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2CO front intro ur4j 0 # Introduction to 2 Corinthians<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of 2 Corinthians<br><br>1. Paul thanks God for the Corinthian Christians (1:1-11)<br>1. Paul explains his conduct and his ministry (1:12-7:16)<br>1. Paul speaks about contributing money for the Jerusalem church (8:1-9:15)<br>1. Paul defends his authority as an apostle (10:1-13:10)<br>1. Paul gives final greetings and encouragement (13:11-14)<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians?<br><br>Paul was the author. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul started the church in Corinth. He was staying in the city of Ephesus when he wrote this letter.<br><br>### What is the Book of 2 Corinthians about?<br><br>In 2 Corinthians, Paul continued to write about the conflicts among the Christians in the city of Corinth. It is clear in this letter that the Corinthians had obeyed his previous instructions to them. In 2 Corinthians, Paul encouraged them to live in a way that would please God.<br><br>Paul also wrote to assure them that Jesus Christ sent him as an apostle to preach the Gospel. Paul wanted them to understand this, because a group of Jewish Christians opposed what he was doing. They claimed Paul was not sent by God and he was teaching a false message. This group of Jewish Christians wanted Gentile Christians to obey the law of Moses.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Second Corinthians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Second Letter to the Church in Corinth.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What was the city of Corinth like?<br><br>Corinth was a major city located in ancient Greece. Because it was near the Mediterranean Sea, many travelers and traders came to buy and sell goods there. This resulted in the city having people from many different cultures. The city was famous for having people who lived in immoral ways. The people worshipped Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. As part of the ceremonies honoring Aphrodite, her worshipers had sexual intercourse with temple prostitutes.<br><br>### What did Paul mean by “false apostles” (11:13)?<br><br>These were Jewish Christians. They taught that Gentile Christians had to obey the law of Moses in order to follow Christ. Christian leaders had met in Jerusalem and decided on the matter (See: Acts 15). However, it is clear that there were still some groups that disagreed with what the leaders in Jerusalem decided.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### Singular and plural “you”<br><br>In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. Also, the word “you” is almost always plural and refers to the believers in Corinth. There are two exceptions to this: 6:2 and 12:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])<br><br>### How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in 2 Corinthians in the ULT?<br><br>The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, the ULT uses the following principles:<br>* Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “holy people.”<br>* The meaning in most passages in 2 Corinthians is a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 1:1; 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13)<br>* Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “reserved for,” or “sanctified.”<br><br>The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.<br><br>### What did Paul mean by expressions like “in Christ” and “in the Lord”?<br><br>This kind of expression occurs in 1:19, 20; 2:12, 17; 3:14; 5:17, 19, 21; 10:17; 12:2, 19; and 13:4. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. At the same time, he often intended other meanings as well. See, for example, “A door was opened for me in the Lord,” (2:12) where Paul specifically meant that a door was opened for Paul by the Lord.<br><br>Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What does it mean to be a “new creation” in Christ (5:17)?<br><br>Paul’s message was that God makes Christians part of a “new world” when a person believes in Christ. God gives a new world of holiness, peace, and joy. In this new world, believers have a new nature that has been given them by the Holy Spirit. Translators should try to express this idea.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Corinthians?<br>* “and in your love for us” (8:7). Many versions, including the ULT and UST, read this way. However, many other versions read, “and in our love for you.” There is strong evidence that each reading is original. Translators should probably follow the reading preferred by other versions in their region.<br><br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
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2CO 1 intro tsh3 0 # 2 Corinthians 1 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The first paragraph reflects a common way to begin a letter in the ancient Near East.<br><br>## Special Concepts<br><br>### Paul’s integrity<br><br>People were criticizing Paul and saying he was not sincere. He refutes them by explaining his motives for what he was doing.<br><br>### Comfort<br><br>Comfort is a major theme of this chapter. The Holy Spirit comforts Christians. The Corinthians probably were afflicted and needed to be comforted.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical question<br><br>Paul uses two rhetorical questions to defend himself against a charge of not being sincere. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### We<br><br>Paul uses the pronoun “we”. This likely represents at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.<br><br>### Guarantee<br><br>Paul says the Holy Spirit is the guarantee, which means pledge or down-payment, of a Christian’s eternal life. Christians are securely saved. But they will not experience all of God’s given promises until after they die. The Holy Spirit is a personal guarantee that this will happen. This idea comes from a business term. A person gives some valuable item to another person as a “guarantee” that they will repay money. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
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2CO 1 1 epd2 0 General Information: After Paul’s greeting to the church in Corinth, he writes about suffering and comfort through Jesus Christ. Timothy is with him as well. The word “you” throughout this letter refers to the people of the church in Corinth and to the rest of the Christians in that area. Possibly Timothy writes on parchment paper the words that Paul says.
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2CO 1 1 mel3 Παῦλος…τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Κορίνθῳ 1 Paul … to the church of God that is in Corinth Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. Alternate translation: “I, Paul … wrote this letter to you, the church of God that is in Corinth”
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2CO 1 1 f59u Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς 1 Timothy our brother The word **our** indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew **Timothy** and considered him to be their spiritual **brother**.
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2CO 1 1 mhg5 translate-names Ἀχαΐᾳ 1 Achaia **Achaia** is the name of a Roman province in the southern part of modern-day Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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2CO 1 2 f6k1 χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη 1 May grace be to you and peace This is a common greeting that Paul uses in his letters.
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2CO 1 3 px2q figs-activepassive εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May we always praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 1 3 k7dl ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ 1 the God and Father Alternate translation: “God, who is the Father”
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2CO 1 3 pg4a figs-parallelism ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως 1 the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort These two phrases express the same idea in two different ways. Both phrases refer to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
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2CO 1 3 blv4 ὁ Πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ Θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως 1 the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort This could mean: (1) the words **mercies** and **all comfort** describe the character of **Father** and **God**. (2) the words **Father** and **God** refer to one who is the source of **mercies** and **all comfort**.
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2CO 1 4 n2lc figs-exclusive παρακαλῶν ἡμᾶς ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν 1 comforts us in all our affliction Here, **us** and **our** include the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 1 5 nn5a figs-metaphor ὅτι καθὼς περισσεύει τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς ἡμᾶς 1 For just as the sufferings of Christ abound toward us Paul speaks of the **sufferings of Christ** as if they were objects that could increase in number. Alternate translation: “For just as Christ suffered greatly for our sake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 1 5 i254 τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the sufferings of Christ This could refer to: (1) the **sufferings** that Paul and Timothy experience because they preach the message about Christ. (2) the **sufferings** that Christ experienced on their behalf.
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2CO 1 5 tg9w figs-metaphor περισσεύει…ἡ παράκλησις ἡμῶν 2 our comfort abounds Paul speaks of **comfort** as if it were an object that could increase in size. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 1 6 y9bi figs-exclusive εἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα 1 But if we are afflicted Here the word **we** refers to Paul and Timothy, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 1 6 ylw2 figs-activepassive εἴτε δὲ θλιβόμεθα 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But if people afflict us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 1 6 wyj4 figs-activepassive εἴτε παρακαλούμεθα 1 if we are comforted If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if God comforts us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 1 6 cfq7 τῆς ὑμῶν παρακλήσεως, τῆς ἐνεργουμένης 1 your comfort that results Alternate translation: “you experience effective comfort”
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2CO 1 8 jqn8 figs-doublenegatives οὐ…θέλομεν ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν 1 we do not want you to be uninformed If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not … uninformed**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “we want you to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 1 8 pr8a figs-metaphor ὅτι καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ὑπὲρ δύναμιν ἐβαρήθημεν 1 We were so completely crushed beyond our strength Paul and Timothy refer to their emotions of despair being like a heavy weight they have to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 1 8 gu5b figs-activepassive ὑπερβολὴν…ἐβαρήθημεν 1 We were so completely crushed The word **burdened** refers to the feeling of despair. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We were in complete despair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 1 9 lks3 figs-metaphor αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς τὸ ἀπόκριμα τοῦ θανάτου ἐσχήκαμεν 1 we had the sentence of death on us Paul and Timothy are comparing their feeling of despair to that of someone condemned to die. Alternate translation: “we were in despair like someone who is condemned to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 1 9 i7up figs-ellipsis ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ 1 but in God The words “be putting our trust” are left out of this phrase. Alternate translation: “but instead, be putting our trust in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 1 9 bu2y figs-idiom τῷ ἐγείροντι τοὺς νεκρούς 1 who raises the dead Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “who causes the dead to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 1 10 x4kh figs-metaphor θανάτου 1 a deadly peril Paul compares his feeling of despair as a result of the troubles that they experienced to a **deadly peril** or terrible danger. Alternate translation: “despair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 1 10 mwn9 καὶ ἔτι ῥύσεται 1 he will continue to deliver us Alternate translation: “he also will continue to rescue us”
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2CO 1 11 q17d συνυπουργούντων καὶ ὑμῶν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τῇ δεήσει 1 as you also join together … on our behalf Alternate translation: “God will rescue us from danger as you, the people of the church of Corinth, also help us by praying with us”
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2CO 1 11 k1fl figs-activepassive τὸ εἰς ἡμᾶς χάρισμα 1 the gracious favor given to us If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the gracious favor which God has given to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 1 12 kqv3 figs-exclusive ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν…ἀνεστράφημεν 1 General Information: In these verses Paul uses the words **our**, **we**, and **ourselves** to refer to himself and Timothy and possibly others who served with them. These words do not include the people he was writing to. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 1 12 r9p8 ἡ γὰρ καύχησις ἡμῶν αὕτη ἐστίν 1 For our proud confidence is this The word **boasting** here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.
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2CO 1 12 c7mu figs-personification τὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως ἡμῶν 1 the testimony of our conscience Paul speaks of not being guilty as if his **conscience** were a person that could testify. Alternate translation: “we know by our conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
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2CO 1 12 c1bd figs-metonymy οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν χάριτι Θεοῦ 1 not relying on fleshly wisdom but on the grace of God. Here, **fleshly** represents human. Alternate translation: “We have not relied on human wisdom but on the grace of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 1 13 h21j figs-doublenegatives οὐ γὰρ ἄλλα γράφομεν ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ ἃ ἀναγινώσκετε ἢ καὶ ἐπιγινώσκετε 1 For we write no other things to you, but that which you read or also understand If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **no … but**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “You can read and understand everything we write to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 1 14 ma5m καύχημα ὑμῶν 1 your reason for boasting The word **boasting** here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.
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2CO 1 15 k1u9 0 Connecting Statement: Paul explains his sincere expectation with pure motives to come see the believers in Corinth after his first letter.
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2CO 1 15 n5ex ταύτῃ τῇ πεποιθήσει 1 with this confidence The word **this** refers to Paul’s previous comments about the Corinthians.
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2CO 1 15 y432 δευτέραν χάριν σχῆτε 1 you might have a second blessing Alternate translation: “you might benefit from me visiting you twice”
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2CO 1 16 mp6u ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν 1 to be sent on my way to Judea by you Alternate translation: “to assist me to continue on to Judea”
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2CO 1 17 zms7 figs-rquestion μήτι ἄρα τῇ ἐλαφρίᾳ ἐχρησάμην? 1 I did not then take it lightly, did I? Paul uses this question to emphasize he was sure about his decision to visit the Corinthians. The expected answer to the question is “no”. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I was not hesitating.” or “I was confident in my decision.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 1 17 chy9 figs-rquestion ἢ ἃ βουλεύομαι, κατὰ σάρκα βουλεύομαι, ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ? 1 Do I plan things according to human standards … at the same time? Paul uses this question to emphasize that his plans to visit the Corinthians were sincere. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to human standards, so that I would say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 1 17 fq3t figs-explicit ἢ ἃ βουλεύομαι, κατὰ σάρκα βουλεύομαι, ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ? 1 This means that Paul did not say both that he would visit and that he would not visit at the same time. Alternate translation: “I do not plan things according to fleshly planning, so that I say ‘Yes, I will certainly visit’ and ‘No, I will definitely not visit’ at the same time!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 1 17 y41z figs-doublet ἵνα ᾖ παρ’ ἐμοὶ τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ? 1 Do I plan things … so that I say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? The words **yes** and **no** are repeated for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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2CO 1 19 z4he figs-explicit ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ γὰρ Υἱὸς, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός…οὐκ ἐγένετο ναὶ καὶ οὒ, ἀλλὰ ναὶ ἐν αὐτῷ γέγονεν. 1 For the Son of God … is not “Yes” and “No.” Instead, he is always “Yes.” **Jesus** says “**Yes**” concerning the promises of God, which means that he guarantees that they are true. Alternate translation: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ … does not say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ concerning God’s promises. Instead, he always says ‘Yes.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 1 19 hd2t guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ…Υἱὸς 1 the Son of God **Son of God** is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
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2CO 1 20 h2xc figs-explicit ὅσαι…ἐπαγγελίαι Θεοῦ, ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί 1 all the promises of God are “Yes” in him This means that Jesus guarantees all of the **promises of God**. Alternate translation: “all the promises of God are guaranteed in Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 1 20 h4uv ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναί…δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 “Yes” in him … through him we say Both occurrences of the word **him** refer to Jesus Christ.
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2CO 1 21 d3s3 ὁ δὲ βεβαιῶν ἡμᾶς σὺν ὑμῖν εἰς Χριστὸν καὶ χρίσας ἡμᾶς Θεός 1 Now God is the one who establishes us with you This could mean: (1) Paul is saying that **God** confirms the relationship of him and his team with each other because they are **in Christ**. (2) Paul is saying that **God** confirms the relationship of him and his team, and the Corinthians, with **Christ**.
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2CO 1 21 tjc6 χρίσας ἡμᾶς 1 he anointed us This could mean: (1) he sent us to preach the gospel. (2) he chose us to be his people.
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2CO 1 22 z43l figs-metaphor ὁ καὶ σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς 1 the one who also sealed us Paul speaks of God showing that we belong to him as if God had put a mark on us as a sign that we belong to him. Alternate translation: “he has put his mark of ownership on us” or “he has shown that we belong to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 1 22 xe98 figs-metonymy δοὺς τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν 1 he gave us the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts Here the word **hearts** refers to the innermost part of a person. Alternate translation: “gave us the Spirit to live within each of us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 1 22 jcv7 figs-metaphor τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 the pledge of the Spirit The **Spirit** is spoken of as if he was a partial downpayment toward eternal life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 1 23 j8lc ἐγὼ δὲ μάρτυρα τὸν Θεὸν ἐπικαλοῦμαι ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχήν 1 Now I call God as a witness to my soul Here, to be **a witness** refers to a person telling what they have seen or heard in order to settle an argument. Alternate translation: “I ask God to show what I say is true”
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2CO 1 23 j15t ὅτι φειδόμενος ὑμῶν 1 so that I might spare you Alternate translation: “so that I might not cause you more suffering”
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2CO 1 24 cyu4 συνεργοί ἐσμεν τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν 1 we are fellow workers with you for your joy Alternate translation: “we are working with you so that you may have joy”
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2CO 1 24 cih8 figs-idiom τῇ…πίστει ἑστήκατε 1 you stand firm in the faith Here, **stand firm** can refer to something that does not change. Alternate translation: “remain firm in your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 2 intro hy3h 0 # 2 Corinthians 2 General Notes<br><br>## Special Concepts<br><br>### Harsh writing<br><br>In this chapter, Paul refers to a letter he previously wrote to the Corinthians. That letter had a harsh and corrective tone. Paul probably wrote it after the letter known as First Corinthians and before this letter. He implies that the church had to rebuke an erring member. Paul is now encouraging them to be gracious to that person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Aroma<br><br>A sweet aroma is a pleasing smell. Scripture often describes things that are pleasing to God as having a pleasing aroma.
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2CO 2 1 wh9c 0 Connecting Statement: Because of his great love for them, Paul makes it clear that his rebuke in his first letter to them (the rebuke of their acceptance of the sin of immorality) caused him pain as well as pain to the church people in Corinth and the immoral man.
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2CO 2 1 ij73 ἐν λύπῃ 1 in sorrow Alternate translation: “in circumstances that would cause you pain”
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2CO 2 2 nb6x figs-rquestion εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ λυπῶ ὑμᾶς, καὶ τίς ὁ εὐφραίνων με, εἰ μὴ ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ? 1 If I caused you pain, who could cheer me up but the very one who was hurt by me? Paul uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that neither he nor they would benefit if his coming to them would cause them pain. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If I caused you pain, the only ones who could cheer me up would be the very ones whom I had hurt.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 2 2 x2vr figs-activepassive ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ 1 the very one who was hurt by me If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the very one whom I had hurt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 2 3 kxu2 figs-explicit ἔγραψα τοῦτο αὐτὸ 1 I wrote this same thing Paul is referring to another letter that he had written to the Corinthian Christians, but which no longer exists. Alternate translation: “I wrote as I did in my previous letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 2 3 v87i figs-activepassive μὴ…λύπην σχῶ ἀφ’ ὧν ἔδει με χαίρειν 1 I might not be hurt by those who should have made me rejoice Paul is speaking about the behavior of certain Corinthian believers who caused him emotional pain. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who should have made me rejoice might not hurt me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 2 3 i5r6 ἡ ἐμὴ χαρὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐστιν 1 my joy is the same joy you all have Alternate translation: “what gives me joy is what gives you joy, too”
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2CO 2 4 uch7 ἐκ γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως 1 from great affliction Here the word **affliction** refers to emotional pain.
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2CO 2 4 vs7m figs-metonymy συνοχῆς καρδίας 1 with anguish of heart Here the word **heart** refers to the location of the emotions. Alternate translation: “with extreme sorrow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 2 4 d5vf διὰ πολλῶν δακρύων 1 with many tears Alternate translation: “with much crying”
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2CO 2 6 iy4r figs-activepassive ἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων 1 This punishment of that person by the majority is enough If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The punishment that the majority gave that person is sufficient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 2 6 wr3k figs-abstractnouns ἱκανὸν τῷ τοιούτῳ ἡ ἐπιτιμία αὕτη, ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word ** punishment**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The way that the majority has punished that person is enough” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 2 6 a7c4 ἱκανὸν 1 is enough Alternate translation: “is sufficient”
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2CO 2 7 vpx1 figs-activepassive μή πως τῇ περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ, καταποθῇ ὁ τοιοῦτος 1 he is not overwhelmed by too much sorrow This means to have a strong emotional response of too much sorrow. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We do not want too much sorrow to overwhelm him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 2 8 r916 0 Connecting Statement: Paul encourages the church in Corinth to show love and to forgive the person they have punished. He writes that he, also, has forgiven him.
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2CO 2 8 yi2z κυρῶσαι εἰς αὐτὸν ἀγάπην 1 publicly affirm your love for him This means that they are to confirm their **love** for this man in the presence of all of the believers.
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2CO 2 9 xw5t figs-explicit εἰς πάντα ὑπήκοοί ἐστε 1 you are obedient in everything This could mean: (1) the Corinthians **are obedient** to God **in everything**. (2) the Corinthians **are obedient** **in everything** that Paul has taught them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 2 10 cbm6 δι’ ὑμᾶς 1 forgiven for your sake This could mean: (1) they are forgiven out of Paul’s love for them. (2) they are forgiven for their benefit.
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2CO 2 11 m46t figs-doublenegatives οὐ γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὰ νοήματα ἀγνοοῦμεν 1 For we are not ignorant of his plans If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not ignorant**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “For we know his plans well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 2 12 l6vd 0 Connecting Statement: Paul encourages the believers in Corinth by telling them of the opportunities he has had to preach the gospel in Troas and Macedonia.
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2CO 2 12 a1ti figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ θύρας μοι ἀνεῳγμένης ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 a door for the gospel of Christ was opened to me in the Lord Paul speaks of his opportunity to preach the **gospel** as if it were a **door** through which he was allowed to walk. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 2 12 n9cr figs-activepassive εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ θύρας μοι ἀνεῳγμένης ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Lord indeed opened a door to me to preach the gospel of Christ” or “The Lord gave me the opportunity to preach the gospel of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 2 13 rjy9 οὐκ ἔσχηκα ἄνεσιν τῷ πνεύματί μου 1 I had no relief in my spirit Alternate translation: “My mind was troubled” or “I was worried”
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2CO 2 13 xd5h Τίτον τὸν ἀδελφόν μου 1 my brother Titus Paul speaks of **Titus** as his spiritual **brother**.
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2CO 2 13 wq6j ἀλλὰ ἀποταξάμενος αὐτοῖς 1 So I left them Alternate translation: “So I left the people of Troas”
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2CO 2 14 gpd2 figs-metaphor τῷ…Θεῷ…τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ 1 God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph Paul speaks of God as if he were a victorious general leading a victory parade and of himself and his coworkers as those who take part in that parade. This could mean: (1) God, who in Christ always causes us to share in his triumph. (2) God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph as those over whom he as gained victory. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 2 14 l1nr figs-metaphor τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ, φανεροῦντι δι’ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ 1 Through us he spreads the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere Paul speaks of the **knowledge** of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. Alternate translation: “He causes the knowledge of Christ to spread to everyone who hears us, just as the sweet smell of burning incense spreads to everyone near it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 2 14 eq21 φανεροῦντι…ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ 1 he spreads … everywhere Alternate translation: “he spreads … everywhere we go”
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2CO 2 15 x6nn figs-metaphor Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ 1 we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ Paul speaks of his ministry as if it were the pleasing smell of a burnt offering that someone offers to **God**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 2 15 b1k1 Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ 1 the sweet aroma of Christ This could refer to: (1) the sweet aroma which is the knowledge of **Christ**. (2) the sweet aroma that **Christ** offers.
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2CO 2 15 itc8 figs-activepassive τοῖς σῳζομένοις 1 those who are saved If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom God is saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 2 16 dwk6 figs-metaphor ὀσμὴ 1 an aroma This refers back to [2 Corinthians 2:14](../02/14.md), where Paul speaks of the knowledge of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. Alternate translation: “the knowledge of Christ is an aroma” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 2 16 ud2u figs-doublet ὀσμὴ ἐκ θανάτου εἰς θάνατον 1 an aroma from death to death This could mean: (1) the word **death** is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that causes death.” (2) this refers to an **aroma** of **death** that causes people to die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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2CO 2 16 v2n3 figs-activepassive οἷς 1 to the other If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to the ones whom God is saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 2 16 cdr3 figs-doublet ὀσμὴ ἐκ ζωῆς εἰς ζωήν 1 a fragrance from life to life This could mean: (1) the word **life** is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means “an aroma that gives life.” (2) this refers to an **aroma** of life that gives people **life**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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2CO 2 16 be6x figs-rquestion πρὸς ταῦτα τίς ἱκανός? 1 who is worthy of these things? Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is worthy to do the ministry that God has called them to do. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one is worthy of these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 2 17 a5sa figs-metonymy καπηλεύοντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 who sell the word of God Here, **word** is a metonym for “message.” Alternate translation: “who sell God’s message to make money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 2 17 x86y εἰλικρινείας 1 sincerity Alternate translation: “pure motives”
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2CO 2 17 u2zb κατέναντι Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ λαλοῦμεν 1 we speak in Christ Alternate translation: “we speak as people who are joined to Christ” or “we speak with the authority of Christ”
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2CO 2 17 q4dc figs-ellipsis κατέναντι Θεοῦ 1 before God Paul and his coworkers preach the gospel with the awareness that **God** is watching them. Alternate translation: “we speak in the presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 3 intro f7rh 0 # 2 Corinthians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul continues his defense. Paul views the Corinthian Christians as the proof of his work.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Law of Moses<br><br>Paul alludes to God giving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. This represents the law of Moses. The law was good because it came from God. But God punished the Israelites because they disobeyed it. This chapter may be difficult for translators to understand if the Old Testament has not yet been translated. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphors<br><br>Paul uses many metaphors used in this chapter to explain complex spiritual truths. It is unclear whether this makes Paul’s teachings easier or more difficult to understand. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “This is a covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit.”<br><br>Paul contrasts the old and new covenants. The new covenant is not a system of rules and regulations. Here, **Spirit** probably refers to the Holy Spirit. It may also refer to the new covenant being “spiritual” in nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])
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2CO 3 1 um8x figs-rquestion ἀρχόμεθα πάλιν ἑαυτοὺς συνιστάνειν? 1 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Paul uses this question to emphasize that they are not bragging about themselves. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We are not beginning to praise ourselves again!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 3 1 y8yc figs-rquestion ἢ μὴ χρῄζομεν, ὥς τινες, συστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἢ ἐξ ὑμῶν? 1 We do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people, do we? Paul used this question to express that the Corinthians already know about Paul and Timothy’s good reputation. The question prompts a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We certainly do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people do!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 3 1 ad1u συστατικῶν ἐπιστολῶν 1 letters of recommendation This refers to **letters** that people write to introduce and give their approval of someone else.
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2CO 3 2 ty59 figs-metaphor ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἡμῶν ὑμεῖς ἐστε 1 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation Paul speaks of the Corinthians as if they are a **letter** of recommendation. That they have become believers serves to validate Paul’s ministry to others. Alternate translation: “You yourselves are like our letter of recommendation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 2 v2e7 figs-metonymy ἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν 1 written on our hearts Here the word **hearts** refers to their thoughts and emotions. This could mean: (1) Paul and his coworkers are sure about the Corinthians being their letter of recommendation. (2) Paul and his coworkers care very deeply for the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 3 2 bu1u figs-activepassive ἐνγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν 1 written on our hearts If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form with “Christ” as the implied subject, or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which Christ has written on our hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 2 dr5k figs-activepassive γινωσκομένη καὶ ἀναγινωσκομένη ὑπὸ πάντων ἀνθρώπων 1 known and read by all people If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that all people can know and read” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 3 s717 figs-explicit ἐστὲ ἐπιστολὴ Χριστοῦ 1 you are a letter from Christ Paul clarifies that Christ is the one who has written the **letter**. Alternate translation: “you are a letter that Christ has written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 3 wrk4 διακονηθεῖσα ὑφ’ ἡμῶν 1 cared for by us Alternate translation: “brought by us”
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2CO 3 3 q96q ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος, οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις 1 It was written not with ink … on tablets of human hearts Paul clarifies that the Corinthians are like a spiritual letter, not like a letter that humans write with physical objects.
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2CO 3 3 vyuh figs-ellipsis ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 The verb “written” is implied in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “not written with ink, but written with the Spirit of the living God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 3 3 qt5g figs-activepassive ἐνγεγραμμένη οὐ μέλανι, ἀλλὰ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 It was written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not a letter that people wrote with ink but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 3 t5ah figs-ellipsis οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις 1 not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts The verb “written” is implied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “not a letter that was written on stone tablets, but a letter that was written on tablets of human hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 3 3 ih89 figs-activepassive οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις, ἀλλ’ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not a letter that people engraved on stone tablets but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote on tablets of human hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 3 u959 figs-metaphor πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις 1 tablets of human hearts Paul speaks of their **hearts** as if they are flat pieces of stone or clay upon which people engraved letters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 4 z7qx πεποίθησιν δὲ τοιαύτην ἔχομεν 1 such confidence This refers to what Paul has just said. His **confidence** comes from knowing that the Corinthians are the validation of his ministry before God.
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2CO 3 5 qye9 ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν ἱκανοί 1 competent in ourselves Alternate translation: “qualified in ourselves” or “sufficient in ourselves”
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2CO 3 5 e5e7 figs-explicit λογίσασθαί τι ὡς ἐξ ἑαυτῶν 1 to consider anything as coming from us Here the word **anything** refers to anything pertaining to Paul’s apostolic ministry. Alternate translation: “to claim that anything we have done in ministry comes from our own efforts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 5 wi1t ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 our competence is from God Alternate translation: “God gives us our sufficiency”
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2CO 3 6 dp6i figs-synecdoche καινῆς διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος 1 a new covenant, not of the letter Here the word **letter** means letters of the alphabet and refers to words that people write down. Alternate translation: “a covenant not based on commands that men have written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
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2CO 3 6 gbsc figs-explicit οὐ γράμματος 1 The phrase **the letter** alludes to the Old Testament law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 6 tc4u figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ Πνεύματος 1 but of the Spirit The Holy **Spirit** is the one who establishes God’s covenant with people. Alternate translation: “but a covenant based on what the Spirit does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 3 6 q4at figs-personification τὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει 1 the letter kills Paul speaks of the Old Testament law as a person who **kills**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
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2CO 3 6 one5 figs-explicit τὸ…γράμμα ἀποκτέννει 1 Following that law leads to spiritual death. Alternate translation: “the written law leads to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 7 lyf7 0 Connecting Statement: Paul contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the superiority and freedom of the new covenant. He contrasts the veil of Moses with the clarity of present revelation. The time of Moses was a less clear picture of what is now revealed.
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2CO 3 7 ut6r figs-irony εἰ δὲ ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου…ἐγενήθη ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε 1 Now if the ministry that produced death … came in such glory Paul emphasizes that although the law leads to **death**, it was still very glorious. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
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2CO 3 7 du65 figs-explicit ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου 1 the ministry that produced death Here, **the ministry of death** refers to the Old Testament law that God gave through Moses. Alternate translation: “the ministry that causes death because it is based on the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 7 j1hp figs-activepassive ἐν γράμμασιν ἐντετυπωμένη λίθοις 1 engraved in letters on stones If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God carved into stone with letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 7 r5p5 ἐν δόξῃ, ὥστε 1 in such glory Alternate translation: “in so much glory that”
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2CO 3 8 xxn6 figs-rquestion πῶς οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος ἔσται ἐν δόξῃ? 1 Will the ministry of the Spirit not be with much more glory? Paul uses this question to emphasize that the **ministry of the Spirit** does must be more glorious than “the ministry of death” because it leads to life. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “So the service that the Spirit does must be even more glorious!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 3 8 wq1v figs-explicit ἡ διακονία τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 the ministry of the Spirit Here, **the ministry of the Spirit** refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: “the ministry that gives life because it is based on the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 9 k779 figs-explicit τῇ διακονίᾳ τῆς κατακρίσεως 1 the ministry of condemnation Here, **the ministry of condemnation** refers to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: “the ministry that condemns people because it is based on the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 9 if33 figs-exclamations πολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ 1 how much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory! Here the phrase **much more** marks this phrase as an exclamation, not as a question. Alternate translation: “then the service of righteousness must abound in so much more glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
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2CO 3 9 e5zz figs-metaphor πολλῷ μᾶλλον περισσεύει ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης δόξῃ. 1 the ministry of righteousness abound in glory Paul speaks of **the ministry of righteousness** as if it were an object that could produce or multiply another object. He means that this ministry is far more glorious than the law, which also had **glory**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 9 ufq6 figs-explicit ἡ διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης 1 the ministry of righteousness Here, **the ministry of righteousness** refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: “the ministry that makes people righteous because it is based on the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 10 n4pe καὶ γὰρ οὐ δεδόξασται, τὸ δεδοξασμένον…εἵνεκεν τῆς ὑπερβαλλούσης δόξης 1 that which was once made glorious is no longer glorious … because of the glory that exceeds it The Old Testament law no longer appears **glorious** when compared with the new covenant, which is much more glorious.
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2CO 3 10 t2dq figs-activepassive τὸ δεδοξασμένον 1 that which was once made glorious If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the law which God once made glorious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 10 d7k5 ἐν τούτῳ τῷ μέρει 1 in this respect Alternate translation: “in this way”
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2CO 3 11 zwb2 figs-metaphor τὸ καταργούμενον 1 that which was fading away This refers to “the ministry of condemnation,” which Paul speaks of as if it were an object capable of disappearing. Alternate translation: “that which was becoming useless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 12 tnc1 ἔχοντες οὖν τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα 1 Since we have such a hope The word **Therefore** refers to what Paul has just said. His **hope** comes from knowing that the new covenant has an eternal glory.
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2CO 3 12 u5qa τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα 1 such a hope Alternate translation: “such confidence”
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2CO 3 13 p5u2 figs-explicit τὸ τέλος τοῦ καταργουμένου 1 the end of that which was fading away The refers to the glory that shined on Moses’ face. Alternate translation: “the glory on Moses’ face as it faded away completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 3 14 zvf5 figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ ἐπωρώθη τὰ νοήματα αὐτῶν 1 But their minds were hardened Paul speaks of the **minds** of the Israelite people as objects that could be closed or made hard. This expression means that they were unable to understand what they saw. Alternate translation: “But the Israelites could not understand what they saw” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 14 zm7j ἄχρι γὰρ τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας 1 For until this present day Here, **the present day** refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.
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2CO 3 14 w68p figs-metaphor τὸ αὐτὸ κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης μένει 1 when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains Just as the Israelites could not see the glory on Moses’ face because he covered his face with a **veil**, there is a spiritual veil that prevents people from understanding when they read the **old covenant**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 14 gg2d ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης 1 when they read the old covenant Alternate translation: “when they hear someone read the old covenant”
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2CO 3 14 gl8l figs-activepassive μὴ ἀνακαλυπτόμενον, ὅτι ἐν Χριστῷ καταργεῖται 1 It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away Here, **it** refers to “the same veil.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one removes the veil, because only in Christ does God remove it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 15 rjh5 ἀλλ’ ἕως σήμερον 1 But even today Here the word **today** refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.
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2CO 3 15 t3dl figs-metonymy ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς 1 whenever Moses is read Here the word **Moses** refers to the Old Testament law that Moses wrote down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 3 15 ip29 figs-activepassive ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whenever someone reads the Mosaic law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 15 gwp9 figs-metonymy κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται 1 a veil lies over their heart Here the word **heart** represents what people think. Alternate translation: “a veil prevents them from understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 3 15 bb5u figs-metaphor κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται 1 Here the people being unable to understand the old covenant is spoken of as if they have **a veil** that covers **their heart** the way a physical veil would cover their eyes. Alternate translation: “they are unable to understand what they are hearing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 16 k2dr figs-metaphor ἡνίκα…ἐὰν ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς Κύριον 1 whenever a person turns to the Lord Here, **turn to** is a metaphor that means to become loyal to someone. Alternate translation: “when a person starts to worship the Lord” or “when a person starts to trust in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 16 w1y2 figs-activepassive περιαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα 1 the veil is taken away God gives them the ability to understand. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God lifts the veil away” or “God gives them the ability to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 18 r6rx figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς δὲ πάντες 1 Now we all Here the word **we** refers to all believers, including Paul and the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 3 18 l3xw figs-metaphor ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ προσώπῳ, τὴν δόξαν Κυρίου κατοπτριζόμενοι 1 with unveiled faces, see as a reflection the glory of the Lord Unlike the Israelites who could not see God’s glory reflected on Moses’ face because he had covered it with a veil, there is nothing to prevent believers from seeing and understanding God’s **glory**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 3 18 rc9x figs-activepassive τὴν αὐτὴν εἰκόνα μεταμορφούμεθα 1 are being transformed into the same image The Spirit is changing believers to be glorious like Jesus. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Lord is transforming us into his same glorious likeness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 3 18 bx5b ἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν 1 from glory to glory This means that the Spirit is constantly increasing the **glory** of believers. Alternate translation: “from one amount of glory to another amount of glory”
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2CO 3 18 mw3v καθάπερ ἀπὸ Κυρίου 1 just as from the Lord Alternate translation: “just as this comes from the Lord”
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2CO 4 intro rx1c 0 # 2 Corinthians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter begins with the word “therefore.” This connects it to what the previous chapter teaches. How these chapters are divided may be confusing to the reader.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Ministry<br><br>Paul ministers to people by telling them about Christ. He does not try to trick people into believing. If they do not understand the gospel, it is because the problem is ultimately spiritual. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Light and darkness<br><br>The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>### Life and death<br><br>Paul does not refer here to physical life and death. Life represents the new life a Christian has in Jesus. Death represents the old way of living before believing in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/life]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Hope<br><br>Paul uses a repeated pattern in a purposeful way. He makes a statement. Then he denies a seemingly opposite or contradictory statement or gives an exception. Together these give the reader hope in difficult circumstances. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hope]])
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2CO 4 1 lyi4 0 Connecting Statement: Paul writes that he is honest in his ministry by preaching Christ, not praising himself. He shows the death and the life of Jesus in how he lives so that life can work in the Corinthian believers.
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2CO 4 1 ix7n figs-exclusive ἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν 1 having this ministry Both occurrences of the word **we** refers to Paul and his coworker, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 4 1 h1ud figs-explicit καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν 1 and just as we have received mercy This phrase explains how Paul and his coworkers have “this ministry.” It is a gift that God has given to them through his **mercy**. Alternate translation: “because God has shown us mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 4 2 yp4g ἀπειπάμεθα τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης 1 we have rejected the shameful hidden things This means that Paul and his coworkers refused to do secret and **shameful** things. It does not mean that they had done these things in the past.
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2CO 4 2 z4c2 figs-hendiadys τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης 1 the shameful hidden things The word **hidden** describes the things that people do secretly. Things that are **shameful** should cause people who do them to feel ashamed. Alternate translation: “the things that people do secretly because they cause shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
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2CO 4 2 ey75 περιπατοῦντες ἐν πανουργίᾳ 1 walking in craftiness Alternate translation: “living by deception”
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2CO 4 2 gp3g figs-metonymy μηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 not distorting the word of God Here, **word of God** is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “we do not mishandle God’s message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 4 2 lzn0 figs-doublenegatives μηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **nor distorting**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “we use the word of God correctly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 4 2 aj24 συνιστάνοντες ἑαυτοὺς πρὸς πᾶσαν συνείδησιν ἀνθρώπων 1 commending ourselves to every person’s conscience This means that they provide enough evidence for each person who hears them to decide whether they are right or wrong.
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2CO 4 2 f6n1 figs-metaphor ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 before God Here, **before God** refers to God’s presence. God’s understanding and approval of Paul’s truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. Alternate translation: “with God as witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 3 mti5 figs-metaphor εἰ δὲ καὶ ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν, ἐν τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον 1 But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing This refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 3:14](../03/14.md). There Paul explained that there is a spiritual **veil** that prevents people from understanding when they read the old covenant. In the same way, people are not able to understand the **gospel**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 3 hz2f figs-activepassive εἰ…ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν…ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον 1 if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if a veil covers our gospel, that veil covers it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 3 e5yu τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν 1 our gospel Alternate translation: “the gospel that we preach”
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2CO 4 4 r6pz figs-metaphor ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου ἐτύφλωσεν τὰ νοήματα τῶν ἀπίστων 1 the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving Paul speaks of the **minds** of unbelievers as if they had eyes, and their inability to understand as their minds being unable to see. Alternate translation: “the god of this world has prevented unbelievers from understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 4 tx9h ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου 1 the god of this world This phrase refers to Satan. Alternate translation: “the god who rules this world”
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2CO 4 4 z4yp figs-metaphor μὴ αὐγάσαι τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 they do not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ As the Israelites could not see God’s **glory** that shined on Moses’ face because he covered it with a veil ([2 Corinthians 3:13](../03/13.md)), unbelievers are not able to see Christ’s glory that shines in **the gospel**. This means that they are unable to understand “the gospel of the glory of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 4 j1vz τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 the light of the gospel Alternate translation: “the light that comes from the gospel”
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2CO 4 4 rdj3 τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the gospel of the glory of Christ Alternate translation: “the gospel about the Christ’s glory”
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2CO 4 5 ddw1 figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν Κύριον, ἑαυτοὺς δὲ δούλους ὑμῶν 1 but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants You can supply the missing verb for these phrases. Alternate translation: “but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and we proclaim ourselves as your servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 4 5 t8du διὰ Ἰησοῦν 1 for Jesus’ sake Alternate translation: “because of Jesus”
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2CO 4 6 rw5z ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψει 1 Light will shine out of darkness With this sentence, Paul refers to God creating **light**, as described in the book of Genesis.
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2CO 4 6 d5x7 figs-metaphor ὃς ἔλαμψεν…πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 He has shone … to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God Here, the illumination from the light represents the ability to understand. Just as God created light, he also creates understanding for believers. Alternate translation: “the one who caused light to shine … to enable us to understand the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 6 bj1j figs-metonymy ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν 1 in our hearts Here the word **hearts** refers to the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “in our minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 4 6 mpg9 πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the light of the knowledge of the glory of God Alternate translation: “to show us the knowledge of the glory of God”
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2CO 4 6 p736 figs-metaphor τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Just as God’s **glory** shone upon Moses’ face ([2 Corinthians 3:7](../03/07.md)), it also shines upon **the face of Jesus**. This means that when Paul preaches the gospel, people are able to see and understand the message about God’s glory. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 7 xe5i figs-exclusive ἔχομεν δὲ 1 But we have Here the word **we** refers to Paul and his coworkers, but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 4 7 xx2c figs-metaphor ἔχομεν…τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν 1 we have this treasure in jars of clay Paul speaks of the gospel as if it were a** treasure** and their bodies as if they were breakable **jars** made out of **clay**. This emphasizes that they are of little value compared to the worth of the gospel that they preach. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 8 ga9z figs-activepassive ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι 1 We are afflicted in every way If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People afflict us in every way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 9 bz8m figs-activepassive διωκόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐνκαταλειπόμενοι 1 We are persecuted but not forsaken If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people persecute us but God does not forsake us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 9 uvq1 figs-activepassive καταβαλλόμενοι, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι 1 We are struck down but not destroyed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people strike us down but do not destroy us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 10 zt4b figs-metaphor πάντοτε τὴν νέκρωσιν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι περιφέροντες 1 We always carry in our body the death of Jesus Paul speaks of his sufferings as if they are an experience of **the death of Jesus**. Alternate translation: “we are often in danger of dying, as Jesus died” or “we always suffer in such a way that we experience the death of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 10 l6f6 καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ 1 the life of Jesus also may be shown in our bodies This could mean: (1) our bodies will live again, because **Jesus** is alive. (2) the spiritual **life** that **Jesus** gives also may be shown in our bodies.
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2CO 4 10 w3jc figs-activepassive καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ 1 the life of Jesus also may be shown in our bodies If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “other people may also see the life of Jesus in our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 11 ht74 figs-metaphor ἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς, οἱ ζῶντες, εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν 1 For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for the sake of Jesus Here, **being handed over to death** represents being in danger of dying because of being loyal to Jesus. Alternate translation: “for those of us who are alive, God is always leading us to face death because we are joined to Jesus” or “for people are always causing us who are alive to be in danger of dying because we are joined to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 11 d1wm ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν 1 so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our mortal flesh God wants Jesus’ **life** to **be shown** in us. This could mean: (1) our bodies will live again, because Jesus is alive. (2) the spiritual life that Jesus gives also may be shown in our bodies. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Corinthians 4:10](../04/10.md).
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2CO 4 11 ww5r figs-activepassive ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν 1 so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our mortal flesh If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Corinthians 4:10](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “so other people may see the life of Jesus in our body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 12 q3il figs-personification ὁ θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν 1 death is at work in us, but life is at work in you Paul speaks of **death** and **life** as if they are persons who can **work**. This means that they are always in danger of physical death so that the Corinthians can have spiritual life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
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2CO 4 13 ret6 τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως 1 the same spirit of faith Here the word **spirit** refers a person’s attitude and temperament. Alternate translation: “the same attitude of faith”
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2CO 4 13 gzf4 figs-activepassive κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον 1 according to that which was written If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as the one who wrote these words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 13 il5h ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα 1 I believed, and so I spoke This is a quote from the Psalms.
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2CO 4 14 t2i8 figs-idiom ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ…ἐγερεῖ 1 that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will … raise Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “the one who caused the Lord Jesus to live again will also raise” or “God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 4 15 v7sj τὰ γὰρ πάντα δι’ ὑμᾶς 1 For all these things are for your sake Here, **all these things** refers to all of the sufferings that Paul has described in previous verses.
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2CO 4 15 l1mu figs-activepassive ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων 1 the grace that is abounding to more and more people If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as God spreads his grace to many more people, it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 15 u8pp figs-metaphor τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ 1 thanksgiving may increase Paul speaks of **thanksgiving** as if it were an object that could become larger by itself. Alternate translation: “more and more people may give thanks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 16 u6e5 0 Connecting Statement: Paul writes that the Corinthian difficulties are minor and do not last long when compared to the unseen eternal things.
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2CO 4 16 cb92 figs-doublenegatives διὸ οὐκ ἐνκακοῦμεν 1 So we do not become discouraged If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not … discouraged**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “So we remain confident” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 4 16 hhv6 figs-explicit ὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος διαφθείρεται 1 outwardly we are wasting away This refers to their physical bodies decaying and dying. Alternate translation: “our physical bodies are getting weak and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 4 16 s9b2 figs-explicit ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ 1 inwardly we are being renewed day by day This refers to their inward, spiritual lives getting stronger. Alternate translation: “our spiritual beings are being strengthened day by day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 4 16 zct5 figs-activepassive ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ 1 inwardly we are being renewed day by day If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God is renewing our inward being more each day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 17 pd63 figs-metaphor τὸ γὰρ παραυτίκα ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως ἡμῶν…αἰώνιον βάρος δόξης, κατεργάζεται ἡμῖν 1 this momentary, light affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory Paul speaks of his sufferings and the **glory** that God will give him as if they were objects that can be weighed. The glory far outweighs the suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 17 na9y figs-metaphor καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν 1 that exceeds all measurement The glory that Paul will experience is so heavy that no one can measure it. Alternate translation: “that cannot be measured” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 4 17 d9re figs-activepassive καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that no one can measure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 18 t2fp figs-activepassive τὰ βλεπόμενα, ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα 1 things that are seen … things that are unseen If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “things that we can see, but not the things that we cannot see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 4 18 f97x figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα 1 but for things that are unseen You can supply the verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: “but we are watching for things that are unseen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 5 intro s14p 0 # 2 Corinthians 5 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### New bodies in heaven<br><br>Paul knows that when he dies he will receive a much better body. Because of this, he is not afraid of being killed for preaching the gospel. So he tells others that they too can be reconciled to God. Christ will take away their sin and give them his righteousness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>### New creation<br><br>The old and new creation probably refers to how Paul illustrates the old and new self. These concepts are also the same as the old and new man. The term “old” probably does not refer to the sinful nature with which a person is born. It refers to the old way of living or the Christian formerly being bound to sin. The “new creation” is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Home<br><br>The Christian’s home is no longer in the world. A Christian’s real home is in heaven. By using this metaphor, Paul emphasizes that the Christian’s circumstances in this world are temporary. It gives hope to those who are suffering. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hope]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “The message of reconciliation”<br><br>This refers to the gospel. Paul calls for people who are hostile to God to repent and be reconciled to him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]])
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2CO 5 1 p7b7 0 Connecting Statement: Paul contrasts believers’ earthly bodies to the heavenly ones God will give.
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2CO 5 1 z4vs figs-metaphor ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ, οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἔχομεν 1 if the earthly dwelling that we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God Here a temporary **earthly dwelling** is a metaphor for a person’s physical body. Here a permanent “building from God” is a metaphor for the new body that God will give believers after they die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 1 zy2k figs-activepassive ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ 1 if the earthly dwelling that we live in is destroyed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if people destroy the earthly dwelling that we live in” or “if people kill our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 5 1 bqi5 figs-synecdoche οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 It is a house not made by human hands Here, **house** means the same thing as “building from God.” Here, **hands** is a synecdoche that represents the human as a whole. Alternate translation: “It is a house in heaven, not made by humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
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2CO 5 1 bbvr figs-activepassive οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It is a house in heaven that humans did not make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 5 2 tc2j ἐν τούτῳ στενάζομεν 1 in this tent we groan Here, **this** means the same thing as “the earthly dwelling that we live in.” The word **groan** is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good.
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2CO 5 2 ss6g figs-metaphor τὸ οἰκητήριον ἡμῶν τὸ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐπενδύσασθαι ἐπιποθοῦντες 1 longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling The words **our dwelling that is from heaven** means the same thing as “a building from God.” Paul speaks of the new body that believers receive after they die as if it were both a building and a piece of clothing that a person can put on. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 3 i4es ἐνδυσάμενοι 1 we have put it on Alternate translation: “by putting on our heavenly dwelling”
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2CO 5 3 ap7v figs-activepassive οὐ γυμνοὶ εὑρεθησόμεθα 1 we will not be found to be naked If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we will not be naked” or “God will not find us naked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 5 4 bz6k figs-metaphor οἱ ὄντες ἐν τῷ σκήνει 1 while we are in this tent Paul speaks of the physical body as if it were a **tent**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 4 e34b ἐν τῷ σκήνει, στενάζομεν 1 in this tent, we groan The word **tent** refers to “the earthly dwelling that we live in.” The word **groan** is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 5:2](../05/02.md).
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2CO 5 4 cjt4 figs-metaphor βαρούμενοι 1 being burdened Paul refers to the difficulties that the physical body experiences as if they were heavy objects that are difficult to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 4 f8rb figs-metaphor οὐ θέλομεν ἐκδύσασθαι…ἐπενδύσασθαι 1 We do not want to be unclothed … we want to be clothed Paul speaks of the body as if it were clothing for our spirit. Here, **to be unclothed** refers to the death of the physical body; “to be clothed” refers to having the resurrection body that God will give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 4 n78p ἐκδύσασθαι 1 to be unclothed Alternate translation: “to be without clothes” or “to be naked”
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2CO 5 4 de2b figs-metaphor ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς 1 so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life Paul speaks of **life** as if it were an animal that eats **the mortal**. The physical body that will die will be replaced by a resurrection body that will live forever. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 4 e5zi figs-activepassive ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς 1 so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that life may swallow up what is mortal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 5 5 g7yj figs-metaphor ὁ δοὺς ἡμῖν τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 who gave us the Spirit as the down payment The **Spirit** is spoken of as if he were a partial **down payment** toward eternal life. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 1:22](../01/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 6 clh5 0 Connecting Statement: Because believers will have a new body and have the Holy Spirit as a pledge, Paul reminds them to live by faith that they may please the Lord. He continues by reminding them to persuade others because: (1) believers will appear at the judgment seat of Christ. (2) Christ who died for believers in love.
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2CO 5 6 xv3m figs-metaphor ἐνδημοῦντες ἐν τῷ σώματι 1 being at home in the body Paul speaks of the physical **body** as if it were a place where a person dwells. Alternate translation: “while we are living in this earthly body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 6 ebl4 ἐκδημοῦμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου 1 we are away from the Lord Alternate translation: “we are not at home with the Lord” or “we are not in heaven with the Lord”
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2CO 5 7 rfn4 figs-metaphor διὰ πίστεως…περιπατοῦμεν, οὐ διὰ εἴδους 1 we walk by faith, not by sight Here, **walk** is a metaphor for “live” or “behave.” Alternate translation: “we live according to faith, not according to what we see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 8 a6au εὐδοκοῦμεν, μᾶλλον ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ τοῦ σώματος 1 we would rather be away from the body Here the word **body** refers to the physical body.
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2CO 5 8 i3m3 ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν Κύριον 1 at home with the Lord Alternate translation: “at home with the Lord in heaven”
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2CO 5 9 ml5j figs-ellipsis εἴτε ἐνδημοῦντες εἴτε ἐκδημοῦντες 1 whether we are at home or away The phrases “with the Lord” and “from the Lord” may be supplied from the previous verses. Alternate translation: “whether we are at home with the Lord or away from the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 5 9 j1sl εὐάρεστοι αὐτῷ εἶναι 1 to be pleasing to him Alternate translation: “to please the Lord”
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2CO 5 10 kdf2 ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ βήματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 before the judgment seat of Christ Alternate translation: “before Christ to be judged”
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2CO 5 10 c499 κομίσηται ἕκαστος 1 each one may receive back the things done in Alternate translation: “each person may receive what he deserves for”
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2CO 5 10 v8sl figs-activepassive τὰ διὰ τοῦ σώματος 1 the things done in the body If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the things he has done in the physical body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 5 10 lsh8 εἴτε ἀγαθὸν εἴτε κακὸν 1 whether for good or for bad Alternate translation: “whether those things were good or bad”
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2CO 5 11 dzh5 εἰδότες…τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου 1 knowing the fear of the Lord Alternate translation: “knowing what it means to fear the Lord”
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2CO 5 11 qm34 figs-explicit ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν 1 we persuade people This could mean: (1) **we persuade** people of the truth of the gospel. (2) **we persuade** people that we are legitimate apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 5 11 v11v figs-activepassive Θεῷ…πεφανερώμεθα 1 What we are is clearly seen by God If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God clearly sees what kind of people we are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 5 11 y5l1 καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι 1 that it is also clear to your conscience Alternate translation: “that you are also convinced of it”
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2CO 5 12 mza1 ἵνα ἔχητε 1 so you may have an answer Alternate translation: “so you may have something to say to”
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2CO 5 12 it2r figs-metonymy τοὺς ἐν προσώπῳ καυχωμένους, καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ 1 those who boast about appearances but not about what is in the heart Here the word **face** refers to outward expressions of things like ability and status. The word **heart** refers to the inward character of a person. Alternate translation: “those who praise their own actions, but do not care about what they really are in their inner being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 5 13 cy57 figs-idiom εἴτε…ἐξέστημεν…εἴτε σωφρονοῦμεν 1 if we are out of our minds … if we are in our right minds Paul is speaking about the way others think of him and his coworkers. Alternate translation: “if people think we are crazy … if people think we are sane” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 5 14 azi9 ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the love of Christ This could refer to: (1) our **love** for **Christ**. (2) Christ’s **love** for us.
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2CO 5 14 nd9g ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν 1 died for all Alternate translation: “died for all people”
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2CO 5 15 h831 τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι 1 him who for their sake died and was raised Alternate translation: “for him who for their sake died and whom God caused to live again” or “for Christ, who died for their sake and whom God raised”
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2CO 5 15 ri6f τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι 1 for them Here, **for the one** could refer: (1) only to **who died**. (2) to both **who died** and **was raised**.
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2CO 5 16 f2ww 0 Connecting Statement: Because of Christ’s love and death, we are not to judge by human standards. We are appointed to teach others how to be united with and have peace with God through Christ’s death and receive God’s righteousness through Christ.
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2CO 5 16 ic21 ὥστε 1 For this reason Here, **Therefore** refers to what Paul has just said about living for Christ instead of living for self.
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2CO 5 17 tl3h figs-metaphor καινὴ κτίσις 1 he is a new creation Paul speaks of the person who believes in Christ as if God had created **a new** person. Alternate translation: “he is a new person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 5 17 ue8f τὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν 1 The old things have passed away Here, **The old things** refers to the things that characterized a person before they trusted in Christ.
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2CO 5 17 vpe3 ἰδοὺ 1 See The word **behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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2CO 5 18 jyf7 τὰ…πάντα 1 All these things Here, **all these things** refers to what Paul has just said in the previous verse about new things replacing old things.
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2CO 5 18 lj2h figs-abstractnouns τὴν διακονίαν τῆς καταλλαγῆς 1 the ministry of reconciliation If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **reconciliation**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the ministry of reconciling people to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 5 19 w1d1 figs-metonymy ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ 1 in Christ God is reconciling the world to himself Here, **the world** refers to the people in the world. Alternate translation: “in Christ, God was reconciling mankind to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 5 19 b62q θέμενος ἐν ἡμῖν τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς 1 He is entrusting to us the message of reconciliation God has given Paul the responsibility to spread the message that God is reconciling people to himself.
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2CO 5 19 ix97 τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς 1 the message of reconciliation Alternate translation: “the message about reconciliation”
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2CO 5 20 wg8f figs-activepassive ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν 1 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has appointed us as Christ’s representatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 5 20 q9u9 ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ…πρεσβεύομεν 1 representatives of Christ Alternate translation: “we are those who speak for Christ”
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2CO 5 20 a6fx figs-activepassive καταλλάγητε τῷ Θεῷ 1 Be reconciled to God If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let God reconcile you to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 5 21 jp2a τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησεν 1 The one who did not know sin, he made sin for us Alternate translation: “God made Christ become the sacrifice for our sin”
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2CO 5 21 hz6z figs-exclusive ἡμῶν…ἡμεῖς 1 us … we Here the words **us** and **we** are inclusive and refer to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 5 21 ebz2 τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν 1 The one who did not know sin Alternate translation: “Christ, the one who never sinned”
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2CO 5 21 kmt9 figs-explicit ἵνα ἡμεῖς γενώμεθα δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ 1 so that we might become the righteousness of God in him The phrase **the righteousness of God** refers to the righteousness that God requires and which comes from God. Alternate translation: “so that we might have God’s righteousness in us through Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 6 intro f5qu 0 # 2 Corinthians 6 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 2 and 16-18, which are words from the Old Testament.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Servants<br><br>Paul refers to Christians as servants of God. God calls Christians to serve him in all circumstances. Paul describes some of the difficult circumstances in which he and his companions served God.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Contrasts<br><br>Paul uses four pairs of contrasts: righteousness versus lawlessness, light versus darkness, Christ versus Satan, and the temple of God versus idols. These contrasts show a difference between Christians and non-Christians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/darkness]])<br><br>### Light and darkness<br><br>The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions to teach his readers. All of these questions make essentially the same point: Christians should not intimately fellowship with those who live in sin. Paul repeats these questions for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### We<br><br>Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
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2CO 6 1 kf1d 0 Connecting Statement: Paul summarizes how working together for God is supposed to be.
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2CO 6 1 tbr6 figs-explicit συνεργοῦντες 1 Working together Paul is implying that he and Timothy are **working** with God. Alternate translation: “working together with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 6 1 s8db figs-doublenegatives καὶ, παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς 1 we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain Paul pleads with the Corinthians to allow the **grace of God** to be effective in their lives. If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not … in vain**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “we beg you to make use of the grace that you have received from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 6 2 u9kc figs-explicit λέγει γάρ 1 For he says This introduces a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. Alternate translation: “for God says in scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 6 2 sa94 ἰδοὺ 1 Look The word **Behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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2CO 6 3 v3wc figs-metaphor μηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν 1 We do not place a stumbling block in front of anyone Paul speaks of anything that would prevent a person from trusting in Christ as if it were a physical object over which that person trips and falls. Alternate translation: “we do not want to do anything that will prevent people from believing our message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 3 he3c figs-activepassive μὴ μωμηθῇ ἡ διακονία 1 our ministry might not The word **discredited** refers to people speaking badly about Paul’s ministry, and working against the message he proclaims. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no oner will be able to speak badly about our ministry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 6 4 xd9l figs-exclusive συνιστάντες 1 General Information: When Paul uses **we** here, he is referring to himself and Timothy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 6 4 p9up ἐν παντὶ συνιστάντες ἑαυτοὺς ὡς Θεοῦ διάκονοι 1 we commend ourselves in everything as God’s servants Alternate translation: “we prove that we are God’s servants by all that we do”
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2CO 6 4 xyf9 Θεοῦ διάκονοι: ἐν ὑπομονῇ πολλῇ, ἐν θλίψεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν στενοχωρίαις 1 God’s servants; in much endurance, affliction, distress, hardship Paul mentions these difficult situations in which they proved that they are **God’s servants**.
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2CO 6 6 w84c ἐν ἁγνότητι…ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ 1 in purity … in genuine love Paul lists several moral virtues that they maintained in difficult situations that proved that they are God’s servants.
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2CO 6 7 b6am ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας, ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ 1 in the word of truth, in the power of God Their dedication to preach the gospel **in the power of God** proves that they are God’s servants.
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2CO 6 7 dui6 ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας 1 in the word of truth Alternate translation: “by speaking God’s message about truth” or “by speaking God’s true message”
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2CO 6 7 p5l5 ἐν δυνάμει Θεοῦ 1 in the power of God Alternate translation: “by showing God’s power to people”
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2CO 6 7 ven8 figs-metaphor διὰ τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν 1 through the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left Paul speaks of their **righteousness** as if it is **weapons** that they use to fight spiritual battles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 7 ef5b τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης 1 the weapons of righteousness Alternate translation: “righteousness as our armor” or “righteousness as our weapons”
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2CO 6 7 ijr2 τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν 1 for the right hand and for the left This could mean: (1) there is a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other. (2) they are completely equipped for battle, able to fend off attacks from any direction.
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2CO 6 8 zi7d figs-merism 0 General Information: Paul lists several extremes of how people think about him and his ministry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
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2CO 6 8 e4pf figs-activepassive ὡς πλάνοι 1 as imposters If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people accuse us of being deceitful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 6 9 fcb5 figs-activepassive ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι 1 as if we were unknown and we are still well known If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as if people did not know us and yet people still know us well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 6 9 r1d9 figs-activepassive ὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι 1 as being punished, and yet not being killed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we work as if people are punishing us for our actions but not as if they have condemned us to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 6 11 v74j τὸ στόμα ἡμῶν ἀνέῳγεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 Our mouth has been opened to you Alternate translation: “We have spoken honestly to you”
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2CO 6 11 mv85 figs-metaphor ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται 1 our heart is opened wide Paul speaks of his great affection for the Corinthians as having a **heart** that is open. Alternate translation: “we love you very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 11 r815 figs-metonymy ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται 1 Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s emotions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 6 12 m2kq figs-metaphor οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν 1 Paul speaks of the Corinthians lack of love for him as if their **inner parts** were squeezed into a tight space. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 12 u4fz figs-activepassive οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν 1 You are not restrained by us If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We have not restrained you” or “We have not given you any reason to stop loving us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 6 12 xv9t figs-metonymy στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν 1 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your affections Here, **inner parts** is a metonym for a person’s emotions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 6 12 ecn4 figs-activepassive στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν 1 you are restrained in your affections If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but your own hearts are restraining you” or “but you have stopped loving us for your own reasons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 6 13 c6vp figs-metaphor πλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς 1 open yourselves wide also Paul urges the Corinthians to love him as he has loved them. Alternate translation: “love us back” or “love us much as we have loved you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 14 v7kk figs-doublenegatives μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες ἀπίστοις 1 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not … unbelievers**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “Only be tied together with believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 6 14 qd33 figs-metaphor μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες 1 be yoked together with Paul speaks of working **together** toward a common purpose as if it were two animals tied together to pull a plow or cart. Alternate translation: “Do not team up” or “Do not have a close relationship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 14 v7pw figs-rquestion τίς γὰρ μετοχὴ δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἀνομίᾳ 1 For what association does righteousness have with lawlessness? This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “For righteousness can have no association with lawlessness.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 6 14 xr52 figs-rquestion ἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος? 1 For what fellowship does light have with darkness? Paul asks this question to emphasize that **light** and **darkness** cannot coexist since light dispels darkness. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And light can have no fellowship with darkness!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 6 14 h9ks figs-metaphor ἢ τίς κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος? 1 The words **light** and **darkness** refer to the moral and spiritual qualities of believers and unbelievers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 15 r1vq figs-rquestion τίς δὲ συμφώνησις Χριστοῦ πρὸς Βελιάρ 1 What agreement can Christ have with Beliar? This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no agreement between Christ and Beliar!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 6 15 rm3r translate-names Βελιάρ 1 Beliar **Beliar** is another name for the devil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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2CO 6 15 z9iv figs-rquestion ἢ τίς μερὶς πιστῷ μετὰ ἀπίστου? 1 Or what share does a believer have together with an unbeliever? This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And a believer shares nothing in common with an unbeliever!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 6 16 y99x figs-rquestion τίς δὲ συνκατάθεσις ναῷ Θεοῦ μετὰ εἰδώλων? 1 And what agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And there is no agreement between the temple of God and idols!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 6 16 s3l8 figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος 1 we are the temple of the living God Here, **we** refers not only to Paul and his associates, but includes all Christians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 6 16 aqql figs-metaphor ἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος 1 Paul speaks of Christians as forming a **temple** for **God** to dwell in. Alternate translation: “we are like the temple where the living God dwells” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 16 u5g3 figs-parallelism ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω 1 I will dwell among them and walk among them. This is an Old Testament quotation that speaks of God being with the people in two different ways that mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
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2CO 6 16 g0nl figs-metaphor ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐνπεριπατήσω 1 The words **dwell among** speak of living where others live, while the words **walk among** speak of being with them as they go about their lives. Alternate translation: “I will be with them and help them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 6 17 fe1z 0 General Information: Paul quotes portions from the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah and Ezekiel.
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2CO 6 17 z5ld figs-activepassive ἀφορίσθητε 1 be separate If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “set yourselves apart” or “allow me to set you apart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 6 17 c8jq figs-doublenegatives ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε 1 Touch no unclean thing If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **no unclean**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “touch only things that are clean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 7 intro hg36 0 # 2 Corinthians 7 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>In verses 2-4, Paul finishes his defense. He then writes about Titus’ return and the comfort it brought.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Clean and unclean<br><br>Christians are “clean” in the sense that God has cleansed them from sin. They do not need to be concerned with being clean according to the law of Moses. Ungodly living can still make a Christian unclean. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/clean]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>### Sadness and sorrow<br><br>The words “sad” and “sorrow” in this chapter indicate that the Corinthians were upset to the point of repenting. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### We<br><br>Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.<br><br>### Original situation<br><br>This chapter discusses in detail a previous situation. We can figure out some aspects of this situation from the information in this chapter. But it is best not to include this type of implicit information in a translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 7 1 h5xv ἀγαπητοί 1 Beloved Alternate translation: “you whom I love” or “dear friends”
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2CO 7 1 fv49 καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς 1 let us cleanse ourselves Here Paul is saying to stay away from any form of sin that would affect one’s relationship with God.
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2CO 7 1 c2xf ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην 1 perfecting holiness Alternate translation: “striving to be holy”
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2CO 7 1 pt41 ἐν φόβῳ Θεοῦ 1 in the fear of God Alternate translation: “out of deep respect for God”
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2CO 7 2 v4nu 0 Connecting Statement: Having already warned the people of Corinth about other leaders who were striving to get these Corinthian believers to follow them, Paul reminds the people of the way he feels about them.
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2CO 7 2 x3lg figs-explicit χωρήσατε ἡμᾶς 1 Make room for us This refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 6:11](../06/11.md) about them opening their hearts to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 7 2 c2yz figs-metaphor χωρήσατε ἡμᾶς 1 Paul speaks of the Corinthians loving him as if they were opening their hearts to him. Alternate translation: “Make room for us in your hearts” or “Love us and accept us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 7 3 bhb7 πρὸς κατάκρισιν οὐ λέγω 1 I do not speak for your condemnation Here, Paul refers back to what he has just said about not having wronged anyone. Alternate translation: “I do not say this to accuse you of having done wrong.”
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2CO 7 3 fay3 figs-metaphor ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν ἐστε 1 you are in our hearts Paul speaks of his and his associates’ great love for the Corinthians as if they held them in their hearts. Alternate translation: “you are very dear to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 7 3 xzg3 figs-idiom εἰς τὸ συναποθανεῖν καὶ συνζῆν 1 for us to die together and to live together This means that Paul and his associates will continue to love the Corinthians no matter what happens. Alternate translation: “whether we live or whether we die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 7 4 mh12 figs-activepassive πεπλήρωμαι τῇ παρακλήσει 1 I am filled with encouragement If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You fill me with comfort” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 7 4 mx9b figs-metaphor ὑπερπερισσεύομαι τῇ χαρᾷ 1 I overflow with joy Paul speaks of **joy** as if it is a liquid that fills him until he overflows. Alternate translation: “I am extremely joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 7 4 mr75 ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν 1 even in all our afflictions Alternate translation: “despite all our hardships”
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2CO 7 5 f3c5 figs-exclusive ἐλθόντων ἡμῶν εἰς Μακεδονίαν 1 When we came to Macedonia Here the word **we** refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Corinthians or Titus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 7 5 c8ju figs-synecdoche οὐδεμίαν ἔσχηκεν ἄνεσιν ἡ σὰρξ ἡμῶν 1 our flesh had no rest Here, **our flesh** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “we had no rest” or “we were very tired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
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2CO 7 5 h3cv figs-activepassive ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι 1 we were troubled in every way If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we experienced every kind of trouble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 7 5 i4wr figs-explicit ἔξωθεν μάχαι, ἔσωθεν φόβοι 1 by conflicts on the outside and fears on the inside Here, **without** could mean: (1) “outside of our bodies.” (2) “outside of the church.” The word **within** refers to their inward emotions. Alternate translation: “by conflicts with other people and by fears within ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 7 7 w7td figs-explicit ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει ᾗ παρεκλήθη ἐφ’ ὑμῖν 1 by the comfort that Titus had received from you Paul received **comfort** from knowing that the Corinthians had **comforted** Titus. Alternate translation: “by learning about the comfort that Titus had received from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 7 8 b2xj ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη 1 General Information: This refers to Paul’s previous **letter** to these Corinthian believers where he rebuked them for their acceptance of a believer’s sexual immorality with his father’s wife.
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2CO 7 8 vk7m βλέπω ὅτι ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἐκείνη 1 when I saw that my letter Alternate translation: “when I learned that my letter”
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2CO 7 9 kn5q figs-activepassive οὐχ ὅτι ἐλυπήθητε 1 not because you were distressed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not because what I said in my letter distressed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 7 9 l6d2 figs-idiom ἐν μηδενὶ ζημιωθῆτε ἐξ ἡμῶν 1 you would not suffer loss in anything through us This means that although the letter caused them sorrow, they eventually benefited from the letter because it led them to repentance. Alternate translation: “so that we did not harm you in any way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 7 10 dtm3 figs-ellipsis ἡ γὰρ κατὰ Θεὸν λύπη, μετάνοιαν εἰς σωτηρίαν…ἐργάζεται 1 For the sorrow that God intends produces repentance that leads to salvation The word **repentance** may be repeated to clarify its relationship to what precedes it and what follows it. Alternate translation: “For godly sorrow produces repentance, and repentance leads to salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 7 10 lc4m ἀμεταμέλητον 1 without regret This could mean: (1) Paul has no **regret** that he caused them sorrow because that sorrow led to their repentance and salvation. (2) the Corinthians will not **regret** experiencing sorrow because it led to their repentance and salvation.
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2CO 7 10 lc1s figs-explicit ἡ δὲ τοῦ κόσμου λύπη, θάνατον κατεργάζεται 1 But the sorrow of the world produces death This kind of **sorrow** leads to **death** instead of salvation because it does not produce repentance. Alternate translation: “Worldly sorrow, however, leads to spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 7 11 gpp2 figs-exclamations ἀλλὰ ἀπολογίαν 1 what earnestness, what eagerness to defend yourselves Here the word **what** makes this statement an exclamation. Alternate translation: “your determination to prove you were innocent was very great!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
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2CO 7 11 h6jc figs-activepassive ἀλλὰ ἐκδίκησιν 1 what avenging of wrong If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that someone should carry out justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 7 12 i6sn figs-activepassive τοῦ φανερωθῆναι τὴν σπουδὴν ὑμῶν, τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 your good will toward us should be made known to you in the sight of God If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that you would know that your good will toward us is sincere” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 7 12 ycy7 ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 before God Here, **before God** refers to God’s presence. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/02.md).
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2CO 7 13 kn2q figs-activepassive διὰ τοῦτο παρακεκλήμεθα 1 For this reason we are encouraged Here the phrase **this reason** refers to the way the Corinthians responded to Paul’s previous letter, as he described in the previous verse. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “This is what encourages us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 7 13 v2g6 figs-activepassive ἀναπέπαυται τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ πάντων ὑμῶν 1 his spirit was refreshed by all of you Here the word **spirit** refers to a person’s temperament and disposition. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all of you refreshed his spirit” or “all of you made him stop worrying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 7 14 b4uq ὅτι εἴ τι αὐτῷ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κεκαύχημαι 1 For if I boasted to him about you Alternate translation: “For although I boasted to him about you”
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2CO 7 14 m22c οὐ κατῃσχύνθην 1 I was not embarrassed Alternate translation: “you did not disappoint me”
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2CO 7 14 q5hg ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν ἡ ἐπὶ Τίτου ἀλήθεια ἐγενήθη 1 our boasting about you to Titus proved to be true Alternate translation: “you proved to Titus that our boasting about you was true”
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2CO 7 15 d87j figs-abstractnouns τὴν πάντων ὑμῶν ὑπακοήν 1 the obedience of all of you If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **obedience**, you could express the same idea with the verb, “obey.” Alternate translation: “how all of you obeyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 7 15 g9bz figs-doublet μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐδέξασθε αὐτόν 1 you welcomed him with fear and trembling Here, **fear** and **trembling** share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: “you welcomed him with great reverence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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2CO 7 15 q47h μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου 1 with fear and trembling This could refer to: (1) great reverence for God. (2) great reverence for Titus.
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2CO 8 intro kl7m 0 # 2 Corinthians 8 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Chapters 8 and 9 begin a new section. Paul writes about how churches in Greece helped needy believers in Jerusalem.<br><br>Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 15.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Gift to the church in Jerusalem<br><br>The church in Corinth started preparing to give money to the poor believers in Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia also had given generously. Paul sends Titus and two other believers to Corinth to encourage the Corinthians to give generously. Paul and the others will carry the money to Jerusalem. They want people to know it is being done honestly.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### We<br><br>Paul likely uses the pronoun “we” to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. These words in verse 2 are a paradox: “the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity.” In verse 3 Paul explains how their poverty produced riches. Paul also uses riches and poverty in other paradoxes. ([2 Corinthians 8:2](../08/02.md))
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2CO 8 1 mm8g 0 Connecting Statement: Having explained his changed plans and his ministry direction, Paul talks about giving.
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2CO 8 1 d1mj figs-activepassive τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δεδομένην ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Μακεδονίας 1 the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the grace that God has given to the churches of Macedonia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 8 2 fsq8 figs-personification ἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν καὶ ἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν, ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν 1 the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity Paul speaks of **joy** and **poverty** as if they were living things that can produce generosity. Alternate translation: “because of the people’s great joy and extreme poverty, they have become very generous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
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2CO 8 2 b7k5 figs-metaphor ἡ περισσεία τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτῶν 1 the abundance of their joy Paul speaks of **joy** as if it were a physical object that could increase in size or quantity. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 8 2 pr8c ἡ κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν…τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν 1 their deep poverty … the riches of their generosity Though the churches of Macedonia have suffered testings of affliction and **poverty**, by God’s grace, they have been able to collect money for the believers in Jerusalem.
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2CO 8 2 z6mt τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς ἁπλότητος αὐτῶν 1 the riches of their generosity The word **riches** emphasizes the greatness of their generosity. Alternate translation: “a very great generosity”
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2CO 8 4 nmw8 figs-explicit τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους 1 this ministry to the saints Paul is referring to providing money to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “this ministry of providing for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 8 6 z42y καθὼς προενήρξατο 1 he had already begun this task Paul is referring to the collection of money from the Corinthians for the believers in Jerusalem.
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2CO 8 6 vn4u figs-explicit καὶ ἐπιτελέσῃ εἰς ὑμᾶς καὶ τὴν χάριν ταύτην 1 he would complete among you this act of grace Titus was to help the Corinthians to complete the collection of money. Alternate translation: “he should encourage you to finish collecting and giving your generous gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 8 7 fpe1 figs-metaphor ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ χάριτι περισσεύητε 1 you should abound in this act of grace Paul speaks of the Corinthian believers as if they should produce physical goods. Alternate translation: “make sure you do well in giving for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 8 8 wn2k figs-explicit διὰ τῆς ἑτέρων σπουδῆς…τὸ τῆς ὑμετέρας ἀγάπης γνήσιον δοκιμάζων 1 to test … through the diligence of others Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously by comparing them with the generosity of the Macedonian churches. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 8 9 c1ch τὴν χάριν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 the grace of our Lord In this context, the word **grace** emphasizes the generosity with which Jesus had blessed the Corinthians.
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2CO 8 9 iz6z figs-metaphor δι’ ὑμᾶς ἐπτώχευσεν, πλούσιος ὤν 1 though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor Paul speaks of Jesus before his incarnation as **being rich**, and of his becoming human as becoming **poor**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 8 9 j5ym figs-metaphor ὑμεῖς τῇ ἐκείνου πτωχείᾳ πλουτήσητε 1 through his poverty you might become rich Paul speaks of the Corinthians becoming spiritually **rich** as a result of Jesus becoming human. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 8 10 b7ht figs-explicit ἐν τούτῳ 1 In this matter Here the word **this** refers to Corinthians collecting money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “with regard to the collection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 8 11 fc27 figs-abstractnouns καθάπερ ἡ προθυμία τοῦ θέλειν 1 there was the readiness of your desire If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **readiness**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “just as you were eager and desired to do it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 8 11 d6ly καὶ τὸ ἐπιτελέσαι 1 there may be the completion Alternate translation: “complete it” or “finish it”
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2CO 8 12 k9wh καθὸ ἐὰν ἔχῃ 1 according to whatever a person has Alternate translation: “if it is proportional to what the person giving has”
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2CO 8 13 mp6k 0 For this This verse refers back to collecting money for the believers in Jerusalem.
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2CO 8 13 smk2 figs-activepassive ἵνα ἄλλοις ἄνεσις, ὑμῖν θλῖψις 1 for the ease of others, and your affliction If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you may relieve others and burden yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 8 13 ktd1 ἐξ ἰσότητος 1 for the sake of equality Alternate translation: “so that there would be equality”
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2CO 8 14 v7aj ἵνα καὶ τὸ ἐκείνων περίσσευμα γένηται εἰς τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα 1 This is also so that their abundance may supply your need Since the Corinthians are acting in the present time, it is implied that the believers in Jerusalem will also help them at some time in the future. Alternate translation: “this is also so that in the future their abundance may supply your need”
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2CO 8 15 ue8w figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 as it is written Here Paul quotes from Exodus. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language.If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as Moses wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 8 15 u28y figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἠλαττόνησεν 1 did not have too little If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not … too little**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “had all he needed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 8 16 cr18 figs-synecdoche τῷ διδόντι τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ Τίτου 1 who put into Titus’ heart the same earnest care that I have for you Here, **heart** refers to the emotions. This means that God caused Titus to love them. Alternate translation: “the one who made Titus care for you as much as I do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
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2CO 8 16 vsm3 τὴν αὐτὴν σπουδὴν 1 same earnest care Alternate translation: “the same enthusiasm” or “same deep concern”
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2CO 8 17 e4xn figs-explicit ὅτι τὴν μὲν παράκλησιν ἐδέξατο 1 For he not only accepted our appeal Paul is referring to his asking Titus to return to Corinth and complete the collection. Alternate translation: “For he not only agreed to our request that he help you with the collection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 8 18 rje2 μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 with him Alternate translation: “with Titus”
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2CO 8 18 jll9 figs-activepassive τὸν ἀδελφὸν, οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος…διὰ πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν 1 the brother who is praised among all of the churches If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the brother whom believers among all of the churches praise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 8 19 j9rk οὐ μόνον 1 Not only this Alternate translation: “not only do believers among all of the churches praise him”
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2CO 8 19 c667 figs-activepassive καὶ χειροτονηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν 1 he also was selected by the churches If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the churches also selected him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 8 19 k7dy σὺν τῇ χάριτι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν 1 along with this act of grace which is being administered by us This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to carry out this act of generosity”
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2CO 8 19 v22x προθυμίαν ἡμῶν 1 our readiness Alternate translation: “our eagerness to help”
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2CO 8 20 a3ps figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῇ ἁδρότητι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν 1 concerning this generosity that we are carrying out This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **administration**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “concerning the way we are handling this generous gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 8 21 n4x1 προνοοῦμεν γὰρ καλὰ 1 For we considered beforehand what is right Alternate translation: “We are careful to handle this gift in an honorable way”
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2CO 8 21 ey5n ἐνώπιον Κυρίου…ἐνώπιον ἀνθρώπων 1 before the Lord … before people Alternate translation: “in the Lord’s opinion … in people’s opinion”
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2CO 8 22 d3yj αὐτοῖς 1 with them The word **them** refers to Titus and the previously mentioned brother.
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2CO 8 23 mmi2 κοινωνὸς ἐμὸς καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς συνεργός 1 he is my partner and fellow worker for you Alternate translation: “he is my partner who works with me to help you”
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2CO 8 23 lat3 ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν 1 As for our brothers Here, **our brothers** refers to the two other men who will accompany Titus.
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2CO 8 23 u8lx figs-activepassive ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν 1 they are sent by the churches If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the churches have sent them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 8 23 a8v2 figs-abstractnouns δόξα Χριστοῦ 1 an honor to Christ If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **glory**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they will cause people to honor Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 9 intro lt8d 0 # 2 Corinthians 9 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 9, which is quoted from the Old Testament.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphors<br><br>Paul uses three agricultural metaphors. He uses them to teach about giving to needy believers. The metaphors help Paul explain that God will reward those who give generously. Paul does not say how or when God will reward them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/reward]])
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2CO 9 1 wc5l 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues on the subject of giving. He wants to make sure that the collection of their offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem takes place before he comes so that it does not seem as though he takes advantage of them. He talks about how giving blesses the giver and glorifies God.
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2CO 9 1 fxs3 figs-explicit τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους 1 the ministry that is for the saints This refers to the collection of money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the ministry for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 9 2 rd2g translate-names Ἀχαΐα 1 General Information: When Paul refers to **Achaia**, he is talking about a Roman province located in southern Greece where Corinth is located. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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2CO 9 2 i529 figs-metonymy Ἀχαΐα παρεσκεύασται 1 Achaia has been ready Here the word **Achaia** refers to the people who live in this province, and specifically to the people of the church in Corinth. Alternate translation: “the people of Achaia have been preparing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 9 3 r5pp τοὺς ἀδελφούς 1 the brothers Here, **the brothers** refers to Titus and the two men who accompany him.
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2CO 9 3 k1er μὴ τὸ καύχημα ἡμῶν, τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, κενωθῇ 1 our boasting about you may not be futile Paul does not want others to think that the things that he had boasted about the Corinthians were false.
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2CO 9 4 j8ey εὕρωσιν ὑμᾶς ἀπαρασκευάστους 1 find you unprepared Alternate translation: “find you unprepared to give”
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2CO 9 5 q1up figs-go τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, ἵνα προέλθωσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς 1 the brothers they they would come to you From Paul’s perspective, **the brothers** are going. Alternate translation: “the brothers to come to you beforehand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
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2CO 9 5 nm2n figs-activepassive μὴ ὡς πλεονεξίαν 1 not as forced If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not as something that we forced you to give” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 9 6 mm9w figs-metaphor ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει; καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις, ἐπ’ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει 1 the one who sows … will also reap in blessings Paul uses the image of a farmer sowing seeds to describe the results of giving. As a farmer’s harvest is based on how much he **sows**, so will God’s **blessings** be little or much based on how generously the Corinthians give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 9 7 tzt4 figs-metonymy καθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ 1 let each one give as he has decided in his heart Here, **heart** refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “just as he has determined” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 9 7 whg6 figs-abstractnouns μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης 1 not reluctantly or under compulsion If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words **sorrow** and **compulsion**, you could express the same idea with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “not because he feels guilty or because someone is compelling him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 9 7 t26d ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ Θεός 1 for God loves a cheerful giver God wants people to give gladly to help provide for fellow believers.
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2CO 9 8 cz9b figs-metaphor δυνατεῖ δὲ ὁ Θεὸς, πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς 1 God is able to make all grace overflow for you Here, **grace** is spoken of as if it were a physical object of which a person can have more than he can use. As a person gives financially to other believers, **God** also gives to the giver everything he needs. Alternate translation: “God is able to give you more than you need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 9 8 zxz9 χάριν 1 grace Here, **grace** refers to the physical things a Christian needs, not to the need for God to save him from his sins.
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2CO 9 8 u8w6 περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν 1 you may abound in every good work Alternate translation: “so that you may be able to do more and more good deeds”
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2CO 9 9 mma1 figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 just as it is written If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “This is just as the writer wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 9 10 p3fl ὁ…ἐπιχορηγῶν 1 He who supplies Alternate translation: “God who supplies”
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2CO 9 10 b1xe figs-metonymy ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν 1 bread for food Here the word **bread** refers to **food** in general. Alternate translation: “food to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 9 10 uts1 figs-metaphor χορηγήσει καὶ πληθυνεῖ τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν 1 will supply and multiply your seed for sowing Paul speaks of the Corinthians’ possessions as if they are seeds and of giving to others as if they were **sowing** seeds. Alternate translation: “will also supply and multiply your possessions so that you can sow them by giving them to others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 9 10 ci67 figs-metaphor αὐξήσει τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν 1 will increase the fruits of your righteousness Paul compares the benefits that the Corinthians will receive from their generosity to that of a harvest. Alternate translation: “God will bless you even more for your righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 9 10 yv67 τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν 1 the fruits of your righteousness Here, **righteousness** refers to the righteous actions of the Corinthians in giving their resources to the believers in Jerusalem.
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2CO 9 11 eey1 figs-activepassive πλουτιζόμενοι 1 enriching you If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will enrich you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 9 11 b3e5 figs-explicit ἥτις κατεργάζεται δι’ ἡμῶν, εὐχαριστίαν τῷ Θεῷ 1 which produces thanksgiving to God through us The word **which** refers to the Corinthian’s generosity. Alternate translation: “Because of your generosity, those who receive the gifts we bring them will thank God” or “and when we give your gifts to those who need them, they will give thanks to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 9 12 l7kq figs-explicit ὅτι ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας ταύτης 1 For the ministry of this service Here, **service** refers to Paul and his companions bringing the contribution to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “For our carrying out this service for the believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 9 12 esk7 figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ καὶ περισσεύουσα διὰ πολλῶν εὐχαριστιῶν τῷ Θεῷ 1 but is also overflowing into many acts of thanksgiving to God Paul speaks of the Corinthian believers’ act of service as if it were a liquid of which there is more than a container can hold. Alternate translation: “It also causes many deeds for which people will thank God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 9 13 plj4 figs-activepassive διὰ τῆς δοκιμῆς τῆς διακονίας ταύτης 1 Because of the proof of this ministry If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Because this service has tested and proven you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 9 13 ze14 δοξάζοντες τὸν Θεὸν ἐπὶ τῇ ὑποταγῇ τῆς ὁμολογίας ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἁπλότητι τῆς κοινωνίας εἰς αὐτοὺς καὶ εἰς πάντας 1 they glorify God for your obedience … the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone Paul says that the Corinