul does not explicitly state what it is that he is teaching. From the previous words, however, it is clear that he teaches his **ways**, the same **ways** that Timothy will **remind** them about. If you need to clarify what Paul teaches, you could refer to the **ways** explicitly. Alternate translation: “the same ways that I teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	4	17	xs5y	figs-hyperbole	πανταχοῦ ἐν πάσῃ ἐκκλησίᾳ	1		Here, Paul speaks as if Paul has been **everywhere** and visited **every church**. The Corinthians would have understood this to refer to **everywhere** and **every church** that Paul has visited. If **everywhere** and **every church** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul refers to **every** place and church he has visited. Alternate translation: “everywhere I go and in every church that I visit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	4	18	v4fn	grammar-connect-time-sequential	δέ	1	Now	Here, the word translated **Now** introduces a development in the argument. Paul starts addressing some of the Corinthians who are proud. If **Now** does not introduce a new part of the argument in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does do this. Alternate translation: “Moving on,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
1CO	4	17	wdug	figs-doublet	πανταχοῦ ἐν πάσῃ ἐκκλησίᾳ	1		Here, the words **everywhere** and **in every church** have very similar meanings. Paul repeats the idea to emphasize that he teaches the **ways** in every church, not just among the Corinthians. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine the two phrases into one. Alternate translation: “in every church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	4	18	th6i	writing-pronouns	τινες	1		The word **some** refers to **some** of the Corinthians. If the reference of **some** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it identifies **some** Corinthian believers. Alternate translation: “some from among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	4	18	flbr	figs-activepassive	ἐφυσιώθησάν	1		If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with “themselves” as the object. Alternate translation: “have puffed themselves up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	18	gap0	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	ὡς	1		Here, Paul speaks of him **not coming** as something that is a possibility. However, he is convinced that this is not true, since he will “come” to them. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “as if” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	4	19	jdk5	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	δὲ	1	I will come to you	Here, **But** introduces a contrast with what some people are thinking in the previous verse, that is, that Paul is not going to visit them. In this verse, he says that he will visit them soon. Use a word or phrase in your language that introduces a strong contrast. Alternate translation: “Despite what they think,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	4	19	y1sl	figs-infostructure	ἐλεύσομαι…ταχέως πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ	1		If your language would put the **if** statement first, you could rearrange these two clauses. Alternate translation: “if the Lord wills, I will come to you soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	4	19	eyq3	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ	1		Here, Paul says that he will only visit the Corinthians **if the Lord wills**. He is not sure whether the Lord will “will” or not. Use a form in your language that indicates a true hypothetical. Alternate translation: “only if the Lord wills, of course” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	4	19	tdbk	figs-explicit	τὸν λόγον…τὴν δύναμιν	1		The contrast between **word** and **power** was well-known in Paul’s culture. The contrast states that people can say many things, but they cannot always do what they say they can. If your language has a way to express this contrast between “talk” and “action,” you could use it here. Alternate translation: “the talk … their deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	4	19	kbp1	figs-metonymy	τὸν λόγον τῶν πεφυσιωμένων	1		Here, **word** figuratively represents what someone says in words. If **word** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “what these who have been puffed up say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	4	19	fz8n	figs-activepassive	τῶν πεφυσιωμένων	1		If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea in active form, with “themselves” as the object. Alternate translation: “of these people who have puffed themselves up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	4	19	m92u	figs-abstractnouns	τὴν δύναμιν	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **power**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “powerful.” Alternate translation: “how powerful they are” or “their powerful deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	4	20	iucw	figs-metaphor	οὐ…ἐν λόγῳ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλ’ ἐν δυνάμει	1		Here, Paul speaks as if **the kingdom of God** exists **in**, not **word**, but **power**. By this, he means that **the kingdom of God** does not consist in what people say but in what they do. To say it another way, **word**, or what people say, by itself does not make people part of God’s kingdom. Rather, it takes God’s **power** working for and through people to make them part of God’s kingdom. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of God consists not in word but in power” or “the kingdom of God is not about word but about power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	20	shgb	figs-abstractnouns	ἐν λόγῳ…ἀλλ’ ἐν δυνάμει	1		The contrast between **word** and **power** was well-known in Paul’s culture. The contrast states that people can say many things, but they cannot always do what they say they can. If your language has a way to express this contrast between “talk” and “action,” you could use it here. Alternate translation: “not in talk but in deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	4	20	gfhp	figs-metonymy	λόγῳ	1		Here, **word** figuratively represents what someone says in words. If **word** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “what people say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	4	20	wzpo	figs-abstractnouns	δυνάμει	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **power**, you could express the idea another way. Alternate translation: “powerful deeds” or “what people powerfully do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	4	21	ix5g	figs-rquestion	τί θέλετε?	1	What do you want?	Paul asks the Corinthians **What** they **want** because he wants them to realize that their behavior will show him how to respond to them. He does not want the Corinthians to tell him all their desires. Rather, he presents two options in the rest of the verse, and the question **What do you want?** shows the Corinthians that they can choose between those two options by listening to Paul or choosing not to listen to him. If your language does not use a question to express this idea, you could translate the question in statement form. Alternate translation: “Depending on what you do, I will behave towards you in one of two ways.” or “How you respond to me will tell me how to respond to you.” (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?	Here, Paul uses a question to present the two options for how he could act toward the Corinthians when he “comes” to them. He asks a question for the same reason he asked the first question in this verse. He wants them to realize that how they choose to respond to him will dictate how he will act when he visits. If they do not listen to him, he will **come with a rod**. If they do listen, he will come **with love and a spirit of gentleness**. If your language does not use a question to express this idea, you could translate the question in statement form. Alternate translation: “I will either come to you with a rod or with love and a spirit of gentleness.” or “If you do not listen, I will come to you with a rod. If you do listen, I will come to you with love and a spirit of gentleness.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	4	21	bl1d	figs-metaphor	ἐν ῥάβδῳ	1		Paul speaks of coming **with a rod** as if he is going to physically beat the Corinthians to teach them to listen to him. This metaphor may continue the way in which he speaks of himself as a “father” in [4:14–15](../04/14.md), since fathers could punish their children physically **with a rod** if they did not obey. By speaking in this way, Paul thus refers to discipline or punishment, but the discipline he threatens will not be physical. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that would describe discipline or punishment, or you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “to punish you” or “with a harsh rebuke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	4	21	h4oj	figs-abstractnouns	ἐν ἀγάπῃ…τε	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **love**, you could express the idea by using an adverb such as “lovingly” or a verb such as “love.” Alternate translation: “shall I love you with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	4	21	u7b9	figs-possession	πνεύματί…πραΰτητος	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **spirit** that is characterized by **gentleness**. If your language would not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea by translating **gentleness** as an adjective, such as “gentle.” Alternate translation: “a gentle spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	4	21	hpmb	translate-unknown	πνεύματί	1		Here, **spirit** does not refer to God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit. Rather, it refers to Paul’s spirit. In Paul’s culture, **as spirit of** something is a way to describe a person’s attitude that is characterized by that thing. Here, then, Paul speaks about an attitude that is gentle. If **spirit** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word such as “attitude” to express the idea. Alternate translation: “an attitude” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	4	21	ix7l	figs-abstractnouns	πραΰτητος	1	of gentleness	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **gentleness**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “gentle.” Alternate translation: “that is gentle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	5	intro	vb3l			0		# 1 Corinthians 5 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>3. Against sexual immorality (4:16–6:20)<br>    * Paul condemns a sexually immoral man (5:1–5)<br>    * Passover festival metaphor (5:6–8)<br>    * Explanation of previous letter (5:9–13)<br><br>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. Verse 13 quotes from Deuteronomy 17:7.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Sexual immorality<br><br>This chapter deals mostly with what Paul calls “sexual immorality” ([5:1](../05/01.md), [9–11](../05/9.md)). The word Paul uses for “sexual immorality” is a general term for sexual behavior that is considered improper. The specific type of “sexual immorality” that Paul addresses in this chapter is a man having sex with his step-mother. In some languages, there is a specific word for this. English uses the word “incest.” However, since Paul uses a general term and then brings up a specific situation, you also should use a general term for “sexual immorality” in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fornication]])<br><br>### Judgment<br><br>Paul refers to “judgment” or “judging” in [5:3](../05/03.md), [12–13](../05/12.md). “Judging” refers to deciding whether someone is guilty or innocent. Paul emphasizes in this chapter that Christians should “judge” other Christians in the proper setting (see [5:3–5](../05/03.md)). However, they do not need to “judge” people who are not Christians. Paul states that “judging” them is God’s responsibility ([5:12–13](../05/12.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])<br><br>### Excommunication<br><br>In [5:2](../05/02.md), Paul speaks about “removing” the person who committed the sexual sin from among the Corinthians, and he makes a similar command in [5:13](../05/13.md). The phrase “hand this man over to Satan” in [5:5](../05/05.md) has a similar meaning. Finally, when Paul tells them to “clean out the old yeast” ([5:7](../05/07.md)), this is a metaphor for the same action. Paul is commanding the Corinthians to stop including in their group the man who committed the sexual sin. It is not totally clear whether the man can be accepted back into the group if he stops committing the sin.<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Euphemisms<br><br>As is the case in many cultures, sexual behavior is a delicate topic. Paul thus uses euphemisms to avoid sounding crude or nasty. When he says that “someone has his father’s wife” ([5:1](../05/01.md)), this is a delicate way to refer to someone consistently having sex with his father’s wife, whether married or not. He later on calls this behavior “a deed” ([5:2](../05/02.md)) or “such a thing” ([5:3](../05/03.md)). These phrases are ways of referring back to the man having sex with his father’s wife without using crude words. If your language has similar euphemisms for delicately referring to sexual behavior, you could use them here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])<br><br>### Passover metaphor<br><br>In [5:6–8](../05/06.md), Paul speaks of “yeast” and “Passover.” Passover was Jewish festival in which the people celebrated how God delivered them from serving as slaves in Egypt. The Israelites sacrificed lambs and spread the blood on their doors, and they ate bread without yeast in it because they would have to leave quickly. Then, God sent a destroying angel who killed the firstborn child in every house that did not have blood on its door. When this happened, the ruler of Egypt told the Israelites to leave immediately. You can read about these events in [Exodus 12](../exo/12/01.md). Later generations of Israelites celebrated this day by removing the yeast from their houses and by sacrificing a lamb. Paul refers to this festival in these verses. He uses the festival of Passover as a metaphor to encourage the Corinthians to remove sinful people (“yeast”) from their group (“their house”). There is even a “Passover lamb,” who is Jesus himself. Since this metaphor is drawn from the Old Testament, you should preserve it in your translation. If necessary you can include a footnote that gives some extra information, or you could refer your readers to Exodus 12 if they have access to the book of Exodus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/yeast]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]], and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In [5:6](../05/06.md) and [5:12](../05/12.md), Paul uses rhetorical questions. He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### Present in spirit<br><br>In [5:3–4](../05/03.md), Paul speaks of being with the Corinthians “in spirit.” While this could be a reference to the Holy Spirit, who would connect Paul with the Corinthians, more likely Paul is referring to his own “spirit,” which refers to the aspect of Paul that can connect with the Corinthians even when he is not physically present. When he says that he is with them “in spirit,” that means that he is thinking about them and that they should act as they would if Paul was physically present. You could either use a comparable idiom in your language or explain in some other way what “spirit” means in these verses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Structure of 5:3–5<br><br>In [5:3–5](../05/03.md), Paul uses a long and complicated sentence structure. In 5:3, he describes how he has “passed judgment” as if he were present. In 5:5, he tells them what the response to that judgment should be: “hand this man over to Satan.” In 5:4, then, he describes the situation in which they should hand the man over: they should be gathered together and acting with the authority of both Paul and Jesus. Finally, in 5:4, “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” could describe how Paul has “passed judgment” in 5:3, or it could describe how the Corinthians have “assembled” in 5:4. In order to translate these verses clearly, you may need to rearrange some clauses or add explanatory information that clarifies what Paul is saying. For more details and translation options, see the notes on those verses.<br><br>### Structure of 5:12–13<br><br>In [5:12–13](../05/13.md), Paul alternates between talking about judging “those outside” and “those inside.” If alternating between these two ideas would be confusing in your language, you could rearrange the clauses so that the verses deal with “those outside” first and then “those inside.” Here is an example of how you could do this: “For what to me to judge those outside? God will judge those outside. But do you not judge those inside? “Remove the evil from among yourselves.”
1CO	5	1	k55t	translate-unknown	ὅλως ἀκούεται	1		The word translated **actually** can: (1) emphasize that something is really true. Alternate translation: “It is really reported that” (2) emphasize that many people know about what is going on in the Corinthian church. Alternate translation: “It is everywhere reported that” or “It is reported by many people that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	1	wrj1	figs-activepassive	ὅλως ἀκούεται	1		Here, Paul intentionally uses a passive form to avoid stating who told him about the **sexual immorality**. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea by making Paul the subject of a verb such as “learn” or by using a form that avoids naming a person. Alternate translation: “Some people have actually reported to me that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	5	1	dlj2	figs-doublet	ἐν ὑμῖν πορνεία, καὶ τοιαύτη πορνεία ἥτις οὐδὲ ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν	1	which does not even exist among the Gentiles	Here, Paul repeats **sexual immorality** in order to emphasize how shocked and upset he is that people among the Corinthians are committing sexual sins. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these two statements and express Paul’s shock in another way. Alternate translation: “{there is} sexual immorality among you that even the Gentiles condemn” or “you overlook flagrant sexual immorality, a kind which even the Gentiles do not accept” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	5	1	bnnc	figs-explicit	ἥτις οὐδὲ ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν	1		While Paul does not explicitly say why this **immorality** is not **among the Gentiles**, the Corinthians would have understood him to mean that the **Gentiles** do not permit such behavior and prohibit it by law or social practice. If this information would not be implied in your language, you could include a word or phrase that indicates that Paul refers to the attitude of **Gentiles** towards this kind of **sexual immorality**. Alternate translation: “which even the Gentiles avoid” or “which even the Gentiles find shocking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	1	q8p7	translate-unknown	τοῖς ἔθνεσιν	1		Here, Paul does not use **the Gentiles** primarily to refer to non-Jews, since there were non-Jewish members of the church. Rather, Paul uses **the Gentiles** to describe anyone who does not worship the true God. If **the Gentiles** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies those who do not worship or serve God. Alternate translation: “the pagans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	1	b9xn		γυναῖκά τινα τοῦ πατρὸς ἔχειν	1	a man has his father’s wife	In Paul’s culture, if man **has** a woman, it refers to a long-term sexual relationship. Often this would be a marriage, but it could also be a sexual relationship without marriage. Here, it is not clear whether the person (**someone**) marries **his father’s wife** or not. What is clear is that he is in a long-term sexual relationship with **his father’s wife**. If possible use a word or phrase that indicates this kind of general relationship. Alternate translation: “someone is living with his father’s wife” or “someone is sleeping with his father’s wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	5	1	lxp1	translate-kinship	γυναῖκά…τοῦ πατρὸς	1	father’s wife	Here, **his father’s wife** identifies a woman who is married to a man’s father but who is not the man’s mother. If your language has a specific word for this relationship, you could use it here. If your language does not have a word for this relationship, you could describe the relationship with a phrase, much like the ULT does. Alternate translation: “his father’s wife who is not his mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
1CO	5	2	idwe	figs-activepassive	ὑμεῖς πεφυσιωμένοι ἐστέ	1		If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form, with “yourselves” as the object. Alternate translation: “you puff yourselves up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	5	2	uwco	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα ἀρθῇ…ὁ, τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο ποιήσας	1		The word translated **so that** could introduce: (1) a purpose for the “mourning.” Alternate translation: “in order that the one who did this deed might be removed (2) a command. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “The one who did this deed should be removed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
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	If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with the Corinthians as the subject. Alternate translation: “so that you remove the one who did this deed from among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	5	2	ffwt	figs-doublet	ὁ, τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο ποιήσας	1		In Paul’s culture, it was normal to use both **did** and **deed** to refer to performing an act. If your language would not use both **did** and **deed** here, you could express the idea with just one of these two words. Alternate translation: “the one who did this” or “the one who acted out this deed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	5	2	qwja	figs-idiom	ἀρθῇ ἐκ μέσου ὑμῶν	1		When someone is **removed from among** a group, it means that he or she is no longer part of the group. If your language has a specific word or phrase to describe expelling a member of a group, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “might be banned from your group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	5	3	rm6l	grammar-connect-logic-result	γάρ	1		Here, the word **For** introduces the reason why the man who has committed the sexual sin should be “removed from among you” ([5:2](../05/02.md)). The reason is because Paul has already **passed judgment** on him, and so the Corinthians should be enacting the punishment. Use a word or phrase in your language that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “He should be removed since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	5	3	u5a2	figs-idiom	ἀπὼν τῷ σώματι	1		In Paul’s culture, **being absent in body** is a figurative way to speak about not being present in person. If **being absent in the body** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression or translate the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “not being there with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	5	3	xm4e		παρὼν…τῷ πνεύματι	1	I am present in spirit	In Paul’s culture, **being present in spirit** is a figurative way to speak of thinking about and caring about that person. If **being present in spirit** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “still being connected to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	5	3	gfep		τῷ πνεύματι	1		Here, **spirit** could refer to: (1) Paul’s **spirit**, which would be the part of him that connects with the Corinthians across a distance. Alternate translation: “in my spirit” (2) the Holy Spirit, which connects Paul with the Corinthians, even though they are not physically together. Alternate translation: “in God’s Spirit” or “by the power of God’s Spirit”
1CO	5	3	ax3u		ἤδη κέκρικα…τὸν οὕτως τοῦτο κατεργασάμενον	1	I have already passed judgment on the one who did this	Here, Paul has **already passed judgment**, which means that he has declared the man to be guilty. Two verses down ([5:4](../05/04.md)), Paul specifies what the punishment that results from the **judgment** should be: the man should be “handed over to Satan.” Here, then, use a word or phrase that indicates a decision about guilt, not a punishment. Alternate translation: “have already judged the one who did such a thing to be guilty”
1CO	5	3	sac6	figs-abstractnouns	ἤδη κέκρικα	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **judgment**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “judge” instead of **passed judgment on**. Alternate translation: “have already judged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	5	3	v4o9	figs-euphemism	τὸν οὕτως τοῦτο κατεργασάμενον	1		Paul does not wish to repeat the ugly details of the man having sex with his stepmother. Instead, Paul uses general words to refer back to what he has already said about the man. If possible, preserve how Paul avoids repeating the details of the sin in your translation. You could use vague language like Paul does, or you could use a similar euphemism. Alternate translation: “the man who committed this sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	5	3	g8b6	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	ὡς παρὼν	1		Here, Paul makes a conditional statement that might sound hypothetical but that he knows is not true. He knows that he is not present with them, but he wants to emphasize that his **judgment** is just as effective **as if** he were **present**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “even though I am absent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	5	4	xc3z	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	συναχθέντων ὑμῶν καὶ τοῦ ἐμοῦ πνεύματος	1		The phrase **You and my spirit, having been assembled** gives the time and situation in which the Corinthians should “hand this man over to Satan” ([5:5](../05/05.md)). If this phrase would not indicate timing or a situation in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does indicate time or situation. Alternate translation: “One of the times when you and my spirit have been assembled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	5	4	m9yz	figs-activepassive	συναχθέντων	1	When you are assembled	If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form by using a verb such as “gather together” or “meet.” Alternate translation: “meeting together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	5	4	t83d	figs-idiom	ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ	1	in the name of our Lord Jesus	Acting **in the name of** a person means representing that person. Representatives, those who do anything **in the name of** someone else, act with the authority of the people they represent. If **in the name of** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom for representing someone or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “as representatives of our Lord Jesus Christ” or “as people who act for our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	5	4	fznv	figs-infostructure	ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, συναχθέντων ὑμῶν καὶ τοῦ ἐμοῦ πνεύματος,	1		The phrase **in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ** could modify: (1) how Paul has “passed judgment” in [5:3](../05/03.md). Alternate translation: “I passed this judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You and my spirit, having been assembled,” (2) how they have **been assembled**. See ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	5	4	rhdc	figs-idiom	καὶ τοῦ ἐμοῦ πνεύματος	1		Just as in [5:3](../05/03.md), Paul speaks of his “spirit.” Just as there, Paul’s **spirit** being **assembled** with them is a figurative way to speak of how Paul thinks about and cares about them. Here, it has the additional implication that what they do when **assembled** carries Paul’s own authority. If **my spirit** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “and my thoughts” or “with my authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	5	4	ku2d		τοῦ ἐμοῦ πνεύματος	1		Here, **my spirit** could refer to: (1) Paul’s **spirit**, which would be the part of him that connects with the Corinthians across a distance. Alternate translation: “my own spirit” (2) the Holy Spirit, which connects Paul with the Corinthians, even though they are not physically together. Alternate translation: “my share of God’s Spirit” or “I, by the power of God’s Spirit”
1CO	5	4	jz43	figs-abstractnouns	σὺν τῇ δυνάμει τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **power**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “empower” or “authorize.” Alternate translation: “as people who are empowered by our Lord Jesus” or “as people whom our Lord Jesus has empowered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	5	5	pqbs	figs-infostructure	παραδοῦναι τὸν τοιοῦτον	1		**hand this man over** identifies the punishment that goes with the verdict that Paul reached when he “judged” him ([5:3](../05/03.md)). If possible, express **hand this man over** as the result or the implication of Paul having “already judged” him. Alternate translation: “since I have declared this man guilty, hand him over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	5	5	xcf6	figs-metaphor	παραδοῦναι τὸν τοιοῦτον τῷ Σατανᾷ	1	hand this man over to Satan	The phrase **hand** someone **over to** someone else refers to transferring a person from one authority to another. Here, then, Paul wants the Corinthians to transfer **this man** from under the authority of the church to under the authority of **Satan**. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable idiom or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “turn this man over to Satan” or “put this man under Satan’s authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	5	5	xmig	grammar-connect-logic-result	εἰς ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός	1		Here, **for** introduces the result of “handing this man over to Satan.” If **for** would not indicate result in your language, use a word or phrase that does introduce a result. Alternate translation: “with the result that his flesh is destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	5	5	nq4y	translate-unknown	εἰς ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός	1	for the destruction of the flesh	This phrase could be a reference to the **destruction** of: (1) the parts of the **man** that are weak and sinful, which would indicate cleansing or sanctification. Alternate translation: “so that he will not continue to live sinfully” (2) the man’s physical body, which would indicate either be physical suffering or death. Alternate translation: “so that he suffers in his body” or “for the death of his body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	5	jg1u	figs-possession	ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive form to clarify that **destruction** will happen to **the flesh**. If your language does not use this form to express that idea, you could translate **destruction** with a verb such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “destroying the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	5	5	nqn8	figs-abstractnouns	εἰς ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **destruction**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “to destroy the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	5	5	tit6	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα	1		While **for the destruction of the flesh** is the result of the “handing over,” the words **so that** introduce the purpose of the “handing over.” Use a word or phrase in your language that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that” or “with the goal that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	5	5	z2cl	figs-activepassive	τὸ πνεῦμα σωθῇ	1	so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord	If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with God as the subject. Alternate translation: “God may save his spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	5	5	eibc	translate-unknown	τὸ πνεῦμα	1		Here, **spirit** refers to the parts of **this man** that are not **flesh**. Therefore, the **spirit** is not just the non-physical part of the person but rather a reference to the whole person apart from his or her sins and weaknesses. If that meaning of **spirit** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to the salvation of the whole person. Alternate translation: “he” or “his soul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	5	ny5b	figs-explicit	ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου	1		Here, Paul uses the words translated **day of the Lord** in the same way the Old Testament uses them: to refer to an event in which God saves his people and punishes his enemies. Paul specifically refers to the event in which Jesus returns to judge everyone. If that meaning of **day of the Lord** would be misunderstood in your language, you could include more words that clarify what Paul means by **day**. Alternate translation: “on the day when the Lord returns” or “when the Lord comes to judge everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	6	h2hk		οὐ καλὸν τὸ καύχημα ὑμῶν	1	Your boasting is not good	Alternate translation: “Your boasting is bad”
1CO	5	6	mucf	figs-explicit	μικρὰ ζύμη, ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ	1		In [5:6–8](../05/6.md), Paul speaks about **yeast** and “dough.” Verses 7–8 clarify that Paul is thinking about the “Passover.” In this Jewish festival, people would remove all the **yeast** from their houses and only bake dough that was not fermented (“unleavened bread”). See [Exodus 12:1–28](../exo/12/01.md). In this verse, then, the **yeast** does not represent a good thing. Rather, it is supposed to be removed from the house, but any **yeast** that is left will still “leaven” a whole loaf. If your language would not consider **yeast** to be a bad thing when mixed into dough, you could include a word or phrase that indicates that the **yeast** is not wanted in the dough. Alternate translation: “a little yeast leavens a whole loaf that is meant to be unleavened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	6	n9w0	figs-rquestion	οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι μικρὰ ζύμη, ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ?	1		Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information or for agreement or disagreement. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing by reminding them of something that they should already know. The question assumes that the answer is “yes.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with an emphatic statement. Alternate translation: “you know that a little yeast leavens the whole loaf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	5	6	ng4m	figs-exmetaphor	μικρὰ ζύμη, ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ	1	Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole loaf?	Here, the word translated **yeast** refers to anything that is added to bread dough to make it ferment and rise. This could be **yeast** itself or dough that is already fermented (“leaven”). Paul here uses this metaphor to indicate that, just like even a little bit of **yeast** will “leaven” **the whole loaf**, so a little bit of sin, or one person who sins, will affect the whole church. Therefore, the Corinthians believers should not “boast,” since the one person who is sinning among them denigrates the whole church. Since this metaphor is based on material from the Old Testament, you should try to preserve the form in your language. You could use a simile, or if necessary, you could use a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “sin is like yeast: a little yeast leavens the whole loaf” or “a bad apple spoils the whole barrel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	5	7	b8fi	figs-explicit	ἐκκαθάρατε τὴν παλαιὰν ζύμην, ἵνα ἦτε νέον φύραμα, καθώς ἐστε ἄζυμοι. καὶ γὰρ τὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός	1		Just as in [5:6](../05/06.md) and [5:8](../05/08.md), Paul is thinking about the Jewish festival of **Passover**. During this festival, people would remove all the **yeast** from their houses and only bake **unleavened bread**, that is, bread that is not fermented. Additionally, a **lamb** would be sacrificed and eaten. The **lamb** would remind the people about how God had delivered them from slavery in the land of Egypt. See [Exodus 12:1–28](../exo/12/01.md). If your readers would not infer this information, you could include a footnote that explains **Passover** and how it relates to **yeast** and a **Lamb**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	7	mpra	figs-exmetaphor	ἐκκαθάρατε τὴν παλαιὰν ζύμην, ἵνα ἦτε νέον φύραμα, καθώς ἐστε ἄζυμοι	1		Here, Paul speaks about Jews would **clean out the old yeast** during the festival of Passover and only bake with **unleavened bread**. Just like in [5:6](../05/06.md), he compares sin to **yeast**. By speaking in this way, he urges the Corinthians to **clean out** the person who is sinning. Then, they will be like **new dough**, like **unleavened bread**, that is, without sin. Since this metaphor is based on material from the Old Testament, you should try to preserve the form in your language. You could use a simile, or if necessary, you could use a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “Clean out the old yeast, that is, sin, so that you may be new dough, just as you are unleavened bread” or “Clean out the bad apple so that you may be a fresh barrel, just as you are fresh apples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	5	7	z7vq	translate-unknown	καθώς ἐστε ἄζυμοι	1		When Paul says that they **are unleavened bread**, this means that they are danger of encountering the **yeast**, that is, sin. This is why they must **clean out the old yeast**. If they remain **unleavened** by avoiding contact with **old yeast**, they will be **new dough**. If **you are unleavened bread** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul calls them this because it shows that **yeast** is a threat to them. Alternate translation: “for you are currently unleavened bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	7	x3pt	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1		Here, Paul introduces the reason why his metaphor about **yeast** is appropriate. **Christ** is like the **Passover lamb**. Since Christ has **been sacrificed** like that **lamb**, the Corinthians are supposed to live as if it is **Passover**. This means avoiding sin in their group. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it more explicit. Alternate translation: “You should act like people observing Passover because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	5	7	ret3	figs-explicit	καὶ…τὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός	1	Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed	When God delivered the Jewish people from Egypt, he required them to sacrifice a lamb and spread its blood on their doors. God did not harm anyone who had the blood on their door, but the firstborn son of anyone who did not have the blood on their door died. Because of this, the **lamb** that was sacrificed at **Passover** represented God delivering the Jewish people by accepting the **lamb**’s death in place of the firstborn son. See [Exodus 12:1–28](../exo/12/01.md). The implication here is that **Christ**’s death also functioned in this way, in place of those whom he delivers. If this implication would be misunderstood by your readers, you could add a footnote explaining the function of the **lamb** at **Passover**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	7	qhrz	figs-exmetaphor	καὶ…τὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός	1		Here, Paul compares **Christ** to the **Passover lamb**, since both died to save someone else. Since this metaphor is based on material from the Old Testament, you should try to preserve the form in your language, or you could use a simile. Alternate translation: “Christ, who is like our Passover lamb, has also been sacrificed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	5	7	yzjl	figs-activepassive	καὶ…τὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός	1		Paul intentionally does not state who **sacrificed** the **Passover lamb**, who is **Christ**. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in another way. If possible, do not state who **sacrificed** **Christ**. Alternate translation: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has also died as a sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	5	8	ouhj	figs-explicit	ὥστε ἑορτάζωμεν, μὴ ἐν ζύμῃ παλαιᾷ, μηδὲ ἐν ζύμῃ κακίας καὶ πονηρίας, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀζύμοις εἰλικρινείας καὶ ἀληθείας.	1		Just as in [5:6–7](../05/6.md), here Paul speaks about **yeast** and “dough.” In this Jewish **festival** of Passover, people would remove all the **yeast** from their houses and only bake dough that was not fermented (**unleavened bread**). See [Exodus 12:1–28](../exo/12/01.md). Here, then, the **yeast** is what is meant to be removed, and the **unleavened bread** is what is meant to be eaten. If your readers would not understand this background, you could include a footnote that gives extra information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	8	donb	figs-exmetaphor	ὥστε ἑορτάζωμεν, μὴ ἐν ζύμῃ παλαιᾷ, μηδὲ ἐν ζύμῃ κακίας καὶ πονηρίας, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀζύμοις εἰλικρινείας καὶ ἀληθείας.	1		Here, Paul finishes the metaphor about **yeast** and Passover that he began in [5:6](../06/06.md). Paul encourages the Corinthians to **celebrate the festival** by getting rid of the **old yeast**. He then identifies that the **yeast** stands for **evil and wickedness**, while the **unleavened bread** that they are supposed to eat stands for **sincerity and truth**. With this metaphor Paul exhorts the Corinthians to expel the man who has sinned from their group, just as one would remove yeast from one’s house during the **festival**. Since this metaphor is based on material from the Old Testament, you should try to preserve the form in your language. You could use a simile, or you could include a footnote that explains the metaphor. Alternate translation: “So then, we should be like those who celebrate the festival, not with old yeast, nor with yeast of evil and wickedness, but with unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	5	8	hoew	figs-explicit	ἑορτάζωμεν	1		Because of what Paul has said in [5:7](../05/7.md), this **festival** must be the festival connected with Passover. If your readers would not understand this from the context, you could include the name “Passover” here. Alternate translation: “we might celebrate the Passover festival” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	8	ph92	figs-doublet	μὴ ἐν ζύμῃ παλαιᾷ, μηδὲ ἐν ζύμῃ κακίας καὶ πονηρίας	1		Here, Paul repeats **yeast** in order to define what he means by **old yeast**. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine the two phrases and introduce the definition in another way. Alternate translation: “not with old yeast, which is evil and wickedness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	5	8	xvx4	figs-possession	ζύμῃ κακίας καὶ πονηρίας	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive from to identify the **yeast** as **evil and wickedness**. If your language does not use this form for that idea, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that renames or identifies something. Alternate translation: “yeast, that is, evil and wickedness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	5	8	fo1r	figs-abstractnouns	κακίας καὶ πονηρίας	1		If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **evil** and **wickedness**, you could express the ideas by using adjectives that describe actions or “behavior.” Alternate translation: “of evil and wicked behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	5	8	ymus	figs-doublet	κακίας καὶ πονηρίας	1		Here, the words **evil** and **wickedness** mean almost the same thing. The word **evil** refers to something that is morally “bad,” while the word **wickedness** refers to something that is characterized by “vice.” If your language does not have two words that are this similar, you could express the idea with one word. Alternate translation: “of evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	5	8	viwj	figs-possession	ἀζύμοις εἰλικρινείας καὶ ἀληθείας	1		Here, Paul uses the possessive from to identify the **unleavened bread** as **sincerity and truth**. If your language does not use this form for that idea, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that renames or identifies something. Alternate translation: “unleavened bread, that is, sincerity and truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	5	8	olbn	figs-abstractnouns	εἰλικρινείας καὶ ἀληθείας	1		If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **sincerity** and **truth**, you could express the ideas by using adjectives that describe actions or “behavior.” Alternate translation: “of sincere and true behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	5	8	mybu	translate-unknown	εἰλικρινείας	1		The word **sincerity** identifies people who act with only one intention or goal. They do not say or pretend one thing while doing something else. If this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that identifies someone who acts honestly and with one goal in mind. Alternate translation: “of integrity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	9	mcrl	figs-explicit	ἔγραψα ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ ἐπιστολῇ	1		Here, Paul refers to a letter that he wrote and sent to the Corinthians before he began this letter. The phrase does not refer to this letter but to a previous letter. If **I wrote to you in my letter** would be misunderstood by your readers, you could include a word that clarifies that **the letter** is one that Paul has already sent. Alternate translation: “I already wrote to you in my previous letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	9	le8i	translate-unknown	συναναμίγνυσθαι	1		The word translated **to associate with** often refers to two groups of people meeting together. The idea here is that **sexually immoral people** should not be a part of the Corinthians’ group. If **to associate with** does not have this meaning in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that refers to including people in one’s group. Alternate translation: “to consistently meet with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	10	vkid	grammar-connect-words-phrases	οὐ πάντως	1		Paul uses the words translated **by no means** to introduce a clarification about what he wrote to them previously ([5:9](../05/09.md)). When he told “not to associate with sexually immoral people,” he did not mean **people of this world**. Rather, as the next verse clarifies, he meant fellow believers. If **by no means** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a qualification to a previous statement. Alternate translation: “not that you should not associate at all with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	5	10	pgwb	translate-unknown	τοῦ κόσμου τούτου	1		The phrase **of this world** clarifies that the **immoral people** are not part of the church. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that identifies the **immoral people** as unbelievers. Alternate translation: “who do not believe” or “who are not part of the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	10	grud	figs-nominaladj	τοῖς πλεονέκταις	1		Paul is using the adjective **greedy** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “greedy people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	5	10	taf5	translate-unknown	ἅρπαξιν	1	the greedy	Here, **swindlers** identifies people who take money from others dishonestly. If **swindlers** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that refers to such people. Alternate translation: “thieves” or “embezzlers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	10	m59j	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	ἐπεὶ ὠφείλετε ἄρα ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελθεῖν	1	you would need to go out of the world	Here, Paul draws the logical conclusion from what he did not mean in his letter. Thus, while Paul does not think that the basis for the exhortation is true, he does think that this is the logical result of that basis. He gives this exhortation to show that it is absurd, since they cannot **go out from the world**. Therefore, the basis for this exhortation is also absurd. If **since then** in your language would not introduce a result from a reason that Paul thinks is not true, you could use a word or phrase that would introduce such an idea. Alternate translation: “If that were what I had meant, then you would need to go out from the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	5	10	egcx	translate-unknown	ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελθεῖν	1		This phrase is not a euphemism for dying. Instead, Paul is saying that the Corinthians would need to travel off earth to get away from the **immoral people of this world**. In his culture and time, this was impossible. If **go out from the world** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to traveling off earth. Alternate translation: “to leave earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	11	nys9		νῦν δὲ ἔγραψα ὑμῖν	1		Here, Paul speaks about: (1) the letter he is writing **now**, in contrast to the letter he already wrote ([5:9](../05/09.md)). He uses the past tense **wrote** because the “writing” will be in the past when the letter is read to the Corinthians. Use the tense that would be appropriate in your language for this situation. Alternate translation: “But now I have written to you” (2) the letter he already wrote, but he wants them to understand it correctly **now**. Alternate translation: “But what I really wrote to you was”
1CO	5	11	mi6t	translate-unknown	συναναμίγνυσθαι	1		The word translated **to associate with** often refers to two groups of people meeting together. The idea here is that **sexually immoral** people who claim to belong to the Corinthians’ group should not be considered part of the group. If **to associate with** does not have this meaning in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that refers to including people in one’s group. Alternate translation: “to consistently meet with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	11	cyrp	figs-distinguish	ἐάν τις ἀδελφὸς ὀνομαζόμενος	1		Here, **who is called a brother** distinguishes **anyone** from the people mentioned in the last verse. Paul did not require the Corinthians **not to associate** with those people, but he does require them **not to associate** with any person **who is called a brother**. Use a construction in your language that indicates that Paul is distinguishing, not informing. Alternate translation: “any person called a brother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
1CO	5	11	w9w8	figs-activepassive	ὀνομαζόμενος	1	anyone who is called	If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with “you” or “the brother” as the subject. Alternate translation: “who calls himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	5	11	b4us	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφὸς	1	brother	Although the word translated **brother** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to a man or a woman. If **brother** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “a brother or a sister” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	5	11	xob7	translate-unknown	λοίδορος	1		Here, **verbally abusive** describes someone who shows anger by using vicious words to attack others. Use a word in your language that describes this kind of person. Alternate translation: “vocally vicious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	11	ypib	translate-unknown	ἅρπαξ	1		Here, **swindler** identifies a person who takes money from others dishonestly. If **swindler** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that refers to such people. Alternate translation: “a thief” or “an embezzler” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	5	11	fq7j	figs-explicit	τῷ τοιούτῳ μηδὲ συνεσθίειν	1		In Paul’s culture, to **eat with** someone meant that you accepted them into your social group. Here, he wants the Corinthians not to accept such people into their group. If “eating with” someone does not signify accepting them in your culture, you may need to make that idea explicit. Alternate translation: “Do not even include such a person in your group’s meals” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	5	12	kj1x	grammar-connect-logic-result	γάρ	1		Here, **For** introduces further reasons why Paul wants the Corinthians to focus on “judging” fellow believers but not **those outside**. These reasons continue into the next verse ([5:13](../05/13.md)). If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that would introduce further reasons. Alternate translation: “Further,” or “For more proof,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	5	12	xeu7	figs-rquestion	τί…μοι τοὺς ἔξω κρίνειν?	1	how am I involved with judging those who are outside the church?	Here, Paul asks **what to me to judge those outside**, but he is not really asking for information. Rather, the question assumes that the answer is “nothing” or “it does not matter to me,” and Paul uses the question to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong negative statement. Alternate translation: “it is nothing to me to judge those outside” or “it is not my business to judge those outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	5	12	jmxt	figs-ellipsis	τί…μοι	1		Here, Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. You could supply words such as “is it” or “does it matter” to complete the thought. Alternate translation: “what is it to me” or “what does it matter to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	5	12	n6on	figs-123person	μοι	1		Here, Paul speaks of himself only, but he wants the Corinthians to have the same opinion that he has. If **to me** would cause your readers to misunderstand this point, you could include the Corinthians in this question as well. Alternate translation: “to us” or “to you and me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	5	12	ncl1	figs-idiom	τοὺς ἔξω…τοὺς ἔσω	1		The phrase **those outside** identifies people who do not belong to the group of believers in Corinth. The phrase **those inside** identifies the opposite: people who do belong to the group of believers in Corinth. If these phrases would be misunderstood in your language, you could use words or phrases that refer to people who belong to and do not belong to a specific group. Alternate translation: “the outsiders … the insiders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	5	12	m4s6	figs-rquestion	οὐχὶ τοὺς ἔσω ὑμεῖς κρίνετε?	1	Are you not to judge those inside?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation or statement of obligation. Alternate translation: “But you should judge those inside” or “You do indeed judge those inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	5	13	hvo1	figs-pastforfuture	κρίνει	1		Here, the word translated **judges** makes a general statement about what God does. The present tense does not mean that God is currently passing final judgment on **those outside** and will not do so in the future. Rather, Paul has the final judgment in mind. If the present tense of **judges** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use the future tense here. Alternate translation: “will judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
1CO	5	13	z45o	figs-idiom	τοὺς…ἔξω	1		The phrase **those outside** identifies people who do not belong to the group of believers in Corinth. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refer to people who do not belong to a specific group. Alternate translation: “the outsiders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	5	13	kx9j	writing-quotations	ἐξάρατε τὸν πονηρὸν ἐξ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν	1		Here, Paul quotes a command from the Old Testament book named Deuteronomy. If your readers would not recognize this command as a quotation, you could introduce it in the same way that you have already introduced quotations from the Old Testament (see [1:31](../01/31.md)). Alternate translation: “As it can be read in the Old Testament, ‘Remove the evil from among yourselves’” or “According to the book of Deuteronomy, ‘Remove the evil from among yourselves’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	5	13	al7v	figs-quotations	ἐξάρατε τὸν πονηρὸν ἐξ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν	1		If you cannot use this form in your language, you could translate this command as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “The scripture says that you should remove the evil from among yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	5	13	h6ry	figs-nominaladj	τὸν πονηρὸν	1		Paul is using the adjective **evil** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	6	intro	s6hb			0		# 1 Corinthians 6 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>3. Against sexual immorality (4:16–6:20)<br>      * Against public lawsuits (6:1–8)<br>      * Sins and salvation (6:9–11)<br>      * Flee from sexual immorality (6:12–20)<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Lawsuits<br><br>In [6:1–8](../06/01.md), Paul speaks about believers taking other believers to court in lawsuits. Paul critiques them for taking their disputes before unbelievers rather than settling them within the church. By the end of the section, Paul says that lawsuits themselves are a “complete defeat” of believers. Paul’s point is that believers will judge angels and the world, so they are quite able to resolve disputes within the church. Therefore, believers should never take other believers to court. In this section, use words and language that describe legal matters in your language. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])<br><br>### Sexual immorality<br><br>In [6:12–20](../06/12.md), Paul discusses “sexual immorality.” This phrase refers generally to any kind of improper sexual activity, and Paul does speak generally in this section. He mentions particularly having sex with prostitutes, but the commands he gives apply to all kinds of sexual activity. The Corinthians seemed to think that they could do whatever they wanted with their bodies, including having sex with anyone. Paul responds that their bodies are united to Christ, and any sexual activity they participate in needs to fit with their union with Christ. Use general words for improper sexual activity in this section. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fornication]])<br><br>### Redemption<br><br>In [6:20](../06/20.md), Paul tells the Corinthians that they have been “bought with a price.” He does not state what the price is or whom God bought the Corinthians from. However, it is clear that Paul is speaking about what we call “redemption” here. Paul thinks of the Corinthians as slaves up for sale, and God buys them from their previous owner by paying a price. The previous owner can be understood as sin, death, and evil powers, while the price is Jesus the Son dying for believers. You should not include all these implications in your translation, but you should use words that can be interpreted in this way. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/redeem]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### “Members” of Christ or of a prostitute<br><br>In [6:15–17](../06/15.md), Paul speaks of a person’s connection to Christ and to a prostitute with the language of “members” and “joining.” When he refers to “members,” he is speaking as if the believer were either a body part of Christ or a body part of a prostitute. He shows how bad it is to be “joined” with a prostitute by speaking as if someone cut a body part off of Christ and attached it to a prostitute instead. That is how closely a person is joined either to Christ or to a prostitute. If possible, preserve the body parts language here. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/member]])<br><br>### Body as temple<br><br>In [6:19](../06/19.md), Paul speaks as if believers’s bodies were temples of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes he speaks as if the church as a whole is a temple, but here he means that individual believers are all temples. A temple is where a god is specially present, so Paul means that the Holy Spirit is specially present in believers’s bodies. If possible, preserve this metaphor since it connects to themes throughout the whole Bible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In [6:1–7](../06/01.md), [9](../06/09.md), [15–16](../06/15.md), [19](../06/19.md), Paul uses rhetorical questions. He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Words for homosexual behavior<br><br>In [6:9](../06/09.md), Paul refers to “male prostitutes” and “those who practice homosexuality.” In Paul’s culture, these words refer to both participants in homosexual activity. The words “male prostitutes” refers to those who are penetrated during sexual activity, while “those who practice homosexuality” refer to those who do the penetrating during sexual activity. If your culture has specific words to describe these things, you can use them here. If your culture does not have such specific words, you can use general phrases like the ULT does, or you could combine the two phrases into one phrase that identifies homosexual activity. <br><br>### Quoting the Corinthians<br><br>In [6:12–13](../06/12.md), Paul quotes words that the Corinthians have said or that they wrote to him. The ULT indicates these words by putting quotation marks around them. Use a natural way in your language to indicate that an author is quoting someone else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	6	1	gmy5	figs-rquestion	τολμᾷ τις ὑμῶν, πρᾶγμα ἔχων πρὸς τὸν ἕτερον, κρίνεσθαι ἐπὶ τῶν ἀδίκων, καὶ οὐχὶ ἐπὶ τῶν ἁγίων?	1	does he dare to go … saints?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. Here, the answer to the question is “they are, but they should not.” Paul asks to question to get the Corinthians to realize how bad going **to court before the unrighteous** is. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a “should” statement or a statement of fact. Alternate translation: “Some of you actually dare, having a dispute with another, to go to court before the unrighteous, and not before the saints.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	1	q5d3	translate-unknown	τολμᾷ	1	dispute	The word translated **Do … dare** refers to having confidence or boldness when one should not have confidence or boldness. Use a word or phrase in your language that indicates improper confidence. Alternate translation: “Do … have the audacity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	1	qi57	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	πρᾶγμα ἔχων πρὸς τὸν ἕτερον	1		The phrase **having a dispute with another** provides the situation in which they are going **to court**. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make it explicit. Alternate translation: “if you have a dispute with another” or “whenever you have a dispute with another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	6	1	jsgt	figs-explicit	τὸν ἕτερον	1		Here, **another** identifies the other person as a fellow believer. If this would be misunderstood in your language you could add a word or phrase that identifies **another** as a believer. Alternate translation: “another believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	6	1	umgg	figs-idiom	κρίνεσθαι ἐπὶ…ἐπὶ	1		The phrase **to go to court before** refers to settling a lawsuit or other legal dispute **before** a judge. If **go to court before** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom that refers to setting a dispute in a court of law. Alternate translation: “to resolve your lawsuit in the presence of … in the presence of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	6	2	r8sj	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ	1		The word **Or** introduces an alternate to what Paul speaks about in [6:1](../06/01.md). They currently think that going to court in public is fine. Paul gives the true alternative: they **will judge the world** and thus should not need to take their quarrels and lawsuits anywhere else. If **Or** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that signifies a contrast or gives an alternative. Alternate translation: “Rather,” or “On the other hand,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	6	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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “You already know that the saints will judge the world.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	2	i67f	figs-rquestion	ἀνάξιοί ἐστε κριτηρίων ἐλαχίστων?	1	If then, you will judge the world, are you not able to settle matters of little importance?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong negative or positive statement. Alternate translation: “you are definitely not unworthy of the smallest cases” or “you are definitely worthy of the smallest cases (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	2	py6h	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἰ ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος	1		Paul is speaking as if **the world is judged by you** were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because the world is judged by you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	6	2	yq8e	figs-activepassive	ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος	1		If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “you judge the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	2	jqvf	figs-pastforfuture	κρίνεται	1		Here, the word translated **is judged** makes a general statement about what **you**, that is, the **saints**, do. The present tense does not mean that the **saints** are currently passing final judgment will not do so in the future. Rather, Paul uses the present tense to state a general fact about the **saints**. The judgment itself will occur in the future. If the present tense of **is judged** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use the future tense here. Alternate translation: “will be judged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
1CO	6	2	stvc	figs-idiom	ἀνάξιοί…κριτηρίων ἐλαχίστων	1		Here, to be **unworthy of** something means that one is not capable of doing that thing or is not qualified to do it. If **unworthy of** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “unqualified concerning the smallest cases” “not able to judge the smallest cases” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	6	2	dmi6	translate-unknown	κριτηρίων ἐλαχίστων	1		The word translated **cases** could refer to: (1) legal disputes that are resolved in a court of law. Alternate translation: “of the smallest legal disputes” (2) the court of law that decides the legal dispute. Alternate translation: “of the lowest courts of law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	3	us55	figs-rquestion	οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἀγγέλους κρινοῦμεν,	1	Do you not know that we will judge the angels?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an emphatic statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you know that we will judge angels.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	3	x6h3	figs-rquestion	μήτι γε βιωτικά?	1	How much more, then, can we judge matters of this life?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the reader agrees. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an emphatic statement. Alternate translation: “How much more the matters of this life!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	3	hxzn	figs-ellipsis	μήτι γε βιωτικά	1		Here, Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. You could supply words such as “can we judge” or “are we able to judge” to complete the thought. Alternate translation: “How much more can we judge the matters of this life” or “How much more are we able to judge the matters of this life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	6	3	h3z0	grammar-connect-logic-result	μήτι γε	1		Here, Paul’s argument assumes that judging **angels** is a greater and more difficult thing than judging **the matters of this life**. The phrase **How much more** implies that people who can do a great and difficult thing like judging **angels** can easily do a less impressive and easier thing like judging **the matters of this life**. If **How much more** does not express that connection in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does express that connection. Alternate translation: “If we can do that, can we not judge” or “Should it not be easy, then, to judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	6	3	h374	translate-unknown	βιωτικά	1	matters of this life	Here, the word translated **the matters of this life** refers to anything that is a part of people’s ordinary or daily lives. Paul uses the word to identify the lawsuits among the Corinthians as simply matters of ordinary life and insignificant in comparison with something like judging **angels**. If **the matters of this life** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to features of daily or regular life. Alternate translation: “what happens in our daily lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	4	xn32	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	βιωτικὰ…κριτήρια ἐὰν ἔχητε	1	If then you have to make judgments that pertain to daily life	Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that they might **have legal disputes**, or they might not **have legal disputes**. He then specifies the result for if they do **have legal disputes**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever” or “when.” Alternate translation: “when you have legal disputes about things of this life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	6	4	v80t	translate-unknown	κριτήρια…ἔχητε	1		The word translated cases could refer to: (1) legal disputes that are resolved in a court of law. Alternate translation: “you have lawsuits” (2) the court of law that decides the legal dispute. Alternate translation: “you participate in a court of law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	4	cu0s	translate-unknown	βιωτικὰ	1		Here, the word translated **about things of this life** refers to anything that is a part of people’s ordinary or daily lives. Paul uses the word to identify the lawsuits among the Corinthians as matters of ordinary life. If **about things of this life** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to features of daily or regular life. Alternate translation: “about what happens in your daily lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	4	vw5t	figs-rquestion	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?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “there is no good reason.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an emphatic statement or a command. Alternate translation: “do not appoint as judges those who are of no account in the church!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	4	e791	translate-unknown	τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ	1	why do you lay such cases as these before those who have no standing in the church?	Here, those **who are of no account in the church** could be: (1) people who are not members of the church in Corinth. Alternate translation: “who do not believe” (2) people who are members of the church in Corinth but whom other believers do not respect. Alternate translation: “whom the fellow believers do not respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	5	dvq3	writing-pronouns	λέγω	1		The phrase **I say this** could refer: (1) to what Paul has already said, probably all of [6:1–4](../06/01.md). Alternate translation: “I say those things” (2) to what Paul is saying throughout this whole section ([6:1–8](../06/01.md)). Alternate translation: “I am saying these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	6	5	xnd7	figs-idiom	πρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῖν	1		Here, **to your shame** means that the things that Paul has said should make the Corinthians feel **shame**. If **to your shame** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “to embarrass you” or “to make you feel ashamed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	6	5	ebh6	figs-abstractnouns	πρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῖν λέγω	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **shame**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “shame.” Alternate translation: “to shame you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	6	5	hk4q	figs-idiom	οὕτως οὐκ ἔνι…οὐδεὶς σοφὸς	1		The phrase **{Is it} thus {that} there is not any wise man** identifies a situation in which no **wise man** can be found. If this phrase would be confusing or misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression that identifies a situation in which there are no wise people. Alternate translation: “Is there not a man wise man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing, specifically by making them feel ashamed. The question assumes that the answer is “there should be.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a “should” statement or introduce a statement with “surely.” Alternate translation: “You should have a wise man among you who will be able to discern between his brothers.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	5	xma9	figs-gendernotations	οὐκ ἔνι…σοφὸς…αὐτοῦ	1		Although the words translated **wise man** and **his** are masculine, Paul is using them to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “there are not any wise people … their” or “there is not any wise man or woman … his or her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	6	5	l1hd	figs-gendernotations	τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ	1	brothers	Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	6	5	o28z	translate-unknown	διακρῖναι ἀνὰ μέσον	1		The phrase **to discern between** refers to making decisions about disputes between people. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that refers to deciding which party is in the right in a dispute. Alternate translation: “to judge between” or “to settle disputes between” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	6	m7ls	figs-rquestion	ἀδελφὸς μετὰ ἀδελφοῦ κρίνεται, καὶ τοῦτο ἐπὶ ἀπίστων?	1	But brother goes to court against brother, and this before unbelievers!	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that there is verbal answer. Rather, the question is supposed to make the Corinthians answer by feeling ashamed. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with statement that expresses shock or condemnation. Alternate translation: “brother really goes to court against brother, and this before unbelievers!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	6	fyq8	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφὸς…ἀδελφοῦ	1		Although the words translated **brother** are masculine, Paul is using these words to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If **brother** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “a brother or sister … a brother or sister” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	6	6	dv5g	figs-ellipsis	καὶ τοῦτο ἐπὶ ἀπίστων	1		In this clause, Paul has omitted some words that might be necessary to make a complete thought in your language. If this sentence would be misunderstood in your language, you could include what action is happening. Alternate translation: “and they do this before unbelievers” or “and they go to court before unbelievers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	6	7	kvva	figs-infostructure	ἤδη μὲν οὖν ὅλως ἥττημα ὑμῖν ἐστιν, ὅτι κρίματα ἔχετε μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν	1		Here, Paul gives the reason for the **defeat** after he mentions the **defeat**. If your language would state the reason first, you could reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “Therefore, since you have lawsuits among yourselves, this is indeed already a complete defeat for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	6	7	topu		ἤδη…ὅλως ἥττημα ὑμῖν	1		Here, **already** refers to how the Corinthians do not suffer **defeat** in the court of law but rather before that, when the dispute begins. If **already** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that the time in view is before the legal dispute is decided. Alternate translation: “a complete defeat for you even before you enter the court of law”
1CO	6	7	ugf7		ἤδη μὲν οὖν ὅλως ἥττημα ὑμῖν ἐστιν	1		Alternate translation: “Therefore, you are indeed already completely defeated”
1CO	6	7	lvc1	figs-metaphor	ὅλως ἥττημα	1		Here, **complete defeat** refers to total failure in attempting to accomplish some goal. The **defeat** does not require an opponent, since one can suffer **defeat** because of other obstacles. If **complete defeat** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “a total derailing” or “a total failure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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 does not ask these questions because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks them to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The questions assume that the reader agrees that it would be better to **be wronged** and **cheated**. If these questions would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the ideas as emphatic comparisons. Alternate translation: “It would be better to be wronged! It would be better to be cheated!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	7	ruiy	figs-doublet	διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀδικεῖσθε? διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀποστερεῖσθε?	1		Here, Paul repeats his first question with almost exactly the same words. He does this to emphasize the point he is making. If this repetition would be misunderstood in your language, you could combine the questions and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Why not rather be wronged or cheated?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	6	7	i5n5	figs-activepassive	ἀδικεῖσθε	1		If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with a “fellow believer” as the subject. Alternate translation: “let a fellow believer wrong you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	7	vpy9	figs-activepassive	ἀποστερεῖσθε	1		If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form with a “fellow believer” as the subject. Alternate translation: “let a fellow believer cheat you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	8	yfos	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	ἀλλὰ	1		Here, **But** introduces a contrast with what Paul wants them to do, which is to “be wronged” and “cheated” rather than take a fellow believer to court. Here, Paul says that they do the exact opposite. Rather than “be wronged” and “cheated,” they actually **wrong** and **cheat** fellow believers. If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a phrase that clarifies what Paul is contrasting. Alternate translation: “But instead of being wronged and cheated,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	6	8	ixb9	figs-ellipsis	καὶ τοῦτο ἀδελφούς	1		In this clause, Paul has omitted some words that might be necessary to make a complete thought in your language. If this phrase would be misunderstood in your language, you could include what action is happening. Alternate translation: “and you do this to your brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	6	8	kk7b	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφούς	1	your own brothers	Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using this word to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If **brothers** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “to your brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	6	9	i2ln			0		In [6:9–10](../06/09.md), Paul lists people who do things that are unrighteous. Many of these words are the same words he used in the similar lists in [5:10–11](../05/10.md). It may be helpful to refer to how you translated the words there.
1CO	6	9	ojaf	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ	1		The word **Or** introduces Paul’s question as an alternative to “wronging and cheating brothers” in [6:7](../06/07.md). If they do indeed **know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God**, they not be “wronging and cheating brothers.” Paul uses the word **Or** to show that these two things are not compatible. If **Or** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an alternative. Alternate translation: “Against that,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	6	9	h17l	figs-rquestion	οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἄδικοι Θεοῦ Βασιλείαν οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν?	1	Or do you not know that	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “surely you know that the unrighteous will not enter the kingdom of God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	9	slcx	figs-nominaladj	ἄδικοι	1		Paul is using the adjective **unrighteous** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are unrighteous” or “unrighteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	6	9	t1rt	figs-metaphor	οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν	1	will inherit	Here, Paul speaks of the **kingdom of God** as if it were property that a parent could pass on to their child when the parent dies. Here, Paul uses the word **inherit** to refer to being able to live in the **kingdom of God**. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “will not live in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	9	eywd	figs-activepassive	μὴ πλανᾶσθε	1		If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form by using a verb such as “gather together” or “meet.” Alternate translation: “When you meet together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	9	vtlq	figs-nominaladj	πόρνοι	1		Paul is using the adjective phrase **sexually immoral** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are sexually immoral” or “sexually immoral people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	6	9	h2na	translate-unknown	οὔτε μαλακοὶ, οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται,	1	male prostitutes, those who practice homosexuality	The word translated **male prostitutes** identifies men who are penetrated during sexual acts with other men. The word translated **those who practice homosexuality** identifies men who penetrate other men during sexual acts. Your language may have specific words for these behaviors. If so, you could use them here. If your language does not have specific words for these behavior, you could either use descriptive phrases, or you could combine the two words and refer to homosexual activity in general. Alternate translation: “nor bottoms nor tops” or “nor men who practice homosexuality” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	9	blc7	figs-abstractnouns	ἀρσενοκοῖται	1	male prostitutes	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **homosexuality**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “homosexual,” or you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “those who are homosexual” or “those who have same-sex intercourse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	6	10	zzb5	figs-nominaladj	πλεονέκται	1		Paul is using the adjective **greedy** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are greedy” or “greedy people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	6	10	bgj9	translate-unknown	λοίδοροι	1	the greedy	Here, **slanderers** is the same word that is translated “verbally abusive” in [5:11](../05/11.md). It describes someone who shows anger by using vicious words to attack others. Use a word in your language that describes this kind of person. Alternate translation: “vocally vicious people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	10	yzdx	translate-unknown	ἅρπαγες	1		Here, **swindlers** is the same word that is translated “swindler” in [5:11](../05/11.md). It identifies a person who takes money from others dishonestly. If **swindlers** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word that refers to such people. Alternate translation: “embezzlers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	10	h6aa	figs-metaphor	κληρονομήσουσιν	1		Here, Paul speaks of the **kingdom of God** as if it were property that a parent could pass on to their child when the parent dies. Here, Paul uses the word **inherit** to refer to being able to live in the **kingdom of God**. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “will live in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	11	j49p	writing-pronouns	ταῦτά	1		Here, **that** refers to the list of unrighteous behaviors that Paul gave in [6:9–10](../06/09.md). Paul identifies **some** of the Corinthians as people who behaved in those ways. If **that** would be misunderstood in your language, you could more clearly refer back to the list of unrighteous behaviors. Alternate translation: “those kinds of people {are what}” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	6	11	pxp6	figs-doublet	ἀλλὰ ἀπελούσασθε, ἀλλὰ ἡγιάσθητε, ἀλλὰ ἐδικαιώθητε	1		Here Paul repeats **but you were** in order to emphasize the contrast between what the Corinthians **were** and what they have now experienced. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could use one **but you were** and express the strong contrast in another way. Alternate translation: “But now you have been washed, sanctified, and justified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	6	11	v5yq	figs-activepassive	ἀπελούσασθε…ἡγιάσθητε…ἐδικαιώθητε	1	you have been cleansed	If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form with “God” as the subject. Alternate translation: “God washed you … God sanctified you … God justified you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	11	rri7	figs-metaphor	ἀπελούσασθε	1		Here, Paul speaks as if the Corinthians had been **washed** with water. By speaking in this way, Paul emphasizes that they have been cleansed from sin, just like washing with water cleanses a person from dirt. Paul may have baptism in mind. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you were washed clean” or “you were purified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	11	s55x	figs-idiom	ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ	1	in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ	When something is done **in the name of** a person, it is done with the authority or power of that person. Here the cleansing, sanctification, and justification are done with the authority or power of Jesus, since they are done **in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ**. If **in the name of** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “with the power of the Lord Jesus Christ” or “by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	6	11	gzrh	figs-possession	τῷ Πνεύματι τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν	1		Here Paul uses the possessive form to identify the **Spirit** as **our God**, that is, as the Holy Spirit. He does not mean that the **Spirit** is something that belongs to **our God**. If your language would not use that form to identify the **Spirit** as **our God**, you could use a word or phrase that does identify the **Spirit** as **our God** or the “Holy Spirit.” Alternate translation: “the Spirit who is our God” or “the Holy Spirit, our God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	6	12	c3bs	figs-doublet	πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει. πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος.	1		Here Paul repeats **Everything is lawful for me** to make two separate comments on the statement. By repeating **Everything is lawful for me**, Paul emphasizes his qualifications or objections to this statement. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could state **Everything is lawful for me** once and include both comments after that. Alternate translation: ““Everything is lawful for me,’ but not everything is beneficial, and I will not be mastered by anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	6	12	sw2e	writing-quotations	πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’	-1	Connecting Statement:	In this verse, Paul twice quotes what some people in the Corinthian church are saying. The ULT indicates that these claims are quotations by using quotation marks. If your readers would misunderstood **Everything is lawful for me** and think that Paul is claiming this, you could clarify that some of the Corinthians are saying this, and Paul is saying the words that occur after **but**. Alternate translation: “You say, ‘Everything is lawful for me,’ but I respond that … You say, ‘Everything is lawful for me,’ but I respond that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	6	12	r4mx	figs-explicit	πάντα	-1	Everything is lawful for me	Here, **everything** refers to any action or behavior that one might pursue. If **everything** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is referring to any action or behavior. Alternate translation: “Every behavior … every behavior … Every behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	6	12	y6kn	figs-explicit	συμφέρει	1		Here Paul does not say to whom **everything** is not **beneficial**. He means that **everything** is not **beneficial** to the person or people who say that **Everything is lawful** for them. If your language would include for whom **everything** is not **beneficial**, you could include a phrase such as “for you” here. Alternate translation: “is beneficial for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	6	12	c8vz	figs-activepassive	οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος	1	I will not be mastered by any of them	If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form. Alternate translation: “nothing will master me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	12	p0d8	translate-unknown	οὐκ…ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό	1		Here, **be mastered** refers to being under the authority of something else. Paul here means that some things, when a person habitually does them, begin to have power or control over that person. Here, then, he wishes to tell the Corinthians that, while such things might be **lawful**, they should avoid doing these things because they will **be mastered** by these things. If **be mastered** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using words that refer to “power” or “control.” Alternate translation: “will not be controlled by” or “will not be under the power of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	13	jz55	writing-quotations	τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν;…δὲ	1	“Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” but God will do away with both of them	In this verse, Paul quotes what some people in the Corinthian church are saying, just like he did in [6:12](../06/12.md). The ULT indicates that this claim is a quotation by using quotation marks. If your readers would misunderstood **Food {is} for the stomach, and the stomach for food** and think that Paul is claiming this, you could clarify that some of the Corinthians are saying this, and Paul is saying the words that occur after **but**. Alternate translation: “You say, ‘Food {is} for the stomach, and the stomach for food,’ but I respond that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	6	13	gt0n	figs-ellipsis	τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν…τὸ…σῶμα οὐ τῇ πορνείᾳ, ἀλλὰ τῷ Κυρίῳ, καὶ ὁ Κύριος τῷ σώματι	1		In these two sentences, Paul omits **is** multiple times. If your language does not need to state **is** to express the idea, you could omit **is** throughout these two sentences. If your language does need to state **is** to express the idea, you could: (1) include **is** the first time it is needed in each sentence. See the ULT. (2) include **is** every time it is needed. Alternate translation: “Food {is} for the stomach, and the stomach {is} for food … the body {is} is not for sexual immorality, but {is} for the Lord, and the Lord {is} for the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	6	13	uc1v	translate-unknown	καταργήσει	1	do away with	Here, **will do away with** refers to making something ineffective, useless, or irrelevant. What Paul means is that God will make **food** and **the stomach** unimportant and without function. If **will do away with** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that a God has acted so that **food** and **the stomach** are no longer important, useful, or effective. Alternate translation: “will render ineffective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	6	13	scrh	writing-pronouns	καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα	1		Here, **this** refers to **stomach**, and **those** refers to **food**, since **food** is plural here. If what **this** and **those** refer to would be misunderstood in your language, you could use the names **stomach** and **food** instead. Alternate translation: “both stomach and food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	6	13	pd10	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	2		Here, **Now** introduces a development based on what Paul has said about **food** and **the stomach**. While **food** is indeed **for the stomach**, the **body** is not **for sexual immorality**. Paul agrees with the Corinthians about **food** and **the stomach**, but he disagrees that **sexual immorality** and **the body** should be understood in the same way. Instead, **the body** exists **for the Lord**. Paul further explains in the next verse ([6:14](../06/14.md)) that, unlike **food** and **the stomach**, God will not **do away with** the **body**, since we will be resurrected. If **Now** would not introduce a difference between **the stomach** and **the body**, you could use a word or phrase that does introduce such a contrast. Alternate translation: “On the other hand,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	6	13	r1co	writing-pronouns	τῇ πορνείᾳ	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **immorality**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “immoral.” Alternate translation: “for what is sexually immoral” or “sexually immoral behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	6	13	d9q7	figs-explicit	τῷ Κυρίῳ	1		Here Paul means that the **body** is meant to serve and please **the Lord**. If **for the Lord** would be misunderstood in your language, you could include a verbal phrase that indicates that the **body** should serve **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “it is intended to please the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	6	13	zpx9	figs-explicit	ὁ Κύριος τῷ σώματι	1		Here, **the Lord for the body** expresses the idea that: (1) the **Lord** works for the human **body** and not just the human “soul” or non-physical part. Alternate translation: “the Lord works for the body” (2) the **Lord** is human now and in a **body**, which would explain why Paul speaks about the resurrection of the **Lord** in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the Lord is in a human body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	6	14	tayy	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1		Here, **Now** introduces one way in which “the Lord is for the body” (). Human bodies are important and are not for sexual immorality because God will raise those who believe to new life, and this includes human bodies. If **Now** would not introduce a further development of the argument in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does function in this way. Alternate translation: “Further,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	6	14	ev9l	figs-idiom	τὸν Κύριον ἤγειρεν, καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐξεγερεῖ	1	raised the Lord	Paul uses the words **raised** and **raise up** to refer to someone who had died coming back to life. If your language does not use these words to describe coming back to life, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “restored the Lord to life and will also restore us to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	6	14	jvng		ἤγειρεν…ἐξεγερεῖ	1		Here, **raised** and **raise up** have the same meaning. Paul uses a slightly different word for variety or because he is referring to the future. In your translation, you could use the same word for **raised** and **raise up**. Alternate translation: “raised … will … raise”
1CO	6	14	wgh4	figs-abstractnouns	διὰ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **power**, you could express the idea by using an adverb such as “powerfully” or an adjective such as “powerful.” Alternate translation: “by working powerfully” or “by his powerful action” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	6	15	gt2x	figs-metaphor	μέλη Χριστοῦ…τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ…πόρνης μέλη	1	Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?	Here, Paul speaks as if the Corinthians were **members**, which are body parts, that belong to **Christ** or to a **prostitute**. He speaks in this way to indicate how closely joined the Corinthians are to **Christ** or to a **prostitute**. This union is as close as the union between a finger and the body to which it belongs. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “united to Christ … people who are united to Christ … unite with a prostitute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	15	io5p	figs-rquestion	οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν?	1		Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “You should know that your bodies are members of Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	15	agvy	figs-metaphor	ἄρας…τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ	1		Here Paul speaks about **taking away the members of Christ** as if he could remove a body part from **Christ**, like cutting off a finger. He speaks in this way to show how bad it is to remove a person from union with **Christ**. It is as bad as cutting a finger, arm, or leg off a person’s body. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “having removed people from union with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	15	f4vd	figs-rquestion	ἄρας…τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη?	1	Shall I then take away the members of Christ and join them to a prostitute? May it not be!	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, you should not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “I should never take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	15	h21r	figs-123person	ποιήσω	1	Shall I then take away the members of Christ and join them to a prostitute? May it not be!	Here Paul speaks in the first person because he is using himself as an example. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul uses the first person here, you could include a word or phrase that clarifies that Paul is treating himself as an example, or you could use a form that would naturally provide an example in your language. Alternate translation: “should I, for example, make them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	6	15	kmt2	figs-idiom	μὴ γένοιτο	1	May it not be!	Here, **May it never be!** gives Paul’s own response to his question. The phrase is one of the strongest negatives Paul could use. Use a strong word or phrase that answers a question with a no. Alternate translation: “Never!” or “Absolutely not!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	6	16	seg6	figs-rquestion	ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ, ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν?	1	Do you not know that … her?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea as an emphatic statement. Alternate translation: “You know for sure that the one who is joined to the prostitute is one body.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	16	zcgg	figs-euphemism	ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ	1	Do you not know that … her?	Here, being **joined to the prostitute** is a euphemism for having sex with a **prostitute**. Paul uses this euphemism in order to be polite. He also picks this specific euphemism because it can also refer to being **joined** to someone without sexual implications. He uses the phrase in this way in the next verse to speak about union with Christ ([6:17](../06/17.md)). If your readers would misunderstand **joined to the prostitute**, you could use a similar polite euphemism in your language. If possible, use a euphemism that can also work to describe the non-sexual union with Christ in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the one who lives with the prostitute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	6	16	z54k	figs-activepassive	ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ	1	he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that the person did it to himself. Alternate translation: “the one who joins himself to the prostitute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	16	w1am	figs-genericnoun	τῇ πόρνῃ	1	he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her	Jesus is speaking of prostitutes in general, not of one particular **prostitute**. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a phrase that refers in general to “prostitutes.” Alternate translation: “to any prostitute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	6	16	up28	figs-ellipsis	ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν	1	he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her	Here Paul is pointing out that the **one who is joined** and the **prostitute** make up **one body** together. He is not arguing that the **one who is joined** by himself is **one body**. If your readers would misunderstand this point, you could include some words that Paul implies. Alternate translation: “is one body with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	6	16	fioa	figs-metaphor	ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν	1	he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her	Here Paul is speaking as if the **one who is joined** and the **prostitute** together share **one body** when they have sex. He speaks in this way to emphasize the unity that these two people have when they have sex, which is as close as if they had only one body. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “shares all things with her” or “is united to her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	16	m2gm	writing-quotations	γάρ, φησίν,	1	he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her	In Paul’s culture, **For it says** is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book titled “Genesis” (see [Genesis 2:24](gen/02/24.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “For it can be read in the Old Testament” or “For the book of Genesis says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	6	16	vv2n	figs-quotations	ἔσονται…φησίν, οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν	1	he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her	If you do not use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “it says that the two will become as one flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	6	16	ks89	figs-explicit	ἔσονται…οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν	1	he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one flesh with her	The passage that Paul quotes here comes from the book of Genesis. The story is about God creating Adam and Eve, the first man and woman. When God brings Eve, the woman, to the man named Adam, the narrative comments that this is why “a man will leave his father and his mother, and he will cling to his wife, and they will become one flesh” ([Genesis 2:24](gen/02/24.md)). Paul quotes the end of this sentence here. If your readers would misunderstand what this quote refers to, you could include a footnote explaining the context. Additionally, you could clarify what the word **two** refers to. Alternate translation: “A man and a woman will become as one flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	6	17	zyjd	figs-metaphor	ὁ…κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ	1	he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him	Here, being **joined to the Lord** refers to what Paul elsewhere describes as being “in Christ” or “united to Christ.” Paul uses this specific phrase because he used it in the last verse to refer to union with a “prostitute” (see [6:16](../06/16.md)). If your readers would misunderstand **joined to the Lord**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. If possible, use the same words you that you used in the last verse for “joined to the prostitute.” Alternate translation: “the one who lives with the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	17	c2tb	figs-activepassive	ὁ…κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ	1	he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that the person did it to himself. Alternate translation: “the one who joins himself to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	17	z273	figs-ellipsis	ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν	1	he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him	Here Paul is pointing out that the **one who is joined** and the **Lord** make up **one spirit** together. He is not arguing that the **one who is joined** by himself is **one spirit**. If your readers would misunderstand this point, you could include some words that Paul implies. Alternate translation: “is one spirit with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	6	17	vv1s	figs-metaphor	ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν	1	he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him	Here Paul is speaking as if the **one who is joined** and the **Lord** together share **one spirit** when the **one who is joined** believes in the **Lord**. He speaks in this way to emphasize the unity between a believer and Jesus, which is as close as if they had only one spirit. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “shares all things with him spiritually” or “is spiritually united to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	17	kt2x		πνεῦμά	1	he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him	Here, **spirit** could refer to: (1) a person’s **spirit** in contrast to his or her “body.” While a prostitute and a man can have “one body” ([6:16](../06/16.md)), which is a physical union, the Lord and a believer can have **one spirit**, which is a spiritual union. Alternate translation: “spiritually” (2) the Holy Spirit, who unites the Lord and the believer. Alternate translation: “in the Holy Spirit”
1CO	6	18	ex92	figs-metaphor	φεύγετε	1	Flee from	Here Paul wants the Corinthians to avoid **sexual immorality** as urgently as if it were an enemy or danger that they might **flee from**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Carefully stay away from” or “Fight against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	18	nhpq	figs-abstractnouns	τὴν πορνείαν	1	Flee from	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **immorality**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “immoral.” Alternate translation: “what is sexually immoral” or “sexually immoral behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	6	18	sc9d	grammar-connect-exceptions	πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν, ὁ δὲ πορνεύων εἰς τὸ ἴδιον σῶμα ἁμαρτάνει	1	immorality! Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but	If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using exception language. Alternate translation: “Almost every sin that a man might commit is outside the body, but the one who is sexually immoral sins against his own body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	6	18	dfck	figs-gendernotations	ἄνθρωπος…τὸ ἴδιον	1	immorality! Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but	Although **man** and **his** are masculine, Paul is using these words to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **man** and **his**, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “a man or woman … his or her own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	6	18	jr46	figs-metaphor	ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν	1	sin that a person commits	Here, Paul speaks as if sins were located **outside the body**. By speaking in this way, he means that most sins do not affect the **body** the way **sexual immorality** does. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “does not directly affect the body” or “is apart from the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	19	i5bt	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ	1	Do you not know … God? … that you are not your own?	The word **Or** introduces an alternate to what Paul speaks about in [6:18](../06/18.md). Some people are indeed “sinning against their bodies.” Paul gives the correct alternative: they should **know** that their bodies are “temple” of the **Holy Spirit**. If your readers would misunderstood **Or**, you could use a word that signifies a contrast or gives an alternative. Alternate translation: “Rather,” or “On the other hand,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	6	19	qy5j	figs-rquestion	ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν, ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν Ἁγίου Πνεύματός ἐστιν, οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ Θεοῦ?	1	Do you not know … God? … that you are not your own?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “You certainly know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have from God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	6	19	bb35	grammar-collectivenouns	τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν	1	your body	The word **body** is a singular noun that refers to multiple “bodies.” Paul makes this clear by using a plural **your**. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “each of your bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
1CO	6	19	d2mc	figs-metaphor	ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν Ἁγίου Πνεύματός	1	temple of the Holy Spirit	Here, Paul speaks of the relationship between the believer and the **Holy Spirit** as if the believer were a **temple** and the **Holy Spirit** were the god that dwelled in that temple. In Paul’s culture, deities had specific temples, and they would be specially present to their worshipers in those temples. Paul applies this thinking to believers. Each believer is a **temple**, and the **Holy Spirit** is **in** each believer. This means that the Holy Spirit is specially present with each believer. This is a significant metaphor in the Bible, so if possible, preserve the metaphor or express the idea by using a simile. Alternate translation: “is a temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	19	cg8m		οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ Θεοῦ	1	temple of the Holy Spirit	Alternate translation: “whom God has given to you”
1CO	6	20	vzz8	figs-metaphor	ἠγοράσθητε…τιμῆς	1	For you were bought with a price	Here Paul speaks if the Corinthians were slaves whom God had **bought with a price** from someone else. Paul is speaking of what we often call “redemption.” The **price** is Christ’s death on the cross, which “redeems” believers from sin and evil powers. This is an important biblical metaphor, so if possible preserve the metaphor or express it as an analogy. Alternate translation: “you were bought with a price, which is the Messiah’s death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	6	20	qv47	figs-activepassive	ἠγοράσθητε…τιμῆς	1	For you were bought with a price	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God bought you with a price” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	6	20	y7fe		ἐν τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν	1	Therefore	Alternate translation: “with your body” or “with what you do with your body”
1CO	7	intro	a25m			0		# 1 Corinthians 7 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>4. On abstinence (7:1–40)<br>      * Directions on sex in marriage (7:1–7)<br>      * Directions on marriage and divorce (7:8–16)<br>      * Believers should remain as God called them (7:17–24)<br>      * Benefit of staying as one is, whether single or married (7:25–35)<br>      * Exceptions for engaged Christians and widows (7:36–40)<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### The letter from the Corinthians to Paul<br><br>In [7:1](../07/01.md), Paul says that the Corinthians wrote to him. In fact, the second half of the verse is probably a quote from their letter to Paul. To show this, the ULT puts the quotation inside quotation marks. We do not know what else the letter included about marriage and sex. In the rest of the chapter, though, Paul responds to what they wrote to him.<br><br>### Sex and marriage<br><br>Throughout this chapter, Paul speaks at length about sex and marriage. While he does not argue this here, he assumes that sex should only happen within a marriage. This is clear when he makes lack of sexual self-control a good reason to get married in [7:9](../07/09.md). Further, he has four categories of people in mind: those who have never gotten married, those who are engaged to be married, those who are no longer married (whether through divorce or death of a spouse), and those who are currently married. Whether your language has more or fewer categories for marital status, make the distinctions between these four categories as clear as possible.<br><br>### Sanctification of unbelieving spouse and children<br><br>In [7:12–16](../07/12.md), Paul addresses Christian men and women who have an unbelieving spouse. He specifically argues that they should stay together unless the unbelieving spouse wishes to leave the marriage. He argues that they should stay together because the unbelieving spouse and the children are “sanctified” by the believing spouse. By “sanctified,” Paul does not mean that the unbelieving spouse and the children are considered to be Christians whom God will save. Rather, “sanctified” identifies the unbelieving spouse and the children as appropriate family for the believing spouse. In other words, having an unbelieving spouse does not make one’s marriage and children improper before God. Instead, God “sanctifies” them. If your language has a way to refer to an improper or unacceptable marriage, you might be able to use those kinds of words here.<br><br>### Divorce<br><br>In this passage, Paul uses a number of words and phrases to refer to what we call divorce: “being separated” ([7:10–11](../07/10.md)), “divorce” ([11–13](../07/11.md)), “departing” ([15](../07/15.md)), and “being released” ([27](../07/27.md)). In Paul’s culture, the rules for divorce were different in different places, and some divorces would have been more formal and legal than others. Additionally, in many places both men and women could divorce a spouse, but in a few places only men could divorce their wives. If Paul’s language would be understood in your language, you should try to preserve the different words and phrases he uses. If you need to make his language more consistent, use a word or phrase that refers generally to ending a marriage. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/divorce]])<br><br>### The “virgin”<br><br>In [7:25–38](../07/25.md), Paul refers repeatedly to “virgins.” With this word, he identifies a woman who has never been married. The word does not necessarily mean that the woman has never had any sexual experiences. When Paul identifies the virgin as “his virgin,” he refers either to a woman who is engaged to be married to a man or to a daughter who is under the authority of her father (see the last section in this introduction). In your language, use a word or phrase that refers to a woman who has never been married.<br><br>### The “coming distress”<br><br>In [7:26](../07/26.md), Paul speaks of the “coming distress.” This is trouble, persecution, or difficulties that affect the Corinthian church and perhaps all churches. When Paul says that the distress is “coming,” he could mean that it has already begun to happen and will continue to happen. It is more likely, however, that “coming” means that the distress is about to begin. Because of this “distress,” Paul thinks that believers are better off not getting married. It is unclear what Paul thought about the length of this “distress.” Is the “distress” still happening in the present day? It is better not to clarify the answer to this in your translation, since Paul does not give any hints. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/trouble]])<br><br>### Calling<br><br>Paul refers consistently to a “calling” and to “being called” in [7:17–24](../07/17.md). Throughout this section, “being called” refers to God’s action to save a person. Paul speaks about a person’s situation when they “were called” as a “calling” in [7:20](../07/20.md), while in other places he specifies what that situation might be: married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free. The point Paul wishes to make is that God’s “call” does not require one to change one’s situation. Rather, God’s “call” is for people to serve him in the situation they are in. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/call]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Euphemisms for having sex<br><br>In the first half of this chapter, Paul uses many euphemisms for having sex: “touching a woman” ([7:1](../07/01.md)), “duty” ([3](../07/03.md)), not “depriving each other” ([5](../07/05.md)), and being “together again” ([5](../07/05.md)). In most cases, he speaks in this way to be polite and avoid offending those who would read the letter. When this is true, you can translate Paul’s language with any polite way of referring to having sex in your language. However, the euphemism “duty” in ([7:3](../07/03.md)) particularly emphasizes that married couples are required to have sex. If your language has a euphemism that emphasizes “duty,” you could use it in that verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])<br><br>### Redemption<br><br>Just as in [6:20](../06/20.md), in [7:23](../07/23.md) Paul tells the Corinthians that they have been “bought with a price.” He does not state what the price is or whom God bought the Corinthians from. However, it is clear that Paul is speaking about what we call “redemption” here. Paul thinks of the Corinthians as slaves up for sale, and God buys them from their previous owner by paying a price. The previous owner can be understood as sin, death, and evil powers, while the price is Jesus the Son dying for believers. You should not include all these implications in your translation, but you should use words that can be interpreted in this way. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/redeem]])<br><br>### Those who have … should be as those who do not have …<br><br>In [7:29–31](../07/29.md), Paul emphasizes that those who have or do something “should be as those” who do not have or do that thing. He emphasizes this by giving a list of five examples. Paul’s point is that actions or things related to this world should not define who Christians are. He backs this up in [7:31](../07/31.md) by stating that “the present form of this world is passing away.” Therefore, those who weep should act like those who do not weep, and those who are married should act like those who are not married. Neither weeping nor marriage should have an impact on who the Christian is and on what the Christian does. None of these five things, which stand for everything in the “present form of this world,” are significant for one’s relationship to God as a Christian. If possible, preserve the strong contrasts, which almost sound like contradictions. These strong contrasts are an essential part of Paul’s argument.<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>Paul uses rhetorical questions in [7:16](../07/16.md). He asks these questions to involve the Corinthians in his argument and to force them to think about what he is saying. He again uses rhetorical questions in [7:18](../07/18.md), [21](../07/21.md), [27](../07/27.md). He asks these questions for a different reason: to identify those to whom his statements apply. If possible, you should preserve these questions. However, if your language does not use rhetorical questions, see the notes on each question for other translation possibilities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Translating gendered words<br><br>In much of this chapter, Paul uses masculine and feminine words to identify when he is addressing men and when he is addressing women. Unlike in most of the previous chapters, then, you should intentionally preserve most of the gendered language in this chapter. The notes will identify any cases of gendered language that refer to all people. If there is no note, assume that the gendered language is functioning to distinguish between genders.<br><br>### Who speaks, Paul or the Lord?<br><br>Throughout this chapter, Paul uses a number of phrases to indicate whose authority lies behind the commands he gives. First, he marks [7:10–11](../07/10.md) as something that the Lord, not him, has spoken. Of course, he himself is speaking, but he is summarizing the Lord’s teaching on divorce. Therefore, “not I, but the Lord” in [7:11](../07/11.md) is Paul’s way of indicating that he is summarizing teaching directly from the Lord. Second, he marks [7:12–16](../07/12.md) as something he commands. Therefore, by using “I, not the Lord” in [7:12](../07/12.md), he indicates that he gives the commands that follow on his own authority as an apostle. He is not saying that these commands are not as authoritative or important as those in [7:10–11](../07/10.md). Third, Paul introduces [7:25–40](../07/25.md) by stating that again he does “not have a command from the Lord,” but that he gives “an opinion” that God has made “trustworthy.” He concludes the section by stating that he has given his “judgment,” and he has the “Spirit of God” ([7:40](../07/40.md)). This is a slightly weaker claim to authority than he made in [7:12](../07/12.md): these are his “opinion” or “judgment.” However, Paul also claims that God has made him “trustworthy” and given him the Spirit, so these verses should not be taken simply as Paul’s private opinion. Rather, Paul himself already provides exceptions and qualifications in this section because he is less confident. Do not translate what Paul says as if it is advice from anyone. Instead, this whole chapter carries apostolic authority.<br><br>### Father or fiancé in [7:36–38](../07/36.md)?<br><br>In this verses, Paul repeatedly refers to “he” or “him.” He does not state who this man is, but the man has a “virgin.” There are two common ways to understand these verses. First, and more likely, the man is engaged to “his virgin,” and Paul is giving him instructions on whether to get married or not. Second, and less likely, the man is the father of the daughter (“his virgin”), and Paul is giving him instructions on whether to give his daughter in marriage or not. If a specific translation choice follows one of these interpretations instead of the other, the notes on these verses will point out whether it matches the “fiancé interpretation” or the “father interpretation.”
1CO	7	1	y4lx	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	Now	Here, **Now** introduces a new topic in the letter. Paul begins to discuss things that the Corinthians asked him about in a letter. If **Now** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new topic. Alternate translation: “Next,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	7	1	jq21	figs-explicit	ὧν ἐγράψατε	1	the issues you wrote about	The phrase **what you wrote** implies that the Corinthians had previously written a letter to Paul in which they asked him questions. Paul now begins to answer those questions. If **what you wrote** would not imply that the Corinthians had already written a letter to Paul, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “what you wrote to me in your letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	1	erl5	figs-explicit	ἐγράψατε, καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι	1	“It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”	Here Paul could be (1) quoting what the Corinthians said in their letter so that he can respond to it, much like he did in [6:12–13](../06/12.md). Alternate translation: “you wrote: you say, ‘It is good for a man not to touch a woman.’” (2) expressing his own views about men and women. Alternate translation: “you wrote: It is true that it is good for a man not to touch a woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	1	inrh		καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι;	1		Alternate translation: “When a man does not touch a woman, that is good”
1CO	7	1	cm7y	figs-explicit	ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς	1	for a man	While the words **man** and **woman** could refer specifically to “husband” and “wife,” Paul is quoting a more general statement here that refers to men and women in general. If **man** and **woman** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use words that refer more specifically to the sex of the people involved. Alternate translation: “for a male … a female” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	1	z9j5	figs-genericnoun	ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς	1		Here, Paul refers to **man** and **woman** in the singular, but he is speaking generically of all any **man** and any **woman**. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could use a form that does refer generically to people in your language. Alternate translation: “for men … women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	1	mx7w	figs-euphemism	ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι	1	not to touch a woman	Here, **for a man** to **touch a woman** is a euphemism for having sex. This is a general statement about having sex, although Paul primarily speaks about sex within marriage in the verses that follow. The Corinthians used this euphemism in their letter to Paul in order to be polite. If **for a man not to touch a woman** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a similar polite euphemism in your language. Alternate translation: “for a man not to sleep with a woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	7	2	c3uq	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	But because	Here, **But** introduces the qualifications Paul wishes to give for the statement in the previous verse: “{It is} good for a man not to touch a woman.” Paul wishes to give qualifications whether that statement is from the Corinthians or is Paul’s own statement. Use a word or phrase in your culture that introduces qualifications to a claim. Alternate translation: “However,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	7	2	fys4	figs-abstractnouns	διὰ…τὰς πορνείας	1	But because of temptations for many immoral acts, each	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **immorality**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “immoral.” Alternate translation: “because people are immoral” or “because of immoral behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	2	ktqd	figs-metonymy	διὰ…τὰς πορνείας	1		Here, **immorality** refers to how people desire to commit **immorality** and do commit **immorality**. Paul does not refer to **immorality** in the abstract. If **immorality** would be misunderstood in your language, you could include a word or phrase that refers to “temptation” or “behavior.” Alternate translation: “because of the temptation of immorality” or “because people act immorally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	7	2	r822	figs-imperative	ἕκαστος τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γυναῖκα ἐχέτω, καὶ ἑκάστη τὸν ἴδιον ἄνδρα ἐχέτω	1		Here Paul uses two third person imperatives. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use them here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea by using a word such as “should” or “allow.” Alternate translation: “allow each man to have his own wife, and allow each woman to have her own husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	2	j4wc	figs-idiom	ἕκαστος τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γυναῖκα ἐχέτω, καὶ ἑκάστη τὸν ἴδιον ἄνδρα ἐχέτω	1		The phrases “to have a wife” and “to have a husband” refer primarily to the ongoing state of being married, which includes continuing to have sex. However, the idiom primarily emphasizes remaining in a state of marriage with one’s current spouse. If “to have a wife or husband” would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or refer directly to staying married. Alternate translation: “let each man continue in marriage with his own wife, and let each woman continue in marriage with her own husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	3	he0c	figs-genericnoun	τῇ γυναικὶ ὁ ἀνὴρ…ἡ γυνὴ τῷ ἀνδρί	1		Here Paul refers to **the husband** and **the wife** in the singular, but he is speaking generically about any **husband** and **wife**. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could use a form that does refer generically to people in your language. Alternate translation: “each husband … to his wife … each wife … to her husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	3	xv9s	figs-imperative	ὁ ἀνὴρ…ἀποδιδότω	1		Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “A husband should give” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	3	mj8l	figs-euphemism	τῇ γυναικὶ ὁ ἀνὴρ τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἀποδιδότω	1	sexual rights	Here Paul uses **duty** to refer to married couples having sex. He uses this word to be polite and also because he wishes to emphasize that having sex is an obligation for married couples. If **duty** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable euphemism or refer directly to how married couples “should” have sex. Alternate translation: “Let the husband fulfill his sexual obligations to the wife” (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	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. You could supply words from the first half of the verse to complete the thought. Alternate translation: “likewise let the wife also give to the husband the duty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	4	px2s	figs-genericnoun	ἡ γυνὴ…ὁ ἀνήρ…ὁ ἀνὴρ…ἡ γυνή	1		Just as in [7:3](../07/03.md), Paul here refers to **the husband** and **the wife** in the singular, but he is speaking generically about any **husband** and **wife**. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could use a form that does refer generically to people in your language. Alternate translation: “each wife … her husband {does} … each husband … his wife {does}” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	4	a7nb	figs-abstractnouns	τοῦ ἰδίου σώματος οὐκ ἐξουσιάζει	-1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **authority**, you could express the idea by using a verb or verbal phrase such as “control” or “claim as one’s own.” Alternate translation: “does not control her own body … does not control his own body” or “does not claim her body as her own … does not claim his body as his own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	4	sspg	figs-ellipsis	ὁ ἀνήρ…ἡ γυνή	1		In both these places, Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. You could supply words from the first half of each statement in order to complete the thought, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “the husband has authority over her body … the wife has authority over his body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	5	qq7u	figs-euphemism	μὴ ἀποστερεῖτε ἀλλήλους	1	Do not deprive each other	Here Paul omits a direct reference to having sex in order to be polite. The Corinthians would have understood him to mean that they should not **deprive each other** of having sex. If your readers also would understand this, you can express the idea the same way Paul did. If your readers would not understand this, you may need to include a word or phrase that politely refers to having sex. Alternate translation: “Do not deprive each other of sleeping together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	7	5	wzeh	grammar-connect-exceptions	μὴ ἀποστερεῖτε ἀλλήλους, εἰ μήτι ἂν ἐκ συμφώνου	1		If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “You should deprive each other only in one situation: by mutual agreement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	7	5	cnr5	figs-abstractnouns	ἐκ συμφώνου	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **agreement**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “agree.” Alternate translation: “when you both agree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	5	d3cr	figs-idiom	πρὸς καιρὸν	1		Here, **for a season** identifies a short, undefined period of time. The word **season** does not refer to winter or summer. If **for a season** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers vaguely to a short time. Alternate translation: “for a short period of time” “for a brief time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	5	gh0e	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα	1		Here, **so that** introduces the purpose for which the Corinthians can **deprive each other**. In other words, it gives the purpose for the **except** statement. If what **so that** refers back to would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it explains why the Corinthians can **deprive each other**. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “You may deprive each only so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	7	5	uq6x	translate-unknown	σχολάσητε τῇ προσευχῇ	1	so that you may devote yourselves to prayer	Here, **devote yourselves** refers to making time to focus on something specific. Paul argues that the only time to avoid having sex with one’s spouse is so that both one and one’s spouse have extra time to focus on praying to God. If **devote yourselves** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “you may make more time for prayer” or “you may spend more time in prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	5	nww5	figs-abstractnouns	τῇ προσευχῇ	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **pray**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “praying.” Alternate translation: “to praying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	5	s1ya	figs-euphemism	ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ἦτε	1	come together again	Here, **be together again** is a polite way to refer to having sex. If **be together again** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that politely refers to having sex. Alternate translation: “sleep together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	7	5	mdj0	grammar-connect-logic-goal	ἵνα	2		Here, **so that** introduces the purpose for which (1) the Corinthians need quickly to **be together again**. It is because Satan will **tempt** them unless they are **together**. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “Be together again soon so that” (2) the Corinthians should not **deprive each other**. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “The point of not depriving each other is so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	7	5	md2z	grammar-connect-logic-result	διὰ	1		Here, **because** introduces the reason why (1) **Satan** may **tempt** them. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “which he would do because of” (2) they should soon **be together again**. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “You should do this because of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	7	5	ii8n	figs-abstractnouns	διὰ τὴν ἀκρασίαν ὑμῶν	1	because of your lack of self-control	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **self-control**, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase such as “cannot restrain.” Alternate translation: “because you cannot restrain yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	6	wrma	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο	1		Here, **this** could refer to (1) what Paul has said about the one situation in which they can “deprive each other” in [7:5](../07/05.md). Alternate translation: “this about when you can deprive each other” (2) what Paul has said about how married couples should regularly have sex in [7:2–5](../07/02.md). Alternate translation: “this about being married” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	6	hprb	figs-infostructure	κατὰ συνγνώμην, οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγήν	1		If your language would express the negative statement before the positive, you could reverse the order of these two phrases. Alternate translation: “not as a command but as a concession” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	7	6	ncig	translate-unknown	συνγνώμην	1		Here, **a concession** is something that one allows even though one does not entirely agree with it. Usually, the **concession** is made because one wishes to avoid antagonizing the person one is dealing with. If **concession** would be misunderstood here, you could express the idea by using a comparable word or phrase. Alternate translation: “a compromise” or “an allowance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	6	zsy3	figs-abstractnouns	κατὰ συνγνώμην, οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγήν	1		If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **concession** and **command**, you could express the idea by using verb such as “concede” and “command.” Alternate translation: “because I concede it, not because I command it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	7	b7xz	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1		Here, **But** introduces a contrast with everything that Paul has said in [7:1–6](../07/01.md). In those verses, he speaks about how believers should act when they are already married. Now, however, he begins to talk about getting married, and he says that he wishes that people stayed unmarried like he does. The **But** introduces a new stage in the argument that deals with getting married. If **But** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new but related topic. Alternate translation: “Now” or “Moving on,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	7	7	rbe7	figs-explicit	εἶναι ὡς καὶ ἐμαυτόν	1	were as I am	When Paul wrote this letter, he was not married, and as far as we know he was never married. When Paul says that he wishes that all people were **even as myself**, he is referring to how he is unmarried. If **to be even as myself** would be misunderstood in your language, you could include the fact that Paul is not married. Alternate translation: “to be unmarried as I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	7	mlsi	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώπους…ἴδιον	1		Although **men** and **him** are masculine, Paul is using these words to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If **men** and **him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “men and women … his or her own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	7	zima	figs-metaphor	χάρισμα	1		Here Paul speaks about the way of life that God has called each person to live in as if it were a **gift** that each person receives from God. By using **gift**, Paul emphasizes that the person receives the **gift** freely from God and that the **gift** is a good thing. If **gift** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “blessing” or “calling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	7	w9ld	figs-ellipsis	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	Here Paul omits some words that may be necessary in your language to make a complete thought. If your language needs more words, you could include a phrase such as “acts in” or “live in.” Alternate translation: “one indeed acts in this way, and another acts in that way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	8	y6lc	translate-unknown	τοῖς ἀγάμοις	1		Here, **unmarried** could refer to (1) people who are not currently married, whether they never have been married or are no longer married. Alternate translation: “to those without spouses” (2) men whose wives have died, which pairs well with **widows**. Alternate translation: “to the widowers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	8	n401	figs-nominaladj	τοῖς ἀγάμοις	1		Paul is using the adjective **unmarried** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate **unmarried** with a noun phrase or a relative clause. Alternate translation: “to those who are unmarried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	7	8	s7s9	translate-unknown	ταῖς χήραις	1		Here, **widows** refers specifically to women whose husbands have died. It does not refer to men whose wives have died. Alternate translation: “to women who are widowed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	8	f43d	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν	1		Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that people might **remain** as Paul is or they might not. He specifies that it is **good** if they do **remain**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	8	r27x	figs-explicit	μείνωσιν ὡς κἀγώ	1	it is good	Just as in [7:7](../07/07.md), Paul again assumes that his readers know that he is unmarried. When Paul says that it is good for **the unmarried** and **the widows** to **remain as I also am**, he is referring to how he is unmarried. If **remain as I also am** would be misunderstood in your language, you could include the fact that Paul is not married. Alternate translation: “remain without a spouse as I also am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	9	o4j5	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ…οὐκ ἐνκρατεύονται, γαμησάτωσαν	1		Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that people might **have self-control** or they might not. Here he gives instructions for if they **do not have self-control**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “whoever does not have self-control should marry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	9	bxa2	figs-abstractnoun	οὐκ ἐνκρατεύονται	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **self-control**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “self-controlled” or a verbal phrase such as “control themselves.” Alternate translation: “they are not self-controlled” or “they do not control themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	9	jy8g	figs-imperative	γαμησάτωσαν	1		Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “let” or “should,” as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “let them marry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	9	ty79	figs-metaphor	πυροῦσθαι	1	to burn with desire	Here, **to burn** is a way to refer to sexual desire. Paul uses **burn** because he represents the desire as hard to fight and as something that consumes a person like fire consumes a building. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or by including a reference to sexual desire. Alternate translation: “to burn with desire” or “to lust after someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	10	gxni	figs-nominaladj	τοῖς…γεγαμηκόσιν	1		Paul is using the adjective **married** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate **married** with a noun phrase or a relative clause. Alternate translation: “to those who are married” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	7	10	zwgk	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	οὐκ ἐγὼ, ἀλλὰ ὁ Κύριος	1		Here Paul clarifies that he is not the authority behind this command. It is **the Lord** who is the authority here. Paul specifically has in mind what **the Lord** said about marriage and divorce while he was on earth (see [Mark 10:5–12](mrk/10/05.md)). If **not I, but the Lord** would be misunderstood in your language, you could either identify that it is not Paul “alone” who gives the command, or you could clarify that Paul is referring to what **the Lord** said. Alternate translation: “not I alone, but the Lord also” or “and here I refer to what the Lord said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	7	10	ywsy	figs-genericnoun	γυναῖκα ἀπὸ ἀνδρὸς	1		Here Paul is speaking of wives and husbands in general, not just of one **wife** and **husband**. If **wife** and **husband** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable way to refer generically to wives and husbands. Alternate translation: “each wife … from her husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	10	hc5p	figs-idiom	ἀπὸ…μὴ χωρισθῆναι	1	should not separate from	Here, **to be separated from** is technical language for ending a marriage before death. The phrase does not distinguish between “separation” and “divorce.” If possible, use a similar general phrase in your language. Alternate translation: “is not to divorce or separate from” or “it not to break up with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	10	h049	figs-activepassive	μὴ χωρισθῆναι	1		If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is not to separate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	11	wtbo	figs-infostructure	ἐὰν δὲ καὶ χωρισθῇ, μενέτω ἄγαμος ἢ τῷ ἀνδρὶ καταλλαγήτω	1		The ULT puts this clause in parentheses because it is a qualification of what Paul said in [7:11](../07/11.md) and because one can read [7:10–11](../07/10.md) smoothly together without this clause. In this clause, Paul issues commands about what the wife is supposed to do if the divorces her husband despite what Paul has said. Use a form in your language that would indicate a qualification or a parenthesis. Alternate translation: “if she is separated despite what I have said, let her remain unmarried, or let her be reconciled to the husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	7	11	r5oz	figs-genericnoun	χωρισθῇ…τῷ ἀνδρὶ…ἄνδρα…γυναῖκα	1		Here Paul is speaking of wives and husbands in general, not just of one **wife** and **husband**. If **wife** and **husband** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable way to refer generically to wives and husbands. Alternate translation: “one of the wives might be separated … to her husband … each husband … his wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	11	pqr9	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν δὲ καὶ χωρισθῇ, μενέτω	1		Here, Paul uses **even if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a wife **might be separated** or she might not. He then specifies the result for if **she** is **separated**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the if statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever” or with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “but let whichever wife might be separated remain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	11	phpw	figs-activepassive	χωρισθῇ	1		If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she separates” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	11	lj79	figs-ellipsis	χωρισθῇ	1		Here Paul omits some words that might be needed in your language to make a complete thought. Paul omits them because he already used them in [7:10](../07/10.md) and he assumes his audience will infer them from there. If you need to include these words, you can insert the words “from her husband.” Alternate translation: “she might be separated from her husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	11	tvo2	figs-imperative	μενέτω ἄγαμος ἢ τῷ ἀνδρὶ καταλλαγήτω	1		Here Paul uses two third person imperatives. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use them here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea by using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “she must remain unmarried, or she must be reconciled to the husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	11	lxf7	figs-activepassive	τῷ ἀνδρὶ καταλλαγήτω	1	be reconciled to her husband	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let her reconcile with the husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	11	k7ju		ἄνδρα γυναῖκα μὴ ἀφιέναι	1		Alternate translation: “a husband should not divorce a wife”
1CO	7	12	k9yd		τοῖς…λοιποῖς	1	agrees	Here, **the rest** could refer to (1) people in other situations than those already named, particularly those who are married to an unbelieving spouse. Alternate translation: “to the rest of those who are married” (2) everything else Paul is about to say. Alternate translation: “about other situations”
1CO	7	12	xn88	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	ἐγώ, οὐχ ὁ Κύριος	1		Here **I, not the Lord** is the opposite of what Paul said in [7:10](../07/10.md). Paul wishes to clarify that he is the authority behind this command. Of course, **the Lord** made him an apostle and gave him authority, but he wants the Corinthians to know that he is speaking out of that authority here and not referring to what **the Lord** said while he was on earth. If **I, not the Lord** would be misunderstood in your language, you could either identify that it is Paul “alone” who gives the command, or you could clarify that **the Lord** did not say anything about this topic. Alternate translation: “I alone” or “on my own authority, since the Lord did not speak about this topic” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	7	12	rrfp	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ τις ἀδελφὸς γυναῖκα ἔχει ἄπιστον, καὶ αὕτη συνευδοκεῖ οἰκεῖν μετ’ αὐτοῦ, μὴ ἀφιέτω	1		Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a **brother** might have **an unbelieving wife**, and she might agree **to live with him**, or this situation might not happen. He then specifies the result for if this situation does happen. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever” or by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “but let any brother who has an unbelieving wife who agrees to live with him not divorce” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/fgrammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	12	ae1u	figs-idiom	οἰκεῖν μετ’ αὐτοῦ	1		Here, **to live with him** refers to staying married. If **to live with him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom that refers to staying married. Alternate translation: “to stay with him” or “to remain married to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	12	jej3	figs-imperative	μὴ ἀφιέτω αὐτήν	1		Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “must” or “should.” Alternate translation: “he must not divorce her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	13	gtxx	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	γυνὴ εἴ τις ἔχει ἄνδρα ἄπιστον, καὶ οὗτος συνευδοκεῖ οἰκεῖν μετ’ αὐτῆς, μὴ ἀφιέτω	1		Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a **woman** might have **an unbelieving husband**, and he might agree **to live with her**, or this situation might not happen. He then specifies the result for if this situation does happen. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever” or by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “but let any woman who has an unbelieving husband who agrees to live with her not divorce” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	13	q39l	figs-idiom	οἰκεῖν μετ’ αὐτῆς	1		Here, **to live with her** refers to staying married. If **to live with her** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom that refers to staying married. Alternate translation: “to stay with her” or “to remain married to her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	13	fsbq	figs-imperative	μὴ ἀφιέτω τὸν ἄνδρα	1		Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “must” or “should.” Alternate translation: “she must not divorce the husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	14	hv30	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1		Here, **For** introduces the reason or basis for Paul’s commands in [7:12–13](../07/12.md). When one spouse is not a believer, Paul wants them to stay together, and the reason is that the unbelieving spouse is **sanctified**. If **For** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the basis for a command. Alternate translation: “You should do this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	7	14	k0qs	figs-genericnoun	ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ ἄπιστος ἐν τῇ γυναικί…ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄπιστος ἐν τῷ ἀδελφῷ	1		Here Paul is speaking of wives and husbands in general, not just of one **wife** and **husband**. If **wife** and **husband** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable way to refer generically to wives and husbands. Alternate translation: “any unbelieving husband … through his wife … any unbelieving wife … through her husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	14	l84p	figs-activepassive	ἡγίασται…ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ ἄπιστος ἐν τῇ γυναικί; καὶ ἡγίασται ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄπιστος ἐν τῷ ἀδελφῷ	1	For the unbelieving husband is set apart because of his wife	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God sanctifies the unbelieving husband through the wife, and God sanctifies the unbelieving wife through the brother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	14	b9rb	translate-unknown	ἡγίασται	-1		Here, **sanctified** is a reference to purity. It does not mean that the **unbelieving husband** or **unbelieving wife** is considered to be a believer. Rather, Paul’s point is that believing spouse is not made unclean by the unbelieving spouse. Just the opposite: the marriage is clean and pure because of the believing spouse. If **sanctified** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies an acceptable or pure marriage partner. Alternate translation: “is made clean … is made clean” or “is considered an acceptable spouse … is considered an acceptable spouse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	14	i1x4	figs-explicit	τῷ ἀδελφῷ	1	the brother	Here, **the brother** refers to a believing man, in this case the believing husband. If **the brother** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that **the brother** is the **unbelieving wife**’s spouse. Alternate translation: “the husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	14	x9vy	figs-explicit	ἐπεὶ ἄρα τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν ἀκάθαρτά ἐστιν	1		Here, **Otherwise** refers to what the situation would be like if what Paul has just said were not true. Paul does not actually think that **your children are unclean**, but that would be true if he was wrong about the unbelieving spouse being **sanctified**. If **Otherwise** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that refers to a situation that the author thinks is not true. Alternate translation: “If that were not so, your children would be unclean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	7	14	iy14	figs-123person	ὑμῶν	1		Here, **your** refers to anyone among the Corinthians who has an unbelieving spouse. Thus, it refers back to **the wife** and **the brother**. If your language would not use **your** in this situation, you could use **their** instead. Alternate translation: “their” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	7	14	qtbz	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	νῦν δὲ ἅγιά ἐστιν	1		Here, **but now** provides the contrast with **Otherwise your children are unclean**. The word **now** does not refer to time but rather identifies that what Paul has said about the unbelieving spouse being **sanctified** really is true. If **now** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies that what Paul has said is true. Alternate translation: “but since the unbelieving spouse is sanctified, they are holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	7	14	fmu5	translate-unknown	ἀκάθαρτά…ἅγιά	1	they are set apart	Here, **holy** is a reference to purity, and **unclean** is a reference to impurity. The word **holy** does not mean that the **children** are considered to be believers. Rather, Paul’s point is that the **children** are not made **unclean** by having an unbelieving parent. Just the opposite: the **children** are clean and pure because of the believing parent. If **unclean** and **holy** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use words or phrases that identify the **children** as those born in a “clean” or “honorable” way. Alternate translation: “not pure … pure” or “dishonored … honorable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	15	rdwy	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ…ὁ ἄπιστος χωρίζεται, χωριζέσθω	1		Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **the unbeliever** might depart, or he or she might not. He then specifies the result for if **the unbeliever departs**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “whichever unbeliever departs, let him go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	15	qjmw	figs-idiom	εἰ…ὁ ἄπιστος χωρίζεται, χωριζέσθω	1		Here, **departs** refers breaking the marriage, that is, leaving the spouse. The phrase **let him go** refers to allowing the spouse to break the marriage or leave. If these words would not refer to breaking a marriage or getting divorced in your language, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “if the unbeliever wants a divorce, let him divorce you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	15	t5tf	figs-gendernotations	ὁ ἄπιστος…χωριζέσθω	1		Although **him** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer back to **the unbeliever**, which could refer to either a man or a woman. If **him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “the unbeliever … let him or her go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	15	uefj	figs-genericnoun	ὁ ἄπιστος…ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ	1		Here Paul is speaking of unbelievers, brothers, and sisters in general and not of just one **unbeliever**, **brother**, or **sister**. If these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable way to refer generically to unbelievers, brothers, and sisters. Alternate translation: “one of the unbelievers … the brother or the sister involved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	15	h9qc	figs-imperative	χωριζέσθω	1		Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “allow.” Alternate translation: “allow him to go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	15	jef4	figs-metaphor	οὐ δεδούλωται ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ	1	In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound to their vows	Here, **bound** could refer to (1) the marriage with an unbelieving spouse. Paul is saying that the **brother or the sister** does not need to try to preserve the marriage. They are not **bound** to the unbeliever but can accept the divorce. Alternate translation: “the brother or the sister is not bound to the unbeliever” (2) the rules that Paul laid out for staying with a spouse in [7:10–13](../07/10.md). Paul is saying that **the brother or the sister** does not have to follow those rules about staying with a spouse, and perhaps he is even saying that they can marry someone else. Alternate translation: “the brother or the sister is not bound to remain unmarried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	15	v76o	figs-explicit	ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ	1	In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound to their vows	Here Paul uses **brother** and **sister** to identify the people involved as believers of both genders. The people he refers to are **brother** and **sister** of the Corinthian believers, not of the **unbeliever**. Rather, **the brother or the sister** is married to the **unbeliever**. If **the brother or the sister** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to believing husbands and wives. Alternate translation: “the believing husband or wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	15	q6k2	figs-activepassive	οὐ δεδούλωται ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ	1		If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “the marriage” does not bind the **brother** or **sister**. Alternate translation: “the brother or the sister is free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	15	z5nz	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	2		Here, **but** introduces how Paul wants the Corinthians to act in general. Whether their spouse leaves or not, they should act in **peace**. If **but** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that introduces a general principle. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “In every case,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	7	15	tli3	figs-abstractnoun	εἰρήνῃ	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **peace**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “peaceful” or an adverb such as “peaceably.” Alternate translation: “act peaceably” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	16	l559	figs-yousingular	οἶδας…τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις…οἶδας…τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις	1	do you know, woman … you will save your husband … do you know, man … you will save your wife	Here Paul addresses specific individuals within the Corinthian church. Because of this, **you** in this verse is always singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	7	16	h5td	figs-rquestion	τί…οἶδας, γύναι, εἰ τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις? ἢ τί οἶδας, ἄνερ, εἰ τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις?	1	how do you know, woman, whether you will save your husband?	Paul does not ask these questions because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks them to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The questions assume that the answer is “we do not know for sure.” Paul could be using these questions to show the Corinthians that (1) they should have little confidence about unbelieving spouses becoming Christians. The questions thus support how Paul allows divorces initiated by an unbelieving spouse in [6:21](../07/15.md). Alternate translation: “it is unlikely, woman, that you will save the husband. And it is unlikely, man, that you will save the wife.” (2) show the Corinthians that they should have much confidence about unbelieving spouses becoming Christians. The questions thus support how Paul says that the unbelieving spouse is “holy” in [7:14](../07/14.md). Alternate translation: “it is likely, woman, that you will save the husband. And it is likely, man, that you will save the wife.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	7	16	nd1k	figs-infostructure	τί γὰρ οἶδας, γύναι, εἰ…τί οἶδας, ἄνερ, εἰ	1	how do you know, man, whether you will save your wife?	Here, **woman** and **man** are direct addresses to people in the audience. If your language would put these words someone else in the sentence, you could move them to where they sound natural. Alternate translation: “For woman, how do you know whether… man, how do you know whether” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	7	16	dbz6		τί…οἶδας, γύναι, εἰ τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις? ἢ τί οἶδας, ἄνερ, εἰ τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις?	1	how do you know, man, whether you will save your wife?	Here Paul directly addresses a **woman** and a **man** in the audience. The Corinthians would have understood him to mean a **woman** or **man** in their group who was married to an unbelieving spouse. If **woman** or **man** would be misunderstood in your language, you express the direct address in a different way. Alternate translation: “how does any woman know whether she will save the husband? Or how does any man know whether he will save the wife?”
1CO	7	16	b5zw	figs-genericnoun	γύναι…τὸν ἄνδρα…ἄνερ…τὴν γυναῖκα	1	how do you know, man, whether you will save your wife?	Here, Paul refers to **woman**, **husband**, **man**, and **wife** in the singular, but he is speaking generically of any person who fits into these categories. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could use a form that does refer generically to people in your language. Alternate translation: “each of you women … your husband … each of you men … your wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	16	jt3c	figs-metonymy	σώσεις	-1	how do you know, man, whether you will save your wife?	Here Paul speaks of husbands or wives leading their spouses to faith in Jesus as “saving” them. By this, Paul means that the **woman** or **man** is the means by which God will **save** the **husband** or **wife**. If **you will save** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to leading someone towards “salvation,” that is, helping them to believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “God will use you to save … God will use you to save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	7	17	ivee	grammar-connect-words-phrases	εἰ μὴ	1	each one	Here, **However** acknowledges the exception about “walking” **as the Lord has assigned to each one** that he just included: if an unbelieving spouse wishes to divorce a believing spouse, that is permissible. Paul acknowledges this exception but wishes to emphasize the main point: the believers should remain in the state they are in. If **However** would not have the meaning of acknowledging an exception to a claim, you could use a word or phrase that does do so. Alternate translation: “In every other case” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	7	17	l5lu	figs-infostructure	ἑκάστῳ ὡς ἐμέρισεν ὁ Κύριος, ἕκαστον ὡς κέκληκεν ὁ Θεός, οὕτως περιπατείτω	1	each one	If your language would state the command to **walk** before explaining how to **walk**, you could rearrange these clauses so that they read more naturally. Alternate translation: “let each one walk as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	7	17	ya76	figs-ellipsis	ὡς ἐμέρισεν ὁ Κύριος	1	each one	Here, Paul omits some words that might be needed in your language to make a complete sentence. If necessary, you could include what it is that **the Lord has assigned** by using a word such as “task” or “position.” Alternate translation: “as the Lord has assigned a position” or “as the Lord has assigned a task” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	17	hl43	figs-metaphor	περιπατείτω	1	each one	Paul speaks of behavior in life as if it were “walking.” If **let him walk** would not be understood as a description of a person’s way of life in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “let him live his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	17	c7b9	figs-imperative	περιπατείτω	1	each one	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “he must walk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	17	o6v2	figs-gendernotations	περιπατείτω	1	each one	Here, **he** is written in masculine form, but it refers to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **he** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “let him or her walk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	17	iid2		καὶ οὕτως ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις πάσαις διατάσσομαι	1	I direct in this way in all the churches	Alternate translation: “This is what I require from all the churches”
1CO	7	18	zo3j	figs-gendernotations	μὴ ἐπισπάσθω…μὴ περιτεμνέσθω	1	Was anyone called when he was circumcised?	Here Paul is speaking of male circumcision only. Therefore, the masculine words in this verse should be retained in translation if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	18	unc4	figs-rquestion	περιτετμημένος τις ἐκλήθη? μὴ ἐπισπάσθω	1	Was anyone called when he was circumcised?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to identify people who fit into the situation he describes. If someone answered “yes” to this question, then the following command applies to them. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a different way to identify to whom the command applies. Alternate translation: “If anyone was called, having been circumcised, let him not be uncircumcised.” or “Some of you were called, having been circumcised. If that is you, do not be uncircumcised.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	7	18	gpav	figs-activepassive	τις ἐκλήθη…κέκληταί τις	1	Was anyone called when he was circumcised?	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “Did God call anyone … Did God call anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	18	xt7p	figs-activepassive	περιτετμημένος	1	Was anyone called when he was circumcised?	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, use an indefinite or vague subject. Alternate translation: “someone having circumcised them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	18	tkn4	translate-unknown	μὴ ἐπισπάσθω	1	Was anyone called when he was circumcised?	To **be uncircumcised** refers to a physical procedure by which one could make one’s penis appear to have a foreskin, even though one had been circumcised. If your language has a word for this procedure, you could use it here. If your language does not have such a word, you could use a phrase that identifies this procedure. Alternate translation: “Let him not hide his circumcision” or “Let him not undo his circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	18	cejz	figs-imperative	μὴ ἐπισπάσθω…μὴ περιτεμνέσθω	1	Was anyone called when he was circumcised?	In this verse, Paul uses two third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use them here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the ideas using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “He must not be uncircumcised … he must not be circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	18	uwuw	figs-activepassive	μὴ ἐπισπάσθω…μὴ περιτεμνέσθω	1	Was anyone called when he was circumcised?	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, use an indefinite or vague subject. Alternate translation: “Let someone not uncircumcise him … Let someone not circumcise him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	18	fqv6	figs-rquestion	ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ κέκληταί τις? μὴ περιτεμνέσθω	1	Was anyone called in uncircumcision?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to identify people who fit into the situation he describes. If someone answered “yes” to this question, then the following command applies to them. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a different way to identify to whom the command applies. Alternate translation: “If anyone was called in uncircumcision, let him not be circumcised.” or “Some of you were called in uncircumcision. If that is you, do not be circumcised.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	7	18	a8g3	figs-abstractnouns	ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ	1	Was anyone called in uncircumcision?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **uncircumcision**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “uncircumcised.” Alternate translation: “while uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	19	oajz	figs-hyperbole	ἡ περιτομὴ οὐδέν ἐστιν, καὶ ἡ ἀκροβυστία οὐδέν ἐστιν	1	Was anyone called in uncircumcision?	Here Paul says that both **Circumcision** and **uncircumcision** are **nothing**. He does not mean that **Circumcision** and **uncircumcision** do not exist. Rather, the Corinthians would have understand him to mean that **Circumcision** and **uncircumcision** do not have value or importance. If **nothing** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Circumcision has no value, and uncircumcision has no value” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	7	19	focy	figs-parallelism	ἡ περιτομὴ οὐδέν ἐστιν, καὶ ἡ ἀκροβυστία οὐδέν ἐστιν	1	Was anyone called in uncircumcision?	Here Paul repeats **is nothing** for rhetorical effect. The repetition makes his argument sound stronger. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine the two clauses and make the claim sound strong by using some other method. Alternate translation: “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything”” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	7	19	eku9	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ περιτομὴ…ἡ ἀκροβυστία	1	Was anyone called in uncircumcision?	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **circumcision** and **uncircumcision**, you could express the ideas by using adjectives such as “circumcised” and “uncircumcised.” Alternate translation: “Being circumcised … being uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	19	nc2u	figs-ellipsis	τήρησις ἐντολῶν Θεοῦ	1	Was anyone called in uncircumcision?	Here Paul omits some words that may be necessary in your language to complete the thought. If your language does require more words, you could infer them from the first half of the verse. Alternate translation: “observance of the commandments of God is everything” or “observance of the commandments of God is important” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	19	vx9p	figs-abstractnouns	τήρησις ἐντολῶν	1	Was anyone called in uncircumcision?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **observance**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “observe.” Alternate translation: “observing the commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	19	he16	figs-abstractnouns	ἐντολῶν Θεοῦ	1	Was anyone called in uncircumcision?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **commandments**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “command.” Alternate translation: “what God commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	20	khsd	figs-infostructure	ἕκαστος ἐν τῇ κλήσει ᾗ ἐκλήθη, ἐν ταύτῃ μενέτω	1	General Information:	The order of elements in this sentence might be confusing in your language. If your language would structure this sentence in a different way, you could rearrange the elements so that they sound more natural. Paul has arranged the elements to emphasize **in the calling in which he was called**, so retain the emphasis on this element if possible. Alternate translation: “Let each one remain in the calling in which he was called” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	7	20	ssaq		ἐν τῇ κλήσει ᾗ ἐκλήθη	1	General Information:	Alternate translation: “in the calling which God gave to him” or “in his own calling from God”
1CO	7	20	yy8l	figs-gendernotations	ἐκλήθη…μενέτω	1	General Information:	Here, the words translated **he** and **him** are written in masculine form, but they refer to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **he** and **him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she was called, let him or her remain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	20	hsz1	figs-activepassive	ἐκλήθη	1	in the calling … he should remain	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God called him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	20	s3mh	figs-imperative	μενέτω	1	in the calling … he should remain	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “he must remain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	20	hrqk	figs-metaphor	ἐν ταύτῃ μενέτω	1	in the calling … he should remain	Here, **remain in** refers to faithfully serving God in a specific situation. In other words, Paul does not want them to try to change their social and economic situation. Instead, they should serve God in the situation in which God **called** them. If **remain in** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “let him live his life in that” or “let him be content in that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	21	ag5a	figs-yousingular	ἐκλήθης…σοι…δύνασαι	1	Were you … called you? Do not be … you can become	Here Paul addresses specific individuals within the Corinthian church. Because of this, **you** in this verse is always singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	7	21	nli9	figs-rquestion	δοῦλος ἐκλήθης? μή σοι μελέτω	1	Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to identify people who fit into the situation he describes. If someone answered “yes” to this question, then the following command applies to them. If this question would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a different way to identify to whom the command applies. Alternate translation: “If you were called as a slave, let it not be a concern to you.” or “Some of you were called as slaves. If that is you, let it not be a concern to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	7	21	emau	figs-activepassive	ἐκλήθης	1	Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “Did God call you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	21	l8qt	figs-imperative	μή σοι μελέτω	1	Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should,” or you could rephrase the imperative. Alternate translation: “Do not be concerned about it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	21	y02l	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ καὶ δύνασαι ἐλεύθερος γενέσθαι, μᾶλλον χρῆσαι	1	Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned	Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a person might be **able to become free**, or that person might not. He then specifies the result for if someone is **able to become free**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “indeed whoever is able to become free should take advantage of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	21	h7e1		χρῆσαι	1	Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned	Alternate translation: “use the opportunity that you have”
1CO	7	22	mgt6	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1	the Lord’s freeman	Here, **For** provides support for the claim that Paul made at the beginning of the previous verse that those who are slaves should not be concerned by that ([7:21](../07/21.md)). If this connection would be misunderstood in your language, you could make what **For** supports explicit. Alternate translation: “Do not be concerned about being a slave because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	7	22	l6vq	figs-activepassive	ὁ…ἐν Κυρίῳ κληθεὶς…ὁ…κληθεὶς	1	the Lord’s freeman	If your language does not use the passive form in these ways, you could express the ideas in active form or in other ways that are natural in your language. If you must state who did the actions, Paul implies that “God” did them. Alternate translation: “the one whom God called in the Lord as … the one whom God called” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	22	gy9z	figs-metaphor	ἐν Κυρίῳ	1	the Lord’s freeman	Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in the Lord**, or united to the Lord, identifies the person **who was called** as someone who is united to the **Lord**. Alternate translation: “to be united to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	22	ie5k	figs-possession	ἀπελεύθερος Κυρίου	1	the Lord’s freeman	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe someone who is a **freedman** in the perspective of **the Lord**. In other words, while the person may be a slave in terms of human thinking, that person is a **freedman** before **the Lord**. If your language you would not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea by speaking about the Lord’s “perspective” or “sight.” Alternate translation: “is a freedman in the Lord’s eyes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	7	22	npb1	figs-possession	δοῦλός…Χριστοῦ	1	the Lord’s freeman	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe someone who is a **slave** who belongs to **Christ**. In other words, while the person may be free in terms of human thinking, that person is a **slave** in relationship to **Christ**. If your language you would not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea by using a phrase such as “belonging to.” Alternate translation: “a slave who belongs to Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	7	23	m53p	figs-activepassive	τιμῆς ἠγοράσθητε	1	You have been bought with a price	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God bought you with a price” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	23	sgft	figs-metaphor	τιμῆς ἠγοράσθητε	1	You have been bought with a price	Here Paul speaks if the Corinthians were slaves whom God had **bought with a price** from someone else. Paul is speaking of what we often call “redemption.” The **price** is Christ’s death on the cross, which “redeems” believers from sin and evil powers. This is an important biblical metaphor, so if possible preserve the metaphor or express it as an analogy. Alternate translation: “you were bought with a price, which is the Messiah’s death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	23	pe5g	figs-metaphor	μὴ γίνεσθε δοῦλοι ἀνθρώπων	1	You have been bought with a price	Here Paul uses **slaves** as a description of anyone who follows and obeys someone else. Paul wants the Corinthians, whether they are **slaves** or “freedmen” in social and economic terms, to only obey and serve God, not **men**. If **slaves** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul has “serving” and “obeying” in mind. Alternate translation: “do not obey men” or “do not serve mere humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	23	pjgp	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώπων	1	You have been bought with a price	Although the word translated **men** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	24	jio8			0	General Information	This verse is very similar to [7:20](../07/20.md).
1CO	7	24	s3ms	figs-infostructure	ἕκαστος ἐν ᾧ ἐκλήθη…ἐν τούτῳ μενέτω παρὰ Θεῷ.	1	Brothers	The order of elements in this sentence might be confusing in your language. If your language would structure this sentence in a different way, you could rearrange the elements so that they sound more natural. Paul has arranged the elements to emphasize **each one in that which he was called**, so retain the emphasis on this element if possible. Alternate translation: “let each one remain with God in that which he was called” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	7	24	yrp9		ἐν ᾧ ἐκλήθη	1	Brothers	Alternate translation: “in that which God gave to him” or “in what he received from God”
1CO	7	24	qu1l	figs-gendernotations	ἐκλήθη, ἀδελφοί…μενέτω	1	Brothers	Although **brothers**, **he**, and **him** are masculine, Paul is using these words to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If **brothers**, **he**, and **him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters … he or she was called, let him or her remain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	24	c83e	figs-activepassive	ἐκλήθη	1	was called	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God called him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	24	ghrk	figs-imperative	μενέτω	1	was called	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “he must remain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	24	wix0	figs-metaphor	ἐν τούτῳ μενέτω παρὰ Θεῷ	1	was called	Here, **remain with God in that** refers to faithfully serving God in a specific situation. In other words, Paul does not want them to try to change their social and economic situation. Instead, they should serve God in the situation in which God called them. If **remain with God in that** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “let him live his life with God in that” or “let him be content serving God in that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	25	ag3x	grammar-connect-words-phrases	περὶ δὲ	1	Now concerning those who never married, I have no commandment from the Lord	Just as in [7:1](../07/01.md), **Now concerning** introduces a new topic that Paul wishes to address. Likely, the topics that he introduces in this way are what the Corinthians wrote to him about. Translate **Now concerning** here as you did in [7:1](../07/01.md). Alternate translation: “Next, about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	7	25	f71a	translate-unknown	ἐπιταγὴν Κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω	1	Now concerning those who never married, I have no commandment from the Lord	Here Paul wishes to clarify that he is speaking out of the authority that he has as an apostle. He is not referring to anything that the Lord said while he was on earth, unlike what Paul did in [7:10](../07/10.md). If **I do not have a command of the Lord** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use the language of “authority” or “quotation.” Alternate translation: “I do not quote from the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	25	q3k1	figs-abstractnouns	ἐπιταγὴν Κυρίου	1	Now concerning those who never married, I have no commandment from the Lord	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **command**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “command.” Alternate translation: “anything that the Lord commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	25	vaa4	translate-unknown	γνώμην…δίδωμι	1	I give my opinion	Here **I give an opinion** identifies that Paul is speaking from his own knowledge and authority. He wants the Corinthians to take this as strong advice, not as a command from God. If **I give an opinion** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that what Paul says is not as strong as a command. Alternate translation: “I give my own view” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	25	iuyv	figs-abstractnouns	γνώμην…δίδωμι	1	I give my opinion	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **opinion**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “think.” Alternate translation: “I say what I think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	25	qqz7	figs-activepassive	ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ Κυρίου	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must express who did the action, Paul states that “the Lord” did it. Alternate translation: “one to whom the Lord has given mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	25	lyqi	figs-abstractnouns	ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ Κυρίου	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **mercy**, you could express the idea by using a adverb such as “mercifully” or an adjective such as “merciful.” Alternate translation: “having received what the Lord has mercifully done to make me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	26	zf3o	grammar-connect-words-phrases	οὖν	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	Here, **Therefore** does not refer back to how Paul has received mercy from God. Rather, **Therefore** introduces the “opinion” that Paul said he was going to “give” ([725](../07/25.md)). If **Therefore** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a statement that one has already spoken about. Alternate translation: “Here is my opinion:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	7	26	hq08	figs-doublet	τοῦτο καλὸν ὑπάρχειν διὰ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην, ὅτι καλὸν	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	Here Paul repeats **good** because in his language it was a natural way to remind the reader that he had already said **this is good**. If your language would not use repetition in this way, you could use only one **good**. Alternate translation: “that, because of the coming distress, {it is} good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	7	26	kqxa	figs-infostructure	τοῦτο καλὸν ὑπάρχειν διὰ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην, ὅτι καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ τὸ οὕτως εἶναι	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	Here Paul interrupts his sentence to include the reason why he thinks that this is **good** advice. He does this to emphasize **the coming distress**. If Paul’s structure would be misunderstood in your language, you could rearrange the sentence and represent the emphasis on **the coming crisis** in another way. Alternate translation: “that it is good for a man to remain as he is. This is because of the coming distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	7	26	lvoc	translate-unknown	τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	Here, **coming** could refer to (1) something that is about to happen. Alternate translation: “of the distress that will soon be here” (2) something that is already happening. Alternate translation: “of the present distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	26	a25d	translate-unknown	τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	Here, **distress** could refer to (1) general suffering and persecution of the church throughout the world. Alternate translation: “of the coming general distress” (2) suffering and difficulties that the Corinthian believers are experiencing. Alternate translation: “of the distress coming on your group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	26	ikl6	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώπῳ…τὸ οὕτως	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	Here, the words translated **man** and **he** are written in masculine form, but they refer to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **man** and **he** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using words that do not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “for a person … as he or she is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	26	r3xs		τὸ οὕτως εἶναι	1	as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, is trustworthy	Alternate translation: “to stay in the position he is in”
1CO	7	27	a77x	figs-yousingular	δέδεσαι…λέλυσαι	1	General Information:	Here Paul addresses specific individuals within the Corinthian church. Because of this, **you** in this verse is always singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	7	27	k9td	figs-rquestion	δέδεσαι γυναικί? μὴ ζήτει…λέλυσαι ἀπὸ γυναικός? μὴ ζήτει	1	Are you married to a wife? Do not	Paul does not ask these questions because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks them to identify people who fit into the situations he describes. If someone answered “yes” to one of these questions, then the following command applies to that person. If these questions would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a different way to identify to whom the command applies. Alternate translation: “If you are bound to a woman, do not seek … If you are released from a woman, do not seek” or “Some of you are bound to a woman. If that is you, do not seek … Some of you are released from a woman. If that is you, do not seek” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	7	27	r4kt	figs-idiom	δέδεσαι γυναικί	1	Are you married to a wife? Do not	Here, **bound to a woman** could refer to (1) a man being engaged to marry a woman. Alternate translation: “Are you engaged to a woman” (2) a man being married to a woman. Alternate translation: “Are you married” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	27	x2lk	figs-idiom	μὴ ζήτει λύσιν	1	Do not seek a divorce	Here, **released** could refer to (1) breaking off an engagement or betrothal. Alternate translation: “Do not seek to break off the betrothal” (2) ending a marriage. Alternate translation: “DO not seek a divorce” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	27	ypa2	figs-idiom	λέλυσαι ἀπὸ γυναικός	1	Do not seek a divorce	Here, **released from a woman** could refer to (1) someone who has never been engaged or married. Alternate translation: “Are you single” (2) someone who has been engaged or married but broken the marriage or engagement. Alternate translation: “Have you broken up with your fiancee” or “Have you divorced your wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	27	cgc7	figs-activepassive	μὴ ζήτει λύσιν. λέλυσαι ἀπὸ γυναικός	1	Do not seek a divorce	If your language does not use the passive form in these ways, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the actions, Paul implies that either **you** or a “judge” did it. Alternate translation: “Do not seek to break up. Do you have no woman” or “Do not seek for a judge to release you. Has a judge released you from a woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	27	d79c	figs-idiom	μὴ ζήτει γυναῖκα	1	do not seek a wife	Here, to **seek a woman** refers to searching for a **woman** to marry. If **seek a woman** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or expression. Alternate translation: “Do not look for a wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	28	sip2	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	δὲ	1	I want to spare you from this	Here, **But** introduces an exception to Paul’s general advice in the previous verse ([7:27](../07/27.md)). If **But** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an exception. Alternate translation: “In fact, though,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	7	28	hi7o	figs-yousingular	γαμήσῃς, οὐχ ἥμαρτες	1	I want to spare you from this	Here Paul addresses specific men within the Corinthian church. Because of this, **you** here is singular. The **you** at the end of the verse is plural because it has both the men and the women in mind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	7	28	c66v	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν…καὶ γαμήσῃς, οὐχ ἥμαρτες	1	I want to spare you from this	Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a man might **marry**, or a man might not. He then specifies the result for if the man does **marry**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “whichever man does indeed marry has not sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	28	ad8m	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν γήμῃ ἡ παρθένος, οὐχ ἥμαρτεν	1	I want to spare you from this	Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that a **virgin** might **marry**, or she might not. He then specifies the result for if the **virgin** does **marry**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “whichever virgin marries has not sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	28	cav7	writing-pronouns	οἱ τοιοῦτοι	1	I want to spare you from this	Here, **those of such a kind** refers back to the man and **the virgin** who **marry**. If **those of such a kind** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it refers to married people. Alternate translation: “those who are married” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	28	r2qf	translate-unknown	θλῖψιν…τῇ σαρκὶ ἕξουσιν	1	I want to spare you from this	Here, **distress in the flesh** refers to the same problems and troubles that Paul has already called “the coming distress” in [7:26](../07/26.md). The phrase does not refer to marital problems or fights with one’s spouse. Rather, it refers to extra **distress** that married people will experience while suffering under persecution and troubles. If **distress in the flesh** would be misunderstood in your language, refer to how you translated “the coming distress” in [7:26](../07/26.md) and make the connection to that phrase clear. Alternate translation: “will experience the distress in the flesh that I have already said is coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	28	m6ea	figs-abstractnouns	θλῖψιν…ἕξουσιν	1	I want to spare you from this	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **distress**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “suffer.” Alternate translation: “will suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	28	whf5	writing-pronouns	ἐγὼ…ὑμῶν φείδομαι	1	I want to spare you from this	The word **this** refers back to the **distress in the flesh**. If **this** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it refers to the **distress**. Alternate translation: “I want to spare you from this distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	28	tcwd	figs-idiom	ὑμῶν φείδομαι	1	I want to spare you from this	Here, **to spare you from this** refers to Paul’s desire to keep the Corinthians from experiencing the **distress** he has mentioned. If **to spare you from this** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or expression. Alternate translation: “want to help you avoid this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	29	oq9f	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο…φημι	1	The time is short	Here, **this** refers forward to what Paul is about to say. Paul refers to what he will say before he says it in order to emphasize what he is about to say. If your language would not use **this** to refer to something that will soon be said, you could use a word or phrase that does introduces something about to be said and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “listen to what I am about to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	29	dv1e	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	The time is short	Although **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If **brothers** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	29	r594	figs-metaphor	ὁ καιρὸς συνεσταλμένος ἐστίν	1	The time is short	When **time is shortened**, an event at the end of that **time** is about to happen. In other words, something is about to happen. If **The time is shortened** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable metaphor or a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “There is not much time left” or “The time until the event occurs is short” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	29	j9ev	figs-activepassive	ὁ καιρὸς συνεσταλμένος ἐστίν	1	The time is short	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God has shortened the time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	29	dp57	figs-explicit	ὁ καιρὸς	1	The time is short	Here, **The time** could refer to the **time** until (1) the events of the end times begin. Alternate translation: “The time until the end” or “The time until Jesus comes back” (2) the “distress” he has mentioned in [7:26](../07/26.md), [28](../07/28.md) begins. Alternate translation: “The time until the distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	29	ufy2	grammar-connect-logic-result	τὸ λοιπὸν, ἵνα	1	The time is short	Here Paul introduces how the Corinthians should behave now that the **time** has been **shortened**. If **so that from now on** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that draws an inference or introduces a result. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “This means that, from the present on” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	7	29	dpii		ὡς μὴ ἔχοντες ὦσιν	1	The time is short	Alternate translation: “should behave like those who have none”
1CO	7	29	vcsw	writing-pronouns	μὴ ἔχοντες	1	The time is short	Here, **none** refers back to **wives**. If **none** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that it refers to **wives**. Alternate translation: “those having no wives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	30	vm8k	figs-ellipsis	οἱ κλαίοντες, ὡς μὴ κλαίοντες; καὶ οἱ χαίροντες, ὡς μὴ χαίροντες; καὶ οἱ ἀγοράζοντες, ὡς μὴ κατέχοντες	1	those who weep	Here Paul omits some words that may be needed in your language to complete the thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them in the last verse, and the Corinthians would have understood them from that verse. If your language does need these words, you could supply “should be as those” from [7:29](../07/29.md). Alternate translation: “those who weep should as those not weeping; and those who rejoice should be as those not rejoicing; and those who buy should be as those not possessing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	30	qziw	figs-ellipsis	οἱ ἀγοράζοντες, ὡς μὴ κατέχοντες	1	those who weep	Here Paul omits what the people **buy** and are **possessing**. If your language would state what is bought and possessed, you could include a general or vague object. Alternate translation: “those who buy things, as not possessing those things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	30	no3s		καὶ οἱ κλαίοντες, ὡς μὴ κλαίοντες; καὶ οἱ χαίροντες, ὡς μὴ χαίροντες; καὶ οἱ ἀγοράζοντες, ὡς μὴ κατέχοντες	1	those who weep	Alternate translation: “and those who weep should behave like those who do not weep; and those who rejoice should behave like those who do not rejoice; and those who buy should behave like those who do not possess”
1CO	7	31	rhoz	figs-ellipsis	οἱ χρώμενοι τὸν κόσμον, ὡς μὴ καταχρώμενοι	1	those using the world	Here Paul omits some words that may be needed in your language to complete the thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them in [7:29](../07/29.md), and the Corinthians would have understood them from that verse. If your language does need these words, you could supply “should be as those” from [7:29](../07/29.md). Alternate translation: “those using the world should be as not using it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	31	t41v	translate-unknown	οἱ χρώμενοι τὸν κόσμον, ὡς μὴ καταχρώμενοι	1	those using the world	Here, **using** refers to taking something and doing work with it. Paul here refers to taking things that belong to the world and doing work with them. If **using** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to performing a task with something that one possesses. Alternate translation: “those doing things with the world, as not doing things with it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	31	u5qh	figs-synecdoche	τὸν κόσμον	1	those using the world	Here, **the world** specifically focuses on people and things that belong to **the world**. If **the world** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is focusing on things that belong to **the world**. Alternate translation: “something worldly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	7	31	jl2r	translate-unknown	τὸ σχῆμα τοῦ κόσμου τούτου	1	as though they were not using it	Here, **present form of this world** refers to how **this world** is currently structured and how things work in **this world**. If **present form** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to how the world is right now. Alternate translation: “the current setup of this world” or “the way the world presently works” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	31	yl3s		παράγει	1	as though they were not using it	Alternate translation: “will soon end”
1CO	7	32	t4ab	translate-unknown	ἀμερίμνους…μεριμνᾷ	1	free from worries	Here, **free from concern** and **concerned** are opposites. They both refer to consistently thinking about and worrying about things. Paul wishes the Corinthians to think and worry about as few things as possible. In line with that, the only thing the **unmarried man** thinks and cares about is **the things of the Lord**. If **concern** and **concerned** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to thinking and worrying consistently about something. Alternate translation: “free from worry … is worried about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	32	f569	figs-genericnoun	ὁ ἄγαμος	1	concerned about	Here Paul refers to **The unmarried man** in the singular, but he is speaking generically about any **unmarried man**. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could use a form that does refer generically to people in your language. Alternate translation: “Each unmarried man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	32	d4zd	figs-gendernotations	ὁ ἄγαμος…ἀρέσῃ	1	concerned about	Here, Paul is referring only to men. He will go on address unmarried women in [7:34](../07/34.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	32	fouj	figs-activepassive	μεριμνᾷ	1	concerned about	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that the **unmarried man** himself did it. Alternate translation: “concerns himself with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	32	zqfz	figs-possession	τὰ τοῦ Κυρίου	1	concerned about	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe **things** that are directly related to **the Lord**. This phrase identifies anything that one does that relates to **the Lord**. If **the things of the Lord** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to anything related to **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “everything that concerns the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	7	32	g3nk		πῶς ἀρέσῃ τῷ Κυρίῳ	1	concerned about	Here, **how he might please the Lord** further explains what being **concerned about the things of the Lord** means. If **how** would not introduce a further explanation in your language, you could use a word or phrase that does introduce such an explanation. Alternate translation: “that is, how he might please the Lord”
1CO	7	33	upzf	figs-genericnoun	ὁ…γαμήσας	1	concerned about	Here Paul refers to **the married man** in the singular, but he is speaking generically about any married man. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could use a form that does refer generically to people in your language. Alternate translation: “each unmarried man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	33	hzcp	figs-activepassive	μεριμνᾷ	1	concerned about	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that **the married man** himself did it. Alternate translation: “concerns himself with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	33	gcvl	figs-possession	τὰ τοῦ κόσμου	1	concerned about	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe **things** that are directly related to the **world**. This phrase identifies anything that one does that relates to the **world**. If the **things of the world** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to anything related to the **world**. Alternate translation: “many things that relate to the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	7	33	sank	figs-genericnoun	τῇ γυναικί	1	concerned about	Here Paul refers to **the wife**, but he specifically has in mind the wife of the **married man** already mentioned. If your language would not use this form to refer to the man’s wife, you could express the idea more clearly. Alternate translation: “his wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	33	s16y	figs-metaphor	μεμέρισται	1	concerned about	Here Paul speaks as if the man **is divided** into two pieces. By speaking in this way, Paul means that the **married man** has conflicting interests or concerns. He is concerned about how to please the Lord and how to please his wife. If **is divided** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “he is pulled in two directions” or “he is of two minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	33	llv3	figs-activepassive	μεμέρισται	1	concerned about	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that the man’s “concerns” did it. Alternate translation: “concerns about the Lord and the world divide him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	33	z7rv	figs-genericnoun	ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄγαμος καὶ ἡ παρθένος	1	concerned about	Here Paul refers to *the unmarried woman** and **the virgin** in the singular, but he is speaking generically about **unmarried woman** or **virgin**. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could use a form that does refer generically to people in your language. Alternate translation: “each unmarried woman or virgin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	33	hnoo	translate-unknown	ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄγαμος καὶ ἡ παρθένος	1	concerned about	Here Paul could be distinguishing between: (1) older single women (**the unmarried woman**) and younger single women (**the virgin**). Alternate translation: “the older or younger single woman” (2) divorced women (**the unmarried woman**) and women who have never been married (**the virgin**). Alternate translation: “the divorced woman or the woman who has never married” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	34	ug6n	figs-activepassive	μεριμνᾷ	1	is concerned about	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “the unmarried woman or the virgin” ([7:33](../07/33.md)) did it. Alternate translation: “concerns himself with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	34	b884	figs-possession	τὰ τοῦ Κυρίου	1	is concerned about	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe **things** that are directly related to **the Lord**. This phrase identifies anything that one does that relates to **the Lord**. If **the things of the Lord** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to anything related to **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “everything that concerns the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	7	34	el97	figs-merism	καὶ τῷ σώματι καὶ τῷ πνεύματι	1	is concerned about	Here Paul refers to **the body** and **the spirit** as a way to refer to everything that a person is. The **body** is the outward part of the person, while the **spirit** is in the inward part of the person. If **both in the body and in the spirit** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that emphasizes that the entire person is in view. Alternate translation: “in body and soul” or “in every part” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
1CO	7	34	mfin	figs-gendernotations	ἡ…γαμήσασα	1	is concerned about	Here, **the one who is married** is feminine. If this is not clear for your readers, you could clarify that this phrase speaks about women. Alternate translation: “the woman who is married” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	34	h91l	figs-activepassive	μεριμνᾷ	2	is concerned about	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that **the one who is married** did it. Alternate translation: “concerns herself with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	34	edvb	figs-possession	τὰ τοῦ κόσμου	1	is concerned about	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe **things** that are directly related to **the world**. This phrase identifies anything that one does that relates to **the world**. If **the things of the world** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to anything related to **the world**. Alternate translation: “many things that relate to the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	7	34	puzh	figs-genericnoun	τῷ ἀνδρί	1	is concerned about	Here Paul refers to **the husband**, but he specifically has in mind the husband of the **the one who is married** already mentioned. If your language would not use this form to refer to the woman’s husband, you could express the idea more clearly. Alternate translation: “her husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	35	ah8e	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο	1	constraint	Here, **this** refers back to what Paul has said about how unmarried people can serve the Lord better in [7:32–34](../07/32.md). If **this** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify what it refers back to. Alternate translation: “this about marriage and serving the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	35	x1kh	figs-abstractnouns	πρὸς τὸ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν σύμφορον	1	constraint	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **benefit**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “benefit” or “help.” Alternate translation: “to benefit you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	35	rp3w	translate-unknown	βρόχον	1	constraint	Here, **constraint** refers to a noose or rope that ties someone or something up and keeps them in one place. Paul uses this word to tell the Corinthians that he is not trying to “tie” them to either marriage or singleness. If **constraint** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that expresses the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a noose” or “any hindrance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	35	op8w	figs-metaphor	βρόχον ὑμῖν ἐπιβάλω	1	constraint	Here, Paul speaks as if he could tie the Corinthians up and control where they went as if they were farm animals. Paul speaks in this way to refer to commands that require certain behavior, just like a rope requires an animal to stay in a certain area. If **put any constraint on you** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “tie you up” or “require one way of living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	35	a5sg	figs-idiom	πρὸς τὸ	2	constraint	Here, **toward** introduces the purpose of what Paul has said. If **toward what {is}** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces what follows as a purpose or goal. Alternate translation: “in order that you may act in ways that are” or “with the goal of doing what is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	35	ffx4	translate-unknown	τὸ εὔσχημον καὶ εὐπάρεδρον	1	devoted	Here, **appropriate** refers to behavior that fits a situation or relationship properly. The word **devoted** describes to someone that does a good job of helping someone else. If **appropriate and devoted** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use words or phrases that express the ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what {is} proper and helpful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	35	ms4g	translate-unknown	ἀπερισπάστως	1	devoted	Here, **without any distraction** means that nothing is hindering specific actions. If **without any distraction** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that describes a situation in which nothing is hindering an action. Alternate translation: “without hindrance” or “with full attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	35	ip8a	figs-abstractnouns	ἀπερισπάστως	1	devoted	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **distraction**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “distract.” Alternate translation: “without being distracted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	36	t87y			0	he is acting improperly toward	This verse has two primary interpretations: (1) the fiancé interpretation, which suggests that the verse is about a man who is engaged to marry a woman. In this case, Paul is saying that the man should marry his fiancée if he thinks he is acting improperly and if she is of a certain age. (2) the father interpretation, which suggests that the verse is about a father who has a daughter. In this case, Paul is saying that the father should allow his daughter to get married if he thinks he is acting improperly and if the daughter is of a certain age. In the notes that follow, I will identify which choices match with which of these two major options.
1CO	7	36	lx6q	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ…τις ἀσχημονεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν παρθένον αὐτοῦ νομίζει, ἐὰν ᾖ ὑπέρακμος καὶ οὕτως ὀφείλει γίνεσθαι	1	he is acting improperly toward	Here, Paul uses **if** to introduce two true possibilities. He means that a man might **be acting improperly**, or the man might not be. He also means that the woman might be **beyond the age of marriage**, or she might not be. He then specifies the result for if the man is **acting improperly** and the woman is **beyond the age of marriage**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by describing the specific situation. Alternate translation: “someone might think he is acting improperly toward his virgin, and she might be beyond the age of marriage. In this situation, it must be so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	36	qw58	writing-pronouns	τις	1	he is acting improperly toward	Here, **anyone** could refer to: (1) a man who is engaged to the **virgin**. This fits with the fiancé interpretation. Alternate translation: “any fiancé” (2) a father has a daughter who is a **virgin**. This fits with the father interpretation. Alternate translation: “any father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	36	jn8j	translate-unknown	ἀσχημονεῖν ἐπὶ	1	he is acting improperly toward	The phrase **acting improperly** is often used to refer to sexual impropriety, including shameful nakedness or improper sexual behavior. Therefore, **acting improperly** could refer to: (1) engaging in or wishing to engage in improper sexual behavior. This fits with the fiancé interpretation. Alternate translation: “he might have improper sex with” (2) wrongly prohibiting a daughter from marrying and thus shaming her. This fits with the father interpretation. Alternate translation: “he is wrongly shaming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	36	dsma	translate-unknown	τὴν παρθένον αὐτοῦ	1	he is acting improperly toward	Here, **his virgin** could refer to: (1) a woman who is engaged to a man. This fits with the fiancé interpretation. Alternate translation: “his fiancée” (2) a daughter who has never married. This fits with the father interpretation. Alternate translation: “his unmarried daughter”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	36	crb8	figs-gendernotations	ᾖ	1	his virgin	Here, the word translated **she** could refer to a man or to a woman. If it refers to: (1) a woman, it identifies something about the woman as the reason for the man and woman to get married. This fits with both the father and the fiancé interpretations. (2) a man, it identifies something about the man as the reason for the man and woman to get married. This fits best with the fiancé interpretation. Alternate translation: “he” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	7	36	whuj	translate-unknown	ὑπέρακμος	1	his virgin	Here, the word translated **beyond the age of marriage** could describe: (1) a person who is older than the normal age at which a person gets married. This fits with both the father and the fiancé interpretations. Alternate translation: “is older than average to get married” (2) a person who has reached full sexual maturity. This fits with both the father and the fiancé interpretations. Alternate translation: “is fully matured” or “is ready to have sex” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	36	m0hq	writing-pronouns	ὑπέρακμος καὶ οὕτως ὀφείλει γίνεσθαι…ποιείτω	1	his virgin	Here, **it** could refer to: (1) what Paul is about to say, which is **he should do what he wants**. Alternate translation: “is beyond the age of marriage—then this is how it must be: he should do” (2) the necessity of getting married. Alternate translation: “is beyond the age of marriage and it seems necessary to marry—he should do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	36	wfea	writing-pronouns	ὃ θέλει ποιείτω	1	his virgin	Here, **he** refers to: (1) the fiancé, who wants to get married. Alternate translation: “the fiancé should do what he wants” (2) the father, who wants his daughter to get married. Alternate translation: “the father should do what he wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	36	pyh7	figs-explicit	ὃ θέλει ποιείτω	1	let them marry	Here, **what he wants** could refer to: (1) how the fiancé wants to get married and have sex. Alternate translation: “he should get married as he wants to” (2) how the father wants his daughter to get married. Alternate translation: “he should give her in marriage as he wants to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	36	ugk2	figs-imperative	ποιείτω	1	let them marry	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “must” or “let.” Alternate translation: “let him do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	36	j6lc	figs-imperative	γαμείτωσαν	1	let them marry	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “can.” Alternate translation: “they can marry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	7	36	wdj5	writing-pronouns	γαμείτωσαν	1	let them marry	Here, **them** identifies the man and the woman who are getting married. This fits with both the fiancé interpretation and the father interpretation. Alternate translation: “let the man and the woman marry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	37	ta66			0	But if he is standing firm in his heart	Much like the previous verse ([7:36](../07/36.md)), this verse has two primary interpretations: (1) the fiancé interpretation, which suggests that the verse is about a man who is engaged to marry a woman. In this case, Paul is saying that the man who decides not to marry his fiancée does **well**. (2) the father interpretation, which suggests that the verse is about a father who has a daughter. In this case, Paul is saying that the father who decides to keep his daughter from marrying does **well**. In the notes that follow, I will identify which any choices that specifically match with these two major options. Follow the interpretation that you chose in the last verse.
1CO	7	37	nm99	figs-metaphor	ἕστηκεν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἑδραῖος	1	But if he is standing firm in his heart	Here Paul speaks as if a person’s **heart** were a place in which he or she could “stand firm.” By speaking in this way, Paul means that the person will not change what they have decided in his or her **heart**. It is as if they are standing **firm** in a specific location. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “who settles on a decision” or “firmly decides” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	37	uthl	figs-metonymy	ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ…ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ καρδίᾳ	1		In Paul’s culture, the **heart** is the place where humans think and plan. If that meaning of **heart** would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the place where humans think in your culture or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in his mind … in his own mind” or “in what he has planned … in what he himself has planned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	7	37	v41a	figs-abstractnouns	ἔχων ἀνάγκην	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **compulsion**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “compel.” Alternate translation: “through someone compelling him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	37	o8o2	figs-abstractnouns	ἐξουσίαν…ἔχει περὶ τοῦ ἰδίου θελήματος	1		If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **authority** and **will**, you could express the ideas by using verbs such as “control” and “want.” Alternate translation: “ruling over what he wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	37	vjrv	figs-infostructure	τοῦτο κέκρικεν ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ καρδίᾳ, τηρεῖν τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παρθένον, καλῶς ποιήσει	1		The order of these three phrases might be unnatural in your language. If the order is unnatural, you could reorder the phrases so that they sound more natural. Alternate translation: “he has decided in his own heart to keep his own virgin, this man will do well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	7	37	b7sk	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο…ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ καρδίᾳ, τηρεῖν	1		Here, **this** refers forward to what Paul is about to say: **to keep his own virgin**. If **this** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is talking about what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “in his own heart to do this—that is, to keep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	7	37	fny7	figs-idiom	τηρεῖν τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παρθένον	1		Here, **to keep his own virgin** means that: (1) the man does not marry his fiancée but leaves her as a **virgin**. This fits with the fiancé interpretation. Alternate translation: “to remain unmarried to his fiancée” (2) the father does not give his daughter in marriage but leaves her as a **virgin**. This fits with the father interpretation. Alternate translation: “not to give his daughter in marriage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	7	37	k842	figs-ellipsis	καλῶς ποιήσει	1		Here Paul omits what it is that is done **well**. The Corinthians would have inferred from the verse that Paul means that keeping **his own virgin** is what he does **well**. If this inference would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify what is done **well**. Alternate translation: “he is right to do this” or “this is a good choice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	7	37	mebk	figs-pastforfuture	ποιήσει	1		Here Paul uses the future tense to identify something that is true in general. If your language would not use the future tense for something that is generally true, you could use whatever tense is natural here. Alternate translation: “he does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
1CO	7	38	c93x	figs-genericnoun	ὁ γαμίζων…ὁ μὴ γαμίζων	1		Paul uses the words **the one who marries** and **the one who does not marry** to speak of people in general, not one specific man. If the meaning of these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that indicates people in general. Alternate translation: “anyone who marries … anyone who does not marry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	7	38	px3z	translate-unknown	ὁ γαμίζων τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παρθένον	1		Here Paul could be referring to: (1) a man marrying his fiancée. This fits with the fiancé interpretation. Alternate translation: “the man who marries his fiancée” (2) a father giving his daughter in marriage. This fits with the father interpretation. Alternate translation: “a father who give his daughter in marriage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	38	idyk	translate-unknown	ὁ μὴ γαμίζων	1		Here Paul could be referring to: (1) a man not marrying his fiancée. This fits with the fiancé interpretation. Alternate translation: “the man who does not marry his fiancée” (2) a father not giving his daughter in marriage. This fits with the father interpretation. Alternate translation: “a father who does not give his daughter in marriage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	7	38	kdm6	figs-pastforfuture	ποιήσει	1		Here Paul uses the future tense to identify something that is true in general. If your language would not use the future tense for something that is generally true, you could use whatever tense is natural here. Alternate translation: “does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
1CO	7	39	d413	figs-metaphor	δέδεται ἐφ’	1	A wife is bound for as long as her husband lives	Here, **bound** refers to the legal and moral obligation to remain married. This obligation is strong enough that Paul can speak about it as if it were a rope that **bound** the man and the woman together. If **bound** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “is required to stay with her husband” or “is spoken for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	39	jhq4	figs-activepassive	γυνὴ δέδεται	1	A wife is bound for as long as her husband lives	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that ethics or laws did it. Alternate translation: “A wife must remain married” or “God’s law binds a wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	7	39	ms7z	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν…κοιμηθῇ ὁ ἀνήρ, ἐλευθέρα ἐστὶν	1	for as long as … lives	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **the husband** might ide, or he might not. He then specifies the result for if **the husband dies**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause. Alternate translation: “any wife whose husband dies is free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	7	39	f1dy	grammar-connect-exceptions	ἐλευθέρα ἐστὶν ᾧ θέλει γαμηθῆναι, μόνον ἐν Κυρίῳ	1	whomever she wishes	If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an this form. Alternate translation: “she is free to marry whomever she wishes as long as they are in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	7	39	y6rz	figs-metaphor	ἐν Κυρίῳ	1	whomever she wishes	Here, Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in the Lord**, or united to the Lord, identifies the person as someone who believes in Jesus. Alternate translation: “if they believe in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	7	40	hwz4	figs-abstractnouns	κατὰ τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην	1	my judgment	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **judgment**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “I judge that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	7	40	pse4	figs-explicit	οὕτως μείνῃ	1	lives as she is	Here Paul is referring back to wife whose husband had died from the previous verse ([7:39](../07/39.md)). By **remain as she is**, Paul means “remain unmarried after her husband died.” If **remain as she is** would be misunderstood in your language, you clarify that the wife from the previous verse is in view. Alternate translation: “she remains unmarried” or “she does not marry again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	7	40	hd7f	figs-explicit	κἀγὼ, Πνεῦμα Θεοῦ ἔχειν	1	happier	This could mean that (1) Paul thinks his **judgment** is backed up by **the Spirit of God**. Alternate translation: “I have the Spirit of God supporting my judgment” (2) Paul wishes to say that he has the **Spirit of God** as much as the Corinthians do. Alternate translation: “I also, not just you, have the Spirit of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	intro	c8l6			0		# 1 Corinthians 8 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>5. On food (8:1–11:1)<br>      * The truth about food and idols (8:1–6)<br>      * Respecting the “weak” (8:7–13)<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Things sacrificed to idols<br><br>In Paul’s culture, animals were often sacrificed to the gods. After the animal was slaughtered, the people who were participating in the worship would eat parts of the animal. In fact, for most people who were not wealthy, participating in worship with a sacrifice was one of the few situations in which they could eat meat. Throughout this chapter, Paul explains how the Corinthians should think about eating or not eating this meat. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])<br><br>### The “weak”<br><br>In [8:9](../08/09.md), [11](../08/11.md), Paul speaks about the “weak,” and in [8:7](../08/07.md), [10](../08/10.md), [12](../08/12.md), he mentions a “weak conscience,” which is the conscience of the “weak.” The “weak” person or conscience considers eating things sacrificed to idols to be sinful and participation in idolatry. Perhaps “weak” was a word that the Corinthians were using for fellow believers who were not comfortable eating food sacrificed idols. Paul urges the Corinthians to respect these “weak” people, even if it means never eating meat again. While Paul never uses the word “strong” in this section, the “strong would probably be those who are comfortable eating meat sacrificed to an idol. <br><br>### Knowledge<br><br>Paul refers to “knowledge” in [8:1](../08/01.md), [7](../08/7.md), [10–11](../08/10.md) and to “knowing” in [8:2–4](../08/02.md). Throughout the chapter, the one who has “knowledge” is contrasted with the one who is “weak.” In [8:4–6](../08/04.md), Paul explains what this “knowledge” is about: while other people may name many gods and many lords, believers know that there is only one God and one Lord. Because of this “knowledge,” eating food sacrificed to idols has no significance, since there is only one God and Lord. Paul, however, urges the Corinthians to respect those who do not fully comprehend this “knowledge.” (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/know]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Building up<br><br>In [8:1](../08/01.md), Paul contrasts what “knowledge” does (“puffs up”) with what love does (“builds up”). “Building up” in this verse refers to helping other Christians grow in their knowledge of God and care for each other. In [8:10](../08/10.md), however, “building up” has a negative connotation. In this verse, the conscience of the “weak” is “built up,” which means that the “weak” person eats food sacrificed to idols despite his or her conscience says. “Building up” in this verse refers to strengthening a conscience so that one is able to do what one is uncomfortable with. <br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Other “gods” and “lords”<br><br>In [8:4–5](../08/04.md), Paul states that an idol is “nothing.” However, he also acknowledges that there are many so-called “gods” and “lords.” In [10:20–21](../10/20.md), Paul will make his point more clearly: those who sacrifice to idols are actually sacrificing to demons. So, Paul denies the existence of other “gods,” but he thinks that the idols do represent something: demons. In this chapter, you could clarify that Paul is speaking about what other people call “gods” and “lords.” (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])
1CO	8	1	cep1	grammar-connect-words-phrases	περὶ δὲ	1	Now about	Just as in 7:1, **Now about** introduces a new topic that Paul wishes to address. Likely, the topics that he introduces in this way are what the Corinthians wrote to him about. Translate **Now about** here as you translated “now concerning” in [7:1](../07/01.md), [7:25](../07/25.md). Alternate translation: “Next, about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	8	1	g5t3	translate-unknown	τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων	1	food sacrificed to idols	Here Paul speaks about animals that are slaughtered, offered to a god, and then eaten. For many people in Paul’s culture, this was the only meat that was available for them to eat. In many cases, people would eat this meat at a god’s temple or shrine. However, sometimes the meat could be sold to people, who would then eat it in their homes. In the next few chapters, Paul will speak about whether and how Christians should eat or not eat this meat. If your language has a specific word or phrase for meat from an animal that has been offered to a god, you could use it here. If your language does not have such a word, you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	8	1	beh8	figs-activepassive	τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων	1	food sacrificed to idols	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	8	1	vk06	figs-explicit	οἴδαμεν ὅτι πάντες γνῶσιν ἔχομεν	1	food sacrificed to idols	Here Paul could be (1) expressing his own view about **knowledge**. Alternate translation: “We know that we all indeed have knowledge” (2) quoting what the Corinthians said in their letter so that he can respond to it, much like he did in [6:12–13](../06/12.md); [7:1](../07/01.md). Alternate translation: “you wrote, ‘we know that we all have knowledge.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	1	a6hi	figs-explicit	πάντες γνῶσιν ἔχομεν	1	food sacrificed to idols	Here Paul does not specify what the **knowledge** is about. It becomes clear in [8:4–6](../08/4.md) that Paul is speaking about **knowledge** about other gods, specifically knowing that there is only one God and that other gods do not really exist. If possible, do not give further explanation of **knowledge** here, since Paul explains himself later on in the chapter. If you must specify what the **knowledge** is about, you could clarify that it is about the **idols** or the topic of **things sacrificed to idols**. Alternate translation: “we all have knowledge about idols” or “we all have knowledge about this issue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	1	ytrf	figs-abstractnouns	πάντες γνῶσιν ἔχομεν…ἡ γνῶσις	1		If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **knowledge**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: “we all know things. Knowing things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	8	1	yw8s	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη	1	but love builds up	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **love**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “love.” Alternate translation: “but loving other believers” or “but loving action” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	8	1	an8s	figs-metaphor	ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ	1	love builds up	Paul here speaks as if believers were a building that one **builds up**. With this metaphor, he emphasizes that **love** helps other believers become stronger and more mature, just like building a house makes it strong and complete. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “love enables other believers to grow” or “love edifies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	2	egjr	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ τις δοκεῖ ἐγνωκέναι τι, οὔπω ἔγνω	1	thinks he knows something	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that someone might think **he knows something**, or that person might not. He then specifies the result for if the person does think **he knows something**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause or by introducing the sentence with “whenever.” Alternate translation: “Anyone who thinks he knows something does not yet know” or “Whenever anyone thinks he knows something, he does not yet know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	8	2	qbh9	figs-gendernotations	ἐγνωκέναι…οὔπω ἔγνω…δεῖ	1	thinks he knows something	Although **he** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If **he** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she knows … he or she does not yet know … he or she ought” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	8	3	qsa7	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ…τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν Θεόν, οὗτος ἔγνωσται	1	that person is known by him	Just as in the last verse, here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that someone might love **God**, or that person might not. He then specifies the result for if the person does love **God**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by using a relative clause or by introducing the sentence with “whenever.” Alternate translation: “anyone who loves God is known” or “whenever anyone loves God, that one is known” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	8	3	etd6	figs-activepassive	οὗτος ἔγνωσται ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ	1	that person is known by him	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he knows that one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	8	3	lnwx	writing-pronouns	οὗτος…αὐτοῦ	1	that person is known by him	Here, **that one** refers back to **anyone**, and **him** refers back to **God**. If these pronouns would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify what they refer to. Alternate translation: “that person … God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	8	4	v4gx	grammar-connect-words-phrases	περὶ	1	General Information:	Here Paul repeats **about** from [8:1](../08/01.md) to let his readers know that he is going to speak directly about **things sacrificed to idols** again. If the repetition of the phrase from [8:1](../08/01.md) would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is returning to the topic he introduced there. Alternate translation: “returning to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	8	4	bgd2	figs-possession	τῆς βρώσεως…τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων	1	General Information:	Here Paul uses the possessive form to speak about **eating** meat **sacrificed to idols**. If your language does not use this form to express that meaning, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “eating things sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	8	4	wkep	translate-unknown	τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων	1	General Information:	Here, **the things sacrificed to idols** refers to meat that has been offered to an idol. Translate this phrase the same way you did in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “of meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	8	4	mbqo	figs-activepassive	τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων	1	General Information:	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “of the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	8	4	y3ee	figs-explicit	οἴδαμεν ὅτι οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ, καὶ ὅτι οὐδεὶς Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς	1	We know that an idol in this world is nothing and that there is no God but one	Here Paul could be (1) expressing his own view about **an idol** and **God**. Alternate translation: “We know that an idol in the world indeed {is} nothing that {there is} indeed no God except one” (2) quoting what the Corinthians said in their letter so that he can respond to it, much like he did in [6:12–13](../06/12.md); [7:1](../07/01.md). If you chose this option in [8:1](../08/01.md), you should also choose it here. Alternate translation: “you wrote, ‘we know that an idol in the world {is} nothing’ and, ‘{there is} no God except one’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	4	g67g	figs-metaphor	οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ	1		Here Paul says that **an idol** is **nothing** in order to emphasize that idols are not really gods. He is not saying that images or statues do not exist. If **nothing** would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify that Paul is speaking about how **an idol** does not have the power or existence of the true God. Alternate translation: “an idol in the world {is} not really a god” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	4	w8ar	grammar-connect-exceptions	οὐδεὶς Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς	1		If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “{there is} only one God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	8	4	tx5b	figs-explicit	εἰ μὴ εἷς	1		Here Paul does not directly quote from the Old Testament, but he uses words that would make any reader who is familiar with the Old Testament think about [Deuteronomy 6:4](deu/06/04.md), which says that “the Lord is one.” If your readers would not make this connection, you could include a footnote or a brief reference to Deuteronomy. Alternate translation: “except one, as the Scripture says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	5	s77m	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	καὶ…εἴπερ	1	so-called gods	Here, **even if** introduces a possibility that Paul does not believe to be true. In other words, Paul does not think that there are **many gods** and **many lords**. He does think that people speak about **many gods** and **many lords**. Thus, his main point is that, no matter how many **gods** and **lord** other people talk about, believers only acknowledge one God and one Lord ([8:6](../08/206md)). If **even if** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “although it might be that” or “while some people claim that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	8	5	sl8j		εἰσὶν λεγόμενοι θεοὶ	1	so-called gods	Alternate translation: “people name many ‘gods’”
1CO	8	5	x4ob	figs-merism	θεοὶ, εἴτε ἐν οὐρανῷ εἴτε ἐπὶ γῆς	1	so-called gods	Paul speaks figuratively, using **heaven** and **earth** in order to include them and everything in between. By speaking in this way, he includes every place that God created. If this figure of speech would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “gods in all parts of creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
1CO	8	5	l7ib	figs-irony	θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κύριοι πολλοί	1	many “gods” and many “lords.”	Here Paul acknowledges that there are **many “gods”** and **“lords”**. He implies that **so-called** from earlier in the verse also applies here, so the ULT has put quotation marks around **gods** and **lords** to indicate that these are the names people use. Paul himself does not believe that what people call **gods** and **lords** really are those things; rather, [10:20–21](../10/20.md) suggests that Paul thinks these **gods** and **lords** are actually demons. If what Paul means by **“gods”** and **“lords”** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a form that indicates that Paul is speaking from someone else’s perspective. Alternate translation: “many so-called gods and many so-called lords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	8	6	y6hq	figs-explicit	ἡμῖν εἷς Θεὸς	1	Yet for us there is only one God	In this verse, Paul does not directly quote from the Old Testament, but he uses words that would make any reader who is familiar with the Old Testament think about [Deuteronomy 6:4](deu/06/04.md), just like he did in [8:4](../08/04.md). The Old Testament passage says, “The Lord is our God, the Lord is one.” If your readers would not make this connection, you could include a footnote or a brief reference to Deuteronomy. Alternate translation: “we accept from the Scriptures that {there is} one God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	6	sv67	guidelines-sonofgodprinciples	ὁ Πατὴρ	1	Yet for us there is only one God	**Father** is an important title that describes one person in the Trinity. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “that is, the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1CO	8	6	x3d6	figs-explicit	ἐξ οὗ τὰ πάντα	1	Yet for us there is only one God	Here Paul emphasizes that **God the Father** created all things and is their ultimate source. If **from whom {are} all things** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that identifies **God the Father** as the creator of everything that exists. Alternate translation: “who is the creator of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	6	vw06	figs-explicit	ἡμεῖς εἰς αὐτόν	1	Yet for us there is only one God	Here Paul emphasizes that the purpose for which **we** exist is to serve and honor God. If **for whom we {are}** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that identifies **God the Father** as the goal or purpose of Christian life. Alternate translation: “whom we are to serve” or “whom we worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	6	cokf	figs-explicit	δι’ οὗ τὰ πάντα	1	Yet for us there is only one God	Here Paul emphasizes that the **Lord Jesus Christ** is the agent through whom **God the Father** created all things. If **through whom all things {are}** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a phrase that identifies the **Lord Jesus Christ** as the agent in the creation of everything that exists. Alternate translation: “through whom God the Father created all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	6	jsqb	figs-explicit	ἡμεῖς δι’ αὐτοῦ	1	Yet for us there is only one God	Here Paul could be expressing the idea (1) that **we** exist because of what Christ has done by creating and then saving us. Alternate translation: “through whom we live” (2) that **we** have been saved and given new life by Christ. Alternate translation: “through whom we have new life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	7	th5p	figs-metaphor	οὐκ ἐν πᾶσιν ἡ γνῶσις	1	General Information:	Here Paul speaks as if **everyone** were a container in which **knowledge** could be stored, but some people do not have **knowledge** stored in them. He speaks in this way to show that not everyone understands what he has just said about how God the Father and Jesus are the only God and Lord. If your readers would misunderstand the idea that **knowledge** is **not in** someone, you could use a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “not everyone knows this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	7	v7lt	figs-idiom	τῇ συνηθείᾳ…τοῦ εἰδώλου	1	everyone … some	The Corinthians would have understood **the custom of the idols** to refer to regular practices associated with worshiping **idols**, including eating meat **sacrificed to idols**. If your readers would misunderstand **the custom of the idols**, you could refer to worshiping idols “regularly.” Alternate translation: “regularly involved in worshiping idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	8	7	heud	figs-abstractnouns	τῇ συνηθείᾳ…τοῦ εἰδώλου	1	everyone … some	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **custom**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “used to” or “accustomed.” Alternate translation: “accustomed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	8	7	e737	figs-explicit	ἕως ἄρτι	1	everyone … some	Here, **now** refers to the time since these people became believers. Paul means that these people worshiped idols until they became Christians, not until the time he writes this letter. If your readers would misunderstand **until now**, you could clarify that Paul is referring to when these people first believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “until they believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	7	jdnr	translate-unknown	εἰδωλόθυτον	1	everyone … some	Here, the **things sacrificed to idols** refers to meat that has been offered to an idol. Translate this phrase the same way you did in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	8	7	pdev	figs-activepassive	εἰδωλόθυτον	1	everyone … some	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	8	7	o04n	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	ὡς εἰδωλόθυτον ἐσθίουσιν	1	everyone … some	This phrase could refer to: (1) whenever the people that Paul is talking about eat **things sacrificed to idols**. Alternate translation: “happen to eat things sacrificed to idols” (2) how the people that Paul is talking about think that the **things sacrificed to idols** actually belongs to another god. Alternate translation: “eat meat as if it really were sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	8	7	xl4f	grammar-collectivenouns	ἡ συνείδησις αὐτῶν	1	everyone … some	The word **conscience** is a singular noun that refers to all **their** consciences. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “each of their consciences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
1CO	8	7	pbyx	figs-metaphor	ἀσθενὴς οὖσα	1	everyone … some	Here, **weak** identifies a **conscience** easily leads a person to feel guilty. A **weak** conscience condemns some things that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “being sensitive” or “which often condemns them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	7	ba7e	figs-activepassive	ἡ συνείδησις αὐτῶν ἀσθενὴς οὖσα μολύνεται	1	is defiled	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Luke implies that “they” did it. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “their conscience being weak, they defile it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	8	8	ii4m	figs-personification	βρῶμα…ἡμᾶς οὐ παραστήσει τῷ Θεῷ	1	food will not present us to God	Here Paul speaks as if **food** were a person who could **bring us near to God**. By speaking in this way, Paul discusses whether food can make our relationship with God stronger or not. Just like a person who cannot **bring us near** to someone so that we can know that person better, so food cannot make our relationship with God any stronger. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “food will not make our relationship with God any stronger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	8	8	yzt9	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	οὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν, ὑστερούμεθα; οὔτε ἐὰν φάγωμεν, περισσεύομεν	1	food will not present us to God	Here, Paul contrasts “eating” and “not eating” while negating both sides of the contrast. If your language does not use this form, you could express the idea with two negative clauses. Alternate translation: “we are not made to lack if we do not eat, and we do not abound if we eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	8	8	wp5k	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	οὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν, ὑστερούμεθα; οὔτε ἐὰν φάγωμεν, περισσεύομεν	1	food will not present us to God	Here Paul uses **if** twice to introduce true possibilities. He means that a person might **not eat**, or that person might **eat**. He specifies the result for each option. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statements by introducing them with a word such as “whenever” or by using relative clauses. Alternate translation: “neither are we made to lack whenever we do not eat, nor do we abound whenever we eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	8	8	x91v	figs-explicit	ὑστερούμεθα…περισσεύομεν	1	We are not worse if we do not eat, nor better if we do eat it	Here Paul does not specify what **we** might **lack** or **abound** in. If possible, do not specify this is in your translation. If you must clarify what we might **lack** or **abound**, Paul implies that it is God’s “favor” or “grace.” Alternate translation: “are we made to lack God’s grace … we abound in God’s grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	8	ciez	figs-explicit	μὴ φάγωμεν…φάγωμεν	1	We are not worse if we do not eat, nor better if we do eat it	Here Paul states a general principle, and he does not clarify what kinds of **food** he has in mind. If possible, do not specify what **we eat** in your translation. If you must clarify what **we eat**, you could include a vague or generic reference to “certain kinds of food.” Alternate translation: “we do not eat specific kinds of food … we eat specific kinds of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	9	ns0y	figs-explicit	ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη	1	those who are weak	Here Paul implies that their **authority** is over “food” as mentioned in the last verse ([8:8](../08/08.md)). The point is that food has no **authority** over believers, whether to make them more or less “near to God.” Instead, believers have **authority** over food and can thus eat whatever they want. If your readers would misunderstand what **authority** refers to here, you could clarify that it refers to **authority** over “food.” Alternate translation: “this authority of yours over food” or “this authority of yours concerning eating” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	9	vu0y	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη	1	those who are weak	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **authority**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “rule” or “manage” and include “food” or “eating” as the object. Alternate translation: “how you rule over food” or “how you manage your eating (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	8	9	loo1		ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη	1	those who are weak	Alternate translation: “this authority that you have”
1CO	8	9	f3ds	figs-metaphor	τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν	1	those who are weak	Much like in [8:7](../08/07.md), **weak** identifies a person who easily feels guilty. A **weak** person thinks some things are wrong that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “for the sensitive” or “for those who often condemn themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	9	deu5	figs-nominaladj	τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν	1	those who are weak	Paul is using the adjective **weak** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are weak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	8	10	usg7	grammar-connect-condition-fact	ἐὰν…τις ἴδῃ	1	sees the one who has	Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it will happen at some point. If your language does not state something as a condition if it will happen, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying might not happen, then you could introduce the clause by using a word such as “when” or “after”. Alternate translation: “whenever someone might see” or “after someone sees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	8	10	a7qn	figs-explicit	γνῶσιν	1	sees the one who has	Here Paul does not specify what the **knowledge** is about. However, it is clear from [8:4–6](../08/04.md) that Paul is speaking about **knowledge** about other gods, specifically knowing that there is only one God and that other gods do not really exist. If you must specify what the knowledge is about, you could clarify that it is about the idols or the topic of things sacrificed to idols. Alternate translation: “knowledge about idols” or “knowledge about this issue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	10	v611	figs-abstractnouns	τὸν ἔχοντα γνῶσιν	1	sees the one who has	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **knowledge**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: “the person who knows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	8	10	xhn9	translate-unknown	κατακείμενον	1	sees the one who has	In Paul’s culture, people ate lying down on their side (**reclining**). If your readers would misunderstand **reclining to eat**, you could use a word or phrase that describes the normal position for eating in your culture or indicate that the person is about to eat. Alternate translation: “about to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	8	10	ph53	figs-rquestion	οὐχὶ ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ ἀσθενοῦς ὄντος οἰκοδομηθήσεται, εἰς τὸ τὰ εἰδωλόθυτα ἐσθίειν	1	sees the one who has	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, it will be built up.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “his conscience, being weak, will surely be built up so as to eat the things sacrificed to idols.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	8	10	i6ej	figs-gendernotations	αὐτοῦ	1	his … conscience	Here, **his** is written in masculine form, but it refers to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If your readers would misunderstand **his**, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “his or her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	8	10	x5pa	figs-metaphor	οἰκοδομηθήσεται	1	built up so as to eat	Here, Paul speaks as if **his conscience** were a structure that could be **built up**. By speaking in this way, he means that the **conscience** becomes more confident or stronger, just a like a structure is stronger after it is **built up**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “will … become stronger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	10	t5ae	figs-activepassive	οὐχὶ ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ ἀσθενοῦς ὄντος οἰκοδομηθήσεται	1	built up so as to eat	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that seeing the person with knowledge eating in an idol’s temple did it. Alternate translation: “will this not build up his conscience, which is weak,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	8	10	ohzy	figs-metaphor	ἀσθενοῦς ὄντος	1	built up so as to eat	Here, **weak** identifies a **conscience** that easily leads a person to feel guilty. A **weak** conscience condemns some things that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “being sensitive” or “which often condemns him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	10	mdqc	translate-unknown	τὰ εἰδωλόθυτα	1	built up so as to eat	Here, **the things sacrificed to idols** refers to meat that has been offered to an idol. Translate this phrase the same way you did in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	8	10	a7s8	figs-activepassive	τὰ εἰδωλόθυτα	1	built up so as to eat	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	8	11	g5tn	figs-activepassive	ἀπόλλυται…ὁ ἀσθενῶν ἐν τῇ σῇ γνώσει, ὁ ἀδελφὸς, δι’ ὃν Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν	1	the one who is weak … is destroyed	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “you” or “your knowledge” did it. Alternate translation: “you, through your knowledge, destroy the one who is weak, the brother for whom Christ died,” or “your knowledge destroys the one who is weak, the brother for whom Christ died (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	8	11	x6jd	figs-genericnoun	ὁ ἀσθενῶν…ὁ ἀδελφὸς	1	the one who is weak … is destroyed	Jesus is speaking of those who are weak and brothers in general, not of one particular person **who is weak** who is one particular **brother**. If your language does not use the singular form to refer to people in general, you could express the idea in a form that is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “each one who is weak, who is a brother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	8	11	zy3t	figs-activepassive	ὁ ἀσθενῶν	1	the one who is weak … is destroyed	Much like in [8:9](../08/09.md), **one who is weak** identifies a person who easily feels guilty. A **weak** person thinks some things are wrong that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the one who is sensitive” or “the one who often condemns himself or herself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	11	xs2l	figs-gendernotations	ὁ ἀδελφὸς	1	the one who is weak … is destroyed	Although the word translated **brother** is masculine, Paul is using this word to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If **brother** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “the brother or sister” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	8	11	ez6t	figs-yousingular	σῇ	1	your knowledge	Here Paul addresses specific individuals within the Corinthian church. Because of this, **your** in this verse is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	8	11	gwc9	figs-explicit	γνώσει	1	your knowledge	Here Paul does not specify what the **knowledge** is about. However, just as in [8:10](../08/10.md) it is clear that Paul is speaking about knowledge about other gods, specifically knowing that there is only one God and that other gods do not really exist. If you must specify what the **knowledge** is about, you could clarify that it is about the idols or the topic of things sacrificed to idols. Alternate translation: “knowledge about idols” or “knowledge about this issue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	8	11	f6bg	figs-abstractnouns	ἐν τῇ σῇ γνώσει	1	your knowledge	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **knowledge**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: “through what you know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	8	12	azal	writing-pronouns	οὕτως	1	your knowledge	Here, **thus** refers back to the series of actions and results in [8:10–11](../08/10.md). If your readers would misunderstand what **thus** refers to, you could clarify that it refers to the previous two verses. Alternate translation: “through your knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	8	12	d8ni	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	οὕτως…ἁμαρτάνοντες εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, καὶ τύπτοντες αὐτῶν τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν, εἰς Χριστὸν ἁμαρτάνετε	1	your knowledge	Here Paul means that whenever the Corinthians “sin against” and “wound” their **brothers**, they at the same time **sin against Christ**. If your readers would misunderstand the relationship between **sinning against your brothers and wounding their weak consciences** and **sin against Christ**, you could clarify that they happen at the same time. Alternate translation: “any time you thus sin against your brothers and wound their weak consciences, you at the same time sin against Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	8	12	i5f6		καὶ τύπτοντες	1	your knowledge	Alternate translation: “by wounding” or “because you wound”
1CO	8	12	o0w5	figs-gendernotations	τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς	1	your knowledge	Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “your brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	8	12	ti84	figs-metaphor	τύπτοντες αὐτῶν τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν	1	your knowledge	Here Paul speaks as if **consciences** were a body part that could be “wounded.” By speaking in this way, he emphasizes that the Corinthians who have knowledge are hurting the **weak consciences** of other believers as surely as if they had “wounded” their arms or bodies. If your readers would misunderstand **wounding their weak consciences**, you could clarify that Paul means that the Corinthians who have knowledge are “hurting” **weak consciences** or making the **weak consciences** “feel guilty.” Alternate translation: “hurting their weak consciences” or “making their weak consciences feel guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	12	x857	figs-metaphor	τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν	1	your knowledge	Here, **weak** identifies **consciences** that easily lead people to feel guilty. **Weak consciences** condemn some things that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “sensitive consciences” or “consciences, which often condemn them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	8	13	i8tb	figs-personification	βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου	1	Therefore	Here, **food** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could cause someone **to stumble**. Paul speaks in this way to emphasize that the **food** is the key issue that leads to “stumbling.” If this might be confusing for your readers, you could clarify that the person that eats the food causes someone **to stumble**. Alternate translation: “how I eat causes my brother to stumble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	8	13	seua	figs-123person	εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, οὐ μὴ φάγω κρέα εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα	1	Therefore	Here Paul uses the first person in order to use himself as an example for the Corinthians to follow. If your readers would misunderstand that this is why Paul uses the first person, you could clarify that Paul is offering himself as an example. Alternate translation: “if food causes my brother to stumble, I for one will certainly not ever eat meat” or “take me as an example: if food causes my brother to stumble, I will certainly not ever eat meat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	8	13	vf92	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου	1	if food causes to stumble	Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it will happen at some point. If your language does not state something as a condition if it will happen, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying might not happen, then you could introduce the clause by using a word such as “in cases where” or “since.” Alternate translation: “because food causes my brother to stumble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	8	13	eyrr	figs-gendernotations	τὸν ἀδελφόν	-1	Therefore	Although the word translated **brother** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brother**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brother or sister … brother or sister” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	8	13	ucfd	figs-genericnoun	τὸν ἀδελφόν μου	-1	Therefore	Paul is speaking of “brothers” in general, not of one particular **brother**. If your readers would misunderstand **my brother**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to “brothers” in general. Alternate translation: “any brother of mine … any brother of mine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	8	13	ra1m	figs-doublenegatives	οὐ μὴ	1	Therefore	The words translated **certainly not** are two negative words. In Paul’s culture, two negative words made the statement even more negative. English speakers would misunderstand two negatives, so the ULT expresses the idea with one strong negative. If your language can use two negatives as Paul’s culture did, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in this way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	8	13	k5oj	figs-explicit	κρέα	1	Therefore	Throughout this section, the “things sacrificed to idols” refers primarily to **meat**, and eating this kind of **meat** was one of the only ways for most people to eat **meat** at all. Paul here is stating that he will give up **meat** in general, whether it is sacrificed to idols or not. He implies that he does this so that fellow believers, who do not know whether the **meat** has been sacrificed to idols or not, will not stumble. If your readers would misunderstand the implications here, you can make them explicit. Alternate translation: “meat, even if it has not been sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	intro	z8d4			0		# 1 Corinthians 9 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>5. On food (8:1–11:1)<br>      * Paul claims being an apostle (9:1–2)<br>      * Paul defends supporting himself (9:3–15)<br>      * Paul explains why he supports himself (9:16–23)<br>      * Paul the athlete (9:24–27)<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Receiving support from the church<br><br>Throughout the chapter, and especially in [9:1–18](../09/01.md), Paul defends why he does not ask for or receive financial support from the Corinthians. From what he says in [9:3](../09/03.md), it seems that some people were “examining” Paul, and they thought that how Paul supported himself was not appropriate behavior for an apostle. These people thought that if Paul were really an apostle, he would require support from the churches to whom he preached. The fact that Paul did not require this support suggested to these people that Paul did not really have authority. Paul in response argues that he could require support if he wanted to, but he thinks that working to support himself helps him proclaim the gospel better. Throughout the chapter, you can use words that refer to how churches support their leaders financially. <br><br>### The “right”<br><br>In [9:4–6](../09/04.md), [12](../09/12.md), and [18](../09/18.md), Paul speaks about a “right” that he and others have. This “right” can be to travel with a wife, to eat and to drink, and most importantly, to receive support from the Corinthians. Paul uses the word “right” to indicate that he is able to require financial support and other help from the Corinthians. However, he also states that he does use this “right” because he thinks that he is serving God better without making use of it. In your translation, use a word or phrase that indicates that Paul and the others have the authority and the ability to do and require certain things. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/authority]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In [9:1](../09/01.md), [4–13](../09/04.md), [18](../09/18.md), [24](../09/24.md), Paul uses rhetorical questions. He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### Farming metaphor<br><br>In [9:9–11](../09/09.md), Paul applies an Old Testament law about farming to himself and others who proclaim the gospel. In [9:11](../09/11.md), he speaks about “sowing spiritual things,” by which he means proclaiming the gospel. When he and others “sow spiritual things,” they should be able to “reap material things,” by which he means financial support. If possible, preserve the farming metaphor here since it is related to the Old Testament law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Athletic metaphors<br><br>In [9:24–27](../09/24.md), Paul uses several metaphors that are based on athletes and athletic competitions. Paul speaks about “running a race” and how the winner receives a “wreath,” which was a crown made out of leaves. He also speaks about “boxing” and how a good boxer does not “box the air.” Finally, he refers to how athletes in general must exercise “self-control” as they train. Paul uses these athletic metaphors to indicate how he and all believers need to focus on the goal, which is the reward that God has promised. To reach this goal, believers must exercise “self-control,” just as athletes do. The point is for believers to live their lives so that they receive the reward from God, just like athletes focus completely on trying to win the prize, the “wreath.” Paul uses these metaphors across several verses, and they are very important for his argument. If possible, preserve the metaphors in your translation. If necessary, you could express them as analogies. See the notes on these verses for translation possibilities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### “I became (as) …”<br><br>In [9:20–22](../09/20.md), Paul explains how he has “become as a Jew,” “as under the law,” “as without the law,” and “weak.” What Paul means is that he acts like these four groups of people when he is with them. He does this because he wishes to “gain” all these people for Christ. When you translate these verses, use a phrase that indicates that Paul is acting like a specific kind of person. <br><br>### Paul’s use of [Deuteronomy 25:4](deu/25/04.md)<br><br>In [9:9](../09/09.md), Paul quotes from [Deuteronomy 25:4](deu/25/04.md), which forbids a farmer from “muzzling an ox” while it threshes grain. Paul then explains to the Corinthians that God does not care about oxen but is speaking for “us” ([9:9–10](../09/09.md)). What he means is that the law should not primarily be applied to “oxen” but rather to those who proclaim the gospel. He is not saying that God does not have any concern for oxen. When you translate these verses, focus on maintaining the strength of Paul’s argument, but if possible allow the reader to see that God does also care for “oxen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	9	1	mdm4	figs-rquestion	οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐλεύθερος? οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος? οὐχὶ Ἰησοῦν τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν ἑόρακα? οὐ τὸ ἔργον μου ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ?	1	Am I not free?	Paul does not ask these questions because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks them to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The questions assume that the answer to all of them is “yes.” If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you could express the ideas with strong affirmations. Alternate translation: “I certainly am free. I certainly am an apostle. I have certainly seen Jesus our Lord. You are certainly my work in the Lord.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	1	ctp3	figs-explicit	ἐλεύθερος	1	Am I not free?	Here, **free** could mean that Paul is **free** to: (1) eat whatever he wants. This connects this question with chapter 8. Alternate translation: “free to eat whatever I wish” (2) receive financial support from the believers he serves. This connects this question with the first half of this chapter. Alternate translation: “free to receive support from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	1	dbp9	figs-abstractnouns	τὸ ἔργον μου	1	Am I not an apostle?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **work**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “labor.” Alternate translation: “whom I labor for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	1	l6sq	figs-abstractnouns	τὸ ἔργον μου	1	Am I not an apostle?	Here, **work** refers to the result of the **work**. If your readers would misunderstand **work**, you could clarify that what the **work** produced is the focus here. Alternate translation: “the result of my work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	9	1	re1t	figs-metaphor	ἐν Κυρίῳ	1	Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?	Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in the Lord**, or united to the Lord, describes the **work** as what Paul does because of his union with the Lord. Alternate translation: “in union with the Lord” or “that I perform because I am united to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	2	j6qz	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ ἄλλοις οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος, ἀλλά γε	1	you are the proof of my apostleship in the Lord	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **others** might think he is **not an apostle**, or those people might think he is an apostle. He then specifies the result for if the **others** think that he is **not an apostle**. If this form would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the **if** statement by introducing the statement with “perhaps.” Alternate translation: “Perhaps I am not an apostle to others, but at least” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	9	2	j4k8	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ…σφραγίς μου τῆς ἀποστολῆς, ὑμεῖς ἐστε	1	you are the proof of my apostleship in the Lord	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **proof**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “prove” or “show.” Alternate translation: “you prove my apostleship” or “you show that I am an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	2	y2nh	figs-possession	ἡ…σφραγίς μου τῆς ἀποστολῆς	1	you are the proof of my apostleship in the Lord	Here Paul uses the possessive form to speak about a **proof** that shows his **apostleship**. If your language does not use this form to express that meaning, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “what proves my apostleship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	9	2	gxhr	figs-abstractnouns	μου τῆς ἀποστολῆς	1	you are the proof of my apostleship in the Lord	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **apostleship**, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase such as “I am an apostle.” Alternate translation: “that I am an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	2	z5sb	figs-metaphor	ἐν Κυρίῳ	1	you are the proof of my apostleship in the Lord	Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in the Lord**, or united to the Lord, describes the **proof** that the Corinthians provide as something that happens in union with the Lord. Alternate translation: “in union with the Lord” or “as you are united to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	3	yb0x	figs-metaphor	ἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία τοῖς ἐμὲ ἀνακρίνουσίν	1	This is my defense … me:	Here Paul uses language that would normally be used in the legal courts. The **defense** is what the person accused would say to prove their innocence. Those **who examine** are the ones who are in charge of the court and make the decisions about who is guilty and who is innocent. Paul uses this metaphor to explain that he is defending himself against people who have accused him of acting wrongly. If your readers would misunderstand the legal metaphor, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “My answer to those who accuse me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	3	ktze	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία τοῖς	1	This is my defense … me:	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **defense**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “defend.” Alternate translation: “What I say to defend myself against those” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	3	l2n5	figs-explicit	τοῖς ἐμὲ ἀνακρίνουσίν	1	This is my defense … me:	Here Paul does not state how **those who examine** him think he has acted wrongly. The previous verse suggests that it relates to his “apostleship” ([6:21](../06/21.md)). Paul intentionally does not state the “charge” against him, so leave it unstated if possible. If you must state what the “charge” against Paul is, you could clarify that it relates to whether he is truly an apostle or not. Alternate translation: “to those who examine me about my apostleship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	3	b17x	writing-pronouns	αὕτη	1	This is my defense … me:	Here, **this** refers to what Paul is about to say, most likely including everything in the rest of this chapter. If your readers would misunderstand **this**, you could use a normal form in your language to speak about what you are about to say. Alternate translation: “what I am about to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, you do.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “We most definitely have the right to eat and to drink.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	4	ninf	figs-doublenegatives	μὴ οὐκ	1	Do we not have the right to eat and drink?	The words translated **certainly not** are two negative words. In Paul’s culture, two negative words made the statement even more negative. English speakers would misunderstand two negatives, so the ULT expresses the idea with one strong negative. If your language can use two negatives as Paul’s culture did, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in this way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	9	4	p4vq	figs-exclusive	ἔχομεν	1	we … have	Here, **we** refers to Paul and Barnabas (see [9:6](../09/06.md)). It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	9	4	h0c3	figs-abstractnouns	ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν	1	we … have	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **right**, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase such as “are able to” or “can require.” Alternate translation: “Are we … able to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	4	i6tk	figs-metonymy	φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν	1	we … have	Here, **to eat and to drink** refers not primarily to the physical process of “eating” and “drinking.” Rather, the phrase refers primarily to what is needed **to eat and to drink**, that is, food and drink. Paul is saying that he and Barnabas have **the right** to receive food and drink so that they can **eat** and **drink**. If your readers would misunderstand **to eat and to drink**, you could clarify that Paul refers to “food” and “drink.” Alternate translation: “to food to eat and beverages to drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	9	4	e45j	figs-explicit	φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν	1	we … have	Although Paul does not explicitly say this, he implies that **we** have the **right** to receive the food and drink from the Corinthians. If your readers would misunderstand what Paul is saying, you could clarify that the food **to eat** and the beverages **to drink** would have come from the Corinthians in support of Paul’s work. Alternate translation: “to be supported by you so that we can eat and drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, you do.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “We certainly do have the right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	5	x2jm	figs-exclusive	ἔχομεν	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?	Here, **we** refers to Paul and Barnabas (see [9:6](../09/06.md)). It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	9	5	zmsx	figs-doublenegatives	μὴ οὐκ	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?	The words translated **certainly not** are two negative words. In Paul’s culture, two negative words made the statement even more negative. English speakers would misunderstand two negatives, so the ULT expresses the idea with one strong negative. If your language can use two negatives as Paul’s culture did, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in this way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	9	5	s7gs	figs-abstractnouns	ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν	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?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **right**, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase such as “are able to” or “can require.” Alternate translation: “Are we … able to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	5	hw7f	translate-unknown	περιάγειν	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?	Here, **to take along** refers to journeying with someone as a companion. If your readers would misunderstand **to take along**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to traveling with someone else. Alternate translation: “to travel with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	5	bpbf		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?	Here, **apostles** could include: (1) Paul and Barnabas, the **brothers of the Lord**, **Cephas**, and many others who proclaimed the good news. Alternate translation: “the rest of the apostles, including the brothers of the Lord and Cephas” (2) just the “Twelve” primary **apostles**, which would include **Cephas** but not the **brothers of the Lord**. Alternate translation: “the rest of the twelve apostles and the brothers of the Lord—even Cephas”
1CO	9	5	snio		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?	Even though **Cephas** was one of the **apostles**, Paul mentions him separately to emphasize him as an example. He has already used Cephas as an example earlier in the letter (see [1:12](../01/12.md); [3:22](../03/22.md)). Perhaps the Corinthians were comparing **Cephas** and Paul. Be sure that the wording of your translation does not suggest that **Cephas** was not an apostle. Alternate translation: “the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord—even Cephas”
1CO	9	5	hnbw	translate-kinship	οἱ ἀδελφοὶ τοῦ Κυρίου	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?	These were Jesus’ younger brothers. They were sons of Mary and Joseph. Since the Father of Jesus was God, and their father was Joseph, they were actually his half-brothers. That detail is not normally translated, but if your language has a specific word for “younger brother,” you can use it here. Alternate translation: “the younger brothers of the Lord” or “the half-brothers of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
1CO	9	5	y3g0	translate-names	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?	**Cephas** is the name of a man. It is another name for “Peter,” the apostle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	9	6	za87	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ μόνος ἐγὼ καὶ Βαρναβᾶς, οὐκ ἔχομεν	1	Or is it only Barnabas and I who do not have the right not to work?	The word **Or** introduces an alternate to what Paul asked in [9:4–5](../09/04.md). Paul already spoke about what he thinks is true: he and Barnabas do “have the right” to receive food and drink, and they “have the right” to travel with a wife. Here Paul gives the incorrect alternative: they alone do not **have the right not to work**. He introduces this incorrect alternate to show that his earlier statements must be true. If your readers would misunderstood **Or**, you could use a word that signifies a contrast or gives an alternative. Alternate translation: “Otherwise, would it not be true that only Barnabas and I do not have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, you do have the right.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong statement. Alternate translation: “Barnabas and I too certainly have the right not to work.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	6	j84g	figs-doublenegatives	οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν μὴ ἐργάζεσθαι	1	Or is it only Barnabas and I who do not have the right not to work?	Paul here includes **not** twice. In his culture, two negative words made the statement even more negative. English speakers can understand two negatives here, so the ULT expresses the idea with both. If your language can use two negatives as Paul’s culture did, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in this way, you could translate with one negative and express the other negative by stating the opposite. Alternate translation: “do … lack the right not to work” or “do … not have the right to refrain from working” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	9	6	o8ok	figs-abstractnouns	ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν	1	Or is it only Barnabas and I who do not have the right not to work?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind right, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase such as “are able to” or “can require.” Alternate translation: “are … able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	6	ngpd	figs-explicit	μὴ ἐργάζεσθαι	1	Or is it only Barnabas and I who do not have the right not to work?	Here Paul refers to the privilege of receiving financial support from churches so that the person serving Christ does not have **to work**. If your readers would misunderstand what Paul is speaking about, you could clarify that receiving aid from others is in view here. Alternate translation: “to receive financial support” or “not to work because believers support us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	7	f3qf	figs-rquestion	τίς στρατεύεται ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ποτέ? τίς φυτεύει ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐσθίει? ἢ τίς ποιμαίνει ποίμνην, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ γάλακτος τῆς ποίμνης, οὐκ ἐσθίει?	1	Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?	Paul does not ask these questions because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks them to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The questions assume that the answer to all of them is “no one.” If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you could express the ideas with strong negations. Alternate translation: “No one serves as a soldier at any time at his own expense. No one plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit. No one shepherds a flock and does not drink from the milk of the flock.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	7	zh5m	figs-gendernotations	ἰδίοις	1	Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit?	Here, **his** is masculine because most soldiers in Paul’s culture were male. However, Paul is not emphasizing the gender of soldiers here. If your readers would misunderstand **his**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “his or her own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	9	7	r1ih	translate-unknown	ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις	1	Or who tends a flock and does not drink milk from it?	Here, **expense** refers to the cost of food, weapons, and lodging for a solider to “serve.” Paul’s point is that soldiers do not pay these costs. Rather, the one who controls the army pays these costs. If your readers would misunderstand **expense**, you could clarify that it refers to the costs of maintaining an army. Alternate translation: “by paying for his own cost of living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	8	jld4	figs-rquestion	μὴ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον, ταῦτα λαλῶ	1	Am I not saying these things according to human authority?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, you are not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. If you do so, you will need to separate the first half of the verse from the second half. Alternate translation: “I am not saying these things according to men.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	8	igpe	figs-gendernotations	ἄνθρωπον	1	Am I not saying these things according to human authority?	Although the word translated **men** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to any humans, whether men or women. If your readers would misunderstand **men**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “men and women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	9	8	drqe	figs-gendernotations	κατὰ ἄνθρωπον	1	Am I not saying these things according to human authority?	Here, Paul speaks **saying** things **according to men**. By using this phrase, he wishes to identify arguments that people who think and act in only human ways make. If the phrase **according to men** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that refers to what people who do not believe say and argue. Alternate translation: “according to what mere humans argue” or “according to this world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	9	8	tdze	writing-pronouns	ταῦτα	-1	Am I not saying these things according to human authority?	In both places it appears, **these things** refers back to what Paul has said in [9:3–7](../09/03.md) about his “right” to receive financial support from the Corinthians. If your readers would misunderstand **these things**, you could use a word or phrase that clearly refers back to what has already been said. Alternate translation: “those things … those things” or “what I have said … what I have said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	9	8	ou7a	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ	1	Or does not the law also say this?	The word **or** introduces an alternate to what Paul says in the first half of the verse. Paul could be **saying these things according to men**. However, with **or** he introduces what he thinks is actually true: **the law also** says **these things**. If your readers would misunderstood **or**, you could use a word that signifies a contrast or gives an alternative. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to end the first half of the sentence with its own question mark. Alternate translation: “Instead,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	9	8	vy1n	figs-rquestion	ἢ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα οὐ λέγει?	1	Or does not the law also say this?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, the law says these things.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong statement. If you do so, you will need to separate the second half of the verse from the first half. Alternate translation: “No, the law also says these things.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	8	spqj	translate-unknown	ὁ νόμος	1	Or does not the law also say this?	Here, **the law** refers specifically to the first five books of the Old Testament, often called the Pentateuch. Often, these books are called “the law of Moses.” Make sure your readers can tell that Paul is referring to this specific **law** here. Alternate translation: “the Pentateuch” or “Moses’ law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	9	lf1q	writing-quotations	ἐν γὰρ τῷ Μωϋσέως νόμῳ, γέγραπται	1	Do not put a muzzle on	In Paul’s culture, **For it is written** is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text. In this case, Paul clarifies that the quote comes from **the law of Moses**. It is specifically from [Deuteronomy 25:4](deu/25/04.md). If your readers would misunderstand how Paul introduces the quotation, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “For it can be read in the law of Moses” or “For the book of Deuteronomy in the law of Moses says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	9	9	fks6	figs-quotations	Μωϋσέως…οὐ φιμώσεις βοῦν ἀλοῶντα	1	Do not put a muzzle on	If your language does not use this form, you could translate the command as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “of Moses that you should not muzzle an ox treading out grain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	9	9	h2d3	figs-yousingular	οὐ φιμώσεις	1	Do not put a muzzle on	The command from **the law of Moses** is addressed to specific individuals. Because of this, the command is addressed to “you” in the singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	9	9	kvxh	translate-unknown	οὐ φιμώσεις βοῦν ἀλοῶντα	1	Do not put a muzzle on	In Paul’s culture, farmers often would make **oxen** walk or “tread” on harvested wheat to separate the kernels of grain from the wheat stalks. Some people would **muzzle an ox** while it is **treading out grain** in order to keep the **ox** from eating the **grain**. The point of the command is that the **ox** should be allowed to eat what it is working to produce: the **grain**. If your readers would not understand what this command is about, you could include a footnote explaining the context or add a short clarifying phrase. Alternate translation: “Do not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating the grain it is treading out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	9	sxk2	figs-rquestion	μὴ τῶν βοῶν μέλει τῷ Θεῷ?	1	Is it really the oxen that God cares about?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, he does not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “God does not care about the oxen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	9	pdqe	figs-hyperbole	μὴ τῶν βοῶν μέλει τῷ Θεῷ?	1	Is it really the oxen that God cares about?	Here Paul speaks as if God has no concern or interest in **oxen**. The Corinthians would have understood him to mean that the primary intent of the command he quotes is not about caring for oxen but rather caring for something or someone else. He specifies what the primary intent of the command is in the next verse: it is **for our sake** ([9:9](../09/09.md)). If your readers would misunderstand what Paul is arguing here, you could soften Paul’s question so that it argues that the command is not “primarily” or “mostly” about **oxen**. If possible, however, maintain the strength of Paul’s statement, since he offers an explanation in the next verse. Alternate translation: “God does not mostly care about the oxen, does he” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	9	10	frkk	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ	1	Or is he speaking entirely for our sake?	The word **Or** introduces an alternate to what Paul says at the end of the previous verse ([9:9](../09/09.md)). In that verse, he has argued that “God does not care about the oxen.” Since that is not true, the **or** introduces what Paul thinks is actually true: the law is **entirely for our sake**. If your readers would misunderstood **Or**, you could use a word that signifies a contrast or gives an alternative. Alternate translation: “On the other hand,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	9	10	x84t	figs-rquestion	ἢ δι’ ἡμᾶς πάντως λέγει?	1	Or is he speaking entirely for our sake?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, he is.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong statement. Alternate translation: “Actually, he is speaking entirely for our sake.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	10	b1tg	writing-pronouns	λέγει	1	Or is he speaking entirely for our sake?	Here, **he** refers back to “God” in [9:9](../09/09.md). Paul assumes that God is the one who is **speaking** in the passage he quoted in the last verse. If your readers would misunderstand **he**, you could clarify that it refers to God speaking the “law of Moses.” Alternate translation: “is God speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	9	10	f8f4	figs-exclusive	δι’ ἡμᾶς	-1	for our sake	Here, **our** could refer to (1) everyone who believes, including the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “for the sake of us who believe … for the sake of us who believe” (2) Paul, Barnabas, and others who proclaim the good news. Alternate translation: “for the sake of us who proclaim the gospel … for the sake of us who proclaim the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	9	10	evv4	figs-activepassive	ἐγράφη	1	for our sake	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “Moses” did it. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	9	10	d1cn	grammar-connect-logic-result	ὅτι	1	for our sake	Here, **that** could introduce (1) the reason why **it was written**. Alternate translation: “because” (2) a summary of the content of what **was written**. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before it. Alternate translation: “and it means that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	9	10	c42y	figs-genericnoun	ὁ ἀροτριῶν…ὁ ἀλοῶν	1	for our sake	Paul is speaking of these people in general, not of one particular person who **plows** or **threshes**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “anyone who plows … anyone who threshes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	9	10	bdlk	figs-abstractnouns	ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι…ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι τοῦ μετέχειν	1	for our sake	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **hope**, you could express the idea by using an adverb such as “hopefully” or a verb such as “expect.” Alternate translation: “hopefully … hopefully expecting to share the harvest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	10	pas5	figs-ellipsis	ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι	1	for our sake	Here Paul does not mention what the **hope** expects because he states it at the end of the verse: **sharing the harvest**. If your readers would misunderstand that **sharing the harvest** is what the **hope** expects here, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “in hope of sharing the harvest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	9	10	q1q2	figs-ellipsis	ὁ ἀλοῶν ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι	1	for our sake	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**ought to plow**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “the one who threshes ought to thresh in hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	9	11	zn5m	figs-metaphor	εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῖν τὰ πνευματικὰ ἐσπείραμεν, μέγα εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῶν τὰ σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν?	1	is it too much for us to reap material things from you?	In this verse, Paul applies the farming language he used in [9:9–10](../09/09.md). When he and Barnabas “sow,” they should also “reap” the harvest. Paul clarifies that what they **sowed** was **spiritual things**, which means the good news. The **material things** that they can **reap** are money and support from the Corinthians. If your reader would misunderstand this application of the farming language, you could use analogies to clarify what Paul is referring to or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Similarly, if we told you about the good news, {is it} too much if we receive material support from you?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	11	b5g9	figs-exclusive	ἡμεῖς	-1	is it too much for us to reap material things from you?	Here, **we** refers particularly to Paul and Barnabas. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	9	11	jpjj	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἰ	1	is it too much for us to reap material things from you?	Paul is speaking as if **we** “sowing spiritual things” were a possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since” or “Given that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, it is not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “it is certainly not too much if we will reap material things from you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	11	czcs	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ	2	is it too much for us to reap material things from you?	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **we will reap material things from you** or **we** might not. He specifies the result for if **we** do **reap material things**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever” or “that.” Alternate translation: “that” or “whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	9	12	v333	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἰ	1	If others exercised this right	Paul is speaking as if **others** “sharing” **the right over you** were a possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since” or “Given that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	9	12	z3mr	figs-explicit	τῆς ὑμῶν ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν	1	If others exercised this right	While Paul does not directly state this, the Corinthians would have understood **right** to refer to the **right** to receive financial support. If your readers would not understand **right** in this way, you could express the idea more clearly. Alternate translation: “shared the right to financial support from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	12	cr62	figs-abstractnouns	τῆς ὑμῶν ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν…ἡμεῖς…τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ταύτῃ	1	If others exercised this right	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **right**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “able to.” If you do so, you may need to express an object, which here is receiving financial support. Alternate translation: “were able to require financial support from you, {are} we … being able to require financial support from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	12	lld4	figs-rquestion	οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς?	1	If others exercised this right over you, should we not even more?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, you do.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “we certainly do even more.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	12	po30	figs-ellipsis	οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς	1	If others exercised this right over you, should we not even more?	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a complete thought. If your language needs theses words, you could supply them from the first half of the sentence. Alternate translation: “{do} we not share the right even more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	9	12	ybwy	figs-exclusive	ἡμεῖς…ἐχρησάμεθα…στέγομεν…δῶμεν	1		Here, **we** refers to Paul and Barnabas. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	9	12	nr6u	figs-explicit	πάντα στέγομεν	1	others	Here Paul refers to what he and Barnabas had to “endure” because they did not **take advantage** of receiving financial aid from the Corinthians. They had to work to support themselves, and they probably had to go without as much food and supplies as they would have liked. Some of the hardships that Paul and Barnabas endured appear in [4:10–13](../04/10.md). If your readers would misunderstand **endured everything**, you could make what **everything** refers to more explicit. Alternate translation: “we endured serving without financial support” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	12	q7vj	figs-idiom	μή τινα ἐνκοπὴν δῶμεν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ	1	this right	In Paul’s culture, to **give** a **hindrance** means to “hinder” or to “block” something. Paul means that he would rather “endure everything” than hinder **the gospel**. If your readers would misunderstand **give any hindrance**, you could express the idea in a form that is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we might not hinder the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	9	12	prci	figs-abstractnouns	μή τινα ἐνκοπὴν δῶμεν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ	1	this right	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **hindrance**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “hinder.” Alternate translation: “we might not hinder the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	13	slf9	figs-rquestion	οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ τὰ ἱερὰ ἐργαζόμενοι, τὰ ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ ἐσθίουσιν; οἱ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ παρεδρεύοντες, τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ συνμερίζονται?	1	Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat from the things of the temple	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “You know that those working in the temple eat from the things of the temple; those serving at the altar partake from the altar.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	13	pq05	figs-explicit	οἱ τὰ ἱερὰ ἐργαζόμενοι	1	Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat from the things of the temple	Here, **those working in the temple** refers to any person whose job takes place in or around the temple. Paul may specifically have the “Levites” or other “temple servants” in mind. If your readers would misunderstand **those working in the temple**, you could use a word or phrase in your language that refers generally to anyone whose job is **in the temple**. Alternate translation: “the temple servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	13	ergc	translate-unknown	τὰ ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ	1	Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat from the things of the temple	Here, to eat **from the things of the temple** means that these people eat some of the food that people donate to the **temple** or offer to God in **the temple**. If **the things of the temple** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to what people have offered or given to **the temple**. Alternate translation: “from what people give to the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	13	omzu		οἱ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ παρεδρεύοντες	1	Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat from the things of the temple	Here, **those serving at the altar** could be: (1) a specific group within **those working in the temple**, specifically the priests who work at the altar. Alternate translation: “particularly, those serving at the altar” (2) another way to speak about **those working in the temple**. Paul repeats himself to clarify exactly what eating **from the things of the temple** means. Alternate translation: “that is, those serving at the altar”
1CO	9	13	fxxi	figs-explicit	οἱ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ παρεδρεύοντες	1	Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat from the things of the temple	Here, **those serving at the altar** refers to the specific people who offered sacrifices on **the altar**. Paul may specifically have in mind the “priests.” If your readers would misunderstand **those serving at the altar**, you could use a word or phrase for the people who have the closest contact with the deity and offer any sacrifices to that deity. Alternate translation: “the priests” or “those who serve the most sacred things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	13	lqar	translate-unknown	τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ συνμερίζονται	1	Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat from the things of the temple	Here, to **partake from the altar** means that these people offer part of a sacrifice on the altar, but they also eat part of that sacrifice. If to **partake from the altar** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to eating part of what people offer to their god. Alternate translation: “eat part of what is sacrificed on the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	14	g5i8	figs-explicit	ὁ Κύριος διέταξεν	1	get their living from the gospel	Here Paul refers to how Jesus said that a “worker deserves wages” when he sent people to proclaim the good news. See the saying in [Matthew 10:10](mat/10/10.md) and [Luke 10:7](luk/10/7.md). If your readers would misunderstand what Paul is saying here, you could include a footnote to explain the reference to what Jesus said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	14	tuiy	figs-idiom	ἐκ…ζῆν	1	get their living from the gospel	Here, **to live from** identifies how a person supported themselves and acquired food and other necessities. For example, **to live from** carpentry would mean that the person makes money to pay for food and housing by doing carpentry. If your readers would misunderstand **to live from**, you could use a word or phrase in your language that refers to how a person makes a living or supports themselves. Alternate translation: “to support themselves on” or “to receive their income from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	9	14	rj38	figs-metonymy	τοῦ εὐαγγελίου	1	get their living from the gospel	Here, **the gospel** refers to: (1) the job or occupation of proclaiming **the gospel**. Alternate translation: “preaching the gospel” (2) the people who hear and believe in **the gospel**. Alternate translation: “those who believe the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	9	15	fs7a	translate-unknown	οὐ κέχρημαι	1	these rights	Here, **taken advantage of** refers to “making use of” a resource or “requiring” a specific behavior. If your readers would misunderstand **taken advantage of**, you could use a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “have not made use of” or “have not required you to provide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	15	j8zn	figs-doublenegatives	οὐ κέχρημαι οὐδενὶ	1	these rights	Here Paul uses two negative words: “have not taken advantage of none.” In Paul’s culture, two negative words made the statement even more negative. English speakers would misunderstand these two negatives, so the ULT expresses the idea with one strong negative. If your language can use two negatives as Paul’s culture did, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in this way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “have by no means taken advantage of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	9	15	wese	writing-pronouns	τούτων	1	these rights	Here, **these things** could refer to: (1) the “right” or “rights” that Paul has to financial support from the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “of these rights” (2) all the reasons he has given in [9:6–14](../09/06.md) for why those who proclaim the gospel can receive financial support. Alternate translation: “of these reasons” or “of these arguments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	9	15	u9my	figs-pastforfuture	οὐκ ἔγραψα	1	these rights	Here Paul refers to 1 Corinthians itself, the letter he is currently writing. Use whatever tense in your language would be appropriate to refer to the letter itself. Alternate translation: “I have not written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
1CO	9	15	ygaz	writing-pronouns	ταῦτα	1	these rights	Here Paul refers to what he has already written, especially to [9:6–14](../09/06.md). Use a form in your language that refers back to things that have just been said. Alternate translation: “those things” or “what I have just written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	9	15	vf7d	writing-pronouns	οὕτως γένηται	1	these rights	Here, **thus** refers to receiving financial support from the Corinthians. If your readers would misunderstand **thus**, you could use a word or phrase that more clearly refers to receiving financial support. Alternate translation: “these things might be done” or “support might be given” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	9	15	sy42	figs-activepassive	γένηται ἐν ἐμοί	1	so that this might be done for me	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “you,” the Corinthians, would do it. Alternate translation: “you might do for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	9	15	fd69	figs-metaphor	τὸ καύχημά μου…κενώσει	1	deprive me of my boasting	Here Paul speaks as if a **boast** was a container that someone could make **empty**. By speaking in this way, Paul means that someone could take away what he boasts about. If your readers would misunderstand **make my boast empty**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “will remove my reason for boasting” or “will deflate my boast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	15	rl1y	figs-abstractnouns	τὸ καύχημά μου	1	deprive me of my boasting	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **boast**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “boast.” Alternate translation: “what I boast about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	16	lq4l	figs-infostructure	ἐὰν…εὐαγγελίζωμαι, οὐκ ἔστιν μοι καύχημα, ἀνάγκη γάρ μοι ἐπίκειται	1	this necessity was placed upon me	If your language would normally put the reason before the result, you could rearrange the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “because compulsion is placed on me, there is nothing for me to boast about if I proclaim the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	9	16	xpve	grammar-connect-condition-fact	ἐὰν	1	this necessity was placed upon me	Paul is speaking as if “proclaiming” **the gospel** were a possibility, but he means that he actually does. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “when” or “whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	9	16	ecw2	figs-activepassive	ἀνάγκη…ἐπίκειται	1	this necessity was placed upon me	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God placed compulsion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	9	16	qyp0	figs-abstractnouns	ἀνάγκη…μοι ἐπίκειται	1	this necessity was placed upon me	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **compulsion**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “compel” and rephrase the clause. Alternate translation: “I am compelled to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	16	eimr	figs-metaphor	ἀνάγκη…μοι ἐπίκειται	1	this necessity was placed upon me	Here Paul speaks as if **compulsion** were a physical object that someone had **placed upon** him. By speaking in this way, he means that he is required to do something. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I am commanded to do so” or “I have an obligation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	16	l7as	figs-idiom	οὐαὶ…μοί ἐστιν	1	woe be to me if	Here, **woe be to me** expresses what Paul thinks would happen to him if he ever were to stop preaching the gospel. He would experience **woe**, with the implication that this **woe** will come from God. If your readers would misunderstand **woe be to me**, you could use a word or phrase that expresses the expectation of bad things to come. Alternate translation: “bad things will happen to me” or “God will punish me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	9	16	p1sa	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	ἐὰν μὴ εὐαγγελίζωμαι	1	woe be to me if	Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He knows that he does indeed **preach the gospel**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “whenever I stop preaching the gospel, which I will never do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	9	17	d7l9	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ…ἑκὼν τοῦτο πράσσω…εἰ…ἄκων	1	if I do this willingly	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce two possibilities. He means that he might **do this willingly**, or he might do it **unwillingly**. He specifies a result for each option, but he implies that he does it **unwillingly** (see the “compulsion” in [9:16](../09/16.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statements in a natural way in your language, such as by introducing them with “whenever.” Alternate translation: “were I to do this willingly … were it unwillingly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	9	17	jtwy	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο πράσσω	1	if I do this willingly	Here, **this** refers back to “preaching the gospel” in [9:16](../09/16.md). If your readers would misunderstand **this**, you could clarify what it refers to. Alternate translation: “I preach the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	9	17	x6s9	translate-unknown	ἑκὼν…ἄκων	1	if I do this willingly	Here, **willingly** means that someone does something because they choose to, while **unwillingly** means that someone has to do something whether they choose to or not. If your readers would misunderstand **willingly** and **unwillingly**, you could express the idea by using two contrasting words that refer to whether someone chooses to do something or not. Alternate translation: “because I choose to … I do not choose to do it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	17	gkxi	figs-abstractnouns	μισθὸν ἔχω	1	if I do this willingly	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **reward**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “reward” or “compensate.” Alternate translation: “I am compensated for it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	17	gteh	figs-infostructure	εἰ δὲ ἄκων, οἰκονομίαν πεπίστευμαι.	1	But if not willingly	This sentence could: (1) include both the “if” and the “then” statements and explain how Paul preaching the gospel is “unwilling.” He did not choose this **stewardship**, and so he does it **unwillingly**. However, the reason he does preach the gospel is because he has **been entrusted with** that **stewardship**. Alternate translation: “But if unwillingly, I do this because I have been entrusted with a stewardship” (2) express the “if” statement for the question (the “then” statement) at the beginning of the next verse ([9:18](../09/18.md)). The word **unwillingly** would modify **entrusted**, and you would need to connect the end of this verse and the beginning of the next verse with a comma, dropping the capitalization on “What.” Alternate translation: “But I have been unwillingly entrusted with a stewardship,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	9	17	t8pm	figs-ellipsis	εἰ δὲ ἄκων	1	But if not willingly	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**I do this**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “But if I do this unwillingly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	9	17	xa5p	figs-activepassive	πεπίστευμαι	1	I have been entrusted with a stewardship	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God has entrusted me with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	9	17	kjgf	figs-abstractnouns	οἰκονομίαν	1	I have been entrusted with a stewardship	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **stewardship**, you could express the idea by using a phrase with a verb such as “oversee” or “do.” Alternate translation: “something to do” or “a task to oversee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	18	lg51	figs-rquestion	τίς οὖν μού ἐστιν ὁ μισθός?	1	What then is my reward?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the following words are the answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea by using a construction that introduces what follows as the **reward**. Alternate translation: “This, then, is my reward:” or “Here, then, is my reward:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	18	pfw2	figs-abstractnouns	μού…ὁ μισθός	1	What then is my reward?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **reward**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “reward” or “compensate.” Alternate translation: “how God rewards me” or “how God compensates me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	18	ia5x	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	εὐαγγελιζόμενος ἀδάπανον, θήσω	1	That when I preach, I may offer the gospel without charge	Here, **proclaiming the gospel without charge** describes how Paul wishes to **offer** the gospel. The phrase **proclaiming the gospel without charge** could: (1) provide the means by which Paul **might offer**. Alternate translation: “by proclaiming the gospel without charge, I might offer” (2) give the situations in which Paul “offers” the gospel without taking **advantage of** his **right**. Alternate translation: “whenever I proclaim the gospel without charge, I offer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	9	18	o3ju	translate-unknown	ἀδάπανον	1	That when I preach, I may offer the gospel without charge	Here, **without charge** means that something is free to the person who receives it. Paul is stating that the **gospel** is “free” or “at no cost” for those whom he preaches to. If your readers would misunderstand **without cost**, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that something is “free” or “without cost.” Alternate translation: “freely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	18	dln7	figs-idiom	θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον	1	offer the gospel	Here, to **offer the gospel** means to tell people about the gospel so that they have the chance to believe in it. If your readers would misunderstand **offer the gospel**, you could use a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “I might present the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	9	18	ft7p	translate-unknown	καταχρήσασθαι τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ μου	1	offer the gospel	Here, **to take advantage** of something means to use that thing for one’s own benefit. Here Paul could use the word: (1) negatively, which would mean that Paul does not want to abuse his **right**. Alternate translation: “to abuse my right” or “to exploit my right” (2) positively, which would mean that Paul does not want to make use of the **right**, even though it would be fine to do so. Alternate translation: “”to make use of my right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	18	fn7i	figs-abstractnouns	τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ μου	1	so not take full use of my right in the gospel	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **right**, you could express the idea by using a verbal phrase such as “are able to” or “can require.” Alternate translation: “of what I can require” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	18	ziyb	figs-metaphor	ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ	1	so not take full use of my right in the gospel	Here Paul speaks as if his **right** were inside **the gospel**. He speaks in this way in order to show that he only has the **right** because of his work for **the gospel**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “by the gospel” or “that comes from the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	19	of7z	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	1	I am free from all	Here, **For** introduces verses [19–23](../09/19.md). Paul is drawing an inference from what he said in [9:18](../09/18.md) about offering the gospel “without charge.” Since he offers the gospel without charge, he is **free from all**. In this and the following verses, Paul will explain what he does as someone who is **free from all** and how this is beneficial or a “reward.” If your readers would misunderstand **For**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation or further development. Alternate translation: “” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	9	19	b83w	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	ὢν	1	I am free from all	Here, **being** introduces a phrase that: (1) contrasts with **I enslaved myself**. Alternate translation: “although I am” (2) gives the reason why Paul can “enslave himself.” Alternate translation: “because I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	9	19	s48l	figs-metaphor	ἐλεύθερος…ὢν ἐκ πάντων, πᾶσιν ἐμαυτὸν ἐδούλωσα	1	I am free from all	Here Paul uses the language of slavery and freedom to describe how he proclaims the gospel. Since he does not charge money when he proclaims the gospel, he is **free**. No person employs him or tells him what to do. However, Paul decides to serve others, to “enslave himself,” by doing what others think is right. In this way, he acts like a slave, who has to do what his master requires. If your readers would misunderstand the slavery and freedom metaphor, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “not having to obey all, I choose to obey all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	19	gv2u	figs-explicit	πάντων, πᾶσιν	1	I am free from all	Here, the Corinthians would have understood **all** to refer specifically to people. If your readers would misunderstand **all**, you could include a word or phrase that clarifies that Paul is speaking about “people.” Alternate translation: “all people … to all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	19	xlhn	translate-unknown	κερδήσω	1	I am free from all	Here, to **gain** someone means to help them to believe in the Messiah. Once people believe, they belong to Christ and his church, and so the person who preached the gospel to them “gained” them as a new part of the church. If your readers would misunderstand **gain**, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “I might convert” or “I might gain for Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	19	mms9	figs-explicit	τοὺς πλείονας	1	I might gain even more	Here Paul is speaking about how “enslaving himself” **to all** gains **more** than if he did not “enslave himself” in this way. He refers specifically to people here, just like **all** refers to people. If your readers would misunderstand **even more things**, you could clarify that Paul is referring to gaining **more** people than if he did not “enslave himself.” Alternate translation: “even more people” or “more people in this way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	20	hh8t		ἐγενόμην…ὡς Ἰουδαῖος	1	I became like a Jew	Alternate translation: “I practiced Jewish customs”
1CO	9	20	g1ig	translate-unknown	κερδήσω	-1	I became like a Jew	Just as in [9:19](../09/19.md), to **gain** someone means to help them to believe in the Messiah. Translate this word the same way you did in [9:19](../09/19.md). Alternate translation: “to convert” or “to gain for Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	20	s9tu	figs-metaphor	ὑπὸ νόμον	-1	I became like one under the law	Here Paul speaks about those who think that they need to obey the law as if they were physically **under the law**. By speaking as if **the law** were on top of these people, Paul emphasizes how **the law** controls their lives. If your readers would misunderstand **under the law**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to the obligation to obey **the law**. Alternate translation: “who keep the law … one who keeps the law … one who keeps the law … who keep the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	20	buuw	figs-ellipsis	ὑπὸ νόμον, ὡς ὑπὸ νόμον	1	I became like one under the law	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**I became**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “under the law, I became as one under the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	9	20	rusa		ὡς ὑπὸ νόμον	1	I became like one under the law	Alternate translation: “I kept the law”
1CO	9	20	fhhp	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	μὴ ὢν	1	I became like one under the law	Here, **not being** introduces a phrase that contrasts with *as under the law**. If your readers would misunderstand **not being**, you could add words that introduce a contrast. Alternate translation: “although I am not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	9	20	d330	figs-infostructure	νόμον, μὴ ὢν αὐτὸς ὑπὸ νόμον, ἵνα τοὺς ὑπὸ νόμον κερδήσω	1	I became like one under the law	Here, **in order to win those under the law** is the purpose for which Paul acts like a person **under the law**. The phrase **not being under the law myself** indicates that Paul realizes that he is not actually **under the law**. If your language would put the purpose immediate after what leads to that purpose, you could rearrange these two clauses. Alternate translation: “the law in order to win those under the law, not being under the law myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	9	21	vjuq	translate-unknown	τοῖς ἀνόμοις…ἄνομος…τοὺς ἀνόμους	1	outside the law	Here, **without the law** refers to people who do not have **the law** that Moses wrote down. These people are not Jews, but Paul is not saying that they are disobedient. Rather, Paul is emphasizing **the law** that Moses wrote down here, which is why he uses this language rather than referring to “Gentiles” or “non-Jews.” If your readers would misunderstand **without the law**, you could express the idea by clarifying that Paul is referring to people who do not have the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “To those without Moses’ law … without Moses’ law … those without Moses’ law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	21	htnr	figs-ellipsis	ὡς ἄνομος	1	outside the law	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous verses (**I became** in [9:20](../09/20.md)). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Since English needs these words, the ULT has supplied them in brackets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	9	21	d1ol	figs-infostructure	μὴ ὢν ἄνομος Θεοῦ, ἀλλ’ ἔννομος Χριστοῦ, ἵνα κερδάνω τοὺς ἀνόμους	1	outside the law	Much like in [9:20](../09/20.md), Paul includes some statements between being **without the law** and the purpose of being **without the law**. If your readers would find this structure confusing, you can rearrange the clauses so that the purpose comes immediately after **without the law**, or you can mark the statements in the middle as parenthetical, like the ULT does. Alternate translation: “so that I might win those without the law. Now I am not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	9	21	hzib	figs-possession	ἄνομος Θεοῦ	1	outside the law	Here Paul uses the possessive form to state that: (1) he is **not without the law** that **God** has given. Paul distinguishes between the **law** that Moses wrote down and God’s **law** in general. Alternate translation: “without any law from God” (2) he is **not** someone who is disobedient (**without the law**) towards **God**. Paul is distinguishing between people who do not have the **law** that Moses wrote down and people who disobey God. Alternate translation: “disobedient towards God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	9	21	qtu7	figs-metaphor	ἔννομος Χριστοῦ	1	outside the law	Much like in [9:20](../09/20.md), Paul speaks about those who think that they need to obey **the law** as if they were physically **under the law**. By speaking as if **the law** were on top of these people, Paul emphasizes how **the law** controls their lives. If your readers would misunderstand **under the law**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to the obligation to obey **the law of Christ**. Alternate translation: “keeping the law of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	21	p13t	figs-possession	ἔννομος Χριστοῦ	1	outside the law	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe **the law** that **Christ** commanded. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that clearly states that **Christ** commanded this **law**. Alternate translation: “under Christ’s law” or “under the law that comes from Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	9	21	pksy	translate-unknown	κερδάνω	1	outside the law	Just as in [9:19](../09/19.md), to **gain** someone means to help them to believe in the Messiah. Translate this word the same way you did in [9:19](../09/19.md). Alternate translation: “I might convert” or “I might gain for Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	22	zimr	figs-metaphor	τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν, ἀσθενής…τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς	1	outside the law	Much like in [8:7–12](../08/07.md), **weak** identifies a person who easily feels guilty. A **weak** person thinks some things are wrong that are probably acceptable before God. If your readers would misunderstand **weak**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “To the sensitive … sensitive … the sensitive” or “To those who often condemn themselves … one who condemns himself … those who often condemn themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	22	dd4r	figs-nominaladj	τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν…τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς	1	outside the law	Paul is using the adjective **weak** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “To people who are weak … the people who are weak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	9	22	zbip	translate-unknown	κερδήσω	1	outside the law	Just as in [9:19](../09/19.md), to **gain** someone means to help that person believe in the Messiah. Translate this word the same way you did in [9:19](../09/19.md). Alternate translation: “I might convert” or “I might gain for Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	22	wgy4	figs-idiom	τοῖς πᾶσιν γέγονα πάντα	1	outside the law	Here, to **become all things** means that Paul has lived in many different ways. If your readers would misunderstand **I have become all things**, you could express the idea more naturally in your language. Alternate translation: “I have lived in all ways with everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	9	22	pkkx	figs-hyperbole	τοῖς πᾶσιν γέγονα πάντα	1	outside the law	Here, **all things** and **everyone** are exaggerations that the Corinthians would have understood to mean that Paul has become many things to many people. Paul speaks in this way to emphasize that he is willing to **become** anything to anyone as long it leads to saving people. If your readers would misunderstood this exaggeration, you could qualify Paul’s claim and expression the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I have become many things to many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	9	22	q4ai		ἵνα πάντως…σώσω	1	outside the law	Alternate translation: “so that, by using every means I have, I might save”
1CO	9	22	ezm2	figs-metonymy	πάντως…σώσω	1	outside the law	Here Paul speaks of how he leads others to faith in Jesus as “saving” them. By this, he means that he himself is the means by which God will save **some**. If your readers would misunderstand how Paul says that can **save some**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to leading someone towards “salvation,” that is, helping them to believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “God might by all means use me to save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	9	23	tald	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	outside the law	Here, **But** introduces a summary of what Paul has said in [9:19–22](../09/19.md). If your readers would misunderstand **But**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a summary or concluding statement. Alternate translation: “In the end,” or “So,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	9	23	ewxy		πάντα…ποιῶ	1	outside the law	Alternate translation: “everything I do is”
1CO	9	23	vklq	translate-unknown	συνκοινωνὸς αὐτοῦ	1	outside the law	Here, **a partaker** is someone who participates in or shares in something with others. What Paul means is that he acts in the ways that he does with the purpose of participating in or sharing in the **gospel** and receiving what the **gospel** promises. If your readers would misunderstand **partaker**, you could use a comparable word or phrase that indicates that Paul is a “participator” or “sharer” in the **gospel**. Alternate translation: “a sharer in it” or “a participator in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	23	f6es	figs-abstractnouns	συνκοινωνὸς αὐτοῦ γένωμαι	1	outside the law	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **partaker**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “partake” or “share.” Alternate translation: “I might partake in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	9	23	bruk	figs-metonymy	αὐτοῦ	1	outside the law	Here, **it** refers back to **the gospel**, but Paul particularly has in mind the benefits or blessings that come from **the gospel**. If your readers would misunderstand **it**, you could clarify that Paul is referring to the blessings of **the gospel**. Alternate translation: “of its blessings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we know.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong statement. Alternate translation: “You certainly know that in a race all those who are running run, but only one receives the prize.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	9	24	mq1d	figs-exmetaphor	οἱ ἐν σταδίῳ τρέχοντες, πάντες μὲν τρέχουσιν, εἷς δὲ λαμβάνει τὸ βραβεῖον? οὕτως τρέχετε, ἵνα καταλάβητε	1	run	Here Paul begins using athletic metaphors, metaphors he will use throughout [9:24–27](../09/24.md). In this verse, he focuses on footraces. In his culture, only the runner who finished first would receive **the prize**. The **prize** might be many things, but often it was a “wreath” of leaves (see [9:25](../09/25.md)). Paul’s point is that the runner who wished to win had to work and train hard to be the best. Paul wants the Corinthians to approach their Christian lives with this mindset, the mindset of a successful athlete. Translate this verse in a way that clearly connects the Christian life to a footrace. Alternate translation: “only one runner receives the prize after a race? You should live your lives like a runner who focuses on receiving the prize” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	9	24	gb46		οἱ ἐν σταδίῳ τρέχοντες, πάντες μὲν τρέχουσιν	1	run	Alternate translation: “in a race everyone runs”
1CO	9	24	mh8z	translate-unknown	βραβεῖον	1	So run in such a way that you might obtain it	Here, **prize** refers to what a runner would receive after winning the race. In Paul’s culture, this would often be a “wreath” of leaves ([9:25](../09/25.md)) and sometimes money. Use a word in your culture that refers generally to what an athlete receives after winning a contest. Alternate translation: “trophy” or “reward” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	25	l334	translate-unknown	πᾶς…ὁ ἀγωνιζόμενος	1	a wreath that is perishable … one that is imperishable	Here, **everyone competing in the games** refers generally to any athlete who participates in a competition, not just runners as in the last verse. Use a word or phrase in your language that refers to athletes who compete in any sport or competition. Alternate translation: “every competitor in athletic competitions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	25	mypo	translate-unknown	ἐγκρατεύεται	1	a wreath that is perishable … one that is imperishable	Here Paul specifically has in mind the way an athlete only eats certain foods, trains their body in difficult ways, and behaves differently than most other people. All of this requires **self-control**. He implies at the end of the verse that **we** too must exercise **self-control**. If possible, use a word or phrase that refers to athletic training but that can be applied to the Christian life as well. Alternate translation: “disciplines themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	9	25	rqey	figs-ellipsis	ἐκεῖνοι μὲν οὖν ἵνα	1	a wreath that is perishable … one that is imperishable	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. If your language needs these words, you could supply them from the first sentence in the verse. Since English needs these words, the ULT has supplied them in brackets. Alternate translation: “They therefore {exercise self-control} in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	9	25	s0n2	figs-explicit	φθαρτὸν στέφανον	1	a wreath that is perishable … one that is imperishable	Here, the **wreath** refers to a crown made out of leaves gathered from a plant or a tree. This **wreath** was given to an athlete who won a contest as a symbol of their victory. Since the **wreath** was made out of leaves, it was **perishable**. If your readers would misunderstand **perishable wreath**, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that refers to what a winning athlete receives while still emphasizing that this prize is **perishable**. Alternate translation: “a breakable medal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	9	25	w421	figs-ellipsis	ἡμεῖς…ἄφθαρτον	1	a wreath that is perishable … one that is imperishable	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. If your language needs these words, you could supply them from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “we {do it in order that we might receive} an imperishable one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	9	25	bfe4	figs-metaphor	ἄφθαρτον	1	a wreath that is perishable … one that is imperishable	Here Paul speaks of a **wreath** that is **imperishable** that believers will **receive**. He speaks of what God will give to believers as a **wreath** in order to emphasize that Christians will receive something like the honor and glory that a successful athlete receives, but that it will be better because it will be **imperishable**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with an analogy. Alternate translation: “an imperishable reward that is like a wreath” or “an imperishable prize” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	26	k64n	figs-exmetaphor	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, Paul uses two different athletic metaphors, the first from footraces and the second from boxing. Both metaphors emphasize how Paul remains focused on his goal. As a runner, he has a **purpose**, which is reaching the finish line as fast as possible. As a boxer, he does not box **the air** but rather focuses on striking his opponent. If your readers would misunderstand these figures of speech, you could express the ideas non-figuratively or by using analogies. Alternate translation: “I focus on the goal, much like a runner focuses on the finish line and a boxer focuses on striking the opponent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])
1CO	9	26	m7gf	figs-infostructure	οὕτως…ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως; οὕτως…ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων	1		In both halves of this verse, Paul introduces how he “runs” or “fights” with the word **thus**, and then he explains more clearly how he “runs” or “fights.” If your readers would find this confusing, you could introduce how Paul “runs” or “fights” more naturally. Alternate translation: “not as without purpose … not as boxing the air” or “as one who is not without purpose … as one who is not boxing the air” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	9	26	muuc	figs-litotes	ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως	1		Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “as with purpose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1CO	9	26	k69i	figs-idiom	ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων	1		Here Paul refers to a boxer who hits **the air** instead of the opponent. This kind of boxer does not succeed. If your readers would misunderstand **boxing the air**, you could use a phrase that refers to a boxer who often misses his punches. Alternate translation: “not as missing my punches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	9	27	pma2	figs-metaphor	ὑπωπιάζω μου τὸ σῶμα	1		Here, Paul uses words that continue the boxing metaphor from [9:26](../09/26.md). He says, “I give my body a black eye.” Paul’s point is that he controls or rules over his **body**, just like boxers control or rule over any opponents that they have punched in the face. He does not mean that he physically hurts his body. Since this language would be misunderstood in English, the ULT has expressed the idea non-figuratively. You could also express the idea non-figuratively, or you could use a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “I rule my body” or “I take control of my body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	27	whfp	figs-synecdoche	μου τὸ σῶμα, καὶ δουλαγωγῶ	1		Here Paul uses **my body** to refer to himself as a whole. He does not mean that his non-physical part “subdues” and “enslaves” his physical part. Rather, he means that he “subdues” and “enslaves” himself. If your readers would misunderstand **my body**, you could express the idea by using a natural way in your language to refer to oneself. Alternate translation: “myself and enslave myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	9	27	n001	figs-metaphor	δουλαγωγῶ	1		Here, Paul speaks as if he were “enslaving” his **body**. He speaks in this way to again emphasize that he controls and rules over himself. If your readers would misunderstand **enslave**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “control it” or “govern it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	27	tyca	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	μή πως ἄλλοις κηρύξας	1		Here, **having preached to others** could identify: (1) a contrast a with how he **might be disqualified**. Alternate translation: “lest, although I have preached to others” (2) what Paul has done before he **might be disqualified**. Alternate translation: “lest, after having preached to others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	9	27	blb7	figs-metaphor	αὐτὸς ἀδόκιμος γένωμαι	1	I myself may not be disqualified	Here, **disqualified** continues the athletic imagery. An athlete who is **disqualified** is unable to win the competition and receive the prize. Paul speaks in this way to emphasize that he wants to be able to receive a reward from God. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I myself might not reach the goal” or “I myself might fail to please God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	9	27	s3sd	figs-activepassive	αὐτὸς ἀδόκιμος γένωμαι	1		If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God might disqualify even me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	intro	abcd			0		# 1 Corinthians 10 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>5. On food (8:1–11:1)<br>      * Warning from Israelite history (10:1–12)<br>      * Encouragement and command (10:13–14)<br>      * The Lord’s Supper and food offered to idols (10:15–22)<br>      * Both freedom and care for others (10:23–11:1)<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### The Exodus and wilderness journey<br><br>In the first half of this chapter, Paul consistently refers to the narrative about how God rescued the Israelites from Egypt and led them through the wilderness so that they could take possession of the land he had promised to give them. He mentions multiple stories from this narrative. God led the Israelites by appearing as a pillar of cloud, and he made a path through the sea for them (see [Exodus 13:17–14:31](exo/13/17.md)). God miraculously provided them with food while they were traveling through the desert (see [Exodus 16](exo/16/01.md)), and he also provided water from a rock for them to drink (see [Exodus 17:1–7](exo/17/01.md) and [Numbers 20:2–13](num/29/02.md)). Despite this, the Israelites often grumbled against God and against their leaders, so God punished them by letting them die in the wilderness (see [Numbers 14:20–35](num/14/20.md)). The Israelites also worshiped other gods (see [Exodus 32:1–6](exo/32/01.md)) and committed sexual immorality (see [Numbers 25:1–9](num/25/01.md)), so God again punished them. Other times when the Israelites complained about their leaders, God sent snakes (see [Numbers 21:5–6](num/21/05.md)) or a plague ([Numbers 16:41–50](num/16/41.md)) to kill them. Paul’s point here is that God acted to save the Israelites, but when they disobeyed or grumbled, God punished them. Paul wants the Corinthians to understand this as a warning to them as well. They should not be like the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/desert]])<br><br>### “Spiritual”<br><br>In [10:3–4](../10/03.md), Paul states that the Israelites ate “spiritual food” and drank “spiritual drink” from a “spiritual rock.” By “spiritual,” Paul could be referring to the action of God’s Spirit, who provided the food and drink from the rock. By using “spiritual,” Paul could also be identifying the “food,” “drink,” and “rock” as prefigurations or types of the Lord’s Supper, which he discusses later in the chapter. Or, he could simply want the reader to think of the Lord’s Supper without drawing any direct connection. Consider the theology of the group you are translating for to decide exactly how to express “spiritual” here. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])<br><br>### The Lord’s Supper<br><br>In [10:16–17](../10/16.md), [21](../10/21.md), Paul refers to the Lord’s Supper. He describes the unity that comes with the Lord and with other believers when believers partake of the “cup” and the “table,” that is, the bread and the wine. He then argues that this unity means that participating in the Lord’s Supper is incompatible with participating in meals that unite one to idols, or rather, to the demons that the idols represent. In these verses, use words and phrases that fit with how your language talks about the Lord’s Supper. <br><br>### Things sacrificed to idols<br><br>In Paul’s culture, animals were often sacrificed to the gods. After the animal was slaughtered, the people who were participating in the worship would eat parts of the animal. Other times, some of the meat would be sold in the market, as Paul implies in [10:25](../10/25.md). For most people who were not wealthy, participating in worship with a sacrifice or buying sacrificed meat in the market were two of the few situations in which they could eat meat. Throughout this chapter, Paul continues to explain how the Corinthians should think about eating or not eating this meat. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In [10:16](../10/16.md), [18–19](../10/18.md), [22](../10/22.md), [29–30](../10/29.md), Paul uses rhetorical questions. He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### “That rock was Christ”<br><br>In [10:4](../10/04.md), Paul states that the “rock” from which the Israelites received water “was Christ.” This metaphor can be interpreted in two major ways: (1) Paul could be saying that Christ was the one who made the rock provide the Israelites with water. (2) Paul could be saying that the rock provided water for the Israelites like Christ provides salvation for those who believe in him. (3) Paul could be saying that Christ was somehow present in or with the rock itself. Since Paul’s sentence allows for a number of interpretations, if possible you should also allow for a number of interpretations with your translation. Also, consider the theology of the group you are translating for to decide exactly how to express “that rock was Christ.”<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Quoting the Corinthians<br><br>In [10:23](../10/23.md), Paul quotes words that the Corinthians have said or that they wrote to him. The ULT indicates these words by putting quotation marks around them. Use a natural way in your language to indicate that an author is quoting someone else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])<br><br>### Are [10:28–29a](../10/28.md) a parenthesis?<br><br>In [10:25–27](../10/25.md), Paul tells the Corinthians that they can eat any food from the marketplace or in someone’s home without asking about whether it was sacrificed to an idol. Everything belongs to God, so whether it was sacrificed or not does not matter. However, in [10:28–29a](../10/28.md), Paul gives an exception: if someone tells you directly that the food was sacrificed to an idol, you should not eat it for the sake of the person who told you. Immediately after, however, in [10:29b](../10/29.md), he asks a question that implies that one’s freedom should be constrained by some other person’s ideas about right and wrong. This does not seem to fit with the exception Paul has given in [10:28–29a](../10/28.md). Most likely, Paul means [10:28–29a](../10/28.md) to be understood as a side note, and [10:29b](../10/29.md) follows directly from [10:27](../10/27.md). In order to indicate this, the UST puts parentheses around [10:28–29a](../10/28.md). Consider using a natural way in your language to indicate a side note or a digression from the main argument. 
1CO	10	1	gce5	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1	passed through the sea	Here, **For** introduces what Paul says about the Israelites in [10:1–5](../10/01.md). What Paul says in these verses explains what he said the previous verse about how he and other believers should work hard not to be “disqualified” ([9:27](../09/27.md)). The Israelites whom God took out of Egypt were “disqualified,” and believers should work not to be like them. If your readers would misunderstand **For**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an example or support. Alternate translation: “Here is an example:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	10	1	navn	figs-litotes	οὐ θέλω…ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν	1	our fathers	Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “I want you to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1CO	10	1	hhts	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί…οἱ πατέρες	1	our fathers	Although the words **brothers** and **fathers** are masculine, Paul is using them to refer to both men and women. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers** and **fathers**, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters … fathers and mothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	10	1	mnri	translate-kinship	οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν	1	our fathers	Here, **our fathers** refers to the Israelites who were slaves in Egypt and whom God rescued. Not all the Corinthians were descended from these Israelites. However, Paul can still refer to the Israelites as their **fathers** because he thinks that all Christians have been included in the family of Abraham, the ancestor of the Israelites. Preserve the family language in your translation. Alternate translation: “our forefathers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
1CO	10	1	v4c6	figs-explicit	πάντες ὑπὸ τὴν νεφέλην ἦσαν, καὶ πάντες διὰ τῆς θαλάσσης διῆλθον	1	passed through the sea	In this verse, Paul refers to the story of when God brought the Israelites out of Egypt. For this story, see especially [Exodus 13:17–14:31](exo/13/17.md). God appeared to the Israelites as a pillar of cloud and fire, and he led them and protected them with this pillar of cloud and fire. To get out of Egypt, God led them to a sea called the “Red Sea” or the “Sea of Reeds.” When the king of Egypt came to take the Israelites back to Egypt, God worked through Moses to separate the water of the sea and make a path for the Israelites to travel through. When the king of Egypt tried to follow them, God sent the water back, and the Egyptian army drowned. Paul draws special attention to the **cloud** and the **sea** because of what he will say in the next verse. If your readers are not familiar with this story, you could add a footnote that refers to or summarizes the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	2	q15x	figs-activepassive	πάντες εἰς τὸν Μωϋσῆν ἐβαπτίσαντο	1	All were baptized into Moses	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” or an unknown person did it. Alternate translation: “they all experienced baptism into Moses” or “God baptized them all into Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	2	f7cq	figs-idiom	πάντες εἰς τὸν Μωϋσῆν ἐβαπτίσαντο	1	All were baptized into Moses	Here, **baptized into** identifies the person with whom one is united in baptism. If your readers would misunderstand **baptized into**, you could clarify the idea by using language of union or relationship. Alternate translation: “they all were baptized so that they followed Moses” or “they all were baptized into relationship with Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	10	2	d4ho	figs-metaphor	πάντες εἰς τὸν Μωϋσῆν ἐβαπτίσαντο	1	All were baptized into Moses	Here Paul speaks as if the Israelites had been **baptized**, just like believers in Jesus are **baptized**. By this, he does not mean that the Israelites had a different savior, Moses. Rather, he wants to connect the Israelites and the Corinthians, and one way to do that is to connect their leaders (**Moses** and Jesus). If your readers would misunderstand **baptized into Moses**, you could express the idea by using an analogy or indicating that Paul is speaking figuratively. Since Paul’s point is to connect the ideas in this verse to “baptism into Jesus,” preserve the metaphor here. Alternate translation: “they all were baptized, so to speak, into Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	2	isfd	translate-names	τὸν Μωϋσῆν	1	All were baptized into Moses	**Moses** is the name of a man. He is the one whom God used to take the Israelites out of Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	10	2	y72i	figs-explicit	ἐν τῇ νεφέλῃ, καὶ ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ	1	in the cloud	For the significance of the **cloud** and the **sea**, see the notes on the previous verse. God led the Israelites with the cloud, and he led them through the sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	3	la48	figs-explicit	πάντες τὸ αὐτὸ πνευματικὸν βρῶμα ἔφαγον	1	in the cloud	In this verse, Paul refers to how God provided the Israelites with “bread from heaven” while they were traveling through the desert. This bread is called “Manna.” For the story, see [Exodus 16](exo/16/01.md). While Paul does not explicitly state this, it is clear that he is comparing the “Manna” to the bread in the Lord’s Supper, just as he compared passing through the Red Sea with baptism in the last two verses. If your readers are not familiar with this story, you could add a footnote that refers to or summarizes the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	3	d4zh	translate-unknown	πνευματικὸν	1	in the cloud	Here, **spiritual** could indicate: (1) that the **food** came from God in a supernatural way. Alternate translation: “supernatural” (2) that Paul is indicating that the **food** should be compared with the bread in the Lord’s Supper, which is also “spiritual.” Alternate translation: “divine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	4	xut2	figs-explicit	πάντες τὸ αὐτὸ πνευματικὸν ἔπιον πόμα; ἔπινον γὰρ ἐκ πνευματικῆς ἀκολουθούσης πέτρας	1	drank the same spiritual drink … spiritual rock	Here Paul refers to two stories that tell how the Israelites drank water that came out of a rock. For these stories, see [Exodus 17:1–7](exo/17/01.md) and [Numbers 20:2–13](num/20/02.md). In both of these stories, the Israelites are thirsty in the desert, and God commands Moses to act (either by speaking or by hitting the rock with a staff) so that water comes out of the rock for the Israelites to drink. If your readers are not familiar with these stories, you could add a footnote that refers to or summarizes the stories. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	4	wina	translate-unknown	πνευματικὸν	1	drank the same spiritual drink … spiritual rock	Here, **spiritual** could indicate: (1) that the **drink** came from God in a supernatural way. Alternate translation: “supernatural” (2) that Paul is indicating that the **drink** should be compared with the wine in the Lord’s Supper, which is also “spiritual.” Alternate translation: “divine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	4	op27	translate-unknown	πνευματικῆς	1	drank the same spiritual drink … spiritual rock	Here, **spiritual** could indicate: (1) that God used the **rock** in a supernatural way. Alternate translation: “a supernatural” (2) that Paul is already hinting that the **rock** should be interpreted as more than a rock but as **Christ** (as he does at the end of the verse). Alternate translation: “a divine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	4	hcae	figs-explicit	ἀκολουθούσης πέτρας	1	drank the same spiritual drink … spiritual rock	Some early Jewish scholars used the two stories about the water coming from the rock to argue that it was the same rock in both stories. This means that the rock was **following** the Israelites as they journeyed through the desert. Paul seems to refer to this interpretation here. If your readers would misunderstanding **following them**, you could include a footnote explaining why Paul speaks in this way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	4	whj4	figs-metaphor	ἡ…πέτρα ἦν ὁ Χριστός	1	that rock was Christ	Here Paul identifies the **rock** as **Christ**. By speaking in this way, he means that the rock was the source of water and life for the Israelites, just as **Christ** is the source of life for all those who believe in him. Paul also probably means that **Christ** was the one who made the water come from the **rock**. If possible, preserve Paul’s metaphor here. If you must express the idea in another, you could state a comparison between how the **rock** provided for the Israelites and how **Christ** provides for all his people. Alternate translation: “they received water from that rock like we receive life from Christ” or “Christ provided for them through the rock, and he provides for us now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	5	lh93		οὐκ…ηὐδόκησεν	1	not well pleased	Alternate translation: “was displeased”
1CO	10	5	tnu4	figs-activepassive	οὐκ ἐν τοῖς πλείοσιν αὐτῶν ηὐδόκησεν ὁ Θεός	1	most of them	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “they” caused it. Alternate translation: “most of them were not pleasing to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	5	w673	figs-activepassive	κατεστρώθησαν	1	their corpses were scattered about	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God scattered them about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	5	jxua	figs-euphemism	κατεστρώθησαν…ἐν	1	their corpses were scattered about	Paul is referring to the deaths of many Israelites as “scattering about.” This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant while still expressing the idea that they died in many different places. If **they were scattered about** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a different polite way of referring to deaths or you could state it plainly. Alternate translation: “they passed away throughout” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	10	5	b96g	figs-explicit	κατεστρώθησαν…ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ	1	in the wilderness	Here, Paul speaks in general of how the Israelites left Egypt to go to the land that God had promised to give them. To get to that land, they traveled through **the wilderness**. However, the Israelites often disobeyed or grumbled against God, and so he **was not well pleased with most of them**. He punished them by letting most of them die **in the wilderness** and only allowing their children to enter the land that he had promised. See [Numbers 14:20–35](num/14/20.md) for God’s announcement of judgment. If your readers are not familiar with this story, you could add a footnote that refers to or summarizes the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	6	dzkm	writing-pronouns	ταῦτα	1	in the wilderness	Here, **these things** refers to what he has said about the Israelites in [10:1–5](../10/01.md). If your readers would misunderstand **these things**, you could more clearly express what it refers to. Alternate translation: “what happened to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	10	6	nr6j	figs-idiom	ἐγενήθησαν	1	in the wilderness	Here Paul states that what happened to the Israelites **became examples**. This means that what happened can be interpreted as **examples** or occurred as **examples**. If your readers would misunderstand **became**, you could more clearly state that **these things** should be understood as **examples**. Alternate translation: “can be understood as” or “happened as” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	10	6	afxo		μὴ εἶναι ἡμᾶς ἐπιθυμητὰς	1	in the wilderness	Alternate translation: “we would not desire”
1CO	10	6	eisd	figs-ellipsis	ἐπεθύμησαν	1	to play	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. If your language needs these words, you could supply them from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “desired evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	10	7	lven	writing-quotations	ὥσπερ γέγραπται	1	to play	In Paul’s culture, **even as it is written** was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text. In this case, the quotation comes from [Exodus 32:6](exo/32/06.md). If your readers would misunderstand how Paul introduces the quotation, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “for it can be read in Exodus” or “For the book of Exodus says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	10	7	ej16	figs-quotations	γέγραπται, ἐκάθισεν ὁ λαὸς φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν, καὶ ἀνέστησαν παίζειν	1	to play	If your language does not use this form, you could translate the command as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “it is written that the people sat down to eat and to drink and rose up to play” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	10	7	awhu	figs-explicit	ἐκάθισεν ὁ λαὸς φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν, καὶ ἀνέστησαν παίζειν	1	to play	This quotation comes from a story in which Moses has gone up on a mountain to meet with God. While he is gone, the Israelites make an idol and worship it. This quotation is how their worship is described. Paul chooses this verse because it refers specifically to food sacrificed to idols and to sexual immorality (**play**, see the next note), which are the topics he has and will discuss. If your readers are not familiar with this story, you could add a footnote that refers to or summarizes the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	7	ukp4	figs-euphemism	παίζειν	1	to play	Here, **play** is a polite way to refer to sexual behavior. If your readers would misunderstand **play**, you could use a comparable polite term. Alternate translation: “to have sex” or “to make love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	10	8	szje	figs-abstractnouns	πορνεύωμεν…ἐπόρνευσαν	1	In one day, twenty-three thousand people died	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **immorality**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “immoral.” Alternate translation: “should we commit what is sexually immoral … committed what is sexually immoral” or “should behave in sexually immoral ways … behaved in sexually immoral ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	8	jb3v	figs-explicit	τινες αὐτῶν ἐπόρνευσαν, καὶ ἔπεσαν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες	1	In one day, twenty-three thousand people died	Here Paul refers to a story found in [Numbers 25:1–9](num/25/01.md). In this story, many Israelites began to worship a god named “Baal of Peor.” While worshiping this god, they also **committed sexual immorality**. God judged the Israelites by killing 24,000 of them. If your readers are not familiar with this story, you could add a footnote that refers to or summarizes the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	8	vlru	grammar-connect-logic-result	καὶ	1	In one day, twenty-three thousand people died	Here, **and** introduces the result of the Israelites “committing” **sexual immorality**. If your language does not use **and** to introduce a result, you could use a word or phrase that is more natural. Alternate translation: “and as a result,” or “with the result that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	10	8	vw5g	translate-numbers	εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες	1	In one day, twenty-three thousand people died	Here, **23,000** does not match the number that the Old Testament story includes, which is 24,000. Most likely, Paul is using a round number here. Consider using ways in your language to express a number, particularly a round number. Alternate translation: “about twenty-three thousand people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1CO	10	8	mc7x	figs-euphemism	ἔπεσαν	1	In one day, twenty-three thousand people died	Paul is referring to the deaths of many Israelites as “falling.” This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If **fell** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a different polite way of referring to deaths or you could state the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “they passed away” or “fell down dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	10	8	xqfc	translate-numbers	μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ	1	In one day, twenty-three thousand people died	Here, **one day** refers to one cycle of the sun while the sun is up. Use a word or phrase in your language that refers to this time period. Alternate translation: “in a single day” or “during one daytime” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1CO	10	9	z4xf	figs-explicit	τινες αὐτῶν ἐπείρασαν, καὶ ὑπὸ τῶν ὄφεων ἀπώλλυντο	1	were destroyed by snakes	Here Paul refers to a story found in [Numbers 21:5–6](num/21/05.md). In this story, many Israelites “spoke against” or challenged their leaders and God himself. In response, God sent **snakes**, and the **snakes** bit the Israelites, and many of them died. If your readers are not familiar with this story, you could add a footnote that refers to or summarizes the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	9	rhyb	grammar-connect-logic-result	καὶ	1	were destroyed by snakes	Here, **and** introduces the result of the Israelites “putting” **the Lord to the test**. If your language does not use **and** to introduce a result, you could use a word or phrase that is more natural. Alternate translation: “and as a result” or “with the result that they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	10	9	l5h4	figs-activepassive	ὑπὸ τῶν ὄφεων ἀπώλλυντο	1	were destroyed by snakes	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it by using **the snakes**. Alternate translation: “God used snakes to destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	10	tdsy	figs-explicit	τινὲς αὐτῶν ἐγόγγυσαν, καὶ ἀπώλοντο ὑπὸ τοῦ ὀλοθρευτοῦ	1	were destroyed by the destroyer	Here Paul refers to a story found in [Numbers 16:41–50](num/16/41.md) and perhaps also a story found in [Numbers 14:1–38](num/14/01.md). In both of these stories, Israelites “grumble” or complain about how their leaders and God himself are leading them. In response, God sends a plague or kills Israelites who **grumbled**. If your readers are not familiar with these stories, you could add a footnote that refers to or summarizes the stories. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Num 16:41–50
1CO	10	10	cz1e	grammar-connect-logic-result	καὶ	1	were destroyed by the destroyer	Here, **and** introduces the result of the Israelites “grumbling.” If your language does not use **and** to introduce a result, you could use a word or phrase that is more natural. Alternate translation: “and as a result” or “with the result that they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	10	10	i3q3	figs-activepassive	ἀπώλοντο ὑπὸ τοῦ ὀλοθρευτοῦ	1	were destroyed by the destroyer	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it by using **the destroyer**. Alternate translation: “God used the destroyer to destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	10	h02d	translate-unknown	τοῦ ὀλοθρευτοῦ	1	were destroyed by the destroyer	Here, **destroyer** refers to an angelic messenger whom God sends to “destroy.” Sometimes, this angel is called “the Angel of Death.” The stories that Paul refers to do not explicitly mention **the destroyer**, but Paul understands **the destroyer** to be the one who acts out God’s judgment by bringing a plague and killing Israelites. If your readers would misunderstand **the destroyer**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to a spiritual being that “destroys.” However, this spiritual being must be one whom God could send. Alternate translation: “the angel of death” or “a destroying angel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	11	u1mp	writing-pronouns	ταῦτα	1	these things happened to them	Here, **these things** refers back to what Paul has said about the Israelites in [10:7–10](../10/07.md). If your readers would misunderstand **these things** you could clarify what the phrase refers to. Alternate translation: “the events that I have mentioned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	10	11	bxef	translate-unknown	τυπικῶς	1	these things happened to them	Just as in [10:6](../10/06.md), **examples** here refers to how the stories about the Israelites function as **examples** or “illustrations” for the believers who hear or read those stories. If your readers would misunderstand **examples**, you could use a comparable word or phrase, and compare with how you translated “examples” in [10:6](../10/06.md). Alternate translation: “as patterns” or “as models” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	11	xlwp	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	2	these things happened to them	Here, **but** introduces a further development. It does not contrast with the previous clause. If your readers would misunderstand **but**, you could express the idea with a word or phrase that introduces a further development. Alternate translation: “and” or “and then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	10	11	zavw	figs-activepassive	ἐγράφη	1	these things happened to them	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “someone” did it. Alternate translation: “a person wrote them” or “people wrote them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	11	xotv	figs-abstractnouns	πρὸς νουθεσίαν ἡμῶν	1	these things happened to them	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **admonition**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “admonish.” Alternate translation: “to admonish us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	11	wmp1	figs-metaphor	εἰς οὓς τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων κατήντηκεν	1	as examples	Here Paul speaks as if **the end of the ages** could **come** on somebody. By speaking as if **the end of the ages** were something that could **come**, Paul expresses the idea that he and the Corinthians are living during **the end of the ages**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “who live during the end of the ages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	11	j3z1	figs-idiom	εἰς οὓς τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων κατήντηκεν	1	the end of the ages	Here, **the end of the ages** refers to the last period in the history of the world. It also means that this last period has been the goal of all the previous events. If your language has a way to refer to the last period in the history of the world, you could use it here. If your language has a way to refer to the end of the world, you could express the idea by stating that the end of the world will happen soon. Alternate translation: “to whom the end of the world is coming soon” or “on whom the end times have come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	10	12	df2p	figs-metaphor	ἑστάναι…μὴ πέσῃ	1	does not fall	Here someone who **stands** is someone who is strong and faithful when following Jesus. People who **fall** are those who fail to faithfully follow Jesus and whom God punishes, just like he punished the Israelites. “Standing” and “falling” represent physically the spiritual state of the person. If your readers would misunderstand **stands** and **fall**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “he has firm footing … he might not slip” or “he acts faithfully … he might not fail” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	12	hn4j	figs-imperative	βλεπέτω	1	does not fall	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using words such as “should” or “needs to.” Alternate translation: “he needs to be careful that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	10	12	s8yj	figs-gendernotations	ἑστάναι, βλεπέτω μὴ πέσῃ	1	does not fall	Although **he** and **him** are masculine, Paul is using them to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If **he** and **him** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she stands, let him or her be careful that he or she might not fall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	10	13	a8vj	grammar-connect-exceptions	πειρασμὸς ὑμᾶς οὐκ εἴληφεν, εἰ μὴ ἀνθρώπινος	1	No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to all humanity	If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “The only temptations that have seized you are those that are common to humanity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	10	13	hc7q	figs-personification	πειρασμὸς ὑμᾶς οὐκ εἴληφεν	1	He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability	Here, a **temptation** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could “seize” someone. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “You have encountered no temptation” or “No temptation has tempted you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	10	13	e4je	figs-abstractnouns	πειρασμὸς…οὐκ…σὺν τῷ πειρασμῷ	1	He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **temptation**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “tempt.” Alternate translation: “Nothing that is tempting … with what is tempting you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	13	r066	figs-idiom	ἀνθρώπινος	1	He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability	Something that **is common to humanity** is something that many humans experience, and it is not unique to one or two people. If your readers would misunderstand **what is common to humanity**, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “what is usual for humans” or “what other people experience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	10	13	a72t	figs-activepassive	ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι	1	will not let you be tempted	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “someone” did it. Alternate translation: “someone to tempt you” or “anybody to tempt you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	13	idi9	figs-metaphor	ὑπὲρ ὃ δύνασθε	1	will not let you be tempted	Here Paul speaks as if a **temptation** could be **beyond** what the Corinthians **are able** to handle. By speaking as if the **temptation** is too far in distance, Paul emphasizes that a **temptation** that is **beyond** would be one that the Corinthians could not resist, just as they could not reach a place that is **beyond** them. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “above what you are able” or “so that you are not able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	13	au0q	figs-ellipsis	δύνασθε	1	will not let you be tempted	Here Paul omits what the Corinthians **are able** to do. If your language would state what they **are able** to do, you could include a word or phrase that would be used for “resisting” a temptation. Alternate translation: “you are able to withstand” or “you are able to endure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	10	13	ek5d	figs-metaphor	τὴν ἔκβασιν	1	will not let you be tempted	Here Paul speaks of a **temptation** as if it were a trap that had a **way of escape**. By speaking in this way, Paul tells the Corinthians that God always provides a way to deal with a **temptation**, just as if a trap always had a **way of escape**. If your readers would misunderstand **way of escape**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the way out” or “the way to withstand it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	13	er9d	grammar-connect-logic-goal	τὴν ἔκβασιν τοῦ δύνασθαι ὑπενεγκεῖν	1	will not let you be tempted	Here, **so that you will be able to endure it** could (1) state the purpose of God giving **the way of escape**. Alternate translation: “the way of escape in order that you will be able to endure it” (2) define **the way of escape**. Alternate translation: “the way of escape, which is being able to endure it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
1CO	10	14	dab4	figs-activepassive	ἀγαπητοί μου	1	Connecting Statement:	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that he himself loves them. Alternate translation: “people whom I love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	14	n5tb	figs-metaphor	φεύγετε ἀπὸ	1	flee away from idolatry	Just as in [6:18](../06/18.md), here Paul wants the Corinthians to avoid **idolatry** as urgently as if it were an enemy or danger that they might **flee from**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “carefully stay away from” or “fight against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	14	ly4k	figs-abstractnouns	τῆς εἰδωλολατρίας	1	flee away from idolatry	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **idolatry**, you could express the idea by using a phrase such as “worshiping other gods” or “serving idols.” Alternate translation: “serving idols” or “worshiping idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	15	ed82	grammar-connect-condition-fact	ὡς φρονίμοις	1	flee away from idolatry	Paul here uses **as**, but he means that he thinks he really is speaking to **sensible people**. If your language does not use **as** if what it introduces is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what John is saying is not certain, then you could express the idea by identifying the Corinthians as **sensible people**. Alternate translation: “to you like this because you are sensible people” or “like someone who talks to reasonable people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	10	15	mnb2	writing-pronouns	ὅ φημι	1	flee away from idolatry	Here, **what I say** refers to what Paul is about to say in the next verses (especially [10:16–22](../10/16.md). If your readers would misunderstand **what I say**, you could use a form that naturally refers to the next sentences. Alternate translation: “what I will say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	10	16	gi4s	figs-possession	τὸ ποτήριον τῆς εὐλογίας	1	The cup of blessing	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe a **cup** is characterized by **blessing**. This phrase identifies a specific **cup**, here the **cup** used in the Lord’s Supper. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could identify the **cup** as the one used in the Lord’s Supper. Alternate translation: “The cup in the Lord’s Supper” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	10	16	tavb	figs-metonymy	τὸ ποτήριον	1	The cup of blessing	Here the Corinthians would have understood **cup** to refer to the drink inside the **cup**, which in Paul’s culture would have been wine. If your readers would misunderstand **cup**, you could more explicitly refer to what would be in the **cup**. Alternate translation: “The drink” or “The wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	10	16	tv8e	figs-abstractnouns	τῆς εὐλογίας	1	that we bless	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **blessing**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “bless.” Alternate translation: “that blesses and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	16	y5uv	figs-rquestion	εὐλογοῦμεν, οὐχὶ κοινωνία ἐστὶν τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ?	1	is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, it is.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “we bless is certainly a sharing of the blood of Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	16	yek5	figs-possession	κοινωνία…τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ…κοινωνία τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ	1	is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe **a sharing** that “shares in” the **blood** and **body** of Christ. This could refer primarily to: (1) communion in or union with Christ himself. Alternate translation: “communion with the blood of Christ … communion with the body of Christ” (2) being joined together with other believers, which comes from sharing in the **blood** and **body** of Christ. Alternate translation: “sharing in fellowship based on the blood of Christ … sharing in fellowship based on the body of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	10	16	ngf6	figs-rquestion	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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, it is.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “we break is certainly a sharing of the body of Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	16	g8ad	translate-unknown	κλῶμεν	1	The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?	Here, to **break** bread refers to taking a large loaf and splitting it up into pieces so that many people can eat the pieces. By using **we break**, Paul is referring to many people together eating **bread**. If your readers would misunderstand **we break**, you could use a word or phrase in your language that refers to how people eat **bread** while still emphasizing that many people eat the **bread**. Alternate translation: “we eat together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	17	gfur	figs-infostructure	ὅτι εἷς ἄρτος, ἓν σῶμα οἱ πολλοί ἐσμεν; οἱ γὰρ πάντες ἐκ τοῦ ἑνὸς ἄρτου μετέχομεν	1	loaf of bread	Here, Paul presents his argument by stating a premise, a conclusion, and then another premise. If your language would naturally state both premises before the conclusion, you could rearrange these clauses. Alternate translation: “Because {there is} one bread, and we all partake from the one bread, we who are many {are} one body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	10	17	g954	translate-unknown	εἷς ἄρτος…τοῦ ἑνὸς ἄρτου	1	loaf of bread	Here, Paul speaks of **one bread** because he has in mind one “loaf” of **bread** from which **we** would eat pieces. If your readers would misunderstand **one bread**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to one loaf of **bread**. Alternate translation: “{there is} one loaf … the one loaf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	17	vvt7	figs-metaphor	ἓν σῶμα οἱ πολλοί ἐσμεν	1	loaf of bread	Here Paul is speaking as if those who **partake from the one bread** together share **one body**. He speaks in this way to emphasize the unity that these people have when they eat the **one bread**, which is as close as if they had only one body. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “we who are many share all things together” or “we who are many are united together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	18	f97w	figs-idiom	τὸν Ἰσραὴλ κατὰ σάρκα	1	Are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?	Here, **according to the flesh** identifies **Israel** as a reference to the people who are physically descended from Abraham and part of the nation of **Israel**. If your readers would misunderstand **according to the flesh**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to physical descent or genealogy. Alternate translation: “ethnic Israel” or “Israel by physical descent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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 does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, they are.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “those who are eating the sacrifices are certainly partakers of the altar.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	18	w3qn	figs-explicit	οἱ ἐσθίοντες τὰς θυσίας	1	Are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?	Here Paul refers to how the priests would offer some of a sacrifice to God, while the person who gave the sacrifice and others with that person would eat the rest. In this way, the person who gave the sacrifice shared the food with God and with others. If your readers would misunderstand **who are eating the sacrifices**, you could clarify what Paul has in mind in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “those who eat the rest of the sacrifices after the priest has offered the best parts to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	18	wz2h	figs-possession	κοινωνοὶ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου	1	Are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe **partakers** who “partake in” **the altar**. This could refer primarily to: (1) “partaking” in or union with **the altar** and what it represents. Alternate translation: “partaking in the altar” (2) being joined together with other Israelites, which comes from “partaking” in **the altar**. Alternate translation: “partaking in fellowship based on the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	10	18	cxzh	figs-synecdoche	τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου	1	Are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?	Here Paul uses **altar** as a way to refer to the altar itself and what the priests did with the altar, including the sacrificing of animals to God. If your readers would misunderstand **altar**, you could clarify that Paul has in mind what happens at **the altar**. Alternate translation: “of the worship of God at the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	10	19	ix5q	figs-rquestion	τί οὖν φημι? ὅτι	1	What am I saying then?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question introduces a clarifying statement from Paul. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a statement that introduces a clarification. Alternate translation: “Here is what I want to clarify: is it true that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	19	b9ct	writing-pronouns	τί οὖν φημι	1	What am I saying then?	Here Paul is referring to what he has said in his argument about idols and things sacrificed to them. If your readers would misunderstand that Paul is referring to what he has said so far, you could express that more clearly. Alternate translation: “What does what I have argued imply, then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	10	19	j8dj	translate-unknown	εἰδωλόθυτόν	1	Or that food sacrificed to an idol is anything?	Just as in [8:1](../08/01.md), here Paul speaks about animals that are slaughtered, offered to a god, and then eaten. For many people in Paul’s culture, this was the only meat that was available for them to eat. In many cases, people would eat this meat at a god’s temple or shrine. However, sometimes the meat could be sold to people, who would then eat it in their homes. In the next verses, Paul will speak about whether and how Christians should eat or not eat this meat. If your language has a specific word or phrase for meat from an animal that has been offered to a god, you could use it here. If your language does not have such a word, you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	19	lxm3	figs-activepassive	εἰδωλόθυτόν	1	Or that food sacrificed to an idol is anything?	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “food that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	19	l9t4	figs-rquestion	οὖν…ὅτι εἰδωλόθυτόν τὶ ἐστιν, ἢ ὅτι εἴδωλόν τὶ ἐστιν?	1		Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, they are not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “then? Food sacrificed to idols is nothing, and an idol is nothing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	19	tmkb		τὶ ἐστιν	-1		Here, **is anything** could ask about: (1) whether **food sacrificed idols** and **an idol** are significant or important. Alternate translation: “is significant … is significant” (2) whether **food sacrificed to idols** and **an idol** exist or not. Alternate translation: “exists … exists”
1CO	10	20	skct	figs-ellipsis	ἀλλ’ ὅτι	1		Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. If your language needs these words, you could supply some from the previous verse ([10:19](../10/19.md)). Alternate translation: “Rather, I am saying that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	10	20	hvi0	figs-infostructure	ὅτι ἃ θύουσιν τὰ ἔθνη…θύουσιν	1		Here Paul states the object before the verb. If your language would always put the object after the verb, you could rearrange this clause. Alternate translation: “that the Gentiles sacrifice what they sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	10	20	k6ha		Θεῷ	1		Here, **God** could refer to: (1) any deity. Paul thinks that the **Gentiles** do not **sacrifice** to anything that can be called a **God**. Alternate translation: “to any god” (2) the God that Paul and the Corinthians worship. Alternate translation: “to our God”
1CO	10	20	snhh	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1		Here, **But** introduces a development in the argument. It does not introduce a strong contrast. If your readers would misunderstand **But**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next step in an argument. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	10	20	w8ep	figs-possession	κοινωνοὺς τῶν δαιμονίων	1		Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe **partakers** who “partake in” **the demons**. This could refer primarily to: (1) “partaking” in or union with **the demons**. Alternate translation: “partaking in the demons” (2) being joined together with non-believers, which comes from “partaking” in **the demons**. Alternate translation: “partaking in fellowship based on the demons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	10	21	vgx5	figs-hyperbole	οὐ δύνασθε…πίνειν…οὐ δύνασθε τραπέζης…μετέχειν	1	You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons	Here Paul states that they **are not able** to do both of these things, even though he knows that they can do both of these things. The Corinthians would have understood him to mean that it is shocking and unthinkable to do both of these things. If your readers would misunderstand **You are not able**, you could express the idea with a strong command or a statement of how bad doing both these things would be. Alternate translation: “You should never drink … You should never partake of the table” or “It is very wrong to drink … It is very wrong to partake of the table” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	10	21	dy2g	figs-metonymy	ποτήριον	-1	You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons	Here the Corinthians would have understood **cup** to refer to the drink inside **the cup**, which in Paul’s culture would have been wine. If your readers would misunderstand **cup**, you could more explicitly refer to what would be in **the cup**. Alternate translation: “the drink … the drink” or “the wine in the cup … the wine in the cup” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	10	21	mxni	figs-possession	ποτήριον Κυρίου…ποτήριον δαιμονίων…τραπέζης Κυρίου…τραπέζης δαιμονίων.	1	You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons	Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe “cups” and “tables” that are associated with **the Lord** or with **demons**. The **cup** and the **table** would be used in ceremonies or worship connected to either **the Lord** or the **demons**. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could state it in another way. Alternate translation: “the cup used to worship the Lord … the cup used to worship demons … of the table used to worship the Lord … of the table used to worship demons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	10	21	qwk7	figs-metonymy	τραπέζης	-1	You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons	Here the Corinthians would have understood **table** to refer to the food on **the table**. If your readers would misunderstand **table**, you could more explicitly refer to what would be on **the table**. Alternate translation: “of the bread … of the bread” or “of the food on the table … of the food on the table” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	10	22	nxv9	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ παραζηλοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον	1	Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?	The word **Or** introduces an alternate to what Paul speaks about in [10:21](../10/21.md). If they do indeed participate in meals connected to the Lord and also meals connected to demons, they will **provoke the Lord to jealousy**. If **Or** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that signifies a contrast or gives an alternative. Alternate translation: “If we do both of these things, do we not provoke the Lord to jealousy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	10	22	l8ik	figs-rquestion	ἢ παραζηλοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον?	1	Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, we should not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong command. Alternate translation: “Do not provoke the Lord to jealousy.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	22	h9fh	figs-abstractnouns	παραζηλοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον	1	provoke	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **jealousy**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “jealous.” Alternate translation: “do we provoke the Lord to be jealous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	22	zv17	figs-rquestion	μὴ ἰσχυρότεροι αὐτοῦ ἐσμεν?	1	We are not stronger than him, are we?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, we are not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “We are certainly not stronger than him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	23	z31s	figs-doublet	πάντα ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει. πάντα ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα οἰκοδομεῖ.	-1	Everything is lawful	Here, just as in [6:12](../06/12.md), Paul repeats **All things {are} lawful for me** to make two separate comments on the statement. By repeating **All things {are} lawful for me**, Paul emphasizes his qualifications or objections to this statement. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could state **All things {are} lawful for me** once and include both comments after that. Alternate translation: ““All things {are} lawful for me,’ but not all things {are} beneficial, and not all things build up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	10	23	tu2m	writing-quotations	πάντα ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’	-1	Everything is lawful	In this verse, just as in [6:12](../06/12.md), Paul twice quotes what some people in the Corinthian church are saying. The ULT indicates that these claims are quotations by using quotation marks. If your readers would misunderstood **All things {are} lawful for me** and think that Paul is claiming this, you could clarify that some of the Corinthians are saying this, and Paul is saying the words that occur after **but**. Alternate translation: “You say, ‘All things {are} lawful for me,’ but I respond that … You say, ‘All things {are} lawful for me,’ but I respond that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	10	23	jm4k		οὐ πάντα	-1	not everything is beneficial	Alternate translation: “only some things … only some things”
1CO	10	23	adry	figs-explicit	συμφέρει…οἰκοδομεῖ	1	not everything is beneficial	Here Paul does not say to whom everything is not **beneficial** and who is the one who is not “built up.” He could be implying that it is: (1) other believers within the Corinthian community. Alternate translation: “{are} beneficial to others … build others up” (2) the person or people who say that **All things {are} lawful**. Alternate translation: “{are} beneficial for you … build you up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	23	ex6z	figs-metaphor	οὐ πάντα οἰκοδομεῖ	1	not everything builds people up	Just as in [8:1](../08/01.md), Paul here speaks as if believers were a building that one could **build up**. With this metaphor, he emphasizes that only some things help believers become stronger and more mature, just like building a house makes it strong and complete. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could express the idea non-figuratively or with a comparable metaphor. Alternate translation: “not all things enable believers to grow” or “not all things edify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	10	24	bpf8	figs-imperative	μηδεὶς…ζητείτω	1	not everything builds people up	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “No one should seek” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	10	24	i6ek	figs-gendernotations	ἑαυτοῦ	1	not everything builds people up	Here, **his** is written in masculine form, but it refers to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **his** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “his or her own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	10	24	mcwj	figs-possession	τὸ ἑαυτοῦ…ἀλλὰ τὸ τοῦ ἑτέρου	1	not everything builds people up	Here Paul speaks of a **good** that belongs to oneself or to another person. By this, he refers to what is **good** for oneself or to **the other person**. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could clarify that the **good** is “for” somebody. Alternate translation: “what is good for himself but what is good for the other person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	10	24	dppr	figs-genericnoun	τοῦ ἑτέρου	1	not everything builds people up	Paul is speaking of other people in general, not of one particular **other person**. If your readers would misunderstand **the other person**, you could use a form that does refer generically to people in your language. Alternate translation: “of every other person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	10	25	djh4	figs-explicit	ἐν μακέλλῳ	1	not everything builds people up	Here, **the market** is the public place where meat and other foods were **sold**. At least sometimes, meat that came from sacrifices to idols would be sold in this **market**. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul is speaking about **the market**, you could include a footnote to explain the context. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	25	m6w7	figs-activepassive	πωλούμενον	1	not everything builds people up	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “butchers” or “sellers” do it. Alternate translation: “butchers sell” or “people sell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	25	b93i	figs-ellipsis	ἀνακρίνοντες	1	not everything builds people up	Here Paul does not state what they are **asking** about, since the Corinthians would have understood him without these words. He implies that they would be **asking** about whether the food has been involved in idol worship or not. If your readers would misunderstand **asking**, or if you need to provide an object for **asking**, you could explicitly state what Paul implies. Alternate translation: “asking about its origin” or “asking about whether someone has offered it to an idol” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	10	25	cnu1	grammar-connect-logic-result	ἀνακρίνοντες διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν	1	not everything builds people up	Here, **for the sake of conscience** could give the reason for: (1) the **asking**. In this case, Paul is saying that the **asking** is **for the sake of conscience**, but they should not be worried about **conscience** in this case. Alternate translation: “asking on account of the conscience” (2) why they can **Eat everything** **without asking**. In this case, Paul is saying that they should eat **without asking** because if they did ask, their **conscience** might condemn them. Alternate translation: “asking. Do this for the sake of the conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	10	25	crww	writing-pronouns	τὴν συνείδησιν	1	not everything builds people up	Here, **the conscience** identifies the **conscience** of the people who are buying the food **in the market**. If your readers would misunderstand **the conscience**, you could express the idea with a form that more clearly identifies the **conscience** as belonging to the people who buy the food. Alternate translation: “your consciences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	10	26	c1al	writing-quotations	γὰρ	1	not everything builds people up	In Paul’s culture, **For** a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book titled “Psalms” (see [Psalm 24:1](psa/24/01.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “For it can be read in the Old Testament,” or “For the book of Psalms says,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	10	26	l89d	figs-quotations	τοῦ Κυρίου γὰρ ἡ γῆ, καὶ τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτῆς	1	not everything builds people up	If you do not use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “For it says that the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	10	26	yi79	figs-infostructure	τοῦ Κυρίου…ἡ γῆ, καὶ τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτῆς	1	not everything builds people up	Here, the passage that Paul quotes includes a second thing that is **the Lord’s** after the **earth**. In the author’s culture, this was good poetic style. If your readers would misunderstand the structure, you could put **the earth** and **the fullness of it** together. Alternate translation: “the earth and the fullness of it are the Lord’s” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	10	26	c5tk	figs-ellipsis	καὶ τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτῆς	1	not everything builds people up	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. You could supply words from the first half of the verse to complete the thought. Alternate translation: “and the fullness of it is also the Lord’s” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	10	26	ib5g	translate-unknown	τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτῆς	1	not everything builds people up	Here, **fullness** refers to everything that is connected with **the earth**, including people, animals, natural resources, and anything else that goes with **the earth**. Use a natural way to refer to everything connected with **the earth** in your language. Alternate translation: “everything in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	10	27	nbjw	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ	1	you without asking questions of conscience	Here Paul uses if to introduce a true possibility. He means that an unbeliever might **invite you** and **you** might **want to go**, or this might not happen. He specifies the result for if the unbeliever does **invite you** and if **you** do **want to go**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever.” Alternate translation: “Whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	10	27	i2f5	figs-explicit	καλεῖ ὑμᾶς	1	you without asking questions of conscience	Here, Paul implies that the unbeliever “invites them” to eat at the unbeliever’s house. If your readers would misunderstand **invite you** by itself, you could clarify what the invitation is for. Alternate translation: “invite you to eat at their home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	27	krcv	figs-idiom	τὸ παρατιθέμενον ὑμῖν	1	you without asking questions of conscience	Here, **that is set before you** refers physically to a waiter or servant “setting” food on the table in front of the person eating. If your readers would misunderstand this way of speaking about the food that one is served, you could use a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “that is on the table” or “that they offer to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	10	27	l2k8	figs-activepassive	τὸ παρατιθέμενον	1	you without asking questions of conscience	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that one of the “unbelievers” did it. Alternate translation: “that the unbeliever sets before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	27	g31y	figs-ellipsis	ἀνακρίνοντες	1	you without asking questions of conscience	Just as in [10:25](../10/25.md), here Paul does not state what they are **asking questions** about, since the Corinthians would have understood him without these words. He implies that they would be **asking questions** about whether the food has been involved in idol worship or not. If your readers would misunderstand **asking questions**, or if you need to provide an object for **asking questions**, you could explicitly state what Paul implies. Alternate translation: “asking questions about its origin” or “asking questions about whether someone has offered it to an idol” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	10	27	xnej	grammar-connect-logic-result	ἀνακρίνοντες διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν	1	you without asking questions of conscience	Just as in [10:25](../10/25.md), **for the sake of conscience** could give the reason for: (1) **asking questions**. In this case, Paul is saying that **asking questions** is **for the sake of the conscience**, but they should not be worried about **the conscience** in this case. Alternate translation: “asking questions on account of the conscience” (2) why they can **Eat everything** **without asking**. In this case, Paul is saying that they should eat **without asking** because if they did ask, their **conscience** might condemn them. Alternate translation: “asking. Do this for the sake of the conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	10	27	pqsl	writing-pronouns	τὴν συνείδησιν	1	you without asking questions of conscience	Here,**the conscience** identifies **the conscience** of the people who are eating with **unbelievers**. If your readers would misunderstand **the conscience**, you could express the idea with a form that more clearly identifies **the conscience** as belonging to the person who is eating with **unbelievers**. Alternate translation: “your consciences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	10	28	vmvt	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν	1	But if someone says to you … do not eat … who informed you	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **someone** might tell **you** that the food is **offered in sacrifice**, or **someone** might not. He specifies the result for if the **someone** does tell **you**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever.” Alternate translation: “Whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	10	28	q3zt	figs-quotations	ὑμῖν εἴπῃ, τοῦτο ἱερόθυτόν ἐστιν	1	But if someone says to you … do not eat … who informed you	If you do not use this form in your language, you could translate this statement as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “says to you that the food was offered in sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	10	28	mj66	figs-activepassive	τοῦτο ἱερόθυτόν ἐστιν	1	But if someone says to you … do not eat … who informed you	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “someone” did it. Alternate translation: “Someone offered this in sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	28	ow9p	figs-abstractnouns	τοῦτο ἱερόθυτόν ἐστιν	1	But if someone says to you … do not eat … who informed you	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **sacrifice**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “sacrifice.” Alternate translation: “This is sacrificed” or “This is offered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	28	htgx	figs-explicit	ἱερόθυτόν	1	But if someone says to you … do not eat … who informed you	Here, **offered in sacrifice** implies that the food was **offered** to an idol. If your readers would misunderstand this implication, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “offered in sacrifice to an idol” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	28	qi77		τὸν μηνύσαντα	1	says to you … do not eat … informed you	Alternate translation: “who told you about it”
1CO	10	28	qr1c	figs-extrainfo	τὴν συνείδησιν	1	says to you … do not eat … informed you	Here it is unclear whose **conscience** Paul is speaking about. If possible, preserve the ambiguity because Paul will explain whose **conscience** he has in mind in the next verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1CO	10	28	f8mv	translate-textvariants	συνείδησιν	1	says to you … do not eat … informed you	After **conscience**, some manuscripts include “For ‘the earth {is} the Lord’s, and the fullness of it.’” This seems to be an accidental repetition of [10:26](../10/26.md). If possible, do not include this addition. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1CO	10	29	v1d9		συνείδησιν δὲ λέγω, οὐχὶ	1	the conscience of the other man, I mean, and not yours	Alternate translation: “now the conscience I am talking about is not”
1CO	10	29	s1wk	figs-ellipsis	συνείδησιν…λέγω, οὐχὶ	1	and not yours	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. If you need these words, you could supply a phrase such as “I mean.” Alternate translation: “when I say the conscience, I mean not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	10	29	d0p8	writing-pronouns	τοῦ ἑτέρου	1	and not yours	Here, **the other person** is the one who spoke about how the food was “offered in sacrifice” in [10:28](../10/28.md). If your readers would misunderstand who **the other person** is, you could clarify to whom it refers. Alternate translation: “of the person who informed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	10	29	k8xr	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	1	For why … conscience?	Here, **for** introduces further support for the point that Paul was making in [10:25–27](../10/25–27.md) about how “conscience” is not significant for eating food at someone’s house. This means that [10:28–29a](../10/28.md) interrupt the argument. For ways to mark this in your translation, see the chapter introduction. If your readers would misunderstand how **for** refers back to verse 27, you could add some words that clarify that Paul is returning to an earlier argument. Alternate translation: “In most cases, though,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	10	29	dr73	figs-123person	ἡ ἐλευθερία μου	1	For why … conscience?	Here Paul begins speaking in the first person in order to present himself as an example. You can tell that this is why he uses the first person because of what he says in [10:33](../10/33.md). If your readers would misunderstand the first person here, you could clarify that Paul is using himself as an example. Alternate translation: “my freedom, for example,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
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?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “it should not be.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “my freedom is certainly not judged by another’s conscience.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	29	ksog	figs-activepassive	ἵνα τί…ἡ ἐλευθερία μου κρίνεται ὑπὸ ἄλλης συνειδήσεως	1	why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience?	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “why does another’s conscience judge my freedom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	29	kbj4	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ ἐλευθερία μου	1	why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **freedom**, you could express the idea by using a relative clause with an adjective such as “free.” Alternate translation: “what I am free to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	30	x2v5	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ	1	If I partake	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that someone might **partake with gratitude**, or someone might not. He specifies the result for if the person does **partake with gratitude**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever” or “given that.” Alternate translation: “Whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	10	30	b7n9		ἐγὼ…βλασφημοῦμαι…ἐγὼ	1	If I partake	Here Paul continues speaking in the first person in order to present himself as an example. You can tell that this is why he uses the first person because of what he says in [10:33](../10/33.md). If your readers would misunderstand the first person here, you could clarify that Paul is using himself as an example. Alternate translation: “I, for example, … am I insulted … I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	10	30	n89t	figs-abstractnouns	χάριτι	1	with gratitude	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **gratitude**, you could express the idea by using an adverb such as “gratefully” or an adjective such as “grateful.” Alternate translation: “gratefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	30	dv5f	figs-rquestion	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?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “you should not be.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “I must not be insulted for that which I give thanks.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	10	30	bafd	figs-activepassive	βλασφημοῦμαι	1	If I partake of the meal with gratitude, why am I being insulted for that for which I gave thanks?	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that some other person did it. Alternate translation: “do they insult me” or “does someone insult me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	10	31	ub3g	grammar-connect-logic-result	οὖν	1	If I partake of the meal with gratitude, why am I being insulted for that for which I gave thanks?	Here, **Therefore** introduces the conclusion of what Paul has argued in [8:1–10:30](../08/01.md). If you have a way to introduce the conclusion to an entire section, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “In conclusion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	10	31	pxzd	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἴτε…ἐσθίετε, εἴτε πίνετε, εἴτε τι ποιεῖτε	1	If I partake of the meal with gratitude, why am I being insulted for that for which I gave thanks?	Paul is speaking as if “eating,” “drinking,” and “doing” things were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that the Corinthians will do these things. If your language does not state something as a possibility if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “when you eat or drink, or when you do anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	10	31	zmvv	figs-abstractnouns	εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ	1	If I partake of the meal with gratitude, why am I being insulted for that for which I gave thanks?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **glory**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “glorify.” Alternate translation: “to glorify God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	32	sj34	figs-abstractnouns	ἀπρόσκοποι καὶ Ἰουδαίοις γίνεσθε, καὶ Ἕλλησιν, καὶ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1	Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **offense**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “offend.” Alternate translation: “Do not offend either Jews or Greeks or the church of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	32	ag47	figs-explicit	καὶ Ἰουδαίοις…καὶ Ἕλλησιν, καὶ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1	Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks	Here the three groups to which Paul refers would include every person in Paul’s context. The **Jews** are those who practice Jewish customs and faith, while **the church of God** refers to everyone who believes in Jesus the Messiah. The word **Greeks** includes everyone else. If your readers would misunderstand these three groups and think that Paul is leaving some people out, you could clarify that Paul includes everyone. Alternate translation: “to anyone, whether Jews or Greeks or the church of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	10	33	rjyz	figs-possession	τὸ ἐμαυτοῦ σύμφορον…τὸ τῶν πολλῶν	1	the many	Here Paul speaks of a **benefit** that belongs to him or to **many** others. By this, he refers to what is a **benefit** for himself or for the **many** others. If your language does not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could clarify that the **benefit** is “for” somebody. Alternate translation: “what is a benefit for myself but what is a benefit for the many” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	10	33	k86v	figs-abstractnouns	τὸ ἐμαυτοῦ σύμφορον, ἀλλὰ τὸ τῶν πολλῶν	1	the many	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **benefit**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “benefit.” Alternate translation: “what benefits me but what benefits the many” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	10	33	hd2z	figs-nominaladj	τῶν πολλῶν	1	the many	Paul is using the adjective **many** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “of many people” or “of everyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	10	33	qsg4	figs-activepassive	σωθῶσιν	1	the many	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “God” does it. Alternate translation: “God might save them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	intro	abce			0		# 1 Corinthians 11 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>5. On food (8:1–11:1)<br>    * Both freedom and care for others (10:23–11:1)<br>6. On head coverings (11:2–16)<br>    * Heads and honor (11:2–7)<br>    * Order for men and women (11:8–12)<br>    * Argument from nature (11:13–16)<br>7. On the Lord’s Supper (11:17-34)<br>    * The problem at Corinth (11:17–22)<br>    * The tradition from the Lord (11:23–26)<br>    * Proper behavior at the Lord’s Supper (11:27–34)<br><br>Many translations include 11:1 as the conclusion of the last section of chapter 10. Consider whether translations your readers are familiar with do this or not.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### The head<br><br>Paul refers frequently to “the head” in [11:2–10](../11/02.md). In some places, “head” refers to a person’s body part: his or her head (see the first occurrences of “head” in [11:4–5](../11/04.md); see also [11:6–7](../11/06.md); [11:10](../11/10.md)). In other places, “head” is used figuratively to refer to a specific kind of relationship between persons (see [11:3](../11/03.md)). Sometimes, it is not clear which use of “head” Paul intends, and perhaps it could be both (see especially the second occurrences of “head” in [11:4–5](../11/04.md)). See the notes on these verses for translation options in context. For the figurative meaning of “head,” see the section below on “Head as metaphor.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/head]])<br><br>### Women and men<br><br>Throughout [11:2–16](../11/02.md), Paul uses words that could identify “women” and “men” in general or that could more specifically refer to “wives” and “husbands.”  Further, Paul refers to the story about how God created the first man and the first woman as it is told in [Genesis 2:15–25](gen/02/15.md) (see [11:8–9](../11/08.md)). This means that Paul could be speaking about women and men in general, husbands and wives in general, or the first man and first woman whenever he uses the words “man” and “woman.” It is likely that Paul either meant women and men in general in every verse (the ULT models this option), or he had different nuances of the words “woman” and “man” in mind in different verses (the UST models this option). If your language has words that are general enough that they could indicate any of these possible nuances of “woman” and “man,” you could use those words in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])<br><br>### Head coverings<br><br>Paul’s instructions in [11:2–16](../11/06.md) about “head coverings” are not clear enough to indicate exactly what the Corinthians were doing or what exactly Paul wants them to do instead. There are multiple issues that are uncertain: (1) what is the “head covering” that Paul speaks about? (2) What does the “head covering” indicate in the Corinthians’ culture? (3) Why would some women uncover their heads? <br><br>First (1), the “head covering” can be understood in roughly three ways: (a) a cloth that was worn on the top and back of the head, (b) long hair itself (it is unclear how long it would need to be to count as “long”), or (c) a specific hairstyle. The UST generally follows the interpretation that argues that the head covering is a “cloth.” Other options are included in the notes. <br><br>Second (2), the “head covering” could be an indication of (a) proper gender distinctions between men (uncovered) and women (covered), (b) submission to authority (that is, a wife’s submission to her husband), or (c) the honor and respectability of the woman (and men who are related to her). Of course, the “head covering” could indicate several of these options. <br><br>Third (3), women in Corinth might have uncovered their heads for several reasons: (a) they thought that the work of Jesus had nullified the importance of gender, so head coverings that indicated gender distinctions were unnecessary; (b) they thought that, in church worship, there was no hierarchy of authority based on gender or marriage, so head coverings that indicated submission to authority were unnecessary; or (c) they considered the whole group of believers to be family, so head coverings that indicated honor and respectability in public were unnecessary. Of course, several of these reasons might be true.<br><br>The number of interpretations and options indicates again how little we know about what Paul is talking about in [11:2–16](../11/06.md). If possible, your translation should allow for all these interpretations since the original text of 1 Corinthians also does. For specific translation options and comments on specific issues, see the notes on the verses. <br><br>### “because of the angels”<br><br>In [11:10](../11/10.md), Paul makes his claim that “the woman ought to have authority on the head,” and then he gives a reason: “because of the angels.” However, Paul does not state what about “angels” he has in mind. There are at least three important options for understanding what he could mean. First (1), sometimes the angels are described as those who oversee the order of the world and especially worship. The woman having “authority on the head” would satisfy what the angels require for worship practices. Second (2), sometimes the angels are described as sexually attracted to earthly women. The woman “ought to have authority on the head” to keep the angels from acting or being tempted to act sexually with these women. Third (3), sometimes angels are described as involved in the worship of the community. The woman “ought to have authority on the head” as a sign of respect to them. Paul’s sentence does not specify anything beyond the fact that “the angels” are a reason for the “authority on the head,” so the best translation also expresses “the angels” as the reason without choosing between options. (See [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/angel]])<br><br>### The issue with the Lord’s Supper<br><br>In [11:17–34](../11/17.md), Paul corrects how the Corinthians are practicing the Lord’s Supper. Since the Corinthians would know the problem he is addressing, Paul himself is not very specific about. The clearest hints about what the problem is can be found in [11:21](../11/21.md) and [11:33](../11/33.md). From these two verse, the problem with how the Corinthians are practicing the Lord’s Supper can be understood in primarily three ways. First (1), the people who arrived first began to eat right away without waiting for everyone else to gather. Because of this, they would have too much to eat and drink, and those who arrived later would not get enough. Second (2), some people, especially those who were more wealthy or powerful, would bring or receive special food and more of it than other people. Third (3), some people might not be showing hospitality or offering to share food with others who did not have their own houses or lots of food. If possible, your translation should allow for readers to accept several or all three of these possible understandings. See the notes for specific translation options, especially the notes on [11:21](../11/21.md) and [11:33](../11/33.md). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lordssupper]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In [11:13–15](../11/13.md) and [22](../11/22.md), Paul uses rhetorical questions. He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### Head as metaphor<br><br>As noted above, “head” functions figuratively in [11:3–5](../11/03.md). The two most common understandings are these: (1) “head” is a metaphor for authority, and (2) “head” is a metaphor for source. A third (3) option is to understand “head” as a metaphor for whom one represents or brings honor to. Of course, some or all of these three options could be understand as part of the “head” metaphor. What is clear is that Paul uses “head” at least partly because he wants to connect the figurative use of “head” with the non-figurative use of “head” for the body part. Because of this connection, you should try to express the “head” metaphor with a word that refers to the body part. For specific issues and translation options, see the notes on [11:3–5](../11/03.md). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/head]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Metaphor with bread and cup<br><br>In [11:24–25](../11/25.md), Jesus identifies bread as “my body” and the wine in a cup as “the new covenant in my blood.” These metaphors can be understood in at least three primary ways: (1) the bread and wine somehow become Jesus’ body and blood; (2) Jesus’ body and blood are present, physically or spiritually, in the bread and wine; or (3) the bread and wine memorialize or symbolize Jesus’ body and blood. Christians are divided on this question, and metaphors that link body and blood to bread and wine are very significant in the Bible and in Christian teaching. For these reasons, it is best to preserve these metaphors without expressing them as similes or in another non-figurative way. If you must express them in another way, see the notes on [11:24–25](../11/25.md) for translation possibilities. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/body]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/blood]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/bread]], and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Legal language<br><br>In [11:27–32](../11/27.md), Paul uses a number of words that would normally be used in a court of law or in other legal settings. These words include “guilty,” “examine,” “discern,” “judge,” and “condemn.” If possible, use words related to legal settings or courts of law in your translation of these verses. <br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Translating gendered words<br><br>In [11:2–16](../11/02.md), Paul uses masculine and feminine words to identify when he is addressing men and when he is addressing women. Unlike in most of the previous chapters, then, you should intentionally preserve most of the gendered language in this chapter. The notes will identify any cases of gendered language that could refer to all people. If there is no note, assume that the gendered language is functioning to distinguish between genders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])<br><br>### Are [11:8–9](../11/08.md) a parenthesis?<br><br>Some translations mark [11:8–9](../11/08.md) as an interruption or parenthesis in Paul’s argument. They do this because [11:10](../11/10.md) seems to draw a conclusion from the point made at the end of [11:7](../11/07.md). However, it is also quite possible that [11:10](../11/10.md) draws its conclusion from all of [11:7–9](../11/07.md). Because of that, neither the UST nor the ULT marks [11:8–9](../11/08.md) as a parenthesis. Consider whether translations your readers are familiar with use parentheses here or not.<br><br>### Different accounts of the Last Supper<br><br>In [11:23–25](../11/23.md), Paul recounts the tradition of the Last Supper, which is the last meal Jesus had with his closest disciples before he was arrested and put to death. Paul uses this story to explain how the Corinthians should act at the Lord’s Supper, so he considers the Last Supper the time when Jesus began the practice of what we call the Lord’s Supper. The same story can be found in very similar form in [Luke 22:19–20](luk/22/19.md) and in slightly different form in [Matthew 26:26–29](mat/26/26.md) and [Mark 14:22–25](mrk/14/22.md). You should translate the story as you find it here without making it the same as the other accounts. <br><br>### “First, …”<br><br>In [11:18](../11/18.md), Paul uses “first” to introduce his instructions about the Lord’s Supper. However, he never goes on to use “second.” Most likely, he did not think he had enough time or space to cover further commands, which would have been about the Lord’s Supper, related issues of worship, or something else. In [11:34](../11/34.md), he says “Now {about} the remaining things, I will give directions when I come.” Perhaps these “remaining things” included what he planned to introduce with “second” and “third” but never did. Consider whether your readers would be confused by a “first” without a “second.” If so, you could make it clearer that [11:34](../11/34.md) refers to “second” (and so on) instructions. 
1CO	11	1	h5fg		μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, καθὼς κἀγὼ Χριστοῦ	1	Connecting Statement:	Alternate translation: “Imitate me, just as I also {imitate} Christ”
1CO	11	2	epnu	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	you remember me in everything	Here, **Now** introduces a whole new section in Paul’s argument. He **Now** begins speaking about proper behavior during worship. If your readers would misunderstand **Now**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new topic or leave it untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	11	2	ibw5	figs-metonymy	μου	1	you remember me in everything	Here, **me** refers specifically to what Paul teaches and how Paul behaves. If your readers would misunderstand **me**, you could clarify exactly what about **me** Paul has in mind. Alternate translation: “my doctrine and behavior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	11	2	qsk9	figs-idiom	πάντα	1	you remember me in everything	Here, **all things** refers to anything the Corinthians might do. If your readers would misunderstand **in all things**, you could use a word or phrase that expresses the same idea in your language. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “when you do anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	11	2	ttwu	figs-metaphor	τὰς παραδόσεις κατέχετε	1	you remember me in everything	Here, Paul speaks as if **the traditions** were something physical that the Corinthians would **hold firmly to**. By using this figure of speech, Paul wishes to emphasize that the Corinthians are believing the traditions and acting in line with them as carefully and consistently as if they were physically holding on to them. If your readers would misunderstanding **hold firmly**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you keep the traditions” or “you follow the traditions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	2	bwes	figs-abstractnouns	τὰς παραδόσεις	1	you remember me in everything	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **traditions**, you could express the idea by using a relative clause with a verb such as “teach” or “learn.” Alternate translation: “to the things you learned from me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	2	akeb	figs-metaphor	παρέδωκα ὑμῖν	1	you remember me in everything	Here Paul speaks as if the **traditions** were a physical object that he **delivered** to the Corinthians. By speaking in this way, he emphasizes that he truly taught them **the traditions**, and they now know these **traditions** as well as if they held them in their hands. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I instructed you” or “I told them to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	3	k5um	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	Now I want	Here, **Now** could instroduce: (1) a new topic or a new focus on a specific issue. Alternate translation: “Particularly,” (2) a contrast with [11:2](../11/02.md), which would imply that here the Corinthians are not “holding firmly to the traditions.” Alternate translation: “However,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	11	3	hbt7	figs-metaphor	παντὸς ἀνδρὸς ἡ κεφαλὴ ὁ Χριστός ἐστιν, κεφαλὴ δὲ γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ, κεφαλὴ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὁ Θεός	1	is the head	Here Paul speaks as if someone could be **the head** of someone else. This is an important metaphor that Paul uses in many places, and it might contain elements of both of the possibilities in this note, so preserve the metaphor if possible. This figure of speech could refer to how the head: (1) functions as the source of life and existence for the body. The person who is identified as **the head** would function as the source of life and existence for the other person, and the other person is connected to the **head**. Alternate translation: “Christ is the source of every man, and the man {is} the source of a woman, and God {is} the source of Christ” (2) functions as the leader or director of the body. The person who is identified as **the head** would function as the authority over or leader of the other person. Alternate translation: “Christ has authority over every man, and the man has authority over a woman, and God has authority over Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	3	wfaa	figs-gendernotations	παντὸς ἀνδρὸς	1	is the head	Here, **every man** could refer to: (1) male people. Paul is not saying that Christ is not **the head** of female people, but he is claiming that he is **the head** of male people. Alternate translation: “of every male person” (2) people in general, even though the word is masculine. Alternate translation: “of every person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	11	3	en95	figs-explicit	γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ	1	a man is the head of a woman	Here, **man** and **woman** could refer to: (1) a **man** and **woman** who are married to each other. Alternate translation: “the husband {is} … of his wife” (2) any people who are male and female. Alternate translation: “the male person {is} … of a female person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	3	scbp	figs-genericnoun	κεφαλὴ…γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ	2	a man is the head of a woman	Paul is speaking of “men” and “women” in general, not of one particular **man** and **woman**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “each man {is} the head of his woman” or “each man is the head of each woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	11	4	evt9	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	κατὰ κεφαλῆς ἔχων	1	having something on his head	Here, **having something on his head** happens at the same time as **praying or prophesying**. If your readers would misunderstand the relationship between these events, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that the events happen at the same time. Alternate translation: “while he has something on his head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	11	4	uuv2	figs-explicit	κατὰ κεφαλῆς ἔχων	1	having something on his head	Here, **something on his head** refers to a piece of clothing that would be worn on the top and back of the head. The phrase does not refer to hair or to some piece of clothing that obscures the face. Paul does not clarify, however, what kind of clothing this might be. If possible, use a general phrase that could refer to clothing. Alternate translation: “having a covering on his head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	4	g11x	translate-unknown	καταισχύνει	1	having something on his head	Here, **dishonors** is a word that refers to shaming someone else or causing them to lose honor. Use a word or phrase in your language that refers to this idea. Alternate translation: “shames” or “takes honor away from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	4	lit3	figs-metaphor	τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ	1	dishonors his head	Here, **his head** could refer to: (1) how [11:3](../11/03.md) states that “Christ is the head of every man.” The phrase **his head** thus refers to “Christ” as the **head** of the man. Alternate translation: “Christ, his head” (2) the man’s physical **head**, which would mean that the man **dishonors** “himself.” Alternate translation: “his own head” or “himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	5	b7ku	figs-explicit	ἀκατακαλύπτῳ τῇ κεφαλῇ	1	woman who prays … dishonors her head	Here, **with the head uncovered** could refer to: (1) not wearing a piece of clothing on the hair and back of the head. This piece of clothing would be similar to the one discussed in the last verse. Alternate translation: “without a cloth on the head” (2) not putting the hair up in a traditional hairstyle but instead letting it flow freely. Alternate translation: “with her hair unbound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	5	k5yl	figs-possession	τῇ κεφαλῇ	1	with her head uncovered	Here the Corinthians would have understood **the head** to refer to the **head** of the **woman**. If your readers would understand this, you could include a possessive word that clarifies whose **head** is in view. Alternate translation: “with her head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	11	5	zcfw	translate-unknown	καταισχύνει	1	with her head uncovered	Here, **dishonors** is a word that refers to shaming someone else or causing them to lose honor. Use a word or phrase in your language that refers to this idea. Alternate translation: “shames” or “takes honor away from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	5	b9bd	figs-metaphor	τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτῆς	1	as if her head were shaved	Here, **her head** could refer to: (1) how [11:3](../11/03.md) states that “the man {is} the head of a woman.” The phrase **her head** thus refers to “the man” as the **head** of the woman. This man would be the woman’s husband. Alternate translation: “her husband, her head” (2) again how [11:3](../11/03.md) states that “the man {is} the head of a woman.” In this case, the man would refer to men in general. Alternate translation: “every man, her head” (3) the woman’s physical **head**, which would mean that the woman **dishonors** “herself.” Alternate translation: “her own head” or “herself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	5	sw8t	writing-pronouns	ἐστιν	1	as if her head were shaved	Here, **it** refers back to having **the head uncovered**. If your readers would misunderstand what **it** refers to, you could state it more clearly. Alternate translation: “having the head uncovered is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	11	5	pco3	figs-idiom	ἓν…ἐστιν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ τῇ ἐξυρημένῃ	1	as if her head were shaved	Here, **one and the same thing** is a way to say that two things are similar or identical. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “it is the same thing as having been shaved” or “this is just like having been shaved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	11	5	fd7y	figs-ellipsis	τῇ ἐξυρημένῃ	1	as if her head were shaved	Here, **having been shaved** refers to the **head**. If you need to clarify what is being **shaved**, you could include **head**. Alternate translation: “as her head having been shaved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	11	5	ltq4	figs-explicit	τῇ ἐξυρημένῃ	1	as if her head were shaved	In Paul’s culture, a woman with a **shaved** head would experience shame and dishonor, and Paul assumes this for the same of his argument. If that is not true in your culture, you might need to clarify that a **shaved** head was shameful for a woman. Alternate translation: “as having been shamefully shaved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	5	e1pz	figs-activepassive	τῇ ἐξυρημένῃ	1	as if her head were shaved	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “someone” did it. Alternate translation: “as someone shaving her head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	6	wamj	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ	1	If it is disgraceful for a woman	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **a woman** might **cover her head**, or she might not. He specifies the result for if the **woman does not cover her head**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever.” Alternate translation: “whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	11	6	lac8	figs-explicit	οὐ κατακαλύπτεται…κατακαλυπτέσθω	1	If it is disgraceful for a woman	Just as in [11:5](../11/05.md), **not** “covering” the **head** could refer to: (1) not wearing a piece of clothing on the hair and back of the head. Alternate translation: “does not wear a cloth on her head … let her wear a cloth on her head” (2) not putting the hair up in a traditional hairstyle but instead letting it flow freely. Alternate translation: “loosens her hair … let her bind up her hair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	6	ahln	figs-imperative	καὶ κειράσθω	1	If it is disgraceful for a woman	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “needs to.” Alternate translation: “her hair also needs to be cut off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	11	6	i9ou	figs-activepassive	καὶ κειράσθω	1	If it is disgraceful for a woman	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “someone” does it. Alternate translation: “let a person cut her hair off also” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	6	s4r5	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἰ	2	If it is disgraceful for a woman	Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because {it is}” or “since {it is}” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	11	6	lqlu	figs-doublet	τὸ κείρασθαι ἢ ξυρᾶσθαι	1	If it is disgraceful for a woman	Here, **to have her hair cut off** refers to how **hair** is trimmed or cut much shorter. The phrase **to be shaved** refers to how **hair** can be cut so short that it is no longer visible. If your language has separate words for these two actions, you can use them here. If your language has only one word for cutting **hair** short, you could use just one word here. Alternate translation: “to have her hair cut short” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	11	6	pflq	figs-activepassive	τὸ κείρασθαι ἢ ξυρᾶσθαι	1	If it is disgraceful for a woman	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “someone” did it. Alternate translation: “to have someone cut her hair off or to shave her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	6	od1s	figs-imperative	κατακαλυπτέσθω	1	If it is disgraceful for a woman	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “needs to.” Alternate translation: “she needs to cover her head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	11	7	endt	grammar-connect-words-phrases	γὰρ	1	should not have his head covered	Here, **For** introduces further reasons why what Paul has argued about “covering heads” is true. If your readers would misunderstand **For**, you could leave it untranslated or use a word or phrase that introduces further reasons. Alternate translation: “Here are more reasons:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	11	7	cycr		οὐκ ὀφείλει	1	should not have his head covered	This could indicate that the **man**: (1) should not **cover his head**. Alternate translation: “must not” (2) is not required to **cover his head**, but he can do what he wants to do. Alternate translation: “is under no obligation”
1CO	11	7	aa4r	figs-explicit	κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν	1	should not have his head covered	Here, **to cover his head** refers to using a piece of clothing that would be worn on the top and back of the head. The phrase does not refer to hair or to some piece of clothing that obscures the face. Paul does not clarify, however, what kind of clothing this might be. If possible, use a general phrase that could refer to clothing. Alternate translation: “have a covering on his head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	7	hvot	grammar-connect-logic-result	ὑπάρχων	1	should not have his head covered	Here, **being** introduces a clause that gives a reason or basis for what he has already said. If your readers would misunderstand this connection, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis. Alternate translation: “since he is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	11	7	rc0x	figs-abstractnouns	εἰκὼν καὶ δόξα Θεοῦ	1	should not have his head covered	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **image** and **glory**, you could express the idea by using verbs such as “reflect” and “glorify.” Alternate translation: “one who reflects and glorifies God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	7	mdob	figs-explicit	ἡ γυνὴ…δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστιν	1	should not have his head covered	Here, **woman** and **man** could refer to: (1) a **woman** and **man** who are married to each other. Alternate translation: “the wife is the glory of the husband” (2) any people who are male and female. Alternate translation: “the female person is the glory of the male person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	7	ziew	figs-genericnoun	ἡ γυνὴ…δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστιν	1	should not have his head covered	Paul is speaking of “women” and “men” in general, not of one particular **woman** and **man**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “each woman is the glory of her man” or “women are the glory of men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	11	7	t5jn	figs-abstractnouns	δόξα ἀνδρός	1	glory of the man	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **glory**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “glorify.” Alternate translation: “the one who glorifies man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	8	w8jm	grammar-connect-logic-result	γάρ	1	For neither … for man	Here, **For** introduces a basis for what Paul has claimed in [11:7](../11/07.md), most specifically for the claim that “woman is the glory of man.” In [11:10](../11/10.md), Paul gives the result of what he has claimed in [11:7](../11/07.md). Because of this, in some languages [11:7–8](../11/07.md) might seem like they interrupt the logic or argument. If that is true in your language, you could mark [11:7–8](../11/07.md) as an interruption by using parentheses or some other natural form in your language. Alternate translation: “As a side note,” or “By the way,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	11	8	s5ns	figs-explicit	οὐ…ἐστιν ἀνὴρ ἐκ γυναικός, ἀλλὰ γυνὴ ἐξ ἀνδρός.	1	For man was not made from woman. Instead, woman was made from man	Here, Paul is speaking about a **man** and a **woman**. These words could refer to: (1) the first **man** and **woman** that God created: Adam and Eve. In the story in [Genesis 2:18–25](gen/02/18.md), God has already made Adam. He makes Adam sleep, takes a “rib” from his side, and uses it to create a woman, Eve. In this sense, **woman {is} from man**. Alternate translation: “the first man was not from the first woman, but the first woman was from the first man” (2) “men” and “women” in general. In this case, Paul would be referring to the role that men play in procreation. Alternate translation: “men do not come from women, but women come from men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	9	g8lw	grammar-connect-logic-result	καὶ γὰρ	1	For man was not made from woman. Instead, woman was made from man	Here, **For indeed** introduces a second basis for what Paul has claimed in [11:7](../11/07.md), most specifically for the claim that “woman is the glory of man.” In [11:10](../11/10.md). However, Paul gives the result of what he has claimed in [11:7](../11/07.md) in [11:10](../11/10.md). Because of this, in some languages [11:7–8](../11/07.md) might seem like they interrupt the logic or argument. If that is true in your language, you could mark [11:7–8](../11/07.md) as an interruption by using parentheses or some other natural form in your language. Alternate translation: “As another side note,” or “Also by the way,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	11	9	rrs5	figs-explicit	οὐκ ἐκτίσθη ἀνὴρ διὰ τὴν γυναῖκα, ἀλλὰ γυνὴ διὰ τὸν ἄνδρα	1	For man was not made from woman. Instead, woman was made from man	Again, Paul is speaking about a **man** and a **woman**. Just as in [11:8](../11/08.md), these words could refer to: (1) the first **man** and **woman** that God created: Adam and Eve. In the story in [Genesis 2:18–25](gen/02/18.md), God has already made Adam. God then has Adam name all the animals, but there was no “helper” for Adam. God then makes Eve as a “helper” for Adam. Alternate translation: “the first man was not created for the first woman, but the first woman was created for the first man” (2) “men” and “women” in general. In this case, Paul would be referring to the relationship between males and females or general or to the specific relationship between husbands and wives. Alternate translation: “men were not created for women, but women for men” or “husbands were not created for wives, but wives for husbands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	9	tctb	figs-activepassive	οὐκ ἐκτίσθη ἀνὴρ	1	For man was not made from woman. Instead, woman was made from man	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God did not create man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	9	t4je	figs-ellipsis	γυνὴ διὰ τὸν ἄνδρα	1	For man was not made from woman. Instead, woman was made from man	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**was created**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “woman was created for the man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	11	10	q3kx	grammar-connect-logic-result	διὰ τοῦτο…ἡ γυνὴ…διὰ τοὺς ἀγγέλους	1	have a symbol of authority on her head	Here, **For this reason** could refer to: (1) both what Paul said in [11:7](../11/07.md) about how “the woman is the glory of man” and what he will say at the end of this verse about **the angels**. Alternate translation: “Because of how the woman is the glory of the man and because of the angels, the woman” (2) just what Paul has said in [11:7](../11/07.md) about how “the woman is the glory of man.” Alternate translation: “Because of what I have said, the woman … because of the angels” (3) just what Paul will say at the end of the verse about **the angels**. Alternate translation: “For this reason, that is, because of the angels, the woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	11	10	bikt	figs-explicit	ἡ γυνὴ	1	have a symbol of authority on her head	Here, **the woman** could refer to: (1) a female person. Alternate translation: “the female person” (2) a wife. Alternate translation: “the wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	10	jsu0	figs-genericnoun	ἡ γυνὴ	1	have a symbol of authority on her head	Paul is speaking of “women” in general, not of one particular **woman**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “every woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	11	10	olmx	translate-unknown	ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς	1	have a symbol of authority on her head	The phrase **have authority on the head** could refer to: (1) the **authority** that the “man” has over **the woman**. In this view, **authority** implies the head covering or long hair, which **the woman** wears as a sign of the man’s **authority** over her. Alternate translation: “to have a sign of the man’s authority on her head” (2) how the **woman** has **authority** over her own **head**. In other words, she has **authority** to decide what to wear or not wear on her head, or **authority** could imply the head covering or long hair, which **the woman** wears as a sign of her **authority** over herself. Alternate translation: “to have authority over her own head” or “to have a sign of her authority on her head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	10	hbs1	figs-abstractnouns	ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ	1	have a symbol of authority on her head	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **authority**, you could express the idea in a different way. Make sure you use a word or phrase that fits with the interpretation you chose in the last note. Alternate translation: “to rule over” or “to have someone rule over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	10	o1mz	figs-possession	τῆς κεφαλῆς	1	have a symbol of authority on her head	Here, **the** with **head** implies that **the head** belongs to the **woman**. If your readers would misunderstand this implication, you could use a word that directly states possession. Alternate translation: “her head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	11	10	vwq4	figs-explicit	διὰ τοὺς ἀγγέλους	1	have a symbol of authority on her head	Here, **because of the angels** clearly means that Paul considers **the angels** to be a reason for why **the woman ought to have authority on the head**, whichever meaning of that clause you decide on. However, what Paul means by the phrase **because of the angels** is not clear. Therefore, you also should leave your translation open so that your readers could draw any of the following conclusions. The phrase **because of the angels** could refer to: (1) how the angels oversee the order of the world and especially worship. The **woman** having **authority on the head** would satisfy what the angels require for worship practices. Alternate translation: “because of what the angels require” (2) how the angels can be sexually attracted to earthly women, so **the woman ought to have authority on the head** to keep the angels from acting or being tempted to act sexually with women. Alternate translation: “because otherwise the angels would be tempted” (3) how the angels are present in the worship of the community, and **the woman** must **have authority on the head** as a sign of respect to them. Alternate translation: “because angels are present when you worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	11	pir4	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	πλὴν	1	Nevertheless, in the Lord	Here, **Nevertheless** introduces a contrast or qualification of what Paul has been saying, especially with reference to [11:8–9](../11/08.md). Use a word or phrase in your language that introduces a contrast or qualification of previous arguments. Alternate translation: “Even so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	11	11	h9t4	figs-metaphor	ἐν Κυρίῳ	1	in the Lord	Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in the Lord** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in the Lord**, or united to the Lord, identifies the situation in which men and women are **not independent** from each other. Alternate translation: “in their union with the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	11	hqy4	figs-doublenegatives	οὔτε…χωρὶς…οὔτε ἀνὴρ χωρὶς	1	the woman is not independent from the man, nor is the man independent from the woman	Here Paul uses two negative words, **not** and **independent from**, to indicate a positive meaning. If your language does not use two negative words like this, you could instead use one positive word. Alternate translation: “{is} dependent on … and man {is} dependent on” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	11	11	velr	figs-genericnoun	γυνὴ…ἀνδρὸς…ἀνὴρ…γυναικὸς	1	the woman is not independent from the man, nor is the man independent from the woman	Paul is speaking of “men” and “women” in general, not of one particular **man** and **woman**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “every woman … men … every man … women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	11	12	aiid	figs-genericnoun	ἡ γυνὴ…τοῦ ἀνδρός…ὁ ἀνὴρ…τῆς γυναικός	1	all things come from God	Paul is speaking of “men” and “women” in general, not of one particular **man** and **woman**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “every woman … men … every man … women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	11	12	fd3u	figs-explicit	ὥσπερ…ἡ γυνὴ ἐκ τοῦ ἀνδρός, οὕτως καὶ ὁ ἀνὴρ διὰ τῆς γυναικός	1	all things come from God	Here, **even as the woman {is} from the man** refers back to the story about how God made the first woman, Eve, from a rib he took from the first man, Adam. Paul has already referred to this story in [11:8](../11/08.md). Paul then compares this with how **the man {is} through the woman**. This clause refers to how women give birth to men. If your readers would misunderstand what these two clauses refer to, you could state it more explicitly. Alternate translation: “even as the first woman came from the first man, so also men are born from women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	12	i8qu		τὰ…πάντα ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ	1	all things come from God	Alternate translation: “God created all things”
1CO	11	13	hp13	figs-rquestion	ἐν ὑμῖν αὐτοῖς κρίνατε: πρέπον ἐστὶν γυναῖκα ἀκατακάλυπτον, τῷ Θεῷ προσεύχεσθαι?	1	Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, it is not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. If you do, you may need to include a phrase such as “and you will find” after **Judge for your own selves**, which by itself introduces a question and not a statement. Alternate translation: “Judge for your own selves, and you will find that it is not proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered.” or “Judge for your own selves whether it is proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	11	13	eex3	translate-unknown	πρέπον	1	Judge for yourselves	Here, **proper** identifies behavior that most people in a culture would agree is “appropriate” or “right” for a certain people or situations. Use a word or phrase that identifies what is “appropriate” or “right” for someone or at sometime. Alternate translation: “right for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	13	ylgd	translate-unknown	ἀκατακάλυπτον	1	Judge for yourselves	Just as in [11:5](../11/05.md), **uncovered** could refer to: (1) not wearing a piece of clothing on the hair and back of the head. Alternate translation: “without a cloth on the head” (2) not putting the hair up in a traditional hairstyle but instead letting it flow freely. Alternate translation: “with her hair unbound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	14	v5b5	figs-rquestion	οὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ἀνὴρ μὲν ἐὰν κομᾷ, ἀτιμία αὐτῷ ἐστιν;	1	Does not even nature itself teach you … for him?	This is the first part of a rhetorical question that continues into the next verse. Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, it does.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. If you use the following alternate translation, you will need to translate the beginning of the next verse as a separate affirmation. Alternate translation: “Even nature itself teaches you that if a man might have long hair, it is a disgrace for him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	11	14	gyw9	figs-personification	οὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς	1	Does not even nature itself teach you … for him?	Here, **nature** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could **teach** someone. Paul speaks in this way to emphasize what the Corinthians should learn from **nature**. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Does not even nature itself show you” or “Do you not understand from nature itself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	11	14	wflv	translate-unknown	ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ	1	Does not even nature itself teach you … for him?	Here, **nature** refers to the way things work in the world. The word does not refer simply to the “natural world” but rather can include everything that exists and how it all functions. If your readers would misunderstand **nature**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to “the way things work.” Alternate translation: “how the world itself works” or “what naturally happens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	14	rurk	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἀνὴρ μὲν ἐὰν κομᾷ, ἀτιμία αὐτῷ ἐστιν	1	Does not even nature itself teach you … for him?	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **a man might have long hair**, or he might not. He specifies the result for **if a man** does **have long hair**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “when” or by avoiding the **if** structure. Alternate translation: “when a man has long hair, it is a disgrace for him” or “it is a disgrace for a man to have long hair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	11	14	kr9k	translate-unknown	κομᾷ	1	Does not even nature itself teach you … for him?	Here Paul uses a word that refers to someone letting his or her hair grow long. It is not clear how long the hair must be to count as **long hair**. Use a word or phrase that refers to what your culture would consider **long hair**. Alternate translation: “grows his hair out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	14	jgcu	figs-abstractnouns	ἀτιμία αὐτῷ ἐστιν	1	Does not even nature itself teach you … for him?	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **disgrace**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “disgrace” or an adjective such as “disgraceful.” Alternate translation: “it disgraces him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	15	f66k	figs-rquestion	γυνὴ δὲ ἐὰν κομᾷ, δόξα αὐτῇ ἐστιν?	1	For her hair has been given to her	This is the second part of the rhetorical question that began in the last verse. Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, nature does teach this.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong affirmation. If you use the following alternate translation, you should translate the previous verse as a separate affirmation. Alternate translation: “However, if a woman has long hair, it is glory for her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	11	15	qlhs	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	γυνὴ…ἐὰν κομᾷ, δόξα αὐτῇ ἐστιν?	1	For her hair has been given to her	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **a woman might have long hair**, or she might not. He specifies the result for **if a woman** does **have long hair**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “when” or by avoiding the **if** structure. Alternate translation: “when a woman has long hair, it is glory for her” or “it is glory for a woman to have long hair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	11	15	qbci	translate-unknown	κομᾷ	1	For her hair has been given to her	Just as in [11:14](../11/14.md), here Paul uses a word that refers to someone letting his or her hair grow long. It is not clear how long the hair must be to count as **long hair**. Use a word or phrase that refers to what your culture would consider **long hair**. Alternate translation: “grows her hair out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	15	vpou	figs-abstractnouns	δόξα αὐτῇ ἐστιν	1	For her hair has been given to her	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **glory**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “glorify” or an adjective such as “glorious.” Alternate translation: “it glorifies her” or “it is glorious for her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	15	s7ys	figs-activepassive	ὅτι ἡ κόμη…δέδοται αὐτῇ	1	For her hair has been given to her	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God has given her the long hair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	15	jaxe	translate-unknown	ἡ κόμη	1	For her hair has been given to her	Here Paul uses a word that refers to **the long hair** itself. It is not clear how long the hair must be to count as **long hair**. Use a word or phrase that refers to what your culture would consider **long hair**. Alternate translation: “grown-out hair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	15	dwbm		ἀντὶ περιβολαίου	1	For her hair has been given to her	This could refer to: (1) how **the long hair** is equivalent to or functions as **a covering**. Alternate translation: “to be a covering” (2) how **the long hair** functions “instead of” or as a replacement of **a covering**. Alternate translation: “instead of a covering”
1CO	11	16	ou4r	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ	1	For her hair has been given to her	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that someone might be **contentious about this**, or someone might not. He specifies the result for **if anyone** is **contentious**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever.” Alternate translation: “whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	11	16	qi6p		δοκεῖ φιλόνικος εἶναι	1	For her hair has been given to her	Alternate translation: “decides to pick a fight about this” or “considers starting a conflict about this”
1CO	11	16	q5jl	figs-exclusive	ἡμεῖς	1	For her hair has been given to her	Here, **we** refers to Paul and others who proclaim the Gospel with him. It does not include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1CO	11	16	dr9j	figs-explicit	τοιαύτην συνήθειαν	1	For her hair has been given to her	Here, **any such practice** could refer to: (1) the **practice** that anyone who **thinks to be contentious** supports. Therefore, this **practice** would be for women to have “uncovered” heads. Alternate translation: “the practice that they have” or “the practice of women with uncovered heads” (2) being **contentious**. Alternate translation: “any such practice of being contentious” or “the practice of being contentious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	16	cjpt	figs-ellipsis	οὐδὲ αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τοῦ Θεοῦ	1	For her hair has been given to her	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**do not have any such practice**). If your language does need these words, you can supply as many as are needed from that clause. Alternate translation: “nor do the churches of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	11	17	vt5a	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	δὲ	1	in the following instructions, I do not praise you. For	Here, **But** introduces a new topic and also signals a contrast with what Paul said in [11:2](../11/02.md) about being able to “praise” them. Here, he does **not praise** them. If your readers would misunderstand **But**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new topic. If possible, preserve the contrast with [11:2](../11/02.md). Alternate translation: “Now, however,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	11	17	arh9	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο…παραγγέλλων	1	in the following instructions, I do not praise you. For	Here, **this** refers to what Paul is about to say about the Lord’s Supper. It does not refer back to what he has already said. If your readers would misunderstand what **this** refers to, you could clarify that it refers to what Paul is about to say. Alternate translation: “in commanding what I am about to command” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	11	17	fw7j	figs-go	συνέρχεσθε	1	in the following instructions, I do not praise you. For	Throughout this section, **come together** refers to a group gathering in a specific place. Your language may say “go” or “gather” rather than “come” in contexts such as this. Use whatever is most natural. Alternate translation: “you go together” or “you gather together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
1CO	11	17	du1a	figs-nominaladj	οὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖσσον, ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ ἧσσον	1	it is not for the better but for the worse	Paul is using the adjectives **better** and **worse** as noun in order to describe the results of the Corinthians’ behavior. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these with noun phrase. Alternate translation: “not for better things but for worse things” or “not with better results but with worse results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1CO	11	17	u6em	figs-explicit	οὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖσσον, ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ ἧσσον	1	it is not for the better but for the worse	Here Paul does not state for whom or what the “coming together” is **not for the better but for the worse**. The Corinthians would have understood him to mean that their behavior was **worse** and **not for the better** for people in their group and for how they glorify God. If your readers would not infer this information, you could state it more explicitly. Alternate translation: “not for the better for your group but for the worse” or “not for better glorifying God and serving others but for doing this worse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	18	oo5h	translate-ordinal	πρῶτον	1	in the church	If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
1CO	11	18	na0x		πρῶτον	1	in the church	Here Paul uses **first**, but he never moves on to “second.” Most likely, Paul had in mind other things he wanted to say, but he either never mentions them or he tells the Corinthians in [11:34](../11/34.md) that he will “give directions” about these “remaining things” when he visits them. If your readers would misunderstand **first** without “second,” you could make it clearer that Paul addresses the other items in [11:34](../11/34.md).
1CO	11	18	nsuo	figs-extrainfo	ἀκούω	1	in the church	Here Paul does not state from whom he “heard” this information. He does this to avoid causing unnecessary conflict among the Corinthians based on who told things to Paul. If you must specify who spoke to Paul, you could use a vague or indefinite statement. Alternate translation: “I hear from somebody that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1CO	11	18	c87f	figs-pastforfuture	ἀκούω	1	in the church	Here Paul is speaking as if he currently “is hearing” about the **divisions**. By speaking in the present tense, he emphasizes that this is information he received while or immediately before he wrote this letter. If your readers would misunderstand the use of present tense, you could use a tense that most naturally refers to when Paul was writing this letter. Alternate translation: “I have heard that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
1CO	11	18	iu3q	figs-metaphor	ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ	1	in the church	Here, **in the church** is a spatial metaphor that speaks of **the church** as if it were a place in which the Corinthians could **come together**. Paul speaks in this way to indicate the situation in which the Corinthians **come together**: a gathering of believers that meet to worship God. If your readers would misunderstand **in the church**, you could clarify that the Corinthians are **the church** or are meeting to worship God. Alternate translation: “as the church” or “in a Christian meeting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	18	l9vx	translate-unknown	σχίσματα	1	there are divisions among you	Here, **divisions** refers to when one group splits into multiple different groups because they have different leaders, beliefs, or opinions. If this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could express this idea with a comparable noun or a short phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “opposing parties” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	18	tljm	figs-idiom	μέρος τι πιστεύω	1	there are divisions among you	Here, **in part** qualifies how much Paul “believes.” If your readers would misunderstand **in part**, you could use a word or phrase that identifies “part of” something. Alternate translation: “I believe part of it” or “I believe some of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	11	19	ppv1	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1	For there must also be factions among you	Here, **For** introduces the reason for which Paul “in part believes” what he has “heard” ([11:18](../11/18.md)). If your readers would misunderstand **For**, you could use a word or phrase that clearly gives a reason for why Paul “believes it.” Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “I do this since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	11	19	s9sy	figs-irony	δεῖ…καὶ αἱρέσεις ἐν ὑμῖν εἶναι, ἵνα καὶ οἱ δόκιμοι φανεροὶ γένωνται ἐν ὑμῖν	1	For there must also be factions among you	This sentence could be: (1) a simple statement about how God uses **factions** to reveal **those who are approved**. Alternate translation: “God wishes to make evident among you those who are approved, and factions among you are a necessary part of this” (2) an ironic statement that identifies **factions** as the **necessary** result of people who want to show themselves off as **those who are approved**. Use a standard form in your language to indicate irony, especially with the phrase **those who are approved**, which would be spoken from the Corinthians’ perspective. Alternate translation: “some people consider it necessary indeed for there to be factions among you, so that they, who consider themselves to be ‘those who are approved,’ may display themselves publicly among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	11	19	kcr7	translate-unknown	αἱρέσεις	1	factions	Here, **factions** has similar meaning to “divisions” in [11:18](../11/18.md). The word **factions** focuses more on the content of the differing beliefs and practices than “divisions” does; “divisions” emphasizes the differences themselves. If your language can clearly express these distinctions, you could use words that express these two ideas. If your language does not clearly express these distinctions, you could translate **factions** with the same word you used for “divisions.” Alternate translation: “divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	19	j7db	figs-activepassive	δόκιμοι	1	who are approved	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you must choose a subject that fits with whether you understand this sentence as ironic or not. The subject could be: (1) God, if the sentence is not ironic. Alternate translation: “whom God approves” (2) the people themselves, if the sentence is ironic. Alternate translation: “who approve of themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	19	gdxa	figs-explicit	καὶ οἱ δόκιμοι φανεροὶ γένωνται	1	who are approved	Here Paul does not state how or why **those who are approved** will **become evident**. Depending on whether the sentence is ironic or not, **may become evident** could imply that: (1) the **factions** are God’s way of testing and revealing who is **approved**, since those who continue to genuinely believe are **approved**. This is the implication if the sentence is not ironic. Alternate translation: “God may reveal also those who are approved” (2) the **factions** are the means by which some people show off what they think about themselves as **approved**. This is the implication if the sentence is ironic. Alternate translation: “also those who are approved may show themselves off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	20	x9h5	grammar-connect-logic-result	οὖν	1	come together	Here, **So then** introduces an inference or result from the “divisions” and “factions” mentioned in [11:18–19](../11/18–19.md). If your readers would misunderstand **So then**, you could more clearly state what it draws an inference from. Alternate translation: “So then, since you have factions,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	11	20	xe65	figs-doublet	συνερχομένων…ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ	1	come together	Here Paul uses both **come together** and **in one place** to emphasize the physical unity of the Corinthians when they meet. He does this in order to contrast this physical unity with the disunity that their eating practices show. If your language does not use two similar phrases for emphasis like Paul does, then you could use just one phrase and indicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “when you are all together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	11	20	dse7	figs-explicit	οὐκ ἔστιν Κυριακὸν δεῖπνον φαγεῖν	1	it is not the Lord’s Supper that you eat	Here Paul does not explicitly state that the Corinthians **come together** in order to **eat the Lord’s Supper**. However, he and the Corinthians would have understood this when he speaks about “coming together.” Paul’s point is that they think they are eating **the Lord’s Supper**, but what they are doing does not actually count as **the Lord’s Supper**. If your readers would misunderstand **it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper**, you could state more explicitly that the Corinthians thought that they were eating **the Lord’s Supper**, but Paul thinks that they are not. Alternate translation: “it is not the Lord’s Supper that you are eating” or “you think that you are eating the Lord’s Supper, but you are not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	21	gvln	translate-unknown	τὸ ἴδιον δεῖπνον προλαμβάνει	1	it is not the Lord’s Supper that you eat	This could refer to: (1) how some of the Corinthians were receiving food “before” others were. This could mean that each of the Corinthians ate food that was prepared ahead of time specifically for each of them and in proportion to their social status. Or, it could mean that the people who received food first ate more than their fair share, using up all the food before others were served. Alternate translation: “receives the food that was prepared for him ahead of time” or “eats his own supper before others receive enough food” (2) how some of the Corinthians were “devouring” their own food without sharing with others. Alternate translation: “devours his own supper” or “eats his own supper without sharing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	21	ljb3	figs-gendernotations	ἴδιον	1	it is not the Lord’s Supper that you eat	Although the word translated **his** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **his**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “his or her own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	11	21	g0su	figs-idiom	ὃς μὲν πεινᾷ, ὃς δὲ μεθύει	1	it is not the Lord’s Supper that you eat	Here Paul repeats **one is** to introduce two of the results that come from **each one** taking **his own supper first**. He does not mean that only **one** person is **hungry** or **drunk**, and he does not mean that these are the only two options. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that naturally indicates possible, alternate results. Alternate translation: “some are indeed hungry, but others are drunk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	11	21	fbmb	figs-explicit	ὃς μὲν πεινᾷ, ὃς δὲ μεθύει	1	it is not the Lord’s Supper that you eat	Here Paul contrasts being **hungry** with being **drunk**. These two words are not natural opposites, but Paul uses them to imply their opposites in his contrast. He does this to avoid having a complicated contrast with four words instead of two. If your readers would misunderstand a contrast between being **hungry** and **drunk**, you could state all four words. Alternate translation: “one is indeed hungry and thirsty, but one is stuffed and drunk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	22	f8ht	figs-rquestion	μὴ…οἰκίας οὐκ ἔχετε εἰς τὸ ἐσθίειν καὶ πίνειν?	1		Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “yes, we do have houses.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong statement. Alternate translation: “you definitely have houses in which to eat and to drink.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	11	22	pcxz	figs-explicit	μὴ…οἰκίας οὐκ ἔχετε εἰς τὸ ἐσθίειν καὶ πίνειν?	1		With this question, Paul implies that the eating behaviors he criticized in the last verse could be appropriate in one’s own “house.” Paul’s point here, then, is that if they want to “take their own suppers first” ([11:21](../11/21.md)), they should be eating at their own **houses**. Behavior at the Lord’s Supper needs to be different. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul asks this question, you could state more explicitly that it connects back to how the Corinthians are eating at the Lord’s Supper. Alternate translation: “do you certainly not have houses in which you can eat and drink in any way you like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	22	hvkv	figs-doublenegatives	μὴ…οὐκ	1		The words translated **certainly not** are two negative words. In Paul’s culture, two negative words made the question even more negative, which in this case expects a strong positive answer. English speakers would misunderstand two negatives, so the ULT expresses the idea with one strong negative. If your language can use two negatives as Paul’s culture did, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in this way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	11	22	zl1h	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ…καταφρονεῖτε	1	to eat and to drink in	The word **Or** introduces an alternate to what Paul asked in the first question. In that question, he reminded them that they do have **houses in which to eat and to drink**. With **Or**, then, Paul introduces the incorrect alternative: they could **despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing**. He introduces this incorrect alternate to show that the implication of his first question is true: they should be “eating” and “drinking” at home. If your readers would misunderstood **Or**, you could use a word that signifies a contrast or gives an alternative. Alternate translation: “Otherwise, would you not despise” or “Rather, do you despise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	11	22	am33	figs-rquestion	ἢ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τοῦ Θεοῦ καταφρονεῖτε, καὶ καταισχύνετε τοὺς μὴ ἔχοντας?	1		Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “we do not want to do these things.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong statement. Alternate translation: “However, you are the ones who despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	11	22	fshq	grammar-connect-words-phrases	καὶ καταισχύνετε	1		Here, **and** introduces the specific way in which some of the Corinthians **despise the church of God**. If your readers would misunderstand the function of **and** here, you could use a word that more clearly indicates a specific example or a means. Alternate translation: “by humiliating” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	11	22	d2cm	figs-hyperbole	τοὺς μὴ ἔχοντας	1	despise	Here, **those who have nothing** is an exaggeration that the Corinthians would have understood to mean that these people do not **have** very much. Paul speaks in this way to emphasize the contrast between those who **have houses** and those who **have nothing**. If your readers would misunderstood this exaggeration, you could qualify Paul’s claim and expression the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “those who have very little” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	11	22	nz88	figs-rquestion	τί εἴπω ὑμῖν?	1	What should I say to you? Should I praise you?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “we know that you are going to rebuke us.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong statement about what Paul is going to say. Alternate translation: “You know what I am going to say to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	11	22	uv6z	figs-rquestion	ἐπαινέσω ὑμᾶς ἐν τούτῳ?	1	What should I say to you? Should I praise you?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no, you should not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “I will definitely not praise you for this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	11	22	qc27	figs-doublet	ἐπαινέσω ὑμᾶς ἐν τούτῳ? οὐκ ἐπαινῶ!	1	What should I say to you? Should I praise you?	Here Paul indicates that he will **not praise** the Corinthians by using both a rhetorical question and a negative statement. He uses both sentences in order to strongly emphasize how displeased he is. If your language does not use repetition for emphasis, and if your readers might misunderstand why Paul repeats the same idea, you could combine these two sentences into one strong negative statement. Alternate translation: “I will never praise you for this!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	11	23	av31		ἐγὼ…παρέλαβον ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου, ὃ	1	For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord	This could refer to: (1) how Paul learned the tradition he is about to recount indirectly **from the Lord**. In other words, Paul learns about these things from others, who received the tradition directly from the Lord. Alternate translation: “I received from those who knew the Lord what the Lord himself did, which” (2) how Paul learned the tradition directly **from the Lord**. In other words, **the Lord** himself revealed this information to Paul. Alternate translation: “I received directly from the Lord what”
1CO	11	23	xgh4	translate-unknown	ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ᾗ	1	For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord	Here, **on the night** states that the events that Paul will describe all happened “during” one specific **night**. Use a natural way to refer to “during the night” as the time in which events occur. Alternate translation: “during the night when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	23	iy93	figs-explicit	ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ᾗ παρεδίδετο	1	For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord	Here Paul refers to the story about how Jesus was arrested. One of Jesus’ closest disciples, Judas Iscariot, made a deal with the religious leaders to “betray” Jesus to them (see [Matthew 26:14–16](mat/26/14.md); [Mark 14:10–11](mrk/14/10.md); [Luke 22:3–6](luk/22/03.md)). After Jesus ate with his disciples and spent time praying, Judas leads the religious leaders to Jesus, and they arrest him (see [Matthew 26:47–50](mat/26/47.md); [Mark 14:43–46](mrk/14/43.md); [Luke 22:47–48](luk/22/47.md); [John 18:2–12](jhn/18/02.md)). Paul is not primarily interested in this part of the story, but he mentions it to explain when Jesus **took bread**. If your readers would misunderstand what **on the night in which he was betrayed** refers to, you could use a footnote to explain the context or include some short extra information. Alternate translation: “on the night in which he was handed over to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	23	c197	figs-activepassive	παρεδίδετο	1	on the night when he was betrayed	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “Judas Iscariot” did it. Alternate translation: “Judas betrayed him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	23	gkv2	figs-extrainfo	ὁ Κύριος Ἰησοῦς…ἔλαβεν ἄρτον	1	on the night when he was betrayed	Beginning here and continuing in [11:24–25](../11/24.md), Paul tells the story of what is often called “The Last Supper.” This is Jesus’ last meal with his closest disciples before his death, and Paul narrates some things that he said and did during this last meal. Since Paul himself states the details, you should not need to state anything more explicitly than he does. The story of “The Last Supper” can also be found in [Matthew 26:20–29](mat/26/20.md); [Mark 14:17–25](mrk/14/17.md); [Luke 22:14–23](luk/22/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1CO	11	24	e19d	translate-unknown	ἔκλασεν	1	he broke it	Here, “breaking bread” refers to taking a large loaf and splitting it up into pieces so that many people can eat the pieces. If your readers would misunderstand **he broke it**, you could use a word or phrase in your language that refers to how people eat bread. Alternate translation: “he split it up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	11	24	wmfb	figs-quotations	εἶπεν, τοῦτό μού ἐστιν τὸ σῶμα, τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν; τοῦτο ποιεῖτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν.	1	he broke it	If you do not use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “said that this was his body, which is for you, and that you should do this in remembrance of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	11	24	f6hn	figs-metaphor	τοῦτό μού ἐστιν τὸ σῶμα	1	This is my body	Here, Paul refers to how Jesus identified the “bread” as his **body**. This figure of speech has been interpreted in a number of ways. The “bread” could somehow become Jesus’ **body**, or Jesus’ **body** could be present in some way when people eat the “bread,” or the “bread” could represent or memorialize Jesus’ **body**. Because of the variety of interpretations and the significance of this metaphor, you should preserve the metaphor if there is any way to do so. If you must express the metaphor in a different way, use a form that could fit with as many of the listed interpretations as possible. Alternate translation: “This functions as my body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	24	fqyb	figs-explicit	τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν	1	This is my body	Here, **for you** refers to how Jesus offered his **body** by dying **for you**, that is, those who believe in him. If your readers would misunderstand what **for you** implies, you could state it more explicitly. Alternate translation: “which is sacrificed for you” or “which I will sacrifice for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	24	h052	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο ποιεῖτε	1	This is my body	Here, **this** could refer to: (1) doing what Jesus has done, including “taking bread,” **giving thanks**, “breaking it” and eating it. Alternate translation: “Perform this ceremony” or “Do these things” (2) just eating the bread. Alternate translation: “Eat this bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	11	24	e5hh	figs-abstractnouns	εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν	1	This is my body	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **remembrance**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “remember.” Alternate translation: “to remember me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	24	ufky	figs-metonymy	ἐμὴν	1	This is my body	When Jesus here refers to **me**, he is referring more specifically to what he has done and will do for his followers, particularly how he is about to offer himself **for you**. If your readers would misunderstand **me** and think that Jesus is just speaking about personal memory, you could clarify that **me** refers to particular actions done by **me**. Alternate translation: “of what I am doing for you” or “of how I am going to die for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	11	25	gr2k	figs-ellipsis	ὡσαύτως καὶ τὸ ποτήριον	1	the cup	Here Paul omits some words that may be needed in your language to complete the thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them (“he took”) in [11:23](../11/23.md), and the Corinthians would have understood them from that verse. If your language does need these words, you could supply them here. Alternate translation: “in the same way also he took the cup” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	11	25	k1aa	figs-metonymy	τὸ ποτήριον	-1	the cup	Here the Corinthians would have understood **cup** to refer to the drink inside **the cup**, which in Paul’s culture would have been wine. If your readers would misunderstand **cup**, you could more explicitly refer to what would be in **the cup**. Alternate translation: “the drink … drink” or “the wine … wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	11	25	afpr	figs-quotations	λέγων, τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη ἐστὶν ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ αἵματι; τοῦτο ποιεῖτε, ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε, εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν.	1	the cup	If you do not use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “saying that this cup was the new covenant in his blood, and that you should do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	11	25	sw0n	figs-metaphor	τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη ἐστὶν ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ αἵματι	1	the cup	Here, Paul refers to how Jesus identified the **cup** as **the new covenant in my blood**. This figure of speech has been interpreted in a number of ways. The wine in the **cup** could somehow become Jesus’ **blood**, or Jesus’ **blood** could be present in some way when people drink from the **cup**, or the wine in the **cup** could represent or memorialize Jesus’ **blood**. Because of the variety of interpretations and the significance of this metaphor, you should preserve the metaphor if there is any way to do so. If you must express the metaphor in a different way, use a form that could fit with as many of the listed interpretations as possible. Alternate translation: “This cup represents the new covenant in my blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	25	j2qc	figs-metaphor	ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ αἵματι	1	the cup	Here, **in my blood** is a spatial metaphor that could refer to: (1) how the **new covenant** has been inaugurated or initiated by Jesus’ **blood**. Alternate translation: “initiated by my blood” (2) how the **cup** can be identified with **the new covenant**. Alternate translation: “because of my blood” or “because it contains my blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	25	z54e	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο ποιεῖτε	1	Do this as often as you drink it	Here, **this** could refer to: (1) doing what Jesus has done, including everything he did with **the cup**. Alternate translation: “Perform this ceremony” or “Do these things” (2) just drinking from the **cup**. Alternate translation: “Drink from the cup” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	11	25	dy4s	writing-pronouns	ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε	1	Do this as often as you drink it	Here, **it** refers to **the cup** and thus also the drink inside **the cup**. This does not mean that believers are supposed to **Do this** every time they drink from any cup. Rather, whenever they **drink** from **the cup** in the context of the **remembrance** of Jesus, they should **Do this**. If your readers would misunderstand what **as often as you drink it** means, you could identity more clearly what **it** means. Alternate translation: “as often as you drink from the cup” or “as often as you drink from the cup in this ceremony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	11	25	lfb6	figs-abstractnouns	εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν	1	the cup	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **remembrance**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “remember.” Alternate translation: “to remember me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	25	oic7	figs-metonymy	ἐμὴν	1	the cup	When Jesus here refers to **me**, he is referring more specifically to what he has done and will do for his followers, particularly how he is about to offer himself for them. If your readers would misunderstand **me** and think that Jesus is just speaking about personal memory, you could clarify that **me** refers to particular actions done by **me**. Alternate translation: “of what I am doing for you” or “of how I am going to die for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	11	26	zveq	figs-metonymy	τὸ ποτήριον	1	until he comes	Here the Corinthians would have understood **cup** to refer to the drink inside the **cup**, which in Paul’s culture would have been wine. If your readers would misunderstand **cup**, you could more explicitly refer to what would be in the **cup**. Alternate translation: “what is in this cup” or “this wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	11	26	wy7l	figs-abstractnouns	τὸν θάνατον τοῦ Κυρίου	1	until he comes	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **death**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “die.” Alternate translation: “that the Lord died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	26	m89f	figs-explicit	ἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ	1	until he comes	Here, **until he would come** refers specifically to Jesus “coming back” to earth, an idea Paul has already mentioned in [4:5](../04/05.md). If your readers would misunderstand **until he would come**, you could use a phrase that more clearly refers to Jesus’ “second coming.” Alternate translation: “until he would come again” or “until he would return” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	26	fanz	figs-infostructure	ὁσάκις γὰρ ἐὰν ἐσθίητε τὸν ἄρτον τοῦτον, καὶ τὸ ποτήριον πίνητε, τὸν θάνατον τοῦ Κυρίου καταγγέλλετε, ἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ.	1	until he comes	Here, **until he would come** identifies how long believers are supposed to **eat this bread and drink this cup**. The phrase does not identify for how long **the Lord** is dead. If your readers would misunderstand what **until he would come** modifies, you can move it earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “For until the Lord comes, as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	11	27	as6y	figs-possession	ἐσθίῃ τὸν ἄρτον ἢ πίνῃ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ Κυρίου	1	eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord	Here, **of the Lord** modifies both the **cup** and the **bread**. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could include a possessive form with **bread** as well as with **cup**. Alternate translation: “might eat the Lord’s bread or might drink his cup” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	11	27	d7ad	figs-metonymy	τὸ ποτήριον	1	eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord	Here the Corinthians would have understood **cup** to refer to the drink inside the **cup**, which in Paul’s culture would have been wine. If your readers would misunderstand **cup**, you could more explicitly refer to what would be in the **cup**. Alternate translation: “what is in the cup” or “the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	11	27	z6en	figs-explicit	ἀναξίως	1	eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord	Here, **in an unworthy manner** identifies behavior that is **unworthy** or “improper” for those who are participating in the Lord’s Supper. Paul has identified examples of this kind of behavior in [11:18–22](../11/18.md). This phrase does not refer to people who are **unworthy**. Rather it refers to behavior that is **unworthy**. If your readers would misunderstand **in an unworthy manner**, you could use a phrase that identifies inappropriate or improper behavior in a specific context. Alternate translation: “while acting inappropriately” or “without respecting the Lord and fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	27	d51p	figs-idiom	ἔνοχος…τοῦ σώματος καὶ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ Κυρίου	1	eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord	Here, **guilty of** could introduce: (1) what the person is **guilty of** doing. Here, that could be “profaning” or “dishonoring” the **body and the blood of the Lord**, or it could be participating in killing **the Lord**, which his **body** and **blood** signifies. Alternate translation: “guilty of dishonoring the body and the blood of the Lord” or “guilty of spilling the Lord’s blood and piercing his body” (2) whom the person has wronged. Here, that would be **the Lord** himself, particularly as he offered his **body** and **blood**. Alternate translation: “guilty of sinning against the Lord in his body and blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	11	28	mwzr	figs-imperative	δοκιμαζέτω δὲ ἄνθρωπος ἑαυτόν, καὶ οὕτως ἐκ τοῦ ἄρτου ἐσθιέτω, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ ποτηρίου πινέτω.	1	examine	In this verse, Paul uses three third person imperatives. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use them here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the ideas using a word such as “must” or “should.” Alternate translation: “But a man must examine himself, and in this way he should eat from the bread, and he should drink from the cup” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	11	28	nhx7	figs-gendernotations	ἄνθρωπος ἑαυτόν…ἐσθιέτω…πινέτω	1	examine	Here, **man**, **himself**, and **him** are written in masculine form, but they refer to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of these words would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using word that do not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “a person … himself or herself … let him or her eat … let him or her drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	11	28	ih78	figs-infostructure	οὕτως ἐκ τοῦ ἄρτου ἐσθιέτω, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ ποτηρίου πινέτω	1	examine	Here, **in this way** introduces both **let him eat** and **let him drink**. If your readers would misunderstand and think that **let him drink** is a separate command, you could combine the two statements more closely, or you could repeat **in this way**. Alternate translation: “in this way let him eat from the bread and drink from the cup” or “in this way let him eat from the bread, and in this way let him drink from the cup” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	11	28	hzac	figs-idiom	ἐκ τοῦ ἄρτου ἐσθιέτω	1	examine	Here, to **eat from** something means to **eat** some of that thing. If your readers would misunderstand **eat from**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to eating part of something. Alternate translation: “let him eat his portion of the bread” or “let him eat some of the loaf of bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	11	29	gqd2	figs-metaphor	μὴ διακρίνων τὸ σῶμα	1	without discerning the body	Here **body** could refer to: (1) the “church,” which is **the body** of Christ (for a similar use of **body**, see [12:27](../12/27.md)). The point would be that people are behaving during the Lord’s Supper in a way that does not respect fellow believers, who are **the body** of Christ. Alternate translation: “without discerning that fellow believers are the body” (2) the presence of **the body** of Christ in the Lord’s Supper itself. The point would be that believers are participating in the Lord’s Supper in a way that does not respect how Christ’s **body** is present in the bread and wine. Alternate translation: “without discerning the presence of the Lord’s body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	29	uxvq	figs-metaphor	κρίμα ἑαυτῷ, ἐσθίει καὶ πίνει	1	without discerning the body	Here Paul speaks as if people could “eat and drink” **judgment**. By speaking this way, Paul means that the result of their “eating and drinking” is not physical or spiritual nourishment but **judgment**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “is judged as a result of eating and drinking” or “eats and drinks with the result that he receives judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	11	29	x3n8	figs-abstractnouns	κρίμα ἑαυτῷ	1	without discerning the body	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **judgment**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “judge.” Paul implies that “God” is the one who is doing the “judging.” Alternate translation: “with the result that God judges him” or “the fact that God will judge him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	29	optf	figs-gendernotations	ἑαυτῷ	1	without discerning the body	Here, **himself** is written in masculine form, but it refers to anyone, no matter what their gender might be. If the meaning of **himself** would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the idea by using a word that does not have gender or you could use both genders. Alternate translation: “to himself or herself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	11	30	kbi6	figs-doublet	ἀσθενεῖς καὶ ἄρρωστοι	1	weak and ill	Here, **weak** refers in general to lack of physical strength without specifying a cause. On the other hand, **sick** refers specifically to lack of strength caused by sickness or illness. If your language has words that fit with these distinctions, you could use them here. If your language does not have words that fit with these distinctions, you could use one general word for weakness or illness. Alternate translation: “{are} weak” or “{are} sick” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	11	30	vx5t	figs-euphemism	κοιμῶνται	1	and many of you have fallen asleep	Paul is referring to the deaths of **many of you** as having **fallen asleep**. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If **fallen asleep** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a different polite way of referring to deaths or you could state the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “have passed away” or “are dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	11	31	jg7v	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	εἰ δὲ ἑαυτοὺς διεκρίνομεν	1	examine	Here Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He has already stated in the last verse that the Corinthians are being **judged**, which means that **we** are indeed **judged**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “But were we to actually examine ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	11	31	j6ml	figs-explicit	ἑαυτοὺς διεκρίνομεν	1	examine	Here Paul is speaking about **examining ourselves** in the context of the Lord’s Supper, as the similarity of this statement to [11:28](../11/28.md) shows. If your readers would misunderstand that Paul is still speaking about **examining** in the context of the Lord’s Supper, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “we were examining ourselves at the Lord’s Supper” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	31	egl8	figs-activepassive	οὐκ ἂν ἐκρινόμεθα	1	we will not be judged	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God would not judge us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	32	ruq5	figs-activepassive	κρινόμενοι…ὑπὸ Κυρίου	1	we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form here to focus on the person **being judged** instead of **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “the Lord judging us” or “when the Lord judges us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	32	s2ax	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	κρινόμενοι…ὑπὸ Κυρίου, παιδευόμεθα	1	we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned	Here, **being judged** and **we are disciplined** happen at the same time. The phrase **we are disciplined** gives the function or purpose of **being judged**. If your readers would misunderstand how these two phrases relate, you could express their relationship explicitly. Alternate translation: “when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined” or “being judged by the Lord is how we are disciplined” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	11	32	c8qi	figs-activepassive	παιδευόμεθα, ἵνα μὴ…κατακριθῶμεν	1	we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form here to focus on **we** instead of the person doing the actions. However, if you must state who does the actions, Paul implies that “God” or **the Lord** does them. Alternate translation: “he disciplines us so that he does not condemn us” or “he disciplines us so that God does not condemn us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	11	32	gr2a	figs-synecdoche	τῷ κόσμῳ	1	we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned	Here, Paul uses the word translated **world** to refer primarily to the humans that are part of the **world** who do not believe in Christ. If the meaning of this word would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate **world** with a word or phrase that refers to people who do not believe in Christ, or you could use a phrase like “people of the world.” Alternate translation: “the people of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1CO	11	33	igek	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	come together to eat	Although the word translated **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	11	33	maa7	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν	1	come together to eat	Here, **coming together to eat** is the situation in which the Corinthians are to **wait for one another**. If your readers would misunderstand the relationship between these statements, you could clarify that **coming together to eat** is the context in which they should **wait for one another**. Alternate translation: “whenever you come together to eat” or “at the time you come together to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	11	33	bvhq	figs-explicit	συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν	1	come together to eat	Here Paul implies that they are eating the Lord’s Supper. If your readers would misunderstood this implication, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “coming together to participate in the Lord’s Supper” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	33	nky5	figs-explicit	ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε	1	wait for one another	Here you should follow the interpretation of “each one takes his own supper first” that you chose in [11:21](../11/21.md). To **wait for one another** could be a command to: (1) avoid receiving food before others. This could prohibit people from receiving food that was specially prepared for them ahead of time in proportion to their social status. Or, it could prohibit the people who were served first from eating more than their fair share and using up all the food before others were served. Alternate translation: “eat the same food as everyone else” or “wait to eat until everyone has been served” (2) show hospitality to other believers by not devouring their own food and instead sharing with others. Alternate translation: “show hospitality to one another” or “share with one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	34	zowl	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴ	1	let him eat at home	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that someone might be **hungry**, or someone might not. He specifies the result for **if anyone is hungry**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever.” Alternate translation: “whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	11	34	aw3r	figs-explicit	εἴ τις πεινᾷ	1	let him eat at home	Here, being **hungry** indicates one of the reasons why the Corinthians are acting improperly during the Lord’s Supper. They could be **hungry** enough that they are not waiting for everyone to receive food, or they could be **hungry** for specific kinds of food that were prepared specially for them and not for others. Make sure your translation matches how you translated [11:21](../11/21.md) and [33](../11/33.md). Alternate translation: “If anyone is so hungry that they cannot wait” or “If anyone desires specially prepared food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	11	34	v2uh	figs-imperative	ἐν οἴκῳ ἐσθιέτω	1	let him eat at home	Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “must” or “should.” Alternate translation: “he must eat at home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	11	34	jjqd	figs-gendernotations	ἐσθιέτω	1	let him eat at home	Although the word translated **him** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **him**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “let him or her eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	11	34	x1l8	grammar-connect-logic-result	εἰς κρίμα	1	not be for judgment	Here, **for judgment** indicates what will happen if the Corinthians do not obey Paul’s instruction to **eat at home**. It does not indicate why the Corinthians are “coming together.” If your readers would misunderstand **for judgment**, you could use a word or phrase that more clearly introduces a result. Alternate translation: “with judgment as the result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	11	34	ti9q	figs-abstractnouns	εἰς κρίμα	1	not be for judgment	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **judgment**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “judge.” Paul implies that “God” is the one who is doing the “judging.” Alternate translation: “with the result that God judges you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	34	xuu7	figs-extrainfo	τὰ…λοιπὰ	1	not be for judgment	Here Paul does not clarify what **the remaining things** are, and it is best to leave the reference unclear. Use a form that could be interpreted in the following ways. The phrase could refer to: (1) everything else Paul wishes to say about the Lord’s Supper. (2) Paul’s responses to other things that the Corinthians asked him about. (3) other instructions about worship practices. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1CO	11	34	r3hj	figs-abstractnouns	διατάξομαι	1	not be for judgment	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **directions**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “direct” or “instruct.” Alternate translation: “I will direct you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	11	34	zy1v	figs-go	ὡς ἂν ἔλθω	1	not be for judgment	Here Paul is speaking about his plan to visit the Corinthians at some point. The language that he uses indicates that he does not yet have a plan for how and when he will visit. What he is saying is that he does plan to visit them at some point. Use a form in your language that indicates future travel plans. Alternate translation: “whenever I can next visit you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
1CO	12	intro	abcf			0		# 1 Corinthians 12 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>8. On spiritual gifts (12:1–14:40)<br>      * God is the source of every gift (12:1–11)<br>      * The body (12:12–26)<br>      * Diversity of gifts (12:27–31)<br><br>Some translations put the second half of [12:31](../12/31.md) with the next section. The short sentence is a transition sentence, so it could end the current section or begin a new section. Consider which option translations that your readers are familiar with pick.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Spiritual gifts<br><br>In [12:1](../12/01.md), Paul introduces “spiritual gifts.” This phrase refers to specific ways in which the Holy Spirit has empowered specific believers to do specific things. The examples that Paul uses in this chapter include things that we might consider to be amazing or “supernatural,” such as speaking in tongues or healing others, and things that we might consider to be everyday or “normal,” including “helps” and “administration.” Make sure to use a word or phrase that could include both kinds of things in the category of “spiritual gifts.” Paul implies that the Holy Spirit empowers all believers with “gifts,” but this does not necessarily mean that each believer receives only one “gift” for his or her entire life. The “gifts” are ways that the Holy Spirit empowers believers, not things that believers themselves possess. Avoid language that implies that each believer possesses one specific gift for their whole life. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/gift]])<br><br>### Speaking in tongues<br><br>Three times in this chapter, Paul refers to speaking in “tongues” (see [12:10](../12/10.md), [28](../12/28.md), [30](../12/30.md)). He will develop this theme with much more detail in chapter 14, so you may want to look ahead at chapter 14 before you decide how to translate the expressions that refer to speaking in “tongues.” The “tongues” could refer to: (1) an otherwise unknown language that one person speaks to God. (2) the language or languages spoken by angels. (3) foreign languages that believers in the church do not speak. Of course, it could refer to any or all of these languages. Since Paul’s words are not very specific, you may also want to use relatively generic terms that refer to “unknown languages” or “special languages.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/tongue]])<br><br>### Ranking of gifts?<br><br>In [12:31](../12/31.md), Paul refers to “greater gifts.” Further, in [12:28](../12/28.md), he numbers the first three items in his list: “first apostles, second prophets, third teachers.” These two verses could suggest that some “gifts” are more valuable or have more importance than other gifts. However, in [12:22–25](../12/22.md), Paul argues that the “weaker,” “less honorable,” and “unpresentable” body parts are essential, honorable, and full of dignity. This seems to suggest that none of “gifts” are more valuable or important than others. Consider the implications of how you translate especially [12:28](../12/28.md), [31](../12/31.md) for this issue. See the notes on those verses for translation options that fit with each view about the ranking of gifts.<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Body analogy and metaphor<br><br>In [12:12–27](../12/12.md), Paul speaks about a “body.” He directly speaks about the human body, but he wants the Corinthians to apply what he says about a human body to their own group of believers. He uses the human body as an analogy for the group of believers because he identifies them as “the body of Christ” ([12:27](../12/27.md)). He uses this metaphor because wants them to realize that they are so closely connected to each other and to Christ that they are like one body. Because he uses this metaphor about the “body of Christ,” he also uses the human body as an analogy to understand the “body of Christ.” In the human body, there are different body parts, and each one has a specific function. Despite that, they all work together. Paul wants each of the Corinthians to think about himself or herself as a body part that works with all the other body parts to function together as a body, the “body of Christ.” Paul speaks mostly about the human “body” throughout, and your translation should reflect that. The notes point out specific figures of speech, but much of this section is description of how human body parts work together. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/body]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/member]])<br><br>### Personification of body parts<br><br>In [12:15–16](../12/15.md), [21](../12/21.md), Paul quotes what body parts might say if they could speak. In [12:25–26](../12/25.md), he speaks as if body parts could care for, suffer with, and rejoice with each other. He speaks as if the body parts were people so that he can make a point. However, he also wants the Corinthians to identify themselves with the body parts in the analogy, so personifying them helps the Corinthians see themselves as “body parts.” If possible, preserve this figure of speech so that your readers can identify themselves as body parts. If you must express the idea in some other way, you could indicate that Paul is using a hypothetical situation or telling a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In [12:17](../12/17.md), [19](../12/19.md), [29–30](../12/29.md), Paul uses rhetorical questions. He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Non-exhaustive lists<br><br>In [12:8–10](../12/08.md), [28](../12/28.md), [29–30](../12/29.md), Paul provides three different lists of “spiritual gifts.” Each of these lists contain some of the same items that the others contain, but none of them contain all of the same items. This shows that Paul did not intend these lists to give every spiritual gift that might exist. Instead, Paul is listing particular gifts as examples. Make sure that your translation does not imply that the gifts that Paul lists are the only ones that exist. <br><br>### “Members”<br><br>Throughout [12:12–27](../12/12.md), Paul refers to “members,” which identifies any of the human body parts. In English, “members” has other meanings besides parts of the body, which is why the UST translates it as “body parts.” In your translation, make sure to use a word that refers specifically to parts of the body, including external limbs (such as arms, legs, and toes) and internal organs (such as heart, lungs, and stomach). If you must choose a word that identifies only external or internal body parts, it is better to refer to external body parts because Paul refers specifically to head, ears, eyes, hands, and feet. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/member]])<br><br>### Names for the Holy Spirit<br><br>Paul refers to the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of God” ([12:3](../12/03.md)), as “the Holy Spirit” ([12:3](../12/03.md)), as “one Spirit” ([12:13](../12/13.md)), and as “the Spirit” ([12:4](../12/03.md), [7–9](../12/07.md), [11](../12/11.md)). All these phrases refer to the Holy Spirit. If your readers would misunderstand that these phrases all refer to the same Spirit, you indicate that in some specific way or use “Holy Spirit” in all these verses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	12	1	da2e	grammar-connect-words-phrases	περὶ δὲ τῶν πνευματικῶν	1	Connecting Statement:	Just as in [8:1](../08/01.md), **Now about** introduces a new topic that Paul wishes to address. Likely, the topics that he introduces in this way are what the Corinthians wrote to him about. Translate **Now about** here as you translated it in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “Next, about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	12	1	g6ed	translate-unknown	τῶν πνευματικῶν	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **spiritual gifts** refers to how the Holy Spirit enables specific believers to do specific things. Paul gives a list of some of these **spiritual gifts** in [12:8–10](../12/08.md). These **gifts** should not be understood as “abilities” that the believer naturally has. Rather, the **gifts** are ways in which the Holy Spirit works through a specific person to do specific things that not everyone else can do. If your readers would misunderstand **spiritual gifts**, you could use a different word or phrase that gets this idea across while maintaining some reference to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “abilities given by the Holy Spirit” or “ways that the Holy Spirit equips believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	1	gsa8	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	Connecting Statement:	Although **brothers** is in masculine form, Paul is using it to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	12	1	i3k7	figs-litotes	οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν	1	I do not want you to be uninformed	Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that has the opposite meaning of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you could express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “I want you to have knowledge” or “I want you to be very knowledgeable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1CO	12	2	hbt8	figs-metaphor	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** and **led** refer to how one person can “lead” another person to a specific place. Paul uses this figure of speech here because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they used to worship idols as if somebody was “leading” them **astray** or away from the correct path. This figure of speech emphasizes that the Corinthians were going the wrong way and that someone or something was directing them to go that way. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you wrongly followed mute idols, in whatever ways you followed them” or “you were urged to worship mute idols, in whatever ways you were urged to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	12	2	xnw1	figs-activepassive	πρὸς τὰ εἴδωλα τὰ ἄφωνα ὡς ἂν ἤγεσθε, ἀπαγόμενοι	1		If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form here to avoid identifying who did the “leading astray,” because he wishes to keep it general. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “other pagans” or “something” did it. Alternate translation: “others led you astray to mute idols, in whatever ways they led you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	12	2	c6pj	translate-unknown	τὰ εἴδωλα τὰ ἄφωνα	1		Here, **mute** means that the **idols** cannot speak to those who worship them. If your readers would misunderstand **mute**, you could use a word or phrase to describe the **idols** as unable to speak. Alternate translation: “idols who do not communicate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	2	cinz	figs-extrainfo	ὡς ἂν ἤγεσθε	1		Here Paul intentionally uses vague language that does not define the **ways you were led**. In your translation, use a word or phrase that similarly does not tightly define what the **ways** are. Alternate translation: “however you were led” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1CO	12	3	qd7u	grammar-connect-logic-result	διὸ	1	no one who speaks by the Spirit of God can say	Here, **Therefore** could draw a conclusion from: (1) [12:1–2](../12/01.md). The Corinthians “know” about how pagan worship worked (verse 2), but Paul wants to tell them more about how Christian worship works (verse 1). **Therefore**, he will make this **known** to them. Alternate translation: “Because you know less about Christian worship” (2) just [12:2](../12/02.md). The Corinthians were accustomed to how “inspired speech” or **speaking** by the power of a god worked when they “were pagans.” Now, Paul wants to tell them about how it works by the power of the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “Now, however” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	12	3	cae5	translate-names	Πνεύματι Θεοῦ…Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ	1	no one who speaks by the Spirit of God can say	Here, **Spirit of God** and **Holy Spirit** are two different names for the same person: the Holy Spirit. If your language uses only one name for the Holy Spirit, and if your readers would think that two different persons are identified in this verse, you could use the same name in both places in this verse. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit … the Holy Spirit” or “the Spirit of God … the Spirit of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1CO	12	3	zg4j	figs-explicit	ἐν Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λαλῶν…ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ	1	no one who speaks by the Spirit of God can say	Here, **speaking by the Spirit of God** refers to words that the **Spirit of God** has enabled someone to say. This could be more formal, such as in prophecy or preaching, or it could be less formal, referring to everyday speech. Paul does not specify exactly what he has in mind since the Corinthians would have understood what he implied. If your readers would misunderstand what **speaking by the Spirit of God** means, you could express the idea in a way that more clearly refers to the **Spirit** empowering someone to “speak.” Alternate translation: “speaking as the Spirit of God leads them … as the Holy Spirit leads them” or “speaking in the power of the Spirit of God … in the power of the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	3	irbm	figs-quotations	λέγει, ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς…εἰπεῖν, Κύριος Ἰησοῦς	1	no one who speaks by the Spirit of God can say	If your language does not use this form to refer to what someone says, you could translate the statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “says that Jesus {is} accursed … to say that Jesus {is} Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	12	3	jak6	translate-unknown	ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς	1	Jesus is accursed	This phrase identifies any words that someone might use to “curse” **Jesus**. If your readers would misunderstand **Jesus {is} accursed**, you could use a form that indicates any kind of “curse” against someone. Alternate translation: “Cursed be Jesus” or “I curse Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	3	tzk9	grammar-connect-exceptions	οὐδεὶς δύναται εἰπεῖν, Κύριος Ἰησοῦς, εἰ μὴ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ	1	Jesus is accursed	If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “and only by the Holy Spirit is one able to say, ‘Jesus {is} Lord’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	12	4	pvhr	figs-abstractnouns	διαιρέσεις…χαρισμάτων	1	Jesus is accursed	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **varieties**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “various” or “different.” Alternate translation: “various gifts” or “different gifts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	4	su9f	figs-ellipsis	τὸ…αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα	1	Jesus is accursed	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul implies that it is **the same Spirit** who gives the **varieties of gifts**. If your readers would not infer that information, and if your language requires these words to make a complete thought, you could supply them. Alternate translation: “the same Spirit gives them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	5	n4h7	figs-abstractnouns	διαιρέσεις διακονιῶν	1	Jesus is accursed	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **varieties**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “various” or “different.” Alternate translation: “various ministries” or “different ministries” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	5	z91g	figs-abstractnouns	διακονιῶν	1	Jesus is accursed	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **ministries**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “serve” or “minister.” Alternate translation: “of ways to minister” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	5	xf4p	figs-ellipsis	ὁ αὐτὸς Κύριος	1	Jesus is accursed	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul implies that it is **the same Lord** whom people serve with the **varieties of ministries**. If your readers would not infer that information, and if your language requires these words to make a complete thought, you could supply them. Alternate translation: “all of them minister for the same Lord” or “everyone serves the same Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	6	ybaf	figs-abstractnouns	διαιρέσεις ἐνεργημάτων	1	who is working all things in everyone	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **varieties**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “various” or “different.” Alternate translation: “various workings” or “different workings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	6	mmdx	translate-unknown	ἐνεργημάτων	1	who is working all things in everyone	Here, **workings** refers “activities” or “actions,” that is, doing things. If your readers would misunderstand **workings**, you could use a word or phrase that refers generally to “doing things.” Alternate translation: “of activities” or “of ways to do things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	6	r3vr	figs-ellipsis	ὁ αὐτὸς Θεός	1	who is working all things in everyone	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul implies that it is **the same God** who empowers the **varieties of workings**. If your readers would not infer that information, and if your language requires these words to make a complete thought, you could supply them. Alternate translation: “they all come from the same God” or “they are empowered by the same God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	6	eth3	figs-explicit	τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν	1	who is working all things in everyone	Here, **all things in everyone** could refer: (1) specifically to **all** gifts, ministries, and workings that God **works** in **everyone** who believes. Alternate translation: “each of these things in each person” (2) generally to how God **works all things** in “everything and everyone.” Alternate translation: “everything in everyone” or “all things in every situation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	7	x7mv	figs-activepassive	ἑκάστῳ…δίδοται	1	to each one is given	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses this form to focus on the gifts rather than the one who gives them. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it (see [12:6](../12/06.md))). Alternate translation: “to each one God gives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	12	7	zyqc	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ φανέρωσις τοῦ Πνεύματος	1	to each one is given	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **display**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “display” or “manifest.” Alternate translation: “how they display the Spirit” or “how they manifest the power of the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	7	j2rf	figs-possession	ἡ φανέρωσις τοῦ Πνεύματος	1	to each one is given	Here, Paul uses the possessive form to indicate how **the Spirit** is revealed by **the outward display**. If your readers would misunderstand that **the outward display** is a revelation of **the Spirit**, you could express the idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the ability to outwardly display the Spirit” or “a way to outwardly display the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	12	7	rd8z	figs-abstractnouns	πρὸς τὸ συμφέρον	1	to each one is given	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **benefit**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “benefit” or “help.” Alternate translation: “in order to benefit everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	8	c9ak	figs-activepassive	ᾧ μὲν…διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος δίδοται	1	to one is given by the Spirit a word	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses this form to emphasize what **is given** over who gives it. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” or **the Spirit** did it. Alternate translation: “the Spirit gives to one” or “God gives to one through the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	12	8	i6n9	writing-pronouns	ᾧ…ἄλλῳ	1	to one is given by the Spirit a word	While Paul specifically refers to **one** and to **another**, he is not speaking about just two people. Rather, he is using this form to give two examples. If your readers would misunderstand that Paul is using two examples here, you could use a form in your language that does indicate representative examples, or you could use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “to certain people … to other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	12	8	us1k	figs-metonymy	λόγος	-1	a word	Here, **word** figuratively represents what someone says in words. If **word** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “a message … a message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	12	8	terk	figs-abstractnouns	λόγος σοφίας	-1	a word	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **wisdom**, you could express the idea in another way. Paul could mean that: (1) the **word** is characterized by **wisdom**. Alternate translation: “a wise word” (2) the **word** gives **wisdom** to those who hear it. Alternate translation: “a word that makes others wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	8	pe8s	figs-ellipsis	ἄλλῳ…λόγος	1	is given	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**is given**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “to another is given a word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	8	pbe4	figs-abstractnouns	λόγος γνώσεως	1	is given	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **knowledge**, you could express the idea in another way. Paul could mean that: (1) the **word** is characterized by **knowledge**. Alternate translation: “an enlightened word” (2) the **word** gives **knowledge** to those who hear it. Alternate translation: “a word that makes others knowledgeable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	9	dkia		ἑτέρῳ	1	to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit	Here Paul uses a different word for **another** than he does in the last verse or the rest of this verse. It is possible that Paul uses this different word to indicate that he is beginning a new section in the list. If you are breaking the list up into sections, you could begin a new section here. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “To another person”
1CO	12	9	zhfq	writing-pronouns	ἑτέρῳ…ἄλλῳ	1	to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit	In both parts of this verse, Paul specifically refers to **another**. When he does this, he is not speaking about just one person. Rather, he is using this form to give an example. If your readers would misunderstand that Paul is giving examples here, you could use a form in your language that does indicate representative examples, or you could use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “to other people … to other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	12	9	rh96	figs-ellipsis	ἑτέρῳ πίστις…ἄλλῳ…χαρίσματα	1	to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly at the beginning of [12:8](../12/08.md) (“is given”). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “to another is given faith … to another are given gifts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	9	s2lf	figs-explicit	πίστις	1	to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit	Here, **faith** refers to a special belief in God. It does not refer to the **faith** that all believers have. This special **faith** could be the belief in God required to do miracles, it could be the ability to help others believe more, or it could be something else. If your readers would misunderstand **faith** by itself, you could state more explicitly that this is a special kind of **faith**. Alternate translation: “special faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	9	foa8	figs-abstractnouns	πίστις	1	to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **faith**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “believe” or “trust.” Alternate translation: “the ability to believe” or “how they believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	9	szhv		τῷ ἑνὶ Πνεύματι	1	to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit	Here, **that one Spirit** means basically the same thing as **the same Spirit**. Paul uses a different phrase because changing a repeated phrase was sometimes considered good style in his culture. If it would not be good style to state **the same Spirit** with different words in your language, and if your readers would be confused about why Paul changes his words, you could use **the same Spirit** here instead of **that one Spirit**. Alternate translation: “the same Spirit”
1CO	12	10	x572	writing-pronouns	ἄλλῳ…ἄλλῳ…ἄλλῳ…ἑτέρῳ…ἄλλῳ	1	to another prophecy	Throughout this verse, Paul specifically refers to **another**. When he does this, he is not speaking about just one person. Rather, he is using this form to give an example. If your readers would misunderstand that Paul is giving examples here, you could use a form in your language that does indicate representative examples, or you could use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “to other people … to other people … to other people … to other people … to other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	12	10	v7xy	figs-ellipsis	ἄλλῳ δὲ ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων, ἄλλῳ προφητεία, ἄλλῳ διακρίσεις πνευμάτων, ἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν, ἄλλῳ δὲ ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν.	1	to another various kinds of tongues	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly at the beginning of [12:8](../12/08.md) (“is given”). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “and to another are given workings of power; to another is given prophecy; to another are given discernments of spirits; to another are given kinds of tongues; and to another is given the interpretation of tongues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	10	j8qk	figs-abstractnouns	ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων	1	to another the interpretation of tongues	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **workings** or **power**, you could express the ideas by using verb and adverbs. Alternate translation: “how they powerfully work” or “what they powerfully do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	10	ekgi	figs-possession	ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων	1	to another the interpretation of tongues	Here Paul uses the possessive form to speak about **workings** that are characterized by **power**. This could mean: (1) that the **workings** lead to or produce **power**, that is, powerful deeds. Alternate translation: “doing powerful deeds” or “doing miracles” (2) that the **workings** exhibit or show **power**. Alternate translation: “powerful workings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	12	10	tnym	figs-abstractnouns	προφητεία	1	to another the interpretation of tongues	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **prophecy**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “prophesy.” Alternate translation: “how they prophesy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	10	dl8g	figs-abstractnouns	διακρίσεις πνευμάτων	1	to another the interpretation of tongues	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **discernment**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “discern.” Alternate translation: “how they discern spirits” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	10	cl59	translate-unknown	διακρίσεις	1	to another the interpretation of tongues	Here, **discernments** could refer to: (1) the ability to make decisions about **spirits**. Alternate translation: “judging” (2) the ability to evaluate or identify **spirits**. Alternate translation: “evaluation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	10	mab7	translate-unknown	πνευμάτων	1	to another the interpretation of tongues	Here, **spirits** could refer to: (1) spiritual beings themselves. In this case, those with this “gift” can “discern” whether **spirits** represent God or not. Alternate translation: “between spirits” (2) speech or deeds empowered by **spirits** or the **Spirit**. In this case, those with this “gift” can “discern” whether speech and deeds come from God’s Spirit or not. Alternate translation: “concerning spiritual things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	10	vfox		ἑτέρῳ	1	to another the interpretation of tongues	Here Paul uses a different word for **another** than he does in the last two verses or in the rest of this verse, except for the one case noted in the last verse. It is possible that Paul uses this different word to indicate that he is beginning a new section in the list. If you are breaking the list up into sections, you could begin a new section here. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “To another person”
1CO	12	10	skl8	figs-metonymy	γλωσσῶν	-1	various kinds of tongues	Here, **tongues** refers to something that one does with one’s “tongue,” which is speaking a language. If your readers would misunderstand that **tongues** is a way of speaking about “languages,” you could use a comparable term or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “of languages … of languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	12	10	ork3	translate-unknown	γένη γλωσσῶν	1	to another the interpretation of tongues	Here, **kinds of tongues** identifies words spoken in languages that the believers could not normally understand. The **tongues** could refer to any or all of the following languages: (1) an otherwise unknown language that one person speaks to God. Alternate translation: “ecstatic speech” or “various private languages” (2) the language or languages spoken by angels. Alternate translation: “various angelic languages” (3) foreign languages that the specific believers in the church do not speak. Alternate translation: “various foreign languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	10	vcgb	figs-explicit	ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν	1	the interpretation of tongues	Here, the **interpretation** could refer to: (1) translation of the **tongues** into a language that the believers understand. Alternate translation: “the translation of tongues” (2) understanding and then explaining the meaning of what was spoken in **tongues**. Alternate translation: “the explanation of tongues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	10	c14y	figs-abstractnouns	ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν	1	the interpretation of tongues	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **interpretation**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “interpret.” Alternate translation: “how they interpret tongues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	11	z383	figs-idiom	τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα	1	one and the same Spirit	Here, **one and the same** emphasizes that there is only **one** Holy Spirit and that each gift is given by the **same** Holy Spirit, not by a different spirit. If your readers would misunderstand **one and the same**, you could use a comparable phrase that identifies the Holy Spirit as the only one who gives all the gifts. Alternate translation: “there is only one Holy Spirit who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	12	11	nunm	translate-unknown	ἰδίᾳ	1	one and the same Spirit	Here, **individually** refers to how the Spirit “distributes” the gifts to specific people on their own. In other words, discrete people receive these gifts. If your readers would misunderstand **individually**, you could use a word or phrase that identifies people on their own, apart from the communities they participate in. Alternate translation: “by himself or herself” or “separately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	11	wvmz	translate-unknown	καθὼς βούλεται	1	one and the same Spirit	Here, **just as he desires** means that the **Spirit** “distributes” the gifts as he decides, not because of any other factors. If your readers would misunderstand **desires**, you could use a word that refers to what the **Spirit** “decides” or “chooses.” Alternate translation: “in the way that he chooses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	12	g2xa	figs-genericnoun	τὸ σῶμα	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul is speaking of “bodies” in general, not of one particular **body**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to “bodies” in general. Alternate translation: “a human body, for example,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	12	12	cjsq	figs-idiom	ἕν ἐστιν	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **one** refers to how the **body** is a single entity. In other words, we can count **one** body as **one** thing, even though it is made up of many parts. If your readers would misunderstand **one**, you could use a word or phrase that emphasizes the unity of the **body**. Alternate translation: “is united” or “is a unity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	12	12	j3xl	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	πολλὰ ὄντα	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **being many** contrasts with the words that follow: **are one body**. If your readers would misunderstand this relationship, you could introduce **being many** with a word or phrase that explicitly indicates a contrast. Alternate translation: “although they are many” or “despite being many” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	12	12	c1e1	figs-extrainfo	καθάπερ…οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστός	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul does not explain how **Christ** is like **the body** he describes in this verse. Instead, he slowly explains how **Christ** is like **the body** throughout the following verses. In [12:27](../12/27.md), he fully explains what he means: “you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” Because Paul goes on to explain what **so also {is} Christ** means in the next verses, you should express this phrase by emphasizing the comparison between **the body** and **Christ** but without giving any more detail. Alternate translation: “just as … Christ too is like this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1CO	12	13	s881		ἐν ἑνὶ Πνεύματι	1	For by one Spirit we were all baptized	Here, **by one Spirit** could refer to: (1) whom **we were all baptized** in. In other words, the baptism happens by the power of the **one Spirit** or leads to the reception of the **one Spirit**. Alternate translation: “in one Spirit” or “into one Spirit” (2) the one performs the “baptism.” Alternate translation: “by the work of the one Spirit”
1CO	12	13	g8uk	figs-activepassive	ἐν ἑνὶ Πνεύματι ἡμεῖς πάντες…ἐβαπτίσθημεν	1	For by one Spirit we were all baptized	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Here, the one who does the “baptizing” could be: (1) the believer who performs a water baptism by means of the Spirit’s power. Alternate translation: “fellow believers baptized all of us by the power of the Spirit” (2) God, who gives the **one Spirit** to believers during a water baptism or in a way that is like a “baptism.” Alternate translation: “God baptized all of us in one Spirit” or “it was as if God baptized us by giving us the one Spirit, which means that he united us” (3) the **one Spirit**, who empowers the water baptism or unites us in a way similar to a baptism. Alternate translation: “the one Spirit baptized all of us” or “it was as if the one Spirit baptized us, which means that he united us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	12	13	xijs	figs-explicit	πάντες…ἐβαπτίσθημεν	1	For by one Spirit we were all baptized	Here, **baptized** could refer to: (1) water baptism, which is connected to the **Spirit**. Alternate translation: “were all baptized in water” (2) becoming a believer and receiving the **Spirit**, which is like being **baptized**. Alternate translation: “were all incorporated by something like baptism” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	13	xfrh	figs-idiom	πάντες εἰς ἓν σῶμα ἐβαπτίσθημεν	1	For by one Spirit we were all baptized	Here, being **baptized into** something or someone identifies with whom one is being united in baptism. In this case, believers are united together as **one body** when they are **baptized**. Alternate translation: “were all baptized so that we became one body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	12	13	noi4	figs-metaphor	εἰς ἓν σῶμα	1	For by one Spirit we were all baptized	Here Paul speaks as if believers together were **one body**. By speaking in this way, he emphasizes the unity that believers have because they together have the **Spirit** as the **body** of Christ. Paul uses this metaphor throughout the following verses, and it is an important metaphor for 1 Corinthians and for Christian teaching. Because of this, you should preserve this metaphor or, if you must express the idea differently, use an analogy. Alternate translation: “into close union, as if we were one body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	12	13	r9hm		εἴτε…δοῦλοι, εἴτε ἐλεύθεροι	3	whether bound or free	Alternate translation: “whether slaves or freedmen”
1CO	12	13	ju15	figs-activepassive	πάντες ἓν Πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν	1		If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses this form to emphasize the people who are drinking rather than the one who provides the drink. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God made us all drink one Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	12	13	r5kw	figs-metaphor	πάντες ἓν Πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here Paul speaks if receiving the **Spirit** or being empowered by the **Spirit** is “drinking” the **Spirit**. It is possible that he speaks in this way to make the Corinthians think about the Lord’s Supper (“drinking the cup”), especially since the beginning of the verse speaks of being **baptized**. The main point is that all those who **drink** the **one Spirit** are united together by that drinking. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “all received one Spirit” or “all partook of the one Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	12	14	dshs	figs-genericnoun	τὸ σῶμα	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here Paul is speaking of “bodies” in general, not of one particular **body**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to “bodies” in general. Alternate translation: “any body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	12	15	rdjj	figs-hypo	ἐὰν εἴπῃ ὁ πούς, ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ χείρ, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that a **foot** could talk and claim that it is not **of the body** because it is not **a hand**. He uses this hypothetical situation because it is absurd for a **foot** to talk, and it is even more absurd that a **foot** would say these things if it could talk. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose a foot would say, ‘Since I am not a hand, I am not of the body’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	12	15	aq31	figs-genericnoun	ὁ πούς	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Paul is using any **foot** as an example. He is not speaking about one particular **foot** that can talk. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to any **foot**. Alternate translation: “a foot” or “any foot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	12	15	o9bk	figs-personification	ἐὰν εἴπῃ ὁ πούς	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here Paul speaks as if a **foot** could **say** things. He speaks in this way because he wants the Corinthians to think of themselves as body parts of the body of Christ, and so **the foot** is an example for them. He also wishes them to see how absurd it is for a **foot** to say what it says here. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could clarify that this is a hypothetical situation in which a **foot** can say things. Alternate translation: “Say that a foot could talk, and it said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	12	15	efom	figs-quotations	εἴπῃ…ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ χείρ, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	If your language does not use this form, you could translate the statement as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “would say that, since it is not a hand, it is not of the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	12	15	r4qq	figs-idiom	οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος…οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ σώματος	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here, **of the body** identifies something that belong to or is part of **the body**. If your readers would misunderstand **of the body**, you could use a form in your language that refers to what is part of or belongs to something else. Alternate translation: “I am not a part of the body … it is not a part of the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	12	15	iyx7	figs-doublenegatives	οὐ παρὰ τοῦτο, οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ σώματος	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here Paul uses two negative words to express the idea that the reason that the **foot** gives is not valid for separating it from **the body**. If your readers would misunderstand the two negative words, you could express the idea with positive words or only one negative word. Alternate translation: “despite that, it is of the body” or “it is still of the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	12	15	pqtz	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here, **this** refers back to what the **foot** said about not being a hand. If your readers would misunderstand **this**, you could use a word or phrase that more clearly identifies what it refers to. Alternate translation: “this reasoning” or “that idea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	12	16	ie72	figs-hypo	ἐὰν εἴπῃ τὸ οὖς, ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ ὀφθαλμός, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Just as in [12:15](../12/15.md), here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that an **ear** could talk and claim that it is not **of the body** because it is not an **eye**. He uses this hypothetical situation because it is absurd for an **ear** to talk, and it is even more absurd that an **ear** would say these things if it could talk. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “suppose an ear would say, ‘Since I am not an eye, I am not of the body’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	12	16	uoju	figs-genericnoun	τὸ οὖς	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Paul is using any **ear* as an example. He is not speaking about one particular **ear** that can talk. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to any **ear**. Alternate translation: “an ear” or “any ear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	12	16	gb60	figs-personification	ἐὰν εἴπῃ τὸ οὖς	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Just as in [12:15](../12/15.md), here Paul speaks as if an **ear** could say things. He speaks in this way because he wants the Corinthians to think of themselves as body parts of the body of Christ, and so **the ear** is an example for them. He also wishes them to see how absurd it is for an **ear** to say what it says here. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could clarify that this is a hypothetical situation in which a foot can say things. Alternate translation: “Say that an ear could talk, and it said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	12	16	lidw	figs-quotations	εἴπῃ…ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ ὀφθαλμός, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος;	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	If your language does not use this form, you could translate the statement as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “would say that, since it is not an eye, it is not of the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	12	16	c3vw	figs-idiom	οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος…οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ σώματος	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Just as in [12:15](../12/15.md), **of the body** identifies something that belong to or is part of **the body**. If your readers would misunderstand **of the body**, you could use a form in your language that refers to what is part of or belongs to something else. Alternate translation: “I am not a part of the body … it is not a part of the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	12	16	gdk1	figs-doublenegatives	οὐ παρὰ τοῦτο, οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ σώματος	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here Paul uses two negative words to express the idea that the reason that **the ear** gives is not valid for separating it from **the body**. If your readers would misunderstand the two negative words, you could express the idea with positive words or only one negative word. Alternate translation: “despite that, it is of the body” or “it is still of the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	12	16	j4ce	writing-pronouns	τοῦτο	1	all were made to drink of one Spirit	Here, **this** refers back to what **the ear** said about not being **an eye**. If your readers would misunderstand **this**, you could use a word or phrase that more clearly identifies what it refers to. Alternate translation: “this reasoning” or “that idea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	12	17	dfrr	figs-hypo	εἰ ὅλον τὸ σῶμα ὀφθαλμός, ποῦ ἡ ἀκοή? εἰ ὅλον ἀκοή, ποῦ ἡ ὄσφρησις?	1	where would the sense of hearing be? … where would the sense of smell be?	Here Paul is using two hypothetical situations to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that **the whole body** was **an eye** or **an ear**. He uses these hypothetical situations because it is absurd for **an eye** or **an ear** to make up **the whole body**. Use a natural way in your language to introduce hypothetical situations. Alternate translation: “Suppose the whole body {were an eye}; where {would} the hearing {be}? Suppose the whole {were} an ear; where {would} the sense of smell {be}?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	12	17	zl05	figs-genericnoun	ὅλον τὸ σῶμα…ὅλον	1	where would the sense of hearing be? … where would the sense of smell be?	Here Paul is speaking of “bodies” in general, not of one particular **body**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to “bodies” in general. Alternate translation: “any whole body … any whole” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
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?	Paul does not ask these questions because he is looking for information about **where** the senses of **hearing** and **smell** are. Rather, he asks them to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The questions assume that the answer is “nowhere.” In other words, a **body** that is only **an eye** does not have **hearing**, and a **body** that is only an **ear** does not have **smell**. If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you could express the ideas with strong negations. Alternate translation: “it would never hear anything. … it would never smell anything.” or “it would not have hearing. … it would not have the sense of smell.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	12	17	uuvi	figs-ellipsis	ὅλον	2	where would the sense of hearing be? … where would the sense of smell be?	Here Paul omits **body** because he stated it explicitly in the previous sentence. If your language needs to state **body** here, you can supply it from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “the whole body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	18	n3pu	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	νυνὶ δὲ	1	where would the body be?	Here, **But now** introduces what is true, in contrast with the hypothetical situations Paul offered in the last verse ([12:17](../12/17.md)). The word **now** does not refer to time here. If your readers would misunderstand **But now**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces reality in contrast to a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “In reality, though,” or “As it really is,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	12	18	habs	figs-infostructure	τὰ μέλη, ἓν ἕκαστον αὐτῶν ἐν	1	where would the body be?	Here Paul interrupts his sentence to include **each one of them**. In Paul’s culture, this interruption emphasized **each one of them**. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul interrupts his sentence, you could rearrange the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “each and every member in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	12	18	yikv	translate-unknown	καθὼς ἠθέλησεν	1	where would the body be?	Here, **just as he desired** means that the God “appoints” the **members** as he decided, not because of any other factors. If your readers would misunderstand **desired**, you could use a word that refers to what God “decided” or “chose.” Alternate translation: “in the way that he chose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	19	eswt	figs-hypo	εἰ…ἦν τὰ πάντα ἓν μέλος, ποῦ	1	where would the body be?	Here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that *all** the body parts were just **one member**, that is, one kind of body part. He uses this hypothetical situation because it is absurd for **all** body parts to be **one member**. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “suppose they were all one member; where” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	12	19	zw6k	figs-explicit	τὰ…ἓν μέλος	1	the same member	Here, **one member** refers to one kind of **member**. In other words, it does not indicate that there is only one body part (one arm, for example). Rather, it indicates that all the body parts are of one type (as if the ears, legs, and other body parts were all arms). If your readers would misunderstand **one member**, you could clarify that Paul has in mind many members that are of one kind. Alternate translation: “one kind of member” or “one type of member” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	19	y4vg	figs-rquestion	ποῦ τὸ σῶμα?	1	where would the body be?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information about **where** the **body** is. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “nowhere.” In other words, a **body** that is made up of only **one member** is not a **body** at all. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “there would be no body!” or “the body would certainly not exist.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	12	20	hmcr	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	νῦν δὲ	1	where would the body be?	Just as in [12:18](../12/188.md), **But now** introduces what is true, in contrast with the hypothetical situations Paul offered in the last verse (12:19). The word **now** does not refer to time here. If your readers would misunderstand **But now**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces reality in contrast to a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “In reality, though,” or “As it really is,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	12	20	qr0s	figs-explicit	πολλὰ…μέλη	1	where would the body be?	Here, **many members** refers to many kinds of **member**. In other words, it does not indicate that there are many examples of one body part (many arms, for example). Rather, it indicates that there are many different types of **members** (ears, legs, and arms, for example). If your readers would misunderstand **many members**, you could clarify that Paul has in mind many different kinds of **members**. Alternate translation: “there are many types of members” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	20	honm	figs-ellipsis	ἓν δὲ σῶμα	1	where would the body be?	Here Paul omits some words that your language might need to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**there are**). If your language does need these words here, you can supply them from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “but there is one body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	21	nl5l	figs-hypo	οὐ δύναται…ὁ ὀφθαλμὸς…ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῖς ποσίν	1	where would the body be?	Here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that an **eye** and a **head** could talk to other body parts. He uses this hypothetical situation because, if these body parts could talk, they would never say **“I have no need of you”** to other body parts. His point is that human body parts work together; they do not try to get rid of each other. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “suppose that the eye could speak. It is not able … suppose that the head could speak. It is not able to say to the feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	12	21	ig02	figs-personification	οὐ δύναται…ὁ ὀφθαλμὸς εἰπεῖν τῇ χειρί, χρείαν σου οὐκ ἔχω; ἢ πάλιν ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῖς ποσίν, χρείαν ὑμῶν οὐκ ἔχω	1	where would the body be?	Here Paul speaks as if an **eye** and a **head** could say things. He speaks in this way because he wants the Corinthians to think of themselves as body parts of the body of Christ, and so the **eye** and the **head** are examples for them. He also wishes them to see how absurd it would be if an **eye** or a **head** were to say that it did not need other body parts. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could clarify that this is a hypothetical situation in which an **eye** or a **head** can say things. Alternate translation: “say that an eye could talk. It is not able to say to the hand, ‘I do not have need of you.’ Or again, say that a head could talk. It is not able to say to the hand, ‘I do not have need of you.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	12	21	cmnr	figs-quotations	τῇ χειρί, χρείαν σου οὐκ ἔχω…τοῖς ποσίν, χρείαν ὑμῶν οὐκ ἔχω.	1	where would the body be?	If your language does not use this form, you could translate the statement as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “that it does not need the hand … that it does not need the feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	12	21	ytya	figs-genericnoun	οὐ δύναται…ὁ ὀφθαλμὸς εἰπεῖν τῇ χειρί…ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῖς ποσίν	1	where would the body be?	Paul is using these body parts as examples. He is not speaking about one particular **eye**, **hand**, **head**, or **feet**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to any ear. Alternate translation: “no eye is able to say to a hand … no head is able to say to feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	12	21	lhik	figs-idiom	χρείαν σου οὐκ ἔχω…χρείαν ὑμῶν οὐκ ἔχω	1	where would the body be?	Here, **I do not have need of you** is a natural way to express this idea in Paul’s language. In some languages, this clause sounds unnatural or longer than it needs to be. Paul is not using this form for special emphasis, so you could express the idea in whatever way seems natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I do not require you … I do not require you” or “You are not needed … You are not needed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	12	21	q8ru	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ πάλιν	1	where would the body be?	Here, **or again** introduces another example. If your readers would misunderstand **or again**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another example. Alternate translation: “or, for another example,” or “or further” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	12	21	jwzv	figs-ellipsis	ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῖς ποσίν	1	where would the body be?	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**is not able to say**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “the head is not able to say to the feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	22	hnt4	translate-unknown	ἀσθενέστερα	1	where would the body be?	Here, **weaker** refers to physical frailty or lack of strength. It is unclear which body parts he might have considered to be **weaker**. Use a similar general word that identifies frailty or weakness. Alternate translation: “frailer” or “less strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	22	w75w	translate-unknown	ἀναγκαῖά	1	where would the body be?	Here, **essential** identifies the **weaker** bodies parts as required for the body to function properly. If your readers would misunderstand **essential**, you could use a word or phrase that identifies the body parts as “necessary” or “required.” Alternate translation: “required” or “indispensable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	22	q1wr	figs-explicit	πολλῷ μᾶλλον…ἀσθενέστερα ὑπάρχειν, ἀναγκαῖά ἐστιν	1	where would the body be?	Here Paul seems to be stating a general principle that the **weaker** a body part is, the **more** it ends up being **essential** for the body. He implies a comparison with other body parts, which are “stronger” but “less essential.” If your readers would misunderstand this general principle or what Paul is comparing, you could express the idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “to be weaker than other members are actually that much more essential than those other members” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	23	apc4	figs-explicit	καὶ ἃ δοκοῦμεν ἀτιμότερα εἶναι τοῦ σώματος, τούτοις τιμὴν περισσοτέραν περιτίθεμεν; καὶ τὰ ἀσχήμονα ἡμῶν, εὐσχημοσύνην περισσοτέραν ἔχει;	1	our unpresentable members	Throughout this verse, Paul is most likely thinking about how we carefully wear clothing that covers our **less honorable** and **unpresentable** body parts. He does not specify which body parts these would be, but it is likely that he at least has genital organs in mind. If your readers would misunderstand how we **bestow** some body parts with **greater honor** or give them **more dignity**, you could state explicitly that Paul has clothing in mind. Alternate translation: “and those of the body which we think to be less honorable, we bestow them greater honor by clothing them; and our unpresentable members have more dignity because of the care we take to cover them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	23	vilq	writing-pronouns	ἃ…τοῦ σώματος	1	our unpresentable members	Here, **those** refers back to the “members” in [12:22](../12/22.md). If your readers would misunderstand **those**, you could use “members” instead. Alternate translation: “the members of the body which” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	12	23	ring	figs-infostructure	ἃ δοκοῦμεν ἀτιμότερα εἶναι τοῦ σώματος, τούτοις τιμὴν περισσοτέραν περιτίθεμεν	1	our unpresentable members	Here Paul identifies what he is talking about first (**those of the body which we think to be less honorable**) and then refers back to that phrase by using **them** in his sentence. If your readers would be confused by this structure, you could restructure the sentence and indicate what Paul is talking about in another way. Alternate translation: “we bestow greater honor on those of the body which we think to be less honorable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	12	23	mhim	figs-abstractnouns	τούτοις τιμὴν περισσοτέραν περιτίθεμεν	1	our unpresentable members	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **honor**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “honor” or an adverb such as “honorably.” Alternate translation: “we treat them honorably” or “we honor them more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	23	id5z	figs-euphemism	τὰ ἀσχήμονα ἡμῶν	1	our unpresentable members	Here, **unpresentable members** is a polite way to refer to sexual organs. If your readers would misunderstand **unpresentable members**, you could use a comparable polite term. Paul’s euphemism contrasts **unpresentable** with **dignity**. If possible, use a euphemism that similarly creates a contrast. Alternate translation: “our private parts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
1CO	12	23	rn4p	figs-abstractnouns	εὐσχημοσύνην περισσοτέραν ἔχει	1	our unpresentable members	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **dignity**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “dignify” or an adjective such as “presentable.” Alternate translation: “are more dignified” or “are more presentable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	24	lxj8	figs-explicit	τὰ…εὐσχήμονα ἡμῶν	1	our unpresentable members	Here, **presentable members** contrasts with the “unpresentable members” in [12:23](../12/23.md). These **presentable members** are probably those body parts which we do not cover with clothing, but Paul does not specify exactly which body parts he is thinking about. If your readers would misunderstand **presentable members**, you could use a word or phrase that contrasts with how you translated “unpresentable members.” Alternate translation: “non-private parts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	24	qe2n	figs-ellipsis	οὐ χρείαν ἔχει	1	our unpresentable members	Here Paul does not specify what they do not **need**. He implies that they do not need to be treated with “dignity,” as the “unpresentable parts” are (see [12:23](../12/23.md)). If your readers would misunderstand **do not have need** without further explanation, you could refer back to how you translated what people do with their “unpresentable parts.” Alternate translation: “do not need to be treated with dignity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	24	ik7r	figs-metaphor	συνεκέρασεν τὸ σῶμα	1	our unpresentable members	Here, Paul speaks as if God took many different things and **combined** them **together** to make **the body**. By speaking in this way, he emphasizes that the body is made up of many different parts, but that God has united or **combined** all these parts together. If your readers would misunderstand **combined the body together**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “has assembled the body” or “has joined all the body parts into one body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	12	24	mqcu	figs-genericnoun	τὸ σῶμα	1	our unpresentable members	Here Paul is speaking of “bodies” in general, not of one particular **body**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to “bodies” in general. Alternate translation: “the human body” or “each body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	12	24	gg2h	figs-explicit	τῷ ὑστερουμένῳ, περισσοτέραν δοὺς τιμήν	1	our unpresentable members	Here Paul implies that the body parts that “lack” honor receive **more honor** from God. The Corinthians would have understand this clause to mean that God is the one who created the body so that what Paul has already stated in [21:23–24](../12/23.md) is true. God has made the body in such a way that we give more honor and dignity to the private and less honorable body parts. If your readers would misunderstand this implication, you could express the idea more plainly by including what humans think about the body parts. Alternate translation: “giving more honor to what we think has less honor” or “giving more honor to the body parts that we consider to be less honorable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	24	sbnd	figs-abstractnouns	τῷ ὑστερουμένῳ, περισσοτέραν δοὺς τιμήν	1	our unpresentable members	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **honor**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “honor” or an adjective such as “honorable.” Alternate translation: “honoring more what is honored less” or “making honorable what is less honorable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	25	uvnk	figs-litotes	μὴ…σχίσμα…ἀλλὰ	1	there may be no division within the body, but	Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. If you do, you will need to express the contrast between the two halves of this verse as a connection. Alternate translation: “complete unity … and that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1CO	12	25	zvsl	figs-abstractnouns	μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι	1	there may be no division within the body, but	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **division**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “divide” or “split.” Alternate translation: “the body may not divide itself” or “the body may not become divided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	25	u3wp	figs-personification	ὑπὲρ ἀλλήλων μεριμνῶσι τὰ μέλη	1	there may be no division within the body, but	Here Paul speaks as if **the members** of a body could **care for another**. He speaks in this way because he wants the Corinthians to think of themselves as **members** of the body of Christ, and so **the members** of a human body are an example for them. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use an analogy or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the members should work together like they care for one another” or “the members should work with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	12	25	z4kk	figs-idiom	τὸ αὐτὸ	1	there may be no division within the body, but	Here, **the same** states that **the members** are “caring” for each body part **the same** way they care for all the others. In other words, the body parts make no distinctions about honor or dignity. Instead, they treat each other **the same**. If your readers would misunderstand **the same**, you could express the idea with a comparable phrase that emphasizes equality or similarity. Alternate translation: “equally” or “without distinctions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	12	26	wyve	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἴτε πάσχει ἓν μέλος…εἴτε δοξάζεται μέλος	1	one member is honored	Here Paul uses the conditional form to show the connection between **one member** and **all the members**. If the conditional form does not draw a close connection between what happens to **one** and what happens to **all**, you could use a different form that does draw a close connection. Alternate translation: “when one member suffers … when a member is honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	12	26	gqc1	figs-personification	εἴτε πάσχει ἓν μέλος, συνπάσχει πάντα τὰ μέλη	1	one member is honored	Here Paul speaks as if **one member** and indeed **all the members** of a body could **suffer**, which is a word that is normally used for people instead of things. He speaks in this way because he wants the Corinthians to think of themselves as **members** of the body of Christ, and so the **members** of a human body are an example for them. Here, he specifically has in mind the idea that an injury or infection in one body part (a finger, for example) has an effect on the entire body. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use an analogy or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “if one member feels pain, all the members also feel the pain” or “if one member is like a person who suffers, all the members also join in the suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	12	26	da97	figs-activepassive	δοξάζεται μέλος	1	one member is honored	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form here to avoid stating who is doing the “honoring.” If you must state who does it, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they honor a member” or “a member receives honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	12	26	vlcf	figs-personification	συνχαίρει πάντα τὰ μέλη	1	one member is honored	Here Paul speaks as if **all the members** of a body could **rejoice** like people do. He speaks in this way because he wants the Corinthians to think of themselves as **members** of the body of Christ, and so **the members** of a human body are an example for them. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use an analogy or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “all the members are like people who rejoice together” or “all the members together receive the honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	12	27	z2ct	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δέ	1	Now you are	Here, **Now** introduces the application of what Paul has been saying about **the body** in [12:12–26](../12/12.md). You could use a word or phrase that would naturally introduce an application or explanation of what Paul has said in these verses. Alternate translation: “In the end,” or “What I mean is that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	12	27	i8i6	figs-metaphor	ὑμεῖς…ἐστε σῶμα Χριστοῦ, καὶ μέλη ἐκ μέρους	1	Now you are	Here Paul speaks as if believers were **members**, or body parts, that together make up **the body of Christ**. By speaking in this way, he applies everything he has said in [12:12–26](../12/12.md) about “bodies” to the church, and he emphasizes the unity of the church. Paul used **body** language throughout this whole paragraph, and it is an important metaphor for 1 Corinthians and for Christian teaching. Because of this, you should preserve this metaphor or, if you must express the idea differently, use an analogy. Alternate translation: “it is as if you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” or “you function as the body of Christ, and individually you function as members of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	12	27	gul0	translate-unknown	μέλη ἐκ μέρους	1	Now you are	Here, **individually** refers to how specific people are **members** of the **body of Christ**. In other words, discrete people can each be considered a “member”. If your readers would misunderstand **individually**, you could use a word or phrase that identifies people on their own, apart from the communities they participate in. Alternate translation: “each one of you is a member of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	28	n04s	writing-pronouns	οὓς	1	first apostles	Here, **some** refers to the specific people who have the gifts listed in the rest of this verse. If your readers would misunderstand **some**, you could clarify that it refers to the people who have the gifts or titles he gives in the list. Alternate translation: “people to specifically function” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	12	28	ft5q	translate-ordinal	πρῶτον…δεύτερον…τρίτον	1	first apostles	If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “one, … two, … three,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
1CO	12	28	ll3s		ἐκκλησίᾳ πρῶτον ἀποστόλους, δεύτερον προφήτας, τρίτον διδασκάλους, ἔπειτα δυνάμεις, ἔπειτα χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων	1	first apostles	Here, Paul could use the numbers and **then** to indicate: (1) that he listed these things in the order in which he thought of them. In this case, there is no special significance to the numbers, and Paul stopped numbering items because he kept listing things after he said **then**. Alternate translation: “church. This includes first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing” (2) that the items are listed in order of importance or authority until Paul starts using **then**. This means that **apostles**, **prophets**, and **teachers** have special importance or authority in that order. Alternate translation: “church. Most important are apostles, second are prophets, and third are teachers. Then there are miracles, gifts of healing” (3) that the items are listed in the order in which God uses them in the church, up until Paul starts using **then**. Alternate translation: “church, which first requires apostles, second prophets, and third teachers. Then God gives miracles, gifts of healing”
1CO	12	28	al4j	figs-explicit	ἔπειτα δυνάμεις, ἔπειτα χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων, ἀντιλήμψεις, κυβερνήσεις, γένη γλωσσῶν	1	first apostles	When Paul stops using numbers in his list, he also stops using titles for people and instead names the gifts they have. However, the questions in the next two verses ([12:29–30](../12/29.md)) show that Paul wants the Corinthians to think about these gifts as belonging to specific people. If your readers would be confused by the change from titles to gifts, you could explicitly connect these gifts with the people who perform them. Alternate translation: “then people who perform miracles, then those with gifts of healing, those who help, those who administer, and those who speak various kinds of tongues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	28	unh1	translate-unknown	ἀντιλήμψεις	1	those who provide helps	Here, **helps** could refer to: (1) acts that help other people. Alternate translation: “helpful deeds” (2) service that **helps** the church, which would include administrative work and distributing aid to those in need. Alternate translation: “supporting the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	28	hoxw	figs-abstractnouns	κυβερνήσεις	1	those who provide helps	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **administration**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “administrative” or a verb such as “lead” or “direct.” Alternate translation: “administrative skills” or “the ability to lead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	12	28	w726	translate-unknown	γένη γλωσσῶν	1	those who have various kinds of tongues	Here, **various kinds of tongues** has the same meaning it had in [12:10](../12/10.md). Translate it the same way you did there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	12	28	ovh9	figs-metonymy	γλωσσῶν	1	those who have various kinds of tongues	Here, **tongues** refers to something that one does with one’s “tongue,” which is speaking a language. If your readers would misunderstand that **tongues** is a way of speaking about “languages,” you could use a comparable term or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “of languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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 does not ask these questions because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks them to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The questions assume that the answer is “no, they are not” or “no, they do not.” If these questions would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the ideas as strong negations. Alternate translation: “Not all {are} apostles. Not all {are} prophets. Not all {are} teachers. Not all {do} miracles.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	12	29	gryp	figs-ellipsis	μὴ πάντες δυνάμεις	1	Are all of them apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do powerful deeds?	Here, unlike with the other questions in the verse, supplying **are** does not make sense. Paul is not saying that **Not all** “are” **miracles**. Rather, he is saying that **Not all** perform **miracles**. You could supply a comparable word that refers to “performing” **miracles**. Alternate translation: “Not all {perform} miracles, {do they}” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	12	30	p919	figs-rquestion	μὴ πάντες χαρίσματα ἔχουσιν ἰαμάτων? μὴ πάντες γλώσσαις λαλοῦσιν? μὴ πάντες διερμηνεύουσιν?	1	Do all of them have gifts of healing?	Paul does not ask these questions because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks them to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The questions assume that the answer is “no, they do not.” If these questions would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the ideas as strong negations. Alternate translation: “Not all have gifts of healing. Not all speak in tongues. Not all interpret.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	12	30	x1ha	figs-metonymy	γλώσσαις	1	Do all of them have gifts of healing?	Here, **tongues** refers to something that one does with one’s “tongue,” which is speaking a language. If your readers would misunderstand that **tongues** is a way of speaking about “languages,” you could use a comparable term or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in other languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	12	30	ab9e	figs-explicit	διερμηνεύουσιν	1	interpret	Here Paul is speaking about the same “gift” that he mentioned in [12:10](../12/10.md) as “the interpretation of tongues.” He does not mention what the person “interprets” here because he knows that the Corinthians will infer that he is speaking about the **tongues** in the previous question. If your readers would not infer what the person “interprets,” you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “interpret tongues, do they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	12	31	vb1m	figs-imperative	ζηλοῦτε	1	earnestly desire the greater gifts.	Here, the word translated **earnestly desire** could be: (1) an command from Paul. Alternate translation: “you should earnestly desire” (2) a statement about what the Corinthians are doing. Alternate translation: “you are earnestly desiring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	12	31	jjly	figs-irony	τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ μείζονα	1	earnestly desire the greater gifts.	Here, **greater** could indicate: (1) what Paul thinks are **greater gifts**, which would be the ones that most benefit other believers. Alternate translation: “the gifts that are greater” or “the gifts that help others” (2) what the Corinthians think are the **greater gifts**, which Paul may disagree with. The Corinthians would probably include speaking in tongues as a **greater gift**. If you choose this option, you will need to express **earnestly desire** as a statement, not as an imperative. Alternate translation: “what you think are greater gifts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1CO	12	31	r4hl	figs-pastforfuture	ὑμῖν δείκνυμι	1	earnestly desire the greater gifts.	Here Paul introduces what he will tell the Corinthians in the next chapter. Use a natural verb tense in your language for referring to what a person is about to say. Alternate translation: “I am going to show you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
1CO	13	intro	abcg			0		# 1 Corinthians 13 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>8. On spiritual gifts (12:1–14:40)<br>      * The necessity of love (13:1–3)<br>      * The characteristics of love (13:4–7)<br>      * The enduring nature of love (13:8–13)<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Love<br><br>Paul’s main topic in this chapter is love. He speaks about how important it is, what it is like, and how it will endure forever. Much of the time, it seems that he is emphasizing love for other people. However, he likely also has love for God in mind. See the notes for ways to translate the abstract noun “love” if your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/love]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Hypothetical situations<br><br>In [13:1–3](../13/01.md), Paul provides three hypothetical situations. He uses these situations to show how essential love is: no matter what other great things a person can do, they must have love. He uses himself as the character in the situations to avoid making someone else an example of a person who does not have love. Consider natural ways to speak about hypothetical situations in your language. If your readers would be confused when Paul uses “I” in the hypothetical situations, you could use a generic reference to a “person” or “someone” instead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])<br><br>### Personification<br><br>In [13:4–8a](../13/04.md), Paul speaks about love as if it were a person who could do things. He speaks in this way because it makes the abstract idea of “love” easier to think about. If your readers would be confused when Paul speaks about love as a person, you could express the idea in another way. See the notes on those verses for translation options. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])<br><br>### Child analogy<br><br>In [13:11](../13/11.md), Paul again uses himself as an example. This time he speaks about what he did as a child and what he does as an adult. He speaks in this way to illustrate how some things are appropriate for specific times. For example, speaking like a child is appropriate when one is a child, but it is not appropriate when one is an adult. Paul wishes the Corinthians to apply this reasoning to spiritual gifts and to love. Spiritual gifts are appropriate until Jesus comes back, but then they will no longer be appropriate. On the other hand, love is always appropriate. <br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Non-exhaustive lists<br><br>In [13:4–8a](../13/04.md), Paul provides a list of love’s characteristics. While he mentions many things, he does not intend the list to completely define every characteristic of love. Instead, he wishes to show the Corinthians what love is like. Make sure that your translation does not imply that the characteristics that Paul lists are the only characteristics that love has.<br><br>### First person singular and plural<br><br>In [13:1–3](../13/01.md), [11](../13/11.md), [12b](../13/12.md), Paul speaks of himself in the first person singular. In [13:9](../13/09.md), [12a](../13/12.md), Paul includes the Corinthians and other believers with himself by using the first person plural. However, the alternation between singular and plural, especially in [13:11–12](../13/11.md), shows that Paul is not drawing any distinctions between his own experiences and those of other believers. Rather, Paul uses himself as an example, but he also wishes to speak about believers in general. If your readers would find switching between first person singular and first person plural to be confusing, you could use the first person plural throughout. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	13	1	n8lm	figs-hypo	ἐὰν ταῖς γλώσσαις τῶν ἀνθρώπων λαλῶ καὶ τῶν ἀγγέλων, ἀγάπην δὲ μὴ ἔχω	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that he could **speak with tongues of men and of angels** but also that he did **not have love**. He uses himself in this hypothetical situation so that he does not offend the Corinthians by using them as an example of people without **love**. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose that I could speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but also suppose that I did not have love.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	13	1	cm2n	figs-metonymy	ταῖς γλώσσαις	1	the tongues of … angels	Here, **tongues** refers to something that one does with one’s “tongue,” which is speaking a language. If your readers would misunderstand that **tongues** is a way of speaking about “languages,” you could use a comparable term or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “with the languages” or “in the words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	13	1	axzw	translate-unknown	ταῖς γλώσσαις τῶν ἀνθρώπων…καὶ τῶν ἀγγέλων	1	the tongues of … angels	Here Paul refers to two specific categories of **tongues**: those **of men** and those **of angels**. He does not mean that these are the only kinds of **tongues** that exist, but he does think that these two kinds do exist. If your readers would misunderstand **tongues of men and of angels**, you could use a normal way to refer to various human languages and then also modify it so that you can use it for angelic languages. Alternate translation: “foreign languages and angelic languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	13	1	oucm	figs-abstractnouns	ἀγάπην…μὴ ἔχω	1	the tongues of … angels	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **love**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “love.” Alternate translation: “I do not love people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	1	k2gk	figs-metaphor	γέγονα χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον	1	I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal	Here Paul speaks as if he were a metallic instrument that makes loud noises. He speaks in this way because he wants to argue that **tongues** without **love** are noisy, like an instrument, but they do not actually help others. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I have become loud but useless” or “I have become like loud radio static” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	13	1	o4y7	figs-doublet	χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον	1	a clanging cymbal	Here Paul refers to two different loud, metal instruments in his culture. If your culture does not have two different loud, metal instruments, you could refer to just one here. Further, if your culture does not use metal instruments, you could refer to two or one instruments that make a loud noise. Alternate translation: “a noisy cymbal” or “a loud drum” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	13	1	krt1	translate-unknown	χαλκὸς ἠχῶν	1	gong	Here, **a noisy gong** refers to the sound that comes when someone hits a metal object. A **gong** is a metal instrument that someone hits to make a deep, booming sound. You could use a word that identifies a metal instrument in your culture, especially if it makes a loud sound. Alternate translation: “a loud bell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	13	1	qbx6	translate-unknown	κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον	1	a clanging cymbal	A **cymbal** is a thin, round metal plate that someone hits with a stick or another **cymbal** to create a loud crashing sound (**clanging**). You could use a word that describes another metal instrument in your culture, especially if it makes a loud, harsh sound. Alternate translation: “loud percussion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	13	2	yx9k	figs-hypo	καὶ ἐὰν ἔχω προφητείαν, καὶ εἰδῶ τὰ μυστήρια πάντα, καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γνῶσιν, καὶ ἐὰν ἔχω πᾶσαν τὴν πίστιν, ὥστε ὄρη μεθιστάναι, ἀγάπην δὲ μὴ ἔχω, οὐθέν εἰμι.	1	a clanging cymbal	Here, just as in [13:1](../13/01.md), Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that he could **have prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge** and that he could **have all faith so as to remove mountains** but that he did **not have love**. He uses himself in this hypothetical situation so that he does not offend the Corinthians by using them as an example of people without love. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “And suppose that I had all prophecy and understood all mysteries and knowledge, and suppose that I had all faith so as to remove mountains, but also suppose that I did not have love. In that case, I would be nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	13	2	st5i	figs-abstractnouns	ἔχω προφητείαν	1	a clanging cymbal	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **prophecy**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “prophesy.” Alternate translation: “I can prophesy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	2	d4n5	figs-abstractnouns	τὰ μυστήρια πάντα, καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γνῶσιν	1	a clanging cymbal	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **mysteries** and **knowledge**, you could express the ideas in another way, such as with adjectives or verbs. Alternate translation: “everything that is secret and worth knowing” or “all that is hidden and all that there is to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	2	os3b	figs-abstractnouns	ἔχω πᾶσαν τὴν πίστιν	1	a clanging cymbal	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **faith**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “believe” or “trust.” Paul implies that this is **faith**in God. Alternate translation: “I trust God completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	2	kssy	grammar-connect-logic-result	ὥστε ὄρη μεθιστάναι	1	a clanging cymbal	Here, **so as to** introduces a description of what could result from the **faith**. Paul here uses an extreme example to define how great the **faith** is. If your readers would misunderstand how **remove mountains** relates to **faith**, you could make it clearer that Paul identifies **remove mountains** as an extreme example of what the **faith** can lead to. Alternate translation: “so that I can even remove mountains” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	13	2	g0pq	figs-abstractnouns	ἀγάπην…μὴ ἔχω	1	a clanging cymbal	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **love**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “love.” Alternate translation: “I do not love people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	2	qedk	figs-hyperbole	οὐθέν εἰμι	1	a clanging cymbal	Here Paul says that he, if the hypothetical situation were true, would be **nothing**. The Corinthians would have understood him to mean that none of the great things he could do would be worth anything, and he himself would gain no honor or glory from them. Paul does not mean that he would not exist. If your readers would misunderstand **I am nothing**, you could qualify Paul’s claim or indicate that it refers to honor or value. Alternate translation: “I have no value” or “I gain nothing from those great things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	13	3	d0f4	figs-hypo	κἂν ψωμίσω πάντα τὰ ὑπάρχοντά μου, καὶ ἐὰν παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου, ἵνα καυχήσωμαι, ἀγάπην δὲ μὴ ἔχω, οὐδὲν ὠφελοῦμαι	1	I give my body	Here, just as in [13:1–2](../13/01.md), Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that he could **give away all** his **possessions** and that he could **hand over** his **body so that** he **might boast** but that he did **not have love**. He uses himself in this hypothetical situation so that he does not offend the Corinthians by using them as an example of people without love. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “And suppose that I gave away all my possessions, and suppose that I handed over my body so that I might boast, but also suppose that I did not have love. In that case, I would gain nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	13	3	ar2q	figs-explicit	παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου	1	I give my body	Here, **hand over my body** refers to willingly accepting bodily suffering and even death. If your readers would misunderstand **hand over my body**, you could express the idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “I allow others to hurt my body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	13	3	hjuf	translate-textvariants	καυχήσωμαι	1	I give my body	In Paul’s language, **I might boast** and “I might be burned” look and sound very similar. While many later manuscripts have “I might be burned” here, the earliest manuscripts have **I might boast**. Unless there is a good reason to translate “I might be burned,” it is best to follow the ULT here and translate **I might boast**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1CO	13	3	g5o3	grammar-connect-logic-result	ἵνα καυχήσωμαι	1	I give my body	Here, **so that** could introduce: (1) a result that comes from “handing over one’s body.” Alternate translation: “that I might then boast” (2) a purpose of “handing over one’s body.” Alternate translation: “in order that I might boast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	13	3	z8yk	figs-abstractnouns	ἀγάπην…μὴ ἔχω	1	I give my body	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **love**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “love.” Alternate translation: “I do not love people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	4	m671	figs-personification	ἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ, χρηστεύεται; ἡ ἀγάπη οὐ ζηλοῖ; ἡ ἀγάπη οὐ περπερεύεται, οὐ φυσιοῦται	1	Love is patient and kind … It is not arrogant	Here Paul speaks as if **love** were a person who could be **patient**, **kind**, without **envy**, without “boasting,” and **not arrogant**. Paul speaks in this way to describe the abstract idea of **love** in more concrete ways that are easier to think about. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could make Paul’s description of **love** more concrete in another way, such as by speaking about the “people” who **love**. Alternate translation: “If you love others, you are patient {and} kind; you do not envy; you do not boast, you are not arrogant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	13	4	cr57	figs-ellipsis	μακροθυμεῖ, χρηστεύεται	1	Love is patient and kind … It is not arrogant	Here Paul does not connect **is patient** and **is kind** with any other words. He does this because he wants the Corinthians to think of these two ideas as closely connected. Since English speakers would misunderstand this connection, the ULT has added “and” to clarify that these two ideas are connected. If your readers would also misunderstand the connection, you could add a connecting word like the ULT does or you could express **is kind** as its own thought. Alternate translation: “is patient; it is kind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	13	4	lhwa	figs-doublet	οὐ περπερεύεται, οὐ φυσιοῦται	1	Love is patient and kind … It is not arrogant	Here, **boast** refers to how people try to draw attention to how great they are, often with words. On the other hand, **arrogant** refers to how people think about themselves. If your language has words that fit with these distinctions, you could use them here. If your language does not have words that fit with these distinctions, you could use one general word for “arrogance” or “pride.” Alternate translation: “is not proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	13	5	cp6x	figs-personification	οὐκ ἀσχημονεῖ, οὐ ζητεῖ τὰ ἑαυτῆς, οὐ παροξύνεται, οὐ λογίζεται τὸ κακόν	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, just like in [13:4](../13/4.md), Paul speaks as if “love” were a person. Continue to follow the translation strategies you chose in that verse. Alternate translation: “If you love others, you are not rude; you are not seeking your own; you are not easily angered; you do not keep a count of wrongs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	13	5	l8l6	translate-unknown	οὐκ ἀσχημονεῖ	1	It is not easily angered	Here, **rude** refers to behavior that is shameful or disgraceful. If your readers would misunderstand **rude**, you could use a word that refers to shameful or disgraceful behavior. Alternate translation: “It does not do disgraceful things” or “it is not inappropriate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	13	5	rj3v	figs-idiom	οὐ ζητεῖ τὰ ἑαυτῆς	1	It is not easily angered	Here, **its own** refers to what is good oneself. In other words, seeking **its own** would mean that “love” is trying to do what is best for itself, not for others. If your readers would misunderstand **it does not seek its own**, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea with a word such as “selfish.” Alternate translation: “it is not selfish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	13	5	xt3v	figs-activepassive	οὐ παροξύνεται	1	It is not easily angered	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive here to focus on the person who is **angered** rather than the one provoking them. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or generic subject. Alternate translation: “others do not anger them easily” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	13	5	eem0	figs-metaphor	οὐ λογίζεται τὸ κακόν	1	It is not easily angered	Here Paul speaks as if someone could keep **count** of each and every bad thing that others have done as if they were writing them down and adding them up. He speaks in this way to describe how people remember **wrongs** and do not forgive them. If your readers would misunderstand **keep a count of wrongs**, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “it does not hold onto wrongs” or “it is not resentful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	13	6	wl5y	figs-personification	οὐ χαίρει ἐπὶ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, συνχαίρει δὲ τῇ ἀληθείᾳ;	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, just like in [13:4–5](../13/4.md), Paul speaks as if “love” were a person. Continue to follow the translation strategies you chose in those verses. Alternate translation: “If you love others, you do not rejoice in unrighteousness, but you rejoice in the truth” (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	Here Paul uses two negative words, **not** and **unrighteousness**, to indicate a positive meaning. If your language does not use two negative words like this, you could instead use one positive word. If you do so, you will have to make the second half a connection instead of a contrast. Alternate translation: “It rejoices in righteousness and in the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	13	6	koaf	figs-abstractnouns	ἐπὶ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ	1	It does not rejoice in unrighteousness. Instead, it rejoices in the truth	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **unrighteousness**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “unrighteous” or an adverb such as “unrighteously.” Alternate translation: “unrighteous acts” or “in what people do unrighteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	6	g57e	figs-abstractnouns	τῇ ἀληθείᾳ	1	It does not rejoice in unrighteousness. Instead, it rejoices in the truth	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **truth**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “true.” Alternate translation: “in true things” or “things that are true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	7	vf6x	figs-personification	πάντα στέγει, πάντα πιστεύει, πάντα ἐλπίζει, πάντα ὑπομένει	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, just like in [13:4–6](../13/4.md), Paul speaks as if “love” were a person. Continue to follow the translation strategies you chose in those verses. Alternate translation: “If you love others, you bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	13	7	ksy2	figs-idiom	πάντα στέγει, πάντα πιστεύει, πάντα ἐλπίζει, πάντα ὑπομένει	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **all things** refers primarily to the situation or time in which “love” **bears**, **believes**, **hopes**, and **endures**. The phrase **all things** does not mean that “love” **believes** everything it hears or **hopes** for everything that could happen. Rather, the point is that “love” **believes** in every situation and **hopes** at all times. If your readers would misunderstand **all things**, you could express the idea in a way that more clearly refers to time or situation. Alternate translation: “It bears up in every situation, believes in every situation, hopes in every situation, endures in every situation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	13	7	y5dm	figs-explicit	πάντα στέγει, πάντα πιστεύει, πάντα ἐλπίζει, πάντα ὑπομένει	1	Connecting Statement:	If you follow the previous note and understand **all things** as referring to time or situation, then **bears**, **believes**, **hopes**, and **endures** do not have stated objects. Paul does not state the objects because he wants the description to be general and easily applied to many situations. If you must express objects, the verbs **bears** and **endures** imply that a person **bears** and **endures** bad things that other people do. The verbs **believes** and **hopes** imply that a person **believes** and **hopes** that God will do what he has promised to do. Alternate translation: “It bears what others do in every situation; believes God in every situation; hopes in God in every situation; endures what others do in every situation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	13	7	oamf	figs-parallelism	πάντα στέγει, πάντα πιστεύει, πάντα ἐλπίζει, πάντα ὑπομένει	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul repeats **all things** and the same structure in four straight clauses. This was rhetorically powerfully in his culture. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul repeats words and structure, and if it would not be rhetorically powerful in your culture, you could eliminate some or all of the repetition and make the statements rhetorically powerful in another way. Alternate translation: “It bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	13	7	lfoo	translate-unknown	στέγει	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **bears** could refer to: (1) holding something back, like the sides of a ship hold back the water. The point here would be that “love” is able to “bear” or withstand bad or frustrating things that other people do. Alternate translation: “It bears with” or “It tolerates” (2) covering something, like a roof covers a house. The point here would be that “love” protects or shields other people from bad things. Alternate translation: “It protects” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	13	8	o6tv	figs-personification	ἡ ἀγάπη οὐδέποτε πίπτει	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, just like in [13:4–7](../13/4.md), Paul speaks as if **love** were a person. Continue to follow the translation strategies you chose in those verses. Alternate translation: “If you love others, you will never stop doing so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	13	8	sb1a	figs-doublenegatives	οὐδέποτε πίπτει	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul uses two negative words, **never** and **fails**, to indicate a positive meaning. If your language does not use two negative words like this, you could instead use a strong positive word. Alternate translation: “always keeps going” or “love always continues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1CO	13	8	jlan	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἴτε…προφητεῖαι, καταργηθήσονται; εἴτε γλῶσσαι, παύσονται; εἴτε γνῶσις, καταργηθήσεται	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul uses the conditional form to identify what he is speaking about. He does not think that **prophecies**, **tongues**, and **knowledge** are possibilities. He thinks that they all exist, but he uses **if** to identify each one as the topic of the rest of the clause. If your readers would misunderstand Paul’s use of **if** here, you could express the idea by using a contrast word such as “although” or by simplifying the clauses so that they do not use **if**. Alternate translation: “although {there are} prophecies, they will pass away; although {there are} tongues, they will cease; although {there is} knowledge, it will pass away” or “prophecies will pass away; tongues will cease; knowledge will pass away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	13	8	ytoy	figs-ellipsis	εἴτε…προφητεῖαι, καταργηθήσονται; εἴτε γλῶσσαι, παύσονται; εἴτε γνῶσις, καταργηθήσεται.	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a full sentence. If you need these words, you could supply a phrase such as “there are” or “there is.” Since English does need these words in the first clause, the ULT supplies them. You could supply them in just the first clause or in all of the clauses. Alternate translation: “if {there are} prophecies, they will pass away; if {there are} tongues, they will cease; if {there is} knowledge, it will pass away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	13	8	ahfm	figs-metonymy	γλῶσσαι	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **tongues** refers to something that one does with one’s “tongue,” which is speaking a language. If your readers would misunderstand that tongues is a way of speaking about “languages,” you could use a comparable term or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “special languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	13	8	wvjp	translate-unknown	γλῶσσαι	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **tongues** has the same meaning it had in [12:10](../12/10.md), [28](../12/28.md), [30](../12/30.md); [13:1](../13/01.md). Translate it the same way you did in those verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	13	8	lvov	figs-abstractnouns	γνῶσις, καταργηθήσεται	1	Connecting Statement:	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **knowledge**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: “secret things that people know, they will pass away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	9	ntg7	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **For** introduces Paul’s reason for saying that prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will pass away. If your readers would misunderstand **For**, you could use a comparable word that introduces a reason why someone has made a claim. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “That is because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	13	9	es9w	figs-idiom	ἐκ μέρους	-1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **in part** refers to how something is only a **part** of a larger whole. If your readers would misunderstand **in part**, you could use a comparable expression that indicates that something is only part of a larger whole. Alternate translation: “partially … partially” or “imperfectly … imperfectly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	13	10	ezjx	figs-metaphor	ἔλθῃ τὸ τέλειον	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul speaks as if **the perfect** could “come,” by which he means that people experience **the perfect**. He uses this metaphor because he uses the verb **comes** also for Jesus’ return (see [4:5](../04/05.md); [11:26](../11/26.md)), and he wishes to identify the coming of **the perfect** with the coming of Jesus. When **the perfect comes** will be when Jesus comes back. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively and connect **the perfect** to Jesus’ return in another way. Alternate translation: “we experience the perfect at Jesus’ return” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	13	10	rt4m	figs-explicit	τὸ τέλειον, τὸ ἐκ μέρους	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **that which {is} partial** refers back to the “knowing” and “prophesying” in [13:9](../13/09.md). The phrase **the perfect** contrasts with **partial**, so **the perfect** refers to full knowledge and experience of God and of what God says. If your readers would misunderstand what **perfect** and **partial** refer to, you could express the idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “the perfect experience of God … the partial experience of God, including knowledge and prophecy,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	13	11	tn5r	figs-123person	ὅτε ἤμην νήπιος, ἐλάλουν ὡς νήπιος, ἐφρόνουν ὡς νήπιος, ἐλογιζόμην ὡς νήπιος; ὅτε γέγονα ἀνήρ, κατήργηκα τὰ τοῦ νηπίου	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul uses the first person **I** to describe himself as an example, but he implies that most people experience what he describes here. If your readers would misunderstand **I**, you could use a form that provides a general example. Alternate translation: “When people were children, they spoke like children, they thought like children, they reasoned like children. When they became adults, they put away childish things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	13	11	dx63	figs-parallelism	ἐλάλουν ὡς νήπιος, ἐφρόνουν ὡς νήπιος, ἐλογιζόμην ὡς νήπιος	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul repeats **like a child** and the same structure in three straight clauses. This was rhetorically powerfully in his culture. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul repeats words and structure, and if it would not be rhetorically powerful in your culture, you could eliminate some or all of the repetition and make the statements rhetorically powerful in another way. Alternate translation: “I spoke, thought, and reasoned like a child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	13	11	msy8		γέγονα ἀνήρ	1	Connecting Statement:	Alternate translation: “I became an adult”
1CO	13	11	sp79	figs-metaphor	κατήργηκα τὰ τοῦ νηπίου	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul speaks as if he took **childish things** and **put** them **away** in a box or a closet. He means that he stopped doing **childish things**, such as “speaking,” “thinking,” or “reasoning” **like a child**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “I got rid of childish things” or “I stopped doing childish things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	13	12	w2eu	figs-explicit	βλέπομεν	1	now we see	Here Paul does not state what it is that **we see**. The Corinthians would have inferred that he meant that **we see** God. If your readers would misunderstand this implication, you could express the idea explicitly. Alternate translation: “we see God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	13	12	mtw1	figs-metaphor	δι’ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι	1	now we see	Here Paul speaks as if **we** were looking at **a mirror** and could see a reflection **unclearly**. With this metaphor, Paul could be expressing the idea: (1) that **now** we can **see** God only indirectly, like a reflection **in a mirror** is an indirect image. Alternate translation: “an indirect reflection of God, as if we were looking in a mirror” (2) that **now** we can only **see** some things about God, like a **mirror** only imperfectly reflects an image. Alternate translation: “imperfectly, as if we were looking at a vague reflection in a mirror” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	13	12	bn3h	translate-unknown	δι’ ἐσόπτρου	1	For now we see indirectly in a mirror	In Paul’s culture, **a mirror** was often made of polished metal. Often, these mirrors were relatively high quality and could reflect images well. Use a word in your language that describes something that reflects an image. Alternate translation: “in a looking glass” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	13	12	xx1g	figs-ellipsis	τότε δὲ πρόσωπον	1	but then face to face	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**we see**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause, but in the future tense. Alternate translation: “but then, we will see face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	13	12	tjq9	figs-idiom	τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον	1		Here, **face to face** identifies an action or situation as something that takes place in person. In other words, a person can actually see the other person’s **face**. If your readers would misunderstand **face to face**, you could use a comparable idiom or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “but then, eye to eye” or “but then, in God’s direct presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	13	12	x54w	figs-explicit	τότε	-1		Here, **then** refers to the time when Jesus comes back and what happens after that. If your readers would misunderstand what **then** refers to, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “then, when Jesus returns, … then, when Jesus returns,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	13	12	mgd5	writing-pronouns	ἄρτι γινώσκω ἐκ μέρους; τότε δὲ ἐπιγνώσομαι, καθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην	1		Here Paul switches from first person plural to first person singular. Since he is using himself as an example for every believer, there is no special meaning behind the switch. Rather, Paul changes from plural to singular because it was good style in his culture. If your readers would misunderstand the change from plural to singular, you could express this verse in first person plural as well, or you could include words that clarify that Paul is using himself as an example. Alternate translation: “Now I, for example, know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	13	12	qp7g	figs-explicit	γινώσκω…ἐπιγνώσομαι	1	I will know fully	Again, Paul does not state what it is that **I know**. The Corinthians would have inferred that he meant that **I know** God. If your readers would misunderstand this implication, you could express the idea explicitly. Alternate translation: “I know God … I will know God fully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	13	12	acp3	figs-idiom	ἐκ μέρους	1	I will know fully	Here, just as in [13:9](../13/09.md), **in part** refers to how something is only a **part** of a larger whole. If your readers would misunderstand **in part**, you could use a comparable expression that indicates that something is only **part** of a larger whole. Alternate translation: “partially” or “imperfectly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	13	12	i28w	figs-activepassive	καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην	1	just as I have also been fully known	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive here to focus on the person who is **known** rather than the one doing the “knowing.” If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “God” does it. Alternate translation: “God has also fully known me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	13	13	peiw	grammar-connect-words-phrases	νυνὶ	1	faith, hope, and love	Here, **now** could function to: (1) introduce a summary statement about how things are. Alternate translation: “as it is,” (2) give the time during which **these three remain**. Alternate translation: “in the present,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	13	13	jblt		μένει…τὰ τρία ταῦτα	1	faith, hope, and love	This could indicate that: (1) **these three** will **remain** forever, even after Jesus comes back, in contrast to prophecies, tongues, and knowledge in [13:8](../13/08.md), which will “pass away.” Alternate translation: “these three will never pass away” (2) **these three remain** in the present life of believers. Alternate translation: “these three continue on”
1CO	13	13	yzuz	figs-infostructure	μένει πίστις, ἐλπίς, ἀγάπη, τὰ τρία ταῦτα	1	faith, hope, and love	Here Paul introduces **these three** and then goes on to name them at the end of the sentence. If your readers would misunderstand this structure, you could rearrange pieces of the sentence. Alternate translation: “faith, hope, {and} love remain, these three” or “three things, faith, hope, {and} love, remain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	13	13	nt1y	figs-abstractnouns	πίστις, ἐλπίς, ἀγάπη	1	faith, hope, and love	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **faith**, **hope**, and **love**, you could express ideas by using verbs. If you do so, you may need to specify objects for those verbs. Paul implies that **faith** is in God, **hope** is in what God has promised, and **love** is for God and others. Alternate translation: “trusting in God, hopefully waiting for God to act for us, and loving people and God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	13	13	iw8o	figs-ellipsis	πίστις, ἐλπίς, ἀγάπη	1	faith, hope, and love	Here Paul simply lists the three things without using connecting words. Since English speakers expect a connecting word before the last item in a list, the ULT has included **and** here. If your readers would also expect one or several connecting words in a list, you could include them. Alternate translation: “faith and hope and love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	13	13	l4wx	figs-explicit	μείζων…τούτων	1	faith, hope, and love	Here Paul does not explicitly say why **love** is **the greatest**. He could imply that: (1) loving God and others is the most important thing to do. Alternate translation: “the most significant of these” (2) **love** is the only one of the **three** that continues after Jesus comes back, and so it is the only one that lasts. Alternate translation: “the most enduring of these” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	13	13	pw69	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ ἀγάπη	1	faith, hope, and love	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **love**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “love.” Paul implies that the **love** is for God and others. Alternate translation: “{is} loving people and God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	intro	abch			0		# 1 Corinthians 14 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>8. On spiritual gifts (12:1–14:40)<br>      * Prophecy is superior to tongues in the church (14:1–25)<br>      * Order in the church (14:26–40)<br><br>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 21. Verse 21 quotes from ([Isaiah 28:11–12](../../isa/28/11.md)).<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Prophecy<br><br>When Paul speaks about “prophecy” or “prophesying,” he is referring to when someone proclaims a message from God. This message could encourage, rebuke, warn, predict, or do many other things. Whatever the “prophecy” is about, it means that a human is speaking a message from God that others can understand. In your translation, use a word or a phrase that refers to God speaking through people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>### Tongues<br><br>In this chapter, Paul refers many times to “tongues.” A “tongue” could be: (1) an otherwise unknown language that one person speaks to God. (2) the language or languages spoken by angels. (3) foreign languages that believers in the church do not speak. Of course, it could refer to any or all of these languages. Since Paul’s words are not very specific, you may also want to use relatively generic terms that refer to “unknown languages” or “special languages.” What Paul emphasizes is that many or most other believers do not understand the language unless someone interprets it, so make sure that your translation uses a word or phrase that refers to language that not many people understand. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/tongue]])<br><br>### Interpreting tongues<br><br>Paul says that some believers have the “gift” of being able to “interpret” the tongues. These could be the same people who speak the “tongues,” or they could be other people. When someone “interprets” the tongues, he or she either explains what the sounds mean or translates them into a language that the other believers know. Use a word or phrase that refers to explaining or translating unknown languages and sounds. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/interpret]])<br><br>### The ungifted<br><br>In [14:16](../14/16.md), [23–24](../14/23.md), Paul refers to the “ungifted.” This word could describe people who: (1) do not have the “gift” of tongues or interpreting tongues. (2) do not belong to the group of believers. The first option is more likely correct because of the emphasis in this chapter on understanding what others are saying during a gathering of believers. <br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In [14:6–9](../14/06.md), [16](../14/16.md), [23](../14/23.md), [26](../14/26.md), [36](../14/36.md), Paul uses rhetorical questions. He is not asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to provide him with information. Rather, he is asking these questions because he wants the Corinthians to think about how they are acting and what they are thinking. The questions encourage them to think along with Paul. For ways to translate these questions, look for the notes on each verse that includes these kinds of questions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### Building up<br><br>In [14:3–5](../14/03.md), [12](../14/12.md), [17](../14/17.md), [26](../14/26.md), Paul speaks about “building up.” He identifies people and groups of people with buildings, and he refers to making these people or groups stronger and more mature as if it was “building up” the buildings. If you readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor for making people or groups stronger and more mature, or you could express the idea non-figuratively. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Hypothetical examples<br><br>Many times in this chapter, Paul speaks about specific situations that may or may not be real. He uses these hypothetical situations to give examples that support how he wants the Corinthians to think and what he wants them to do. In [14:6](../14/06.md), [11](../14/11.md), [14](../14/14.md), Paul uses himself in hypothetical examples. In [14:16–17](../14/16.md), [23–25](../14/23.md), Paul uses the Corinthians in hypothetical examples. See the notes on each verse for ways to introduce each hypothetical situation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])<br><br>### Children metaphor<br><br>In [14:20](../14/20.md), Paul tells the Corinthians that he wants them to be “childlike” about evil, but not “children” in their thoughts, where they should be “mature” or adults. In this metaphor, Paul emphasizes how children know little and are not capable of doing very much. He wants the Corinthians to know and do little evil, but he wants them to know much about the truth and do many good things. If your readers would not understand that Paul is speaking about how children know and do very little, you could make this explicit or express the metaphor non-figuratively. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Holy Spirit or human spirit?<br><br>In [14:2](../14/02.md), [14–16](../14/14.md), Paul uses a word that could refer to the “Holy Spirit” or to a person’s “spirit.” Similarly, in [14:32](../14/32.md), Paul uses a word that could refer to specific ways in which the “Holy Spirit” empowers prophets or to the prophet’s own “spirits.” The notes will refer to this issue in each of these verses. In [14:2](../14/02.md), [32](../14/32.md), it is recommended that you translate the word in a way that relates it to the Holy Spirit. In [14–16](../14/14.md), however, Paul contrasts this word with the “mind,” so it is recommended that you translate the word here in a way that relates to a person’s “spirit,” which identifies the inner or non-physical part of a person that is not their mind. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])<br><br>### Musical intruments<br><br>In [14:7–8](../14/07.md), Paul refers to three musical instruments. The “flute” refers to a hollow tube or pipe that a musician blows into to create notes. The “harp” refers to a frame with strings attached that a musician plucks to create notes. The “trumpet” refers metal tube with large opening at one end that a musician blows into to create notes. The “trumpet” was often used to send signals during battles. Paul’s point in this verse does not depend upon the exact instruments used. He uses instruments that were common in his culture to make the point that the instruments must make different, recognizable sounds for anyone to understand the music. You could refer to common instruments in your culture that are similar to the ones that Paul refers to. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/flute]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/harp]], and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/trumpet]])<br><br>### [14:22](../14/22.md) and the examples in [14:23–25](../14/23.md)<br><br>In [14:22](../14/22.md), Paul says that “tongues” are a “sign” for unbelievers, but “prophecy” is a “sign” for believers. However, in the examples that he gives in [14:23–25](../14/23.md), he only speaks about unbelievers, and it is the “prophecy” that leads to the unbeliever repenting and believing. The “tongues” only lead to the unbeliever thinking that believers are “insane.” Most likely, Paul uses two different nuances of “sign” in these verses. A “sign” simply points to something, so “tongues” point to how someone does not belong to the group (an unbeliever), while “prophecy” points to how someone does belong to the group (a believer). When Paul gives the examples of unbelievers hearing both “tongues” and “prophecy,” the “tongues” are a “sign” because they make the unbeliever feel like an outsider. On the other hand, the “prophecy” is a “sign” because it makes the unbeliever into an insider, a believer. See the notes on these verses for translation options, especially for “sign.” <br><br>### Function of [14:33b](../14/33.md)<br><br>The clause “As in all the churches of the saints” in [14:33](../14/33.md) could modify what goes before it (“God is not of confusion, but of peace”) or what goes after it (“let the women be silent in the churches”). Many translations decide that it modifies what goes after it. This is because, in the other places where Paul refers to all the churches (see [7:17](../07/17.md); [11:16](../11/16.md)), is talking about how the churches behave, not about who God is. God is the same no matter what church he is connected to. On the other hand, some translations decide that the phrase modifies what goes before it. This is because Paul states “in the church” again in [14:34](../14/34.md), which would make “As in all the churches of the saints” redundant if it was connected with that verse. Also, the other places where Paul uses similar phrases (see verses already mentioned) put the reference to the other churches at the end of the sentence, not at the beginning. Consider which option translations that your readers are familiar with choose. If there is no strong reason to pick one option or the other, you could follow the ULT and UST. <br><br>### The details of [14:34–35](../14/34.md)<br><br>In [14:34–35](../14/34.md), Paul speaks “the women.” The word that he uses could refer to women in general or more specifically to married women. Translations and commentators are divided over whether these two verses require women in general to be silent in church or whether they require wives to be silent in church. Further, being “silent” could refer to keeping quiet at all times, or it could refer to keeping quiet in certain situations or not saying certain things. There are three major options. First, Paul could be speaking about “wives,” and he could be requiring them to keep quiet while their husbands are speaking or prophesying. In other words, they cannot in public question or examine what their husbands say. Second, Paul could be speaking about “women” in general, and he could be requiring them to avoid certain kinds of talking. This could be speaking while others are speaking, or it could be asking too many questions, or it could be speaking during specific times when male church leaders were speaking. Third, Paul could be speaking about “women” in general, and he could be requiring them to keep quiet during the entire public gathering of believers. See the notes on these verses for the specific translation issues. Part of the problem in these verses is that Paul is not very specific about what he is commanding. If possible, make your translation general enough to allow for several of these interpretations.
1CO	14	1	vl57	figs-metaphor	διώκετε	1	Connecting Statement:	Here Paul speaks as if he wants the Corinthians to run after and try to capture **love**. He speaks in this way because he wants them to act in **love** as persistently as someone who “pursues” someone or something. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “Consistently act in” or “Chase after” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	1	nuf8	figs-abstractnouns	τὴν ἀγάπην	1	Connecting Statement:	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **love**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “love.” Paul implies that the object of **love** is other people. Alternate translation: “loving others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	1	n7ac	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ζηλοῦτε δὲ	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **but** introduces the next topic that Paul wishes to speak about. If your readers would misunderstand **but** and think that Paul is contrasting **Pursue love** and **be zealous for spiritual gifts**, you could use another word that introduces a new topic, or you could start a new sentence here. If you use the second alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “and be zealous for” or “Be zealous for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	14	1	x938	translate-unknown	ζηλοῦτε	1	Pursue love	Here, to **be zealous for** something means that one seeks after it or desires it. If your readers would misunderstand **be zealous for**, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “set your heart on” or “seek after” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	1	ki3l		μᾶλλον	1	especially that you may prophesy	Here, **especially** could mean: (1) that prophecy is the best **gift** to **be zealous** for. Alternate translation: “above all” (2) that prophecy is better than **spiritual gifts**. Alternate translation: “more than that,”
1CO	14	2	bdhf	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1	especially that you may prophesy	Here, **For** introduces the reasons why Paul wants the Corinthians to especially desire to prophesy. These reasons are found in [14:2–4](../14/02.md). If your readers would misunderstand **For**, you could use a comparable way to introduce reasons for a claim. Alternate translation: “Here is why you should be zealous for prophecy:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	14	2	ii60	figs-genericnoun	ὁ…λαλῶν γλώσσῃ	1	especially that you may prophesy	Paul is speaking of people “who speak in tongues” in general, not of one particular person. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “anyone who speaks in a tongue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	14	2	ftxf	translate-unknown	γλώσσῃ	1	especially that you may prophesy	Here and throughout this chapter, translate **tongue** and “tongues” as you did in [13:1](../13/01.md), [8](../13/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	2	q21u	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώποις…δὲ λαλεῖ	1	especially that you may prophesy	Although the words **men** and **he** are masculine, Paul is using them to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “to humans … but he or she speaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	14	2	uvxu	figs-abstractnouns	μυστήρια	1	especially that you may prophesy	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **mysteries**, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “secret” or “mysterious.” Alternate translation: “mysterious words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	2	oiai		πνεύματι	1	especially that you may prophesy	Here, **spirit** could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit, which enables or empowers the person to speak in the **tongue**. Alternate translation: “in God’s Spirit” or “by the power of God’s Spirit” (2) the person’s spirit, which refers to the interior life of a person. It is from this interior life that the **tongue** originates. Alternate translation: “in his spirit”
1CO	14	3	iw24	figs-genericnoun	ὁ…προφητεύων	1	to build them up	Paul is speaking of people “who prophesy” in general, not of one particular person. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “anyone who prophesies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	14	3	up3s	figs-gendernotations	ἀνθρώποις	1	to build them up	Although **men** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **men**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “to humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	14	3	r1nx	figs-metaphor	οἰκοδομὴν	1	to build them up	Paul here speaks as if believers were a building that one “builds up.” With this metaphor, he emphasizes that **the one who prophesies** helps other believers become stronger and more mature, just like the one who builds a house makes it strong and complete. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. See how you translated this metaphor in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “for growth” or “for edification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	3	zv5l	figs-doublet	παράκλησιν, καὶ παραμυθίαν	1	to build them up	Here, **encouragement** refers primarily to “encouraging” others to act or think in a specific way. On the other hand, **consolation** refers primarily to “comforting” others in grief or pain. If your language has words that fit with these distinctions, you could use them here. If your language does not have words that fit with these distinctions, you could use one general word for “exhortation” or **encouragement**. Alternate translation: “exhortation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	14	3	ypx0	figs-abstractnouns	παράκλησιν, καὶ παραμυθίαν	1	to build them up	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **encouragement** and **consolation**, you could express the ideas by using verbs such as “encourage” and “console.” Alternate translation: “encouraging and consoling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	4	k612	figs-genericnoun	ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσῃ…ὁ…προφητεύων	1	builds up	Here, just as in [14:2–3](../14/02.md), Paul is speaking of people “who prophesy” and people “who speak in tongues” in general, not of two particular people. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “Anyone who speaks in a tongue … anyone who prophesies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	14	4	b2mg	figs-metaphor	ἑαυτὸν οἰκοδομεῖ…ἐκκλησίαν οἰκοδομεῖ	1	builds up	Just as in [14:3](../14/03.md), Paul here speaks as if believers were a building that one **builds up**. With this metaphor, he emphasizes that **The one who speaks in a tongue** helps himself or herself become stronger and more mature, while **the one who prophesies** helps other believers become stronger and more mature, just like the one who builds a house makes it strong and complete. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “helps himself grow … helps the church grow” or “edifies himself … edifies the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	5	f1sh	figs-ellipsis	μᾶλλον δὲ ἵνα	1	Now the one who prophesies is greater	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**I desire**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “but I desire even more that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	14	5	z5my	figs-genericnoun	ὁ προφητεύων…ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσαις	1	Now the one who prophesies is greater	Here, just as in [14:4](../14/04.md), Paul is speaking of people “who prophesy” and people “who speak in tongues” in general, not of two particular people. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “anyone who prophesies … anyone who speaks in tongues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	14	5	o0b6	figs-explicit	μείζων	1	Now the one who prophesies is greater	Here, **greater** indicates that **the one who prophecies** does something that is more important and helpful than **the one who speaks in tongues**. It does not mean that God cares about the person **who prophesies** more than the person **who speaks in tongues**. If you readers would misunderstand **greater**, you could state explicitly how or in what way the person is **greater**. Alternate translation: “does something more useful” or “does what is more valuable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	5	u9oq	figs-infostructure	ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ διερμηνεύῃ, ἵνα ἡ ἐκκλησία οἰκοδομὴν λάβῃ	1	Now the one who prophesies is greater	The ULT puts these clauses in parentheses because they give a qualification of what Paul has said about how **the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues**. In this clause, Paul clarifies that he is only speaking about **tongues** without interpretation. Further, if someone does **interpret** the **tongues**, then that can lead to **building up**, just like prophecy. Use a form in your language that would indicate a qualification or a parenthesis. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “That is true except for when he interprets, so that the church receives building up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	5	g9k1	grammar-connect-exceptions	ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ διερμηνεύῃ, ἵνα ἡ ἐκκλησία οἰκοδομὴν λάβῃ	1	he would interpret	If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. If you use this alternate translation, you may need to remove the parentheses. Alternate translation: “and does not interpret, because it is only when he interprets that the church receives building up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	14	5	ut9b	writing-pronouns	διερμηνεύῃ	1	he would interpret	Here, **he** could refer back specifically to **the one who speaks in tongues**, but it does not have to do so. The word **he** could refer to anyone who can **interpret**, not just the person who is speaking **in tongues**. If your readers would misunderstand that **he** refers to anyone, you could express the idea more clearly. Alternate translation: “he or somebody else would interpret” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	14	5	pmzu	figs-gendernotations	διερμηνεύῃ	1	he would interpret	Although **he** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **he**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she would interpret” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	14	5	o7ok	figs-metaphor	οἰκοδομὴν	1	he would interpret	Paul here speaks as if believers were a building that one “builds up.” With this metaphor, he emphasizes that **the one who speaks in tongues** and also “interprets” helps other believers become stronger and more mature, just like the one who builds a house makes it strong and complete. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. See how you translated this metaphor in [14:3](../14/03.md). Alternate translation: “growth” or “edification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	6	fxhx	gammar-connect-words-phrases	νῦν δέ, ἀδελφοί	1	how will I benefit you?	Here, **But now** introduces what Paul thinks is true. The word **now** does not refer to time here. If your readers would misunderstand **But now**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces what a person thinks is true. Alternate translation: “As it is, brothers,” or “But what is true, brothers, is that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	14	6	oemv	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	how will I benefit you?	Although **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	14	6	jndd	figs-123person	ἔλθω…ὠφελήσω…λαλήσω	1	how will I benefit you?	Here Paul uses the first person to give himself as an example. If your readers would misunderstand the first person here, you could instead use a generic third person. Alternate translation: “somebody comes … will he or she benefit … he or she speaks” or “people come … will they benefit … they speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	14	6	j3nn	figs-infostructure	ἐὰν ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς γλώσσαις λαλῶν, τί ὑμᾶς ὠφελήσω, ἐὰν μὴ ὑμῖν λαλήσω, ἢ ἐν ἀποκαλύψει, ἢ ἐν γνώσει, ἢ ἐν προφητείᾳ, ἢ διδαχῇ?	1	how will I benefit you?	If your language would normally express what will **benefit** the Corinthians before what will not **benefit** them, you could rearrange this verse. Alternate translation: “will I not benefit you if I speak to you in revelation or in knowledge or in prophecy or teaching? But will I benefit you at all if I come to you speaking in tongues?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	6	i4st	figs-hypo	ἐὰν ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς γλώσσαις λαλῶν, τί ὑμᾶς ὠφελήσω, ἐὰν μὴ ὑμῖν λαλήσω	1	how will I benefit you?	Here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that he was coming to them **speaking in tongues**. He uses himself in this hypothetical situation to illustrate that he could do this if he wanted to and also because he does not want to offend someone else by saying that they do not **benefit** others. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “suppose that I came to you speaking in tongues. What would I benefit you unless I spoke to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	14	6	l71k	figs-rquestion	τί ὑμᾶς ὠφελήσω, ἐὰν μὴ ὑμῖν λαλήσω, ἢ ἐν ἀποκαλύψει, ἢ ἐν γνώσει, ἢ ἐν προφητείᾳ, ἢ διδαχῇ?	1	how will I benefit you?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “nothing.” In other words, Paul would be of no **benefit** at all. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “I will not benefit you unless I speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophecy or teaching.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	6	v7a9	grammar-connect-exceptions	τί ὑμᾶς ὠφελήσω, ἐὰν μὴ ὑμῖν λαλήσω	1	how will I benefit you?	If it would appear in your language that Paul was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “will I not benefit you only when I speak to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1CO	14	6	vqpn	figs-abstractnouns	ἢ ἐν ἀποκαλύψει, ἢ ἐν γνώσει, ἢ ἐν προφητείᾳ, ἢ διδαχῇ	1	how will I benefit you?	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **revelation**, **knowledge**, **prophecy**, or **teaching**, you could express the ideas by using verbs such as “reveal,” “know,” “prophesy,” and “teach.” Alternate translation: “either to show you things or to make you understand things or to prophesy to you or to instruct you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	7	d6mt	figs-infostructure	ὅμως τὰ ἄψυχα φωνὴν διδόντα, εἴτε αὐλὸς, εἴτε κιθάρα, ἐὰν διαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ	1	they do not make different sounds	Here Paul identifies what he is talking about first (**lifeless things giving sounds—whether flute or harp**) and then refers back to that phrase by using **they** in his sentence. If your readers would be confused by this structure, you could restructure the sentence and indicate what Paul is talking about in another way. Alternate translation: “If even lifeless things giving sounds—whether flute or harp—would not give different sounds” or “Take even lifeless things giving sounds—whether flute or harp—as an example. If they would not give different sounds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	7	cv7t	translate-unknown	τὰ ἄψυχα	1	they do not make different sounds	Here**lifeless things** are things are inanimate objects, things that have never been alive. Paul is specifically thinking of instruments that humans use to make sounds. If your readers would misunderstand **lifeless things**, you could use a word or phrase that normally refers to things that have never been alive. Alternate translation: “inanimate things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	7	g2fx	figs-idiom	φωνὴν διδόντα…διαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ	1	they do not make different sounds	In Paul’s culture, people would speak about how something could **give** a sound. This means that the thing creates or makes the sound. If your readers would misunderstand **giving sounds** or **give different sounds**, you could use a comparable idiom or expression. Alternate translation: “creating sounds … they would not create different sounds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	14	7	xunn	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	ἐὰν διαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ	1	they do not make different sounds	Here Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He knows that **flute** and **harp** really do **give different sounds**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “if they actually did not give different sounds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	14	7	t3rb	figs-explicit	διαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ	1	they do not make different sounds	Here Paul refers to how an instrument like a **flute** or a **harp** produces many **different sounds**. It is only because it produces a variety of different sounds that it can create a melody or a song. If your readers would misunderstand what Paul is talking about here, you could make it more explicit that he is talking about how different sounds make up a song or melody. Alternate translation: “they did not make many different pitches” or “if they did not create various notes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	7	hq2u	figs-rquestion	πῶς γνωσθήσεται τὸ αὐλούμενον ἢ τὸ κιθαριζόμενον?	1	how will it be known what is being played on the flute	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “it will not.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “the thing being played on the flute or the thing being played on the harp will not be known.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	7	fmn6	figs-activepassive	τὸ αὐλούμενον ἢ τὸ κιθαριζόμενον	1	how will it be known what is being played on the flute	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul here uses the passive to emphasize the song instead of the person who plays the song. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “what a person plays on the flute or what a person plays on the harp” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	14	7	cfaw	figs-activepassive	πῶς γνωσθήσεται τὸ αὐλούμενον ἢ τὸ κιθαριζόμενον	1	how will it be known what is being played on the flute	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “how anyone know the thing being played on the flute or the thing being played on the harp” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	14	8	qdy0	grammar-connect-words-phrases	καὶ γὰρ	1	who will prepare for battle?	Here, **For indeed** introduces another example that further supports what Paul said in the previous verse. If your readers would misunderstand **For indeed**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another example. Alternate translation: “Again,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	14	8	ykv3	figs-explicit	ἐὰν ἄδηλον σάλπιγξ φωνὴν δῷ, τίς παρασκευάσεται εἰς πόλεμον	1	who will prepare for battle?	In Paul’s culture, soldiers would often use **a trumpet** to issue commands or signals before or during a **battle**. These signals could indicate that an enemy was coming, that the soldiers should attack or retreat, or various other things. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul jumps from talking about **a trumpet** to talking about a **battle**, you could state more explicitly that the **trumpet** was used in warfare. Alternate translation: “if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound when a solider uses it to signal other soldiers, who will prepare for battle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	8	h3hv	grammar-connect-condition-contrary	ἐὰν ἄδηλον σάλπιγξ φωνὴν δῷ	1	who will prepare for battle?	Here Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He knows that **a trumpet** really does **give** a certain or clear **sound**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “if a trumpet actually were to give an uncertain sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
1CO	14	8	hauz	figs-idiom	ἄδηλον…φωνὴν δῷ	1	who will prepare for battle?	In Paul’s culture, people would speak about how something **gives** a **sound**. This means that the thing creates or makes the **sound**. If your readers would misunderstand **gives an uncertain sound**, you could use a comparable idiom or expression. See how you translated this idiom in [14:7](../14/07.md). Alternate translation: “creates an uncertain sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	14	8	ynnk	figs-explicit	ἄδηλον…φωνὴν	1	who will prepare for battle?	Here, **an uncertain sound** refers to notes that are not easily recognized or are difficult to hear. If your readers would misunderstand **an uncertain sound**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to notes that are played poorly or are hard to hear. Alternate translation: “an unclear sound” or “an indistinct sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	8	z6jg	figs-rquestion	τίς παρασκευάσεται εἰς πόλεμον?	1	who will prepare for battle?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “no one will.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “people would never prepare for battle.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	9	q9lk	figs-ellipsis	οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς…ἐὰν	1	who will prepare for battle?	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. The Corinthians would have inferred that Paul meant they would be like instruments that do not make clear sounds. If your readers would not infer that information, and if your language requires more words to make a complete thought, you could supply them. Alternate translation: “You are like those instruments. Unless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	14	9	f9h6		οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς διὰ τῆς γλώσσης, ἐὰν μὴ εὔσημον λόγον δῶτε	1	who will prepare for battle?	Here, **tongue** could refer to: (1) the human body part that people use to speak words. In this case, **with {your} tongue** modifies **give intelligible speech**. Alternate translation: “In the same way also you, unless you use your tongue to give intelligible speech” (2) the unknown language that some of the Corinthians were speaking. In this case, **with {your} tongue** modifies the first **you**. Alternate translation: “You act in the same way when you speak in a tongue. Unless you give intelligible speech”
1CO	14	9	ltq2	figs-idiom	εὔσημον λόγον δῶτε	1	who will prepare for battle?	Here, to **give intelligible speech** refers to making words that other people understand. If your language does not use **give** for **speech** or words, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “you speak intelligible words” or “you talk in intelligible language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	14	9	bw66	translate-unknown	εὔσημον λόγον	1	who will prepare for battle?	Here, **intelligible speech** refers to words and sentences that other people can understand. If your readers would misunderstand **intelligible speech**, you could use a comparable expression that identifies language that can be understood. Alternate translation: “understandable speech” or “words that others can comprehend” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	9	rlzw	figs-rquestion	πῶς γνωσθήσεται τὸ λαλούμενον?	1	who will prepare for battle?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The question assumes that the answer is “it will not be understood.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea with a strong negation. Alternate translation: “the thing being spoken will never be understood.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	9	qmc2	figs-activepassive	γνωσθήσεται τὸ λαλούμενον	1	who will prepare for battle?	If your language does not use the passive form in these ways, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses passive forms here to avoid stating who is speaking and who is understanding, which makes his question more general. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “you” are speaking and some other person is understanding. Alternate translation: “someone understand what you are speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	14	9	m3cj	figs-idiom	εἰς ἀέρα λαλοῦντες	1	who will prepare for battle?	Here, **speaking into the air** is a way to say that the speech or words have no effect. In other words, no people but only **the air** hears the **speech**. If your readers would misunderstand **speaking into the air**, you could use a comparable expression that describes words that have no effect or meaning. Alternate translation: “speaking empty words” or “talking to nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	14	10	ddu4	translate-unknown	εἰ τύχοι	1	none is without meaning	Here, **doubtless** indicates that Paul is assuming that there are **so many kinds of languages**. He is not arguing this and is not interested in proving it. If your readers would misunderstand **doubtless**, you cold use a comparable word or phrase that refers to something that is assumed to be true. Alternate translation: “assuredly” or “certainly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	10	cfkk		οὐδὲν ἄφωνον	1	none is without meaning	The word translated **without meaning** could refer to: (1) how all the **languages** “communicate” clearly among those who know those languages. Alternate translation: “and none communicate nothing” (2) how all the languages use “sound” or “voice” to communicate. Alternate translation: “none {is} without sound” or “all of them use the voice”
1CO	14	10	im7a	figs-litotes	οὐδὲν ἄφωνον	1	none is without meaning	Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that has the opposite meaning of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you could express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “all have meaning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1CO	14	11	dl95	figs-hypo	ἐὰν οὖν μὴ εἰδῶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς φωνῆς, ἔσομαι τῷ λαλοῦντι βάρβαρος, καὶ ὁ λαλῶν ἐν ἐμοὶ βάρβαρος.	1	none is without meaning	Here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that he is with somebody who speaks a language that he does not know. In this situation, he and the other person are “foreigners” to each other. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose, then, that I do not know the meaning of a specific language. In this situation, I am a foreigner to anyone who speaks that language, and anyone who speaks that language is a foreigner to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	14	11	drm2	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἐὰν οὖν	1	none is without meaning	Here, **then** could introduce: (1) an inference from the previous verse. In other words, if every language communicates meaning ([14:10](../14/10.md)), **then** a person who does not understand that meaning is **a foreigner** to the person who speaks that language. Alternate translation: “Therefore, if” (2) a contrast with the previous verse. In other words, although every language communicates meaning ([14:10](../14/10.md)), a person who does not understand the language cannot grasp that meaning. Alternate translation: “But if”
1CO	14	11	myal	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν οὖν μὴ εἰδῶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς φωνῆς	1	none is without meaning	Here Paul uses the conditional form to show that not knowing **the meaning of the language** leads to being a **foreigner to the one speaking** that language. If the conditional form does not indicate a cause and effect relationship like this in your language, you could express the **if** statement in a way that does show the relationship. Alternate translation: “Then, whenever I do not know the meaning of the language” or “Suppose then that I do not know the meaning of the language. Then,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	14	11	ut5z	figs-123person	μὴ εἰδῶ…ἔσομαι…ἐμοὶ	1	none is without meaning	Here Paul uses the first person to give himself as an example. If your readers would misunderstand the first person here, you could instead use a generic third person. Alternate translation: “somebody does not know … he or she will be … him or her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	14	11	ueuu	figs-abstractnouns	τὴν δύναμιν τῆς φωνῆς	1	none is without meaning	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **meaning**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “communicates” or “means.” Alternate translation: “what the language means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	11	szms	translate-unknown	βάρβαρος	-1	none is without meaning	Here, **foreigner** identifies someone with whom one does not share a culture and language. If your readers would misunderstand **foreigner**, you could use a comparable term for someone who has a different language and culture. Alternate translation: “an outsider … {will be} an outsider” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	11	q756	figs-ellipsis	τῷ λαλοῦντι…ὁ λαλῶν	1	none is without meaning	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the first clause (**the language**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “to the one speaking the language … the one speaking the language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	14	12	o0rq	grammar-connect-logic-result	οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς	1	try to excel in the gifts that build up the church	Here, **So also you** introduces the conclusion Paul wishes to draw from what he has said in [14:1–11](../14/01.md). If your readers would misunderstand the function of **So also you**, you could use a comparable phrase that introduces a conclusion or inference. Alternate translation: “In line with all of that” or “Given what I have said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	14	12	oel4	figs-ellipsis	οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς	1	try to excel in the gifts that build up the church	Here Paul omits some words that your language may need to make a complete thought. If your language does need these words, you could supply a phrase such as “should act in this way.” Alternate translation: “So also you should behave in the following way:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	14	12	f6vn	figs-idiom	ζητεῖτε ἵνα περισσεύητε	1	try to excel in the gifts that build up the church	Here, **seek that you would abound** refers to desiring to have more of something. If your readers would misunderstand this construction, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates a desire to have or do more. Alternate translation: “desire to overflow with them” or “endeavor to gain more of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	14	12	di2n	figs-possession	πρὸς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τῆς ἐκκλησίας	1	try to excel in the gifts that build up the church	Here Paul uses the possession form to speak about **building up** that affects the **church**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the idea by translating **building up** as a verb with **church** as its object.  Alternate translation: “so that you can build up the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	14	12	j1h7	figs-metaphor	τὴν οἰκοδομὴν	1	try to excel in the gifts that build up the church	Paul here speaks as if believers were a building that one “builds up.” With this metaphor, he emphasizes that the Corinthians should focus on helping other believers become stronger and more mature, just like the one who builds a house makes it strong and complete. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. See how you translated this metaphor in [14:3](../14/03.md), [5](../14/05.md). Alternate translation: “the growth” or “the edification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	13	dsve	figs-imperative	ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσῃ, προσευχέσθω	1	interpret	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “the one speaking in tongues must pray” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	14	13	j87g	figs-genericnoun	ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσῃ	1	interpret	Paul is speaking of people “who speak in tongues” in general, not of one particular person. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “anyone who speaks in a tongue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	14	13	yjos	figs-ellipsis	διερμηνεύῃ	1	interpret	Here Paul omits what the person is going to **interpret** since he already stated it in the previous clause (**a tongue**). If you need to specify what the person will **interpret**, you could include a reference to the **tongue** here. Alternate translation: “he might interpret it” or “he might interpret what he said in the tongue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	14	13	a378	figs-gendernotations	διερμηνεύῃ	1	interpret	Although **he** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **he**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she might interpret” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	14	14	yi43	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν προσεύχωμαι γλώσσῃ, τὸ πνεῦμά μου	1	my mind is unfruitful	Here Paul uses the conditional form to show that praying **in a tongue** leads to the **spirit** praying but the **mind** being **unfruitful**. If the conditional form does not indicate a cause and effect relationship like this in your language, you could express the **If** statement in a way that does show the relationship. Alternate translation: “Whenever I pray in a tongue, my spirit” or “Suppose that I pray in a tongue. Then, my spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	14	14	tfy0	figs-123person	προσεύχωμαι…μου…μου	1	my mind is unfruitful	Here Paul uses the first person to give himself as an example. If your readers would misunderstand the first person here, you could instead use a generic third person or explicitly state that Paul is an example. Alternate translation: “somebody would pray … his or her … his or her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	14	14	gph1		τὸ πνεῦμά μου προσεύχεται	1	my mind is unfruitful	Here, **spirit** could refer to: (1) the inner part of a person, a part that contrasts with the **mind** but that is not somehow superior or closer to God. Alternate translation: “my inner spiritual being prays” or “my heart prays” (2) the Holy Spirit directing the **spirit** of a person. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit prays with my spirit” or “the Holy Spirit directs my inner spiritual being in prayer”
1CO	14	14	kjh6	figs-metaphor	ὁ…νοῦς μου ἄκαρπός ἐστιν	1	my mind is unfruitful	Here Paul speaks as if his **mind** were a plant or tree that could produce “fruit.” He states that his **mind** is **unfruitful** to indicate that it is not doing anything useful, just like a fruit tree that does not produce fruit. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “my mind does nothing” or “my mind is not involved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	15	vm6p	figs-rquestion	τί οὖν ἐστιν?	1	What should I do?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. He himself gives the answer to the question in the next sentences. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion or solution. Alternate translation: “I will tell you what I do.” or “This, then, is what to do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	15	nkgj	figs-123person	προσεύξομαι τῷ Πνεύματι, προσεύξομαι δὲ καὶ τῷ νοΐ. ψαλῶ τῷ Πνεύματι, ψαλῶ δὲ καὶ τῷ νοΐ	1	What should I do?	Here, just as in [14:14](../14/14.md), Paul uses the first person to give himself as an example. If your readers would misunderstand the first person here, you could instead use a generic third person or explicitly state that Paul is an example. Alternate translation: “People should pray with their spirits, and they should also pray with their minds. People should sing with their spirits, and they should also sing with their minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	14	15	nneh	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	προσεύξομαι δὲ καὶ τῷ νοΐ…ψαλῶ δὲ καὶ τῷ νοΐ.	1	What should I do?	Here, doing things **with {my} mind** could happen: (1) at the same time as doing things **with {my} spirit**. In other words, Paul is saying that he will use both his **spirit** and **mind** at the same time when he “prays” or “sings.” Alternate translation: “and I will use {my} mind also … and I will use {my} mind also” (2) at a different time as doing things **with {my} spirit**. In other words, Paul is saying that he sometimes use his **spirit** and sometimes use his **mind**. Alternate translation: “but other times I will pray with {my} mind … but other times I will sing with {my} mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
1CO	14	15	r11f		τῷ Πνεύματι	-1	pray with my spirit … pray with my mind … sing with my spirit … sing with my mind	Here, just as in [4:14](../04/14.md), **spirit** could refer to: (1) the inner part of a person, a part that contrasts with the **mind** but that is not somehow superior or closer to God. Alternate translation: “with my inner spiritual being … with my inner spiritual being” or “with my heart … with my heart” (2) the Holy Spirit directing the **spirit** of a person. Alternate translation: “as the Holy Spirit directs my spirit … as the Holy Spirit directs my spirit” or “as the Holy Spirit directs my inner spiritual being … as the Holy Spirit directs my inner spiritual being”
1CO	14	16	fyc7	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν εὐλογῇς πνεύματι…πῶς	1	you praise God … you are giving thanks … you are saying	Here Paul uses the conditional form to show that blessing **with the spirit** leads to **the one who fills the place of the ungifted** being unable to **say the “Amen”**. If the conditional form does not indicate a cause and effect relationship like this in your language, you could express the **if** statement in a way that does show the relationship. Alternate translation: “whenever you bless with the spirit, how” or “Suppose that you bless with the spirit. Then, how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	14	16	niu5	figs-yousingular	εὐλογῇς…τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ…λέγεις	1	you praise God … you are giving thanks … you are saying	Here Paul switches from using himself as an example to using one of the Corinthians as an example. Because of this, every **you** in this verse is singular. If your readers would misunderstand the second person singular here, you could instead use a second person plural or explicitly state that **you** functions as an example. Alternate translation: “you, for example, bless … your thanksgiving … you are saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	14	16	crew	figs-explicit	εὐλογῇς πνεύματι	1	you praise God … you are giving thanks … you are saying	Here Paul is speaking about someone who is using **the spirit** only and not the “mind” to speak in “tongues.” If your readers would misunderstand that this is what Paul is talking about, you could state it more explicitly. Alternate translation: “you bless in tongues with the spirit only” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	16	gi1q		πνεύματι	1	you praise God … you are giving thanks … you are saying	Just as in [4:14–15](../04/14.md), **spirit** could refer to: (1) the inner part of a person, a part that contrasts with the mind but that is not somehow superior or closer to God. Alternate translation: “with your inner spiritual being” or “with your heart” (2) the Holy Spirit directing the **spirit** of a person. Alternate translation: “by the power of the Holy Spirit” or “as the Holy Spirit directs your inner spiritual being”
1CO	14	16	r4w5	figs-rquestion	ὁ ἀναπληρῶν τὸν τόπον τοῦ ἰδιώτου, πῶς ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν, ἐπὶ τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ, ἐπειδὴ τί λέγεις, οὐκ οἶδεν?	1	how will the outsider say “Amen” … saying?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. Here, the answer to the question is “he cannot.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea by using a strong negation. Alternate translation: “the one who fills the place of the ungifted will not be able to say the ‘Amen’ at your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	16	untg	figs-metaphor	ὁ ἀναπληρῶν τὸν τόπον τοῦ ἰδιώτου	1	how will the outsider say “Amen” … saying?	Here, Paul speaks as if there was a **place** for **the ungifted** which they would “fill.” He speaks in this way to characterize the person by the **place** they “fill.” In other words, a person who **fills the place of the ungifted** is characterized as **ungifted**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the one who is ungifted” or “the ungifted person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	16	g36b	figs-genericnoun	ὁ ἀναπληρῶν	1	how will the outsider say “Amen” … saying?	Paul is speaking of people who “fill” **the place of the ungifted** in general, not of one particular person. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “anyone who fills” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	14	16	j3e3	translate-unknown	τοῦ ἰδιώτου	1	the ungifted	Here, **the ungifted** could refer to: (1) any person who does not understand the “tongue” in the person is speaking. Alternate translation: “of the one who does not understand tongues” or “of the uninitiated” (2) a person who is not part of the Christian group. Alternate translation: “of the outsider” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	16	ev63	figs-explicit	ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν, ἐπὶ	1	say “Amen”	Here, to **say the “Amen”** refers to responding in agreement to something that someone has said. This is because, in Christian gatherings, the word **Amen** was a common way to affirm or agree with someone. If your readers would misunderstand **Amen** or why people would say it, you could express the idea by using a word that indicates agreement or by referring simply to agreement. Alternate translation: “will … agree with” or “will … say that he agrees with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	16	i6o5	figs-explicit	ἐπὶ τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ	1	say “Amen”	Here, **your thanksgiving** refers back to what the person said when they were “blessing” **with the spirit**. Paul uses a different word here, but they mean basically the same thing. If your readers would misunderstand **thanksgiving**, you could translate this phrase so that it clearly refers back to **bless with the spirit**. Alternate translation: “at what you said” or “at your blessing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	16	jxn4	figs-abstractnouns	ἐπὶ τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ	1	say “Amen”	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **thanksgiving**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “thank.” Alternate translation: “at how you thanked God” or “at what you thanked God for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	16	m0x2	figs-gendernotations	οὐκ οἶδεν	1	say “Amen”	Although **he** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **he**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she does not know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	14	17	a7wr	figs-yousingular	σὺ μὲν…εὐχαριστεῖς	1	you certainly give	Here Paul continues to use one of the Corinthians as an example. Because of this, **you** in this verse is singular. If your readers would misunderstand the second person singular here, you could instead use a second person plural or explicitly state that **you** functions as an example. Alternate translation: “you, for example, certainly give thanks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
1CO	14	17	cgls	figs-genericnoun	ὁ ἕτερος	1	you certainly give	Paul is speaking of **other** people in general, not of one particular person. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “any other person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1CO	14	17	w25k	figs-metaphor	ὁ ἕτερος οὐκ οἰκοδομεῖται	1	the other person is not built up	Just as in [14:4](../14/04.md), Paul here speaks as if a person were a building that one “builds up.” With this metaphor, he emphasizes that **you** who are “giving thanks” are not helping other people become stronger, unlike the one who builds a house and thus makes it strong and complete. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the other person is not helped to grow” or “the other person is not edified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	17	m7cj	figs-activepassive	ὁ ἕτερος οὐκ οἰκοδομεῖται	1		If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form here to emphasize the person who **is not built up** rather than the person who is not doing the building up. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “you” did it. Alternate translation: “you do not build up the other person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	14	18	t27e	figs-ellipsis	πάντων ὑμῶν	1		Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. Paul omits these words because he stated them explicitly in the previous clause (**speak in tongues**). If your language does need these words, you can supply them from that clause. Alternate translation: “all of you speak in tongues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	14	19	w4pr	figs-metaphor	ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ	1	than ten thousand words in a tongue	Here, **in the church** is a spatial metaphor that speaks of the **church** as if it were a place **in** which people could gather. Paul speaks in this way to indicate the situation which he is discussing: a gathering of believers that meet to worship God. If your readers would misunderstand **in the church**, you could clarify that **the church** refers to a gathering of believers for worship. Alternate translation: “in the gathering of believers” or “during the worship service” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	19	jht9	translate-numbers	πέντε	1	than ten thousand words in a tongue	Here Paul speaks about **five** words to indicate just a few words in contrast to the **myriads** he will mention later on in the verse. There is no special significance to the number **five**. If your readers would misunderstand and think that **five** is a special number, you could use a number that would not be considered special or indicate that Paul has “a few” words in mind. Alternate translation: “four” or “only several” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1CO	14	19	nzby	figs-infostructure	ἵνα καὶ ἄλλους κατηχήσω, ἢ μυρίους λόγους ἐν γλώσσῃ	1	than ten thousand words in a tongue	If your language would naturally state the rest of the comparison before the purpose, you could rearrange these clauses. You may need to start a new sentence when you express the purpose. Alternate translation: “than myriads of words in a tongue. That way, I might also instruct others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	19	cbw8	figs-hyperbole	μυρίους λόγους	1	than ten thousand words in a tongue	Here, much like in [4:15](../04/15.md), **myriads of words** is an exaggeration that the Corinthians would have understood to mean a large number of **words**. If that would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to a large number. Alternate translation: “many words” or “a large number of words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1CO	14	20	luu4	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	General Information:	Although **brothers** is in masculine form, Paul is using it to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “Brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	14	20	mh5t	figs-metaphor	μὴ παιδία γίνεσθε…νηπιάζετε	1	do not be children in your thinking	Here, much like in [13:11](../13/11.md), Paul compares people to **children**. He is particularly thinking about how children do not know very much or do very much. Paul thus wants the Corinthians not to be like children by avoiding knowing very little in their **thinking**. He wants the Corinthians to be like children by doing very little **evil**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could express it as an analogy or in a non-figurative way. If possible, preserve the metaphor because Paul has already used “child” language in [13:11](../13/11.md). Alternate translation: “do not know very little, like children, … do very little, like children,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	20	i2w1	figs-infostructure	ἀλλὰ τῇ κακίᾳ, νηπιάζετε, ταῖς δὲ φρεσὶν, τέλειοι γίνεσθε	1	do not be children in your thinking	If your language would naturally express the contrast before the comparison, you could move the clause about being **mature** before the clause about being **childlike**. Alternate translation: “Rather, become mature in the thoughts, and only be childlike in evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	20	y2og		τῇ κακίᾳ	1	do not be children in your thinking	Alternate translation: “about evil”
1CO	14	21	jx6l	figs-activepassive	ἐν τῷ νόμῳ γέγραπται	1	In the law it is written,	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form here to emphasize the words rather than whoever wrote the words. If you must state who did the action, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “In the law someone wrote” or “They wrote in the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	14	21	mbkb	writing-quotations	ἐν τῷ νόμῳ γέγραπται	1	In the law it is written,	In Paul’s culture, **it is written** is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book titled “Isaiah” (see [Isaiah 28:11–12](isa/28/11.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “It can be read in the law” or “In the law, the book of Isaiah says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1CO	14	21	up8a	figs-explicit	ἐν τῷ νόμῳ	1	In the law it is written,	Here, **law** refers to all of the scriptures of Israel that we call the Old Testament. It does not refer just to the first five books or to books that have “laws.” If your readers would misunderstand **law**, you could use a term that refers more clearly to the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “In the scriptures” or “In the Israelites’ sacred book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	21	f5gp	figs-quotations	γέγραπται, ὅτι ἐν ἑτερογλώσσοις καὶ ἐν χείλεσιν ἑτέρων, λαλήσω τῷ λαῷ τούτῳ καὶ οὐδ’ οὕτως εἰσακούσονταί μου, λέγει Κύριος	1	In the law it is written,	If you do not use this form in your language, you could translate these statements as indirect quotes instead of as direct quotes. Alternate translation: “it is written that by people of other tongues and by the lips of strangers God will speak to this people, but not even in this way will they hear him. So says the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	14	21	l9xz	figs-parallelism	ἐν ἑτερογλώσσοις καὶ ἐν χείλεσιν ἑτέρων	1	By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers	Here, Paul quotes two phrases that mean basically the same thing. In Paul’s culture, poetry often included repetition of the same idea in different words. If your readers would not recognize this as poetry, and if they would misunderstand why Paul repeats the same idea, you could combine these two phrases into one. Alternate translation: “By strangers of other tongues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	14	21	trh3	figs-metonymy	ἑτερογλώσσοις	1	By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers	Here, **tongues** refers to words that people speak with their **tongues**. It primarily refers here to foreign languages, not primarily to unknown languages spoken in Christian worship. If your readers would misunderstand **tongues**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to foreign languages. Alternate translation: “by people of other languages” or “people who speak different languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	14	21	q6ku	figs-metonymy	χείλεσιν ἑτέρων	1	By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers	Here, **lips** refers to words that people speak with their **lips**. If your readers would misunderstand **lips**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to what people say. Alternate translation: “the words of strangers” or “the speech of strangers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	14	21	s7uu	figs-explicit	τῷ λαῷ τούτῳ	1	By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers	The Corinthians would have understood **this people** to refer to the people of Israel. If your readers would not make this inference, you could indicate it explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	21	sltb	figs-infostructure	λαλήσω τῷ λαῷ τούτῳ καὶ οὐδ’ οὕτως εἰσακούσονταί μου, λέγει Κύριος	1	By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers	Here Paul includes **says the Lord** to indicate who spoke the words he quotes. If your language would indicate who is speaking before or in the middle of the quote, you could move **says the Lord** to a more natural place. Alternate translation: “I will speak to this people,’ says the Lord, ‘but not even in this way will they hear me.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	22	bp4j		εἰς σημεῖόν εἰσιν	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **sign** could be: (1) a negative indication of God’s judgment or wrath. This would fit with what the quotation from Isaiah in the last verse suggests. Alternate translation: “are an indication of God’s judgment” (2) a positive indication of what convicts or impresses people. This would fit with what “signs” means in [1:22](../01/22.md), but it does not fit well with the next two verses (see [14:23–24](../14/23.md)). Alternate translation: “are impressive” or “are convicting”
1CO	14	22	vl45	figs-infostructure	σημεῖόν…οὐ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν, ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἀπίστοις…οὐ τοῖς ἀπίστοις, ἀλλὰ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν	1	Connecting Statement:	If your language would naturally put those whom the signs are **to** before those whom they are **not to**, you could rearrange the clauses so that the **not** clause is second. Alternate translation: “a sign to the unbelievers, not to those who believe … {is} to those who believe, not to the unbelievers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	22	qj5f	figs-ellipsis	ἡ…προφητεία, οὐ	1	not for unbelievers, but for believers	Here Paul omits some words that your language may require to make a complete thought. The Corinthians could have inferred: (1) the words “is for a sign,” since Paul used these words in the first half of the verse. Alternate translation: “prophecy is for a sign, not” (2) the word “is,” since Paul’s language often implies “is” when there is no verb. See the ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	14	22	bddb		ἡ…προφητεία, οὐ	1	not for unbelievers, but for believers	If Paul implies “is for a sign” here, then “sign” could mean what it meant earlier in the verse, but it more likely means something different. “Sign” could be: (1) a positive indication of what convicts or impresses people. Alternate translation: “prophesy {is} impressive, not” or “prophecy {is} convicting, not” (2) a negative indication of God’s judgment or wrath. Alternate translation: “prophecy {is} an indication of God’s judgment, not”
1CO	14	22	mb3p	figs-abstractnouns	ἡ…προφητεία	1	not for unbelievers, but for believers	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **prophecy**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “prophesy.” Alternate translation: “what people prophesy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	23	ec5x	figs-hypo	ἐὰν οὖν συνέλθῃ ἡ ἐκκλησία ὅλη ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ, καὶ πάντες λαλῶσιν γλώσσαις, εἰσέλθωσιν δὲ ἰδιῶται ἢ ἄπιστοι, οὐκ ἐροῦσιν	1	would they not say that you are insane?	Here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that **the whole church** is together, and **all speak in tongues**. Then, he wants them to imagine what would happen if **ungifted or unbelievers** are present and hear **all** speaking **in tongues**. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose, then, that the whole church comes together to the same place, and they all speak in tongues. Suppose that ungifted or unbelievers come in. Will they not say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	14	23	mlmt	figs-doublet	συνέλθῃ…ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ	1	would they not say that you are insane?	Here Paul uses both **come together** and **to the same place** to emphasize that he is speaking about an official gathering of the church for worship. If your language does not use two similar phrases for emphasis like Paul does, then you could use just one phrase and indicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “might come together” or “might be in the same place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1CO	14	23	agza	translate-unknown	ἰδιῶται	1	would they not say that you are insane?	Here, just as in [14:16](../14/16.md), **ungifted** could refer to: (1) any person who does not understand the **tongues** that the other people are speaking. Alternate translation: “people who do not understand tongues” or “uninitiated” (2) a person who is not part of the Christian group. Alternate translation: “outsiders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	23	n03r	figs-go	εἰσέλθωσιν	1	would they not say that you are insane?	Your language may say “would go in” rather than **would come in** in this situation. Use whatever form is natural. Alternate translation: “would go in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
1CO	14	23	hj3d	figs-rquestion	οὐκ ἐροῦσιν ὅτι μαίνεσθε?	1	would they not say that you are insane?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The implied answer to the question is “yes, they will.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea by using a strong affirmation. Alternate translation: “they will definitely say that you are insane.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	23	xiiq	translate-unknown	μαίνεσθε	1	would they not say that you are insane?	People who are **insane** act in ways that are not normal or acceptable. Often these ways are dangerous, strange, or irrational. If your readers would misunderstand **insane**, you could use a word or phrase that identifies people who are acting in irrational and strange ways. Alternate translation: “you are out of your minds” or “you are mad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	23	fa7i	figs-123person	μαίνεσθε	1	would they not say that you are insane?	Here, **you** refers back to **the whole church** and **they** who **speak in tongues**. Paul switches from third person to second person to apply the hypothetical situation to the Corinthians. If your readers would misunderstand this switch, you could use second person earlier in the verse or use the third person here. Alternate translation: “the church is insane” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	14	24	mm3e	figs-hypo	ἐὰν…πάντες προφητεύωσιν, εἰσέλθῃ δέ τις ἄπιστος ἢ ἰδιώτης, ἐλέγχεται	1	he would be convicted by all and examined by all	Here Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Corinthians. He wants them to imagine that **all would prophesy**, and he implies that the whole church is together for this hypothetical situation, just like for the last one (see [14:23](../14/23.md)). Then, he wants them to imagine what would happen if **some unbeliever** or **ungifted person** is present and hears **all** prophesying. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “suppose that they all would prophesy. Suppose that some unbeliever or ungifted person comes in. In that situation, he is convicted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1CO	14	24	feby	figs-123person	πάντες προφητεύωσιν	1	he would be convicted by all and examined by all	Here, Paul uses the third person because he is again using a hypothetical situation. However, he wants the Corinthians to apply this hypothetical situation to themselves. If your readers would misunderstand that **they** applies to the Corinthians, you could use the second person instead. Alternate translation: “you all would prophesy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1CO	14	24	d5vi	translate-unknown	ἰδιώτης	1	he would be convicted by all and examined by all	Here, just as in [14:23](../14/23.md), **ungifted** could refer to: (1) any person who does not understand the tongues that the other people are speaking. Alternate translation: “person who does not understand tongues” or “uninitiated person” (2) a person who is not part of the Christian group. Alternate translation: “outsider” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) 
1CO	14	24	ihkk	figs-go	εἰσέλθῃ	1	he would be convicted by all and examined by all	Your language may say “might go in” rather than **might come in** in this situation. Use whatever form is natural. Alternate translation: “might go in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
1CO	14	24	xxy5	figs-parallelism	ἐλέγχεται ὑπὸ πάντων, ἀνακρίνεται ὑπὸ πάντων	1	he would be convicted by all and examined by all	Here Paul uses the same words and structure twice, only changing the verb. He does this to emphasize how the “prophecy” affects the **unbeliever or ungifted person**. If your language does not use repetition for emphasis, and if your readers might be confused why Paul repeats himself, you could combine these two clauses into one. Alternate translation: “he is convicted and examined by all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	14	24	izrj	figs-activepassive	ἐλέγχεται ὑπὸ πάντων, ἀνακρίνεται ὑπὸ πάντων	1	he would be convicted by all and examined by all	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive here to emphasize the person who is **convicted** or **examined** rather than the **all** that is doing the actions. Alternate translation: “all convict him, all examine him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 
1CO	14	24	gr05	figs-gendernotations	ἐλέγχεται…ἀνακρίνεται	1	he would be convicted by all and examined by all	Although **he** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **he**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “he or she is convicted … he or she is examined” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) 
1CO	14	24	iprk		ὑπὸ πάντων	-1	he would be convicted by all and examined by all	Here, **all** could refer to: (1) everything that the people who **prophesy** are saying. Alternate translation: “by all that is said … by all that is said” or “by all the words … by all the words” (2) **they all** who are prophesying. Alternate translation: “by all who are prophesying … by all who are prophesying”
1CO	14	25	ma47	figs-metonymy	τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ	1	The secrets of his heart would be revealed	In Paul’s culture, the **heart** is the place where humans think and plan. If that meaning of **heart** would be misunderstood in your language, you could refer to the place where humans think in your culture or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the secrets of his mind” or “his secret thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	14	25	l62f	figs-metaphor	τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ φανερὰ γίνεται	1		Here Paul speaks as if **the secrets of his heart** were invisible objects that could **become visible**. He speaks in this way to indicate that others now know **the secrets** as much as if they saw them **become visible**. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “the secrets of his heart become known” or “the secrets of his heart are revealed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	25	w31w	figs-idiom	πεσὼν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον	1	he would fall on his face and worship God	In Paul’s culture, “falling” **on** one’s **face** refers to kneeling down and putting one’s **face** close to the ground. This was a position used to show respect and sometimes worship. If your readers would misunderstand **having fallen on {his} face**, you could use a comparable expression for a physical position used to show respect or worship, or you could express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “having bowed down” or “kneeling to show respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	14	25	q5ee	figs-gendernotations	αὐτοῦ…πρόσωπον, προσκυνήσει 	1	he would fall on his face and worship God	Although **his** and **he** are masculine, Paul is using them to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If **his** and **he** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “his or her … {his or her} face, he or she will worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1CO	14	25	tou0	figs-quotations	ἀπαγγέλλων, ὅτι ὄντως ὁ Θεὸς ἐν ὑμῖν ἐστιν	1	he would fall on his face and worship God	If you do not use this form in your language, you could translate this statement as an indirect quote instead of as a direct quote. Alternate  translation: “declaring that God is really among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
1CO	14	26	bv9k	figs-rquestion	τί οὖν ἐστιν, ἀδελφοί?	1	What is tp be then, brothers?	Paul does not ask this question because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks it to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. He himself gives the answer to the question in the next sentences. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express the idea by using a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion or a clarification. Alternate translation: “This is what it is, brothers.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	26	f8ai	figs-explicit	τί οὖν ἐστιν	1	What is tp be then, brothers?	Here, Paul could be asking this question about: (1) what his argument means for the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “What then do I mean” (2) what the Corinthians should be doing. Alternate translation: “What then should you do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	26	b79h	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	What is tp be then, brothers?	Although **brothers** is in masculine form, Paul is using it to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) 
1CO	14	26	qgao	writing-pronouns	ἕκαστος	1	What is tp be then, brothers?	Here, **each one** refers to specific or individual believers in the Corinthian church. Paul does not mean that every person **has** each of these things, and he also does not mean that **each** person has only one of these things. Rather, he means that individual people within the Corinthian church may have any of these things **when you come together**. If your readers would misunderstand **each one**, you could use a word or phrase that more clearly indicates that Paul is speaking in general. Alternate translation: “any one of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	14	26	m04v	figs-parallelism	ψαλμὸν ἔχει, διδαχὴν ἔχει, ἀποκάλυψιν ἔχει, γλῶσσαν ἔχει, ἑρμηνίαν ἔχει	1	What is tp be then, brothers?	Here Paul repeats **has** in order to emphasize any believer might “have” any of these things **when you come together**. If your readers would misunderstand why Paul repeats **has**, you could use another form that indicates that any person might have any of these things. Alternate translation: “has a psalm, or a teaching, or a revelation, or a tongue, or an interpretation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	14	26	qsx0	figs-abstractnouns	ψαλμὸν ἔχει, διδαχὴν ἔχει, ἀποκάλυψιν ἔχει, γλῶσσαν ἔχει, ἑρμηνίαν ἔχει	1	What is tp be then, brothers?	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **revelation** or **interpretation**, you could express the ideas by using verbs such as “reveal” and “interpret.” If you do, you may need to translate all the items in the list with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “sings a psalm, instructs, explains something that was secret, speaks in a tongue, or interprets a tongue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	26	dy8d	figs-explicit	ἑρμηνίαν	1	What is tp be then, brothers?	Here, just as in [12:10](../12/10.md), **interpretation** refers specifically to interpreting **a tongue**. If your readers would misunderstand what the **interpretation** is about, you could state explicitly that it is an **interpretation** of a **tongue**. Alternate translation: “an interpretation of a tongue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	26	xzz2	figs-imperative	πάντα πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν γινέσθω	1	interpretation	Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “All things must happen for building up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	14	26	fnba	figs-metaphor	οἰκοδομὴν	1	interpretation	Paul here speaks as if believers were a building that one “builds up.” With this metaphor, he emphasizes that the Corinthians should focus on helping other believers become stronger and more mature, just like the one who builds a house makes it strong and complete. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. See how you translated this metaphor in [14:12](../14/12.md). Alternate translation: “the growth” or “the edification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 
1CO	14	26	jvgw	figs-explicit	πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν	1	interpretation	Here the Corinthians would have understood Paul to mean that the **building up** applies to other believers. If your readers would not infer this, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “for building up believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	27	u8ew	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἴτε	1	and each one in turn	Paul is speaking as if someone “speaking” **in a tongue** were a hypothetical possibility, but he knows that someone often does “speak” **in a tongue**. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you could express the idea with a word that refers to a situation rather than to a possibility. Alternate translation: “Whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	14	27	gqdr	figs-ellipsis	κατὰ	1	and each one in turn	Here Paul omits some words that may be required in your language to make a complete thought. English needs these words, so the ULT has supplied them in brackets. If your language also needs these words, you could use these or similar ones. Alternate translation: “{this should be done} by” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1CO	14	27	qhl3	figs-explicit	κατὰ δύο ἢ τὸ πλεῖστον τρεῖς	1	and each one in turn	Paul does not explicitly state in what situation only **two or at most three** believers should speak **in a tongue**. The Corinthians would have understood him to be speaking about each time the believers gathered to worship God (see the expression “in the church” in [14:28](../14/28.md)). Paul does not mean that only **two or most three** people can ever speak in tongues. If your readers would misunderstand what situation Paul is speaking about, you could express it more explicitly. Alternate translation: “{it should be} by two or at most three every time you gather together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	27	wc1z	figs-idiom	ἀνὰ μέρος	1	and each one in turn	Here, **in turn** means that people do something one after the other or in order. If your readers would misunderstand **in turn**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to doing things successively or in order. Alternate translation: “in order” or “successively” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	14	27	njmu	figs-imperative	εἷς διερμηνευέτω	1	and each one in turn	Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “let.” Alternate translation: “one should interpret” or “let one interpret” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) 
1CO	14	27	vvge	figs-extrainfo	εἷς	1	and each one in turn	Here Paul does not indicate whether **one** is one of the people who is speaking **in a tongue** or if it is someone else. It is likely that Paul thinks that both options are acceptable. If possible, you should translate **one** in such a way that it could refer to one of the people speaking **in a tongue** or to someone else. Alternate translation: “somebody” or “one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]]) 
1CO	14	27	ari2	figs-explicit	διερμηνευέτω	1	must interpret	Here, just as in [14:26](../14/26.md), **interpret** refers specifically to interpreting a **tongue**. If your readers would misunderstand what the person should **interpret**, you could state explicitly that the person should **interpret** the **tongue**. Alternate translation: “must interpret the tongue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 
1CO	14	28	rlag	grammar-connect-condition-fact	ἐὰν 	1	must interpret	Much like in [14:27](../14/27.md), Paul is speaking as if **an interpreter** not being present were a hypothetical possibility, but he knows that sometimes this is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you could express the idea with a word that refers to a situation rather than to a possibility. Alternate translation: “whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) 
1CO	14	28	bkc6	figs-explicit	διερμηνευτής 	1	must interpret	Here, much like in [14:26–27](../14/26.md), **interpreter** refers specifically to someone who can interpret a tongue. If your readers would misunderstand what the **interpreter** does, you could state explicitly that the person “interprets” the tongue. Alternate translation: “an interpreter for the tongue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])  
1CO	14	28	znt9	figs-extrainfo	μὴ ᾖ διερμηνευτής	1	must interpret	Just as in [14:27](../14/27.md), the **interpreter** could be someone who speaks in tongues or some other person. If possible, you should translate **an interpreter** in such a way that it could refer to one of the people speaking in a tongue or to someone else. Alternate translation: “no one can interpret” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]]) 
1CO	14	28	u0ia	figs-gendernotations	σιγάτω…ἑαυτῷ…λαλείτω	1	must interpret	Although **him** and **himself** are masculine, Paul is using them to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **him** and **himself**, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “let him or her be silent … let him or speak to himself or herself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) 
1CO	14	28	c2wj	figs-imperative	σιγάτω…λαλείτω	1	must interpret	Here Paul uses two third person imperatives. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use them here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the ideas using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “he needs to be silent … he needs to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) 
1CO	14	28	nzye	figs-explicit	σιγάτω…λαλείτω	1	must interpret	Here, **let him be silent** and **let him speak** refer specifically to speaking in “tongues.” They do not refer in general to any speaking **in church**.  If your readers would not infer this information, you could state it more explicitly. Alternate translation: “let him not speak the tongue … let him speak the tongue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	28	pqky	figs-metaphor	ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ 	1	must interpret	Here, just as in [14:19](../14/19.md), **in the church** is a spatial metaphor that speaks of the **church** as if it were a place **in** which people could gather. Paul speaks in this way to indicate the situation which he is discussing: a gathering of believers that meet to worship God. If your readers would misunderstand **in the church**, you could clarify that **the church** refers to a gathering of believers for worship. Alternate translation: “in the gathering of believers” or “during the worship service” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	28	fl59	figs-idiom	ἑαυτῷ…καὶ τῷ Θεῷ	1	must interpret	Here, **to himself and to God** could refer to: (1) how the person should keep the “tongue” between **himself** and **God**. In other words, the only people who experience the “tongue” are the person speaking it and God. This would mean that the person speaking the “tongue” says words in their head or very quietly. Alternate translation: “in his mind to God” or “quietly to God” (2) how the person should speak the “tongue” after the meeting is over and “he” is by **himself**. In this way, only the person who speaks the “tongue” and **God** hear it. Alternate translation: “to God when he is by himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	14	29	x2fd	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	Let two or three prophets speak	Here, **But** introduces similar instructions about a new topic (prophecy). If your readers would misunderstand **But**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a related topic. Alternate translation: “In the same way,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	14	29	a9iz	figs-explicit 	προφῆται…δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν	1	Let two or three prophets speak	Paul does not explicitly state in what situation **two or three prophets** should **speak**. He does not mean that only **two or three** prophets can ever speak. He could be speaking about: (1) each time the believers gathered to worship God. Alternate translation: “let two or three prophets speak every time you gather together” (2) the periods between when **the others evaluate**. In this case, **two or three prophets** can speak before the evaluation happens. Alternate translation: “let two or three prophets speak in a row” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	29	kw3u	figs-explicit 	δύο ἢ τρεῖς 	1	Let two or three prophets speak	Here, **two or three** does not restrict the number of prophets to only those two numbers. Rather, Paul uses **two or three** to give a general idea of how many **prophets** should **speak** when believers gather for worship. If your readers would misunderstand **two or three**, you could include a word or phrase that indicates that Paul is giving examples or rough estimates. Alternate translation: “roughly two or three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	29	u33q	figs-imperative 	προφῆται…δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν, καὶ οἱ ἄλλοι διακρινέτωσαν	1	Let two or three prophets speak	In this verse, Paul uses two third person imperatives. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use them here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the ideas using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “two or three prophets must speak, and the others must evaluate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) 
1CO	14	29	qdb8	writing-pronouns	οἱ ἄλλοι	1	Let two or three prophets speak	Here, **the others** could refer to: (1) all the believers who are not prophesying. Alternate translation: “the rest of the believers” (2) all the prophets who are not prophesying. Alternate translation: “the other prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	14	29	dsmv	figs-explicit	οἱ ἄλλοι διακρινέτωσαν	1	Let two or three prophets speak	Here Paul does not state what **the others** are supposed to **evaluate**. He implies that it is what the **prophets speak**. If your readers would not make this inference, you could refer to what the **prophets speak** explicitly. Alternate translation: “let the others evaluate what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	30	zd6m	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	ἐὰν	1	if a revelation is given to another	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that **something** might be **revealed to another**, or it might not. He specifies the result for **something is revealed to another**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “when” or “suppose.” Alternate translation: “when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	14	30	sl1q	figs-activepassive	ἄλλῳ ἀποκαλυφθῇ καθημένῳ	1	if a revelation is given to another	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form to keep the focus on the “revelation” and the person who receives it. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “another who is sitting there receives a revelation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	14	30	lcmf	figs-explicit	ἄλλῳ…καθημένῳ	1	if a revelation is given to another	Here, **sitting** implies that the person is participating in the worship when the believers gather together. It further implies that the person is not the one speaking since the speaker would stand in Paul’s culture. If your readers would not make these inferences, you could state them explicitly. Alternate translation: “to another who is sitting and listening” or “to another worshiper who is listening” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	30	e2m4	figs-imperative	ὁ πρῶτος σιγάτω 	1	if a revelation is given to another	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “the first must be silent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	14	30	i3m1	writing-pronouns	ὁ πρῶτος	1	if a revelation is given to another	Here, **the first** refers back to one of the “two or three prophets” in [14:29](../14/29.md). It identifies the person who is speaking while **another** is **sitting there**. If your readers would misunderstand **the first**, you could use a word or phrase that identifies the person who is speaking while **something is revealed to another**. Alternate translation: “the one currently prophesying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1CO	14	31	oytt	grammar-connect-logic-result	γὰρ	1	prophesy one by one	Here, **For** introduces the reason why Paul wants “the first” speaker to “be silent” when another receives a revelation (see [14:30](../14/30.md)): if they do what he asks, **all are able to prophesy**. If your readers would misunderstand **For**, you could use a word that introduces a reason for a command. Alternate translation: “Do that because, in this way,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	14	31	gtsp	figs-explicit	πάντες	1	prophesy one by one	Here Paul does not state who **all** are. He implies that **all** refers to everyone who receives a revelation from God (see [14:30](../14/30.md)). He does not have in mind every single believer who gathers together. If your readers would not infer this information, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “all who receive a revelation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	31	xr69	figs-idiom	καθ’ ἕνα	1	prophesy one by one	Here, **one by one** means that people do something one after the other or in order. If your readers would misunderstand **one by one**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to doing things successively or in order. Alternate translation: “in order” or “in turn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 
1CO	14	31	nrq1	figs-activepassive	πάντες παρακαλῶνται	1	all may be encouraged	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form to emphasize the person who is **encouraged** instead of the person doing the encouraging. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that the ones who **prophesy** do it. Alternate translation: “the prophets may encourage all” or “the prophecies may encourage all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	14	32	rcat	figs-activepassive	πνεύματα προφητῶν, προφήταις ὑποτάσσεται	1	all may be encouraged	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive here to focus on the **spirits** rather than the **prophets** If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that **prophets** do it. Alternate translation: “prophets subject the spirits of prophets” or “prophets govern the spirits of prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	14	32	o950	translate-unknown	πνεύματα προφητῶν…ὑποτάσσεται	1	all may be encouraged	Here, **the spirits of the prophets** could refer to: (1) the “spiritual” gift that the **prophets** have by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is supported by [14:12](../14/12.md), where the word that is here translated **spirits** is there translated “spiritual gifts.” Alternate translation: “the spiritual gifts of prophets are subject to” or “what the Holy Spirit enables prophets to do is subject to” (2) the **spirits** that are part of the **prophets**, that is, their inner life or non-physical parts. Alternate translation: “how the prophets act is subject to” or “the minds of prophets are subject to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	32	cli1		προφήταις	1	all may be encouraged	Here, **prophets** could refer to (1) the same **prophets** who have **the spirits**. In this case, **prophets** control their own **spirits**. Alternate translation: “these prophets” (2) other **prophets**. In this case, some **prophets** (those who are not speaking) control the **spirits** of different **prophets** (those who are speaking). Alternate translation: “the other prophets”
1CO	14	33	iki9	grammar-connect-logic-result	γάρ 	1	God is not a God of confusion	Here, **For** introduces the reason why “the spirits of the prophets are subject to prophets” ([14:32](../14/32.md)). Since the prophetic gift comes from God, it should fit with who God is. Since God is **not of confusion, but of peace**, so the prophetic gift must be **of peace** as well. If your readers would misunderstand **For**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a statement. Alternate translation: “You can know this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	14	33	my65	figs-infostructure	οὐ…ἐστιν ἀκαταστασίας ὁ Θεὸς, ἀλλὰ εἰρήνης	1	God is not a God of confusion	If your language would not naturally state the negative before the positive, you could reverse the order of the **not** statement and the **but** statement. Alternate translation: “God is of peace, not of confusion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	33	ze95	figs-possession	οὐ…ἐστιν ἀκαταστασίας ὁ Θεὸς, ἀλλὰ εἰρήνης 	1	God is not a God of confusion	Here Paul uses the possessive form to state that **God** is characterized by **peace**, not by **confusion**. If your language does not use the possessive form to characterize someone, you could use a form that does do this. Alternate translation: “God is not a confused God but a peaceful God” or “God is not related to confusion but to peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	14	33	cu4y	figs-abstractnouns	ἀκαταστασίας…εἰρήνης	1	God is not a God of confusion	If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind **confusion** and **peace**, you could express the idea by using adjectives such as “confused” and “peaceful.” Alternate translation: “confused … peaceful” or “a confused God … a peaceful God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1CO	14	33	k0ma	figs-infostructure	εἰρήνης. ὡς ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῶν ἁγίων,	1	God is not a God of confusion	The phrase **As in all the churches of the saints** could modify: (1) the two verses that follow. Supporting this option is how the first half of this verse sounds like a conclusion and how it does not make much sense to say that **God** is a specific way **in all the churches**. See the ULT for this option. (2) the first half of this verse. Supporting this option is how “in the churches” is repeated near the beginning of the next verse and how Paul uses a phrase similar to this one at the end of sentences (see [4:17](../04/17.md); [7:17](../07/17.md)). Alternate translation: “of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1CO	14	33	m76o	figs-metaphor	ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις	1	God is not a God of confusion	Here, **in all the churches** is a spatial metaphor that speaks of the **churches** as if they were a place in which people could gather. Paul speaks in this way to indicate the situation which he is discussing: the gatherings of believers who meet to worship God. If your readers would misunderstand **in all the churches**, you could clarify that **the churches** refers to gatherings of believers for worship. Alternate translation: “in all the gatherings of believers” or “in all the worship services” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	34	gjv2	figs-explicit	αἱ γυναῖκες	1	let be silent	Here, **women** could refer to: (1) married **women** (and possibly **women** with close male relatives). In support of this view is the reference to “{their} own husbands” in [14:35](../06/21.md). Alternate translation: “wives” (2) **women** in general. Alternate translation: “women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	34	ssjr	figs-explicit 	αἱ γυναῖκες…σιγάτωσαν…λαλεῖν	1	let be silent	Here, **be silent** and **speak** could refer to: (1) speaking or not speaking in specific situations related to “examining” prophecies (see [14:29](../14/29.md)). These specific situations would be when the woman’s husband or close male relative is the one who has prophesied. Alternate translation: “let the women be silent when their husbands are prophesying … to speak when their husbands are prophesying” (2) speaking or not speaking in disruptive ways, particularly asking questions improperly, talking loudly, or speaking out of turn. Paul is using **be silent** as he did in  [14:28](../14/28.md), [30](../14/30.md): it does not prohibit any kind of talking but refers to “keeping quiet” when speaking would be disruptive. Alternate translation: “let the women avoid disruptive talk … to disrupt worship by speaking” (3) any official speaking, including prophecy, discerning prophecies, and tongues. Alternate translation: “remain silent … ever to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	34	h6ip	figs-imperative 	αἱ γυναῖκες…σιγάτωσαν	1	let be silent	Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “the women must be silent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) 
1CO	14	34	d18m	figs-metaphor 	ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις	1	let be silent	Here, **in the churches** is a spatial metaphor that speaks of the **churches** as if they were a place in which people could gather. Paul speaks in this way to indicate the situation which he is discussing: the gatherings of believers who meet to worship God. If your readers would misunderstand **in the churches**, you could clarify that **the churches** refers to gatherings of believers for worship. Alternate translation: “in the gatherings of believers” or “in the worship services” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 
1CO	14	34	i3t3	figs-idiom	οὐ…ἐπιτρέπεται αὐταῖς	1	let be silent	Here, **it is not permitted** is a way to indicate that a custom or a practice is strongly forbidden. It does not state who forbids the custom or practice but rather indicates that this is generally accepted. If your readers would misunderstand **it is not permitted**, you could use a comparable word or phrase that refers to a general prohibition. Alternate translation: “they are not allowed” or “they are not able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 
1CO	14	34	rwgg	figs-imperative	ὑποτασσέσθωσαν	1	let be silent	Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “let.” Alternate translation: “let them be in submission” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) 
1CO	14	34	edeg	figs-explicit	ὑποτασσέσθωσαν	1	let be silent	Here Paul does not state to whom or what the **women** are **to be in submission**. If possible, you also should not express what they are **to be in submission** to. If you must consider the object of **submission**, Paul could imply that the **submission** is to: (1) husbands (or other close male relatives). Alternate translation: “to be in submission to their husbands” (2) to the order God has given the church. Alternate translation: “to act in line with the order of the church” (3) to the church as a whole, particularly the leaders. Alternate translation: “to be in submission to other believers” or “to be in submission to the leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	34	nszq	figs-extrainfo	καθὼς καὶ ὁ νόμος λέγει	1	let be silent	Here Paul does not specify what he means by **law**. It could refer to [Genesis 3:16](../../gen/03/16.md). However, it may just be a more general reference to the first five books of the Old Testament (the “Pentateuch”) or to the entire Old Testament (as Paul uses **law** in [14:21](../14/21.md)). If possible, do not clarify what meaning of **law** Paul had in mind, since he does not identify exactly what he means by **law**. Alternate translation: “just as also God’s commandments say” or “just as also the scriptures say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1CO	14	35	orcw	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ	1	let be silent	Here Paul uses **if** to introduce a true possibility. He means that they might **desire to learn anything**, or they may not. He specifies the result for **if they desire to learn anything**. If your readers would misunderstand this form, you could express the **if** statement by introducing it with a word such as “whenever” or “suppose.” Alternate translation: “whenever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	14	35	tzao	figs-explicit	τι μαθεῖν θέλουσιν	1	let be silent	Here Paul does not state what the “women” or “wives” might **desire to learn** about. He could imply that they want **to learn** more and **ask** questions about: (1) what their husbands have said **in church**. Alternate translation: “they desire to learn anything about what their husbands have said” (2) what anyone has said in **in church**. Alternate translation: “they desire to learn about what someone said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	35	hx7r	figs-imperative	ἐπερωτάτωσαν 	1	let be silent	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “they must ask” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	14	35	a1dt	figs-extrainfo	αἰσχρὸν…ἐστιν	1	let be silent	Here Paul does not express for whom this behavior is **disgraceful**. He almost certainly means that it brings “disgrace” on the woman and probably her family too. It may also bring “disgrace” on the whole group of believers. If possible, use an expression that is general enough to capture any or all of these ideas. Alternate translation: “it is shameful” or “it brings shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1CO	14	35	fqot	figs-explicit	γυναικὶ	1	let be silent	Here, just as in [14:34](../14/34.md), **woman** could refer to: (1) any married **woman** (and possibly any **woman** with close male relatives). In support of this view is the reference to **{their} own husbands** in this verse. Alternate translation: “for a wife” (2) any **woman** in general. Alternate translation: “for any woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 
1CO	14	35	sj8l	figs-metaphor	ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ	1	let be silent	Here, **in church** is a spatial metaphor that speaks of the **church** as if it were a place in which people could gather. Paul speaks in this way to indicate the situation which he is discussing: the gathering of believers who meet to worship God. If your readers would misunderstand **in church**, you could clarify that **church** refers to a gathering of believers for worship. Alternate translation: “in the gathering of believers” or “in the worship service” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	14	36	fysl	grammar-connect-words-phrases	ἢ	1	Did the word of God come from you? Are you the only ones it has reached?	The word **Or** introduces an alternate to the instructions that Paul has given about proper order in worship, including what he has said in [14:27–35](../14/27.md) but especially [14:33b–35](../14/33.md). Paul uses **Or** to indicate that thinking that **the word of God** went **out from** them is the opposite of obeying what he has said. If your readers would misunderstand **Or**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an alternative. Alternate translation: “Suppose you do not want to follow my instructions. Consider this:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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 does not ask these questions because he is looking for information. Rather, he asks them to involve the Corinthians in what he is arguing. The questions assume that the answer to both is “no, it did not.” If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you could express the ideas with strong negations. If you do so, you will need to replace **Or** with different transition words. Alternate translation: “Indeed, the word of God certainly did not go out from you, and it certainly did not come only to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	14	36	o8sf	figs-personification	ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐξῆλθεν…κατήντησεν	1	Did the word of God come from you? Are you the only ones it has reached?	Here Paul speaks as if **the word of God** were a person who could travel. He speaks in this way to emphasize **the word** over the people who proclaim that **word**. If your readers would misunderstand speaking about a **word** traveling, you could indicate that people travel with the **word** and indicate the emphasis on **the word of God** in another way. Alternate translation: “did the people who proclaim the word of God go out … did people who proclaim it come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	14	36	tmfn	figs-go	ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐξῆλθεν…εἰς ὑμᾶς μόνους κατήντησεν	1	the word of God	In the first question, **go out** refers to the Corinthians as the source of the **word of God**. In the second question, **come** refers to the Corinthians as the recipients of the **word of God**. Use movement words that make this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “did the word of God depart … did it reach only you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
1CO	14	36	mj6b	figs-metonymy	ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ	1	the word of God	Here, **word** figuratively represents what someone says in words. If **word** would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the message of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1CO	14	36	hdu2	figs-possession	ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ	1	the word of God	Here Paul uses the possessive to describe a **word** that is: (1) from **God**. Alternate translation: “the word from God” (2) about **God**. Alternate translation: “the word about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	14	37	lrzp	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἴ τις δοκεῖ προφήτης εἶναι ἢ πνευματικός	1	he should acknowledge	Here Paul speaks as **If** some of the Corinthians might that they are “prophets” or **spiritual**, but he knows that some of them do think in this way. He uses **If** to identify these people as the ones that he is addressing. If your language does not use **If** to identify a certain group of people, you could use a form that does do this. Alternate translation: “Whoever thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	14	37	h265	figs-gendernotations	δοκεῖ…ἐπιγινωσκέτω	1	he should acknowledge	Although **himself** and **him** are masculine, Paul is using these words to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **himself** and **him**, you could use non-gendered words or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “thinks himself or herself … let him or her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) 
1CO	14	37	ab6u	figs-imperative	ἐπιγινωσκέτω	1	he should acknowledge	Here Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word or phrase such as “should” or “needs to.” Alternate translation: “he needs to acknowledge” or “he should acknowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	14	37	b81a	figs-pastforfuture	γράφω	1	he should acknowledge	Here Paul uses the present tense to refer to this letter, 1 Corinthians. If your language would not use the present tense to refer to a letter that one is currently writing, you could use the tense that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
1CO	14	37	z0hu	figs-possessive	Κυρίου…ἐντολή	1	he should acknowledge	Here Paul uses the possessive form to the describe the **command** as: (1) a **command** that he gives with the authority of **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “a command that the Lord authorizes” or “a command that has the Lord’s authority” (2) a **command** that **the Lord** gave or currently gives. Alternate translation: “a command that the Lord gives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1CO	14	37	rc1r	figs-abstractnouns	Κυρίου…ἐντολή 	1	he should acknowledge	If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind **command**, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “command.” Alternate translation: “what the Lord commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) 
1CO	14	38	ilzx	grammar-connect-condition-fact	εἰ…τις ἀγνοεῖ	1	he should acknowledge	Here Paul speaks as **If** some of the Corinthians might be **ignorant**, but he expects that some of them might be. He uses **If** to identify these people as the ones that he is addressing. If your language does not use **If** to identify a certain group of people, you could use a form that does do this. Alternate translation: “whoever is ignorant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1CO	14	38	m1lx		ἀγνοεῖ, ἀγνοείτω	1	he should acknowledge	Here, **ignorant** could refer to: (1) the opposite of “acknowledge” in the last verse ([14:37](../14/37.md)), that is, not accepting the authority of something or someone. Alternate translation: “does not acknowledge this, let him not be acknowledged” (2) not knowing that something is true. Alternate translation: “does not know this, let him continue not to know”
1CO	14	38	b8fk	figs-explicit	ἀγνοεῖ	1	he should acknowledge	Here Paul does not state what the person **is ignorant** about. However, the previous verse ([14:37](../14/37.md)) implies that the person **is ignorant** about how what Paul has written is a “command of the Lord.” If your readers would not infer this information, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “is ignorant that I am writing a command from the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	38	fde9	figs-imperative	ἀγνοείτω	1	he should acknowledge	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “he must be ignorant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	14	38	nxo7	figs-explicit	ἀγνοείτω 	1	he should acknowledge	Here Paul does not state who is letting **him be ignorant**. He could mean: (1) that the Corinthians should **let him be ignorant**. Alternate translation: “you should let him be ignorant” (2) that God lets **him be ignorant**. Alternate translation: “God will let him be ignorant” or “God will consider him ignorant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	14	38	u9qi	figs-gendernotations	ἀγνοείτω	1	he should acknowledge	Although **him** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to anyone, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **him**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “let him or her be ignorant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) 
1CO	14	38	cwbs	translate-textvariants	ἀγνοείτω	1	he should acknowledge	In Paul’s language, **let him be ignorant** and “he is considered ignorant” look and sound very similar. While some early and important manuscripts have “he is considered ignorant” here, many early and important manuscripts have **let him be ignorant**. Unless there is a good reason to translate “he is considered ignorant,” it is best to follow the ULT here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1CO	14	39	xgjw	grammar-connect-logic-result	ὥστε	1	do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues	Here, **So then** introduces a conclusion of the argument from [14:1–38](../14/01.md). Use a word or phrase in your language that introduces the conclusion to an argument. Alternate translation: “Therefore” or “To sum up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1CO	14	39	oe0c	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί	1	do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues	Although **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) 
1CO	14	39	jvr7		τὸ λαλεῖν…γλώσσαις	1	do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues	Alternate translation: “speaking in tongues”
1CO	14	40	d7ia	figs-activepassive	πάντα…γινέσθω	1	But let all things be done properly and in order	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form to avoid stating who is “doing” **all things**, which makes the imperative more general. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “you” do the action. Alternate translation: “you should do all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) 
1CO	14	40	mrnf	figs-imperative	πάντα…γινέσθω	1	But let all things be done properly and in order	Here, Paul uses a third person imperative. If you have third person imperatives in your language, you could use one here. If you do not have third person imperatives, you could express the idea using a word such as “should” or “must.” Alternate translation: “all things must be done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
1CO	14	40	y5wb	translate-unknown	εὐσχημόνως	1	But let all things be done properly and in order	Here, **properly** refers to behavior that is appropriate for the situation. See how you translated the similar word “appropriate” in [7:35](../07/35.md). If your readers would misunderstand **properly**, you could use a word or phrase that refers to appropriate or decent behavior. Alternate translation: “correctly” or “decently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	14	40	yh07	translate-unknown	κατὰ τάξιν	1	But let all things be done properly and in order	Here, **in order** refers to how things, people, and actions are in proper place and sequence. If your readers would misunderstand **in order**, you could use a word or phrase that indicates such proper and organized things, people, and actions. Alternate translation: “in an organized way” or “in a correctly arranged way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1CO	15	intro	abci			0		# 1 Corinthians 15 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>9. On the resurrection of the dead (15:1–58)<br>      * (15:1–11)<br>      * (15:12–34)<br>      * (15:35–58)<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Denying the resurrection<br><br>(1) philosophy or theology that denies afterlife altogether (2) resurrection has already happened (3) the body is not valuable or cannot resurrect. A combination of these problems may be in play.<br><br>### Resurrection<br><br>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]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>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.<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Early Christian confessions?
1CO	15	1	gc6n	grammar-connect-words-phrases	δὲ	1	Connecting Statement:	Here, **Now** introduces a new topic that Paul will speak about for many verses. If your readers would misunderstand **Now**, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new topic. Alternate translation: “Moving on,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
1CO	15	1	la9v		γνωρίζω…ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί	1	make known to you	Paul makes it clear in the rest of the verse that this is not the first time he has made **known** the **gospel** to the Corinthians. If **I make known to you** sounds like Paul is making it known for the first time, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that Paul is reminding them of the **the gospel** or giving them more information about it. Alternate translation: “I again make known to you, brothers,” or “I remind you, brothers, about” 
1CO	15	1	c3yo	figs-gendernotations	ἀδελφοί 	1	Connecting Statement:	Although **brothers** is masculine, Paul is using it to refer to any believer, whether man or woman. If your readers would misunderstand **brothers**, you could use a non-gendered word or refer to both genders. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])  
1CO	15	1	xv53	figs-metaphor	ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἑστήκατε	1	on which you stand	Here Paul speaks as if **the gospel** were something solid **on which** the Corinthians could **stand**. He speaks in this way to indicate that **the gospel** is trustworthy, like a firm foundation or a well-built floor. He also speaks in this way to indicate that the Corinthians trust **the gospel** as much as if it were a floor that was keeping them from falling. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “which also you trust completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	15	2	i2h6	figs-infostructure	δι’ οὗ καὶ σῴζεσθε, τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν, εἰ κατέχετε	1	you are being saved	If your language would naturally state the condition before the main statement, you could rearrange these two clauses. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “If you hold firmly to the word I proclaimed to you, by it also you are being saved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) 
1CO	15	2	xh29	figs-activepassive	δι’ οὗ καὶ σῴζεσθε	1	you are being saved	If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, Paul could imply that: (1) God does it by means of the “gospel.” Alternate translation: “through which God is also saving you” (2) the gospel does it. Alternate translation: “which also is saving you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	15	2	s83s		σῴζεσθε	1	you are being saved	Here Paul uses the present tense to speak about the Corinthians’ salvation. Paul could use this tense because: (1) he wants the Corinthians to realize that they are only finally **saved** when Jesus comes back, and right now they are in the process of **being saved**. Alternate translation: “you are currently being saved” or “you will be saved” (2) he is using the present tense to speak about something that is generally true. He does not have a specific time in mind for when the Corinthians are **saved**. Alternate translation: “you are saved”
1CO	15	2	nx1q	grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical	εἰ	1	you are being saved	Here Paul uses the conditional form to show that holding **firmly to the word** leads to **being saved**. If the conditional form does not indicate a cause and effect relationship like this in your language, you could express the **if** statement in a way that does show the relationship. Alternate translation: “as long as” or “when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
1CO	15	2	d8or	figs-metaphor	τίνι λόγῳ…κατέχετε	1	you are being saved	Here Paul speaks as if **the word** were a physical object that the Corinthians could **hold firmly to**. He speaks in this way to refer to trust or belief that is as strong as someone’s grip on an object that they do not wish to lose. If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “you never let go of the word” or “you persistently believe the word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) 
1CO	15	2	le2k	figs-metonymy	τίνι λόγῳ	1	the word I preached to you	Here, **word** figuratively represents what someone says in words. If your readers would misunderstand **word**, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to what” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) 
1CO	15	2	opvd	grammar-connect-logic-contrast 	ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ	1	the word I preached to you	Here, **unless** introduces the opposite of holding **firmly to the word**. Paul means that they **believed in vain** if they do not **hold firmly to the word**. If your readers would misunderstand this contrast, you could express the contrast more explicitly. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add period before it. Alternate translation: “However, if you do not hold firmly to the word, you believed in vain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1CO	15	3	sp4p		ἐν πρώτοις	1	as of first importance	This could mean: (1) this is the most important of many things. (2) this is the first in time (3) this was done previously.
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	Here, **the Scriptures** refers to the writings of the Old Testament.
1CO	15	4	wa7m	figs-activepassive	ἐτάφη	1	he was buried	You can state this 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	You can state this 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 Κηφᾷ	1	he appeared	“showed himself to Cephas”
1CO	15	6	q8bl	figs-euphemism	τινὲς…ἐκοιμήθησαν	1	some have fallen asleep	Here, **have fallen asleep** is a 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: This could mean: (1) this is literally true, and God actually did the work and kindly used Paul as a tool. (2) Paul is using a metaphor and saying that God was kind to let Paul do the work and to make Paul’s work have good results. (See: [[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	he was 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	You can translate this 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	You can state this 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, **firstfruit** is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “who is like the first part of the harvest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	15	20	n6cl	figs-idiom	Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν	1	Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruit of those who have fallen asleep	Here, **has been raised** is an idiom for “caused to live again.” Alternate translation: “Christ has been caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1CO	15	20	a385	figs-activepassive	Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν	1		You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has raised Christ from the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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, **firstfruit** is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “who is like the first part of the harvest” (See: [[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-personification	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	15	26	n32f	figs-activepassive	ἔσχατος ἐχθρὸς καταργεῖται ὁ θάνατος	1		You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The final enemy that God will destroy is death itself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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. You can state this 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]])
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	You can translate this 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. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “there would be no reason for them to have people baptize them on behalf of dead people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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. Alternate translation: “We gain nothing by being in danger every hour.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	15	30	t593	figs-explicit	τί καὶ ἡμεῖς κινδυνεύομεν πᾶσαν ὥραν?	1		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-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		καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω, 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 I die every day, because you know about my boasting 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 him. Alternate translation: “my boasting in you, which I do because of my relationship with Christ Jesus our Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	15	31	p3ym		τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν	1	my boasting in you	“telling other people how good you are”
1CO	15	32	q6mb	figs-rquestion	εἰ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον, ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ, τί μοι τὸ ὄφελος?	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: “If Christ was not raised, I gained nothing, according to the opinion of most people, by fighting with beasts at Ephesus.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	15	32	lm3v	figs-metaphor	ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ	1	I fought with beasts at Ephesus	This could mean: (1) Paul was speaking figuratively about his arguments with learned pagans or other conflicts with people who wanted to kill him. (2) Paul was actually put into the arena to fight against dangerous animals. (See: [[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?”	This could mean: (1) the person is asking sincerely. (2) the person is using the question to mock the idea of a resurrection. Alternate translation: “But some will say that they cannot imagine how God will raise the dead, and what kind of body God would give them in the resurrection.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	15	35	ty4t		ἐρεῖ τις	1	someone will say	“perhaps 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	This could refer to: (1) the sun, moon, stars, and other visible lights in the sky. (2) heavenly beings, such as angels and other supernatural beings.
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-metaphor	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 scattered on the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	15	42	b6ob	figs-activepassive	σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται	1		You can state the passive verbs in active form. Alternate translation: “What goes into the ground … what comes out of the ground” or “What people bury … what God raises” (See: [[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, ἐγείρεται ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ	1	in decay … in immortality	“that can rot, cannot rot when it is raised”
1CO	15	43	h4u5	figs-metaphor	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 scattered on the ground. And he speaks of a person’s body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	15	43	zo03	figs-activepassive	σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται	1		You can state the passive verbs in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground … it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it … God raises it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1CO	15	44	u856	figs-metaphor	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	15	44	b4dm	figs-activepassive	σπείρεται…ἐγείρεται	1		You can state the passive verbs in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground … it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it … God raises it” (See: [[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-explicit	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-explicit]])
1CO	15	48	r9be	figs-explicit	ὁ ἐπουράνιος	1	ὁ ἐπουράνιος	This refers to Jesus Christ, who is from heaven. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1CO	15	48	s9pn		οἱ ἐπουράνιοι	1	those who are of heaven	“those who belong to God”
1CO	15	49	mq8z		εἰκόνα τοῦ χοϊκοῦ, φορέσωμεν καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα τοῦ ἐπουρανίου	1	have borne the image … will also bear the image	“have been just like Adam, we will also be just like Jesus”
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	This could mean: (1) the two sentences mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “human beings who will surely die cannot inherit the permanent kingdom of God” (2) the second sentence finishes the thought begun by the first. Alternate translation: “weak human beings cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither do those who will certainly die inherit a kingdom that will last forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1CO	15	50	nz7s	figs-metonymy	σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα	1	flesh and blood	Here, **flesh and blood** refers to people, who inhabit a physical body. (See: [[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	“what can rot … what cannot rot.” See how these words are translated in [1 Corinthians 15:42](../15/42.md).
1CO	15	51	k5dw	figs-activepassive	πάντες…ἀλλαγησόμεθα	2	we will all be changed	You can state this 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	You can state this 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	figs-metaphor	ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι	1	at the last trumpet	Here, the **last trumpet** refers to the sounding of trumpets before the return of Christ and the final judgment of those who have not believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “when the last trumpet sounds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	15	52	l66q	figs-activepassive	οἱ νεκροὶ ἐγερθήσονται	1	the dead will be raised	You can translate this 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	“will be 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 … the inability to rot.” See how similar phrases are translated in [1 Corinthians 15:42](../15/42.md).
1CO	15	53	iyd2	figs-metaphor	ἐνδύσασθαι ἀφθαρσίαν	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	τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀφθαρσίαν, καὶ τὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀθανασίαν	1	when this perishable body has put on what is imperishable	Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1CO	15	54	od10	figs-metaphor	τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀφθαρσίαν	1		Here becoming **imperishable** is spoken of as if being imperishable was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this perishable body has become imperishable” or “when this body that can rot can no longer rot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	15	54	j9zs	figs-metaphor	τὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀθανασίαν	1	this mortal body has put on immortality	Here becoming immortal is spoken of as if being immortal was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this mortal body has become immortal” or “when this body that can die can no longer die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1CO	15	55	c9zw	figs-apostrophe	θάνατε	1	Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?	Paul speaks as if death were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
1CO	15	55	pdxo	figs-rquestion	ποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ νῖκος? ποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ κέντρον?	1		Paul uses this question to mock the power of death, which Christ has defeated. Alternate translation: “Death has no victory. Death has no sting.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1CO	15	55	gg3d	figs-you	σου…σου	1	your … your	Both possessive pronouns **your** 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	2	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	“who 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<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>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.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Preparation for his coming<br><br>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 to”
1CO	16	2	h8n9		θησαυρίζων	1	storing up	This could mean: (1) “keep it at home.” (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	This could mean: (1) Paul will send with letters that he will write. (2) Paul will send with letters that they 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 the Corinthians might give Paul money or other things he needs so that he and his ministry team could continue to travel.
1CO	16	7	xr88	figs-litotes	οὐ θέλω…ὑμᾶς ἄρτι ἐν παρόδῳ 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. You can state this as a positive. Alternate translation: “I want to spend a longer time with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1CO	16	8	qkw9		τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς	1	Pentecost	Paul would stay in Ephesus until the festival of **Pentecost**, which came in May or June, 50 days after Passover. He would then travel through Macedonia, and later try to arrive in Corinth before winter started in November.
1CO	16	9	fyj3	figs-metaphor	θύρα…ἀνέῳγεν μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής	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-exclusive	Ἀπολλῶ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ	1	our brother Apollos	Some languages such as English require the word **our** for clarity. If added, **you** would refer to Paul and his readers, so it is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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. You can state this 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. This could mean: (1) they should keep strongly believing what Paul and his companions have taught them. (2) they should keep strongly trusting in Christ. (See: [[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. You can state this 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, you should do because you love people” or “Everything you do, you should do because you love God”
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	**Achaia** 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	**Stephanas and Fortunatus** 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	**Stephanas and Fortunatus** 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).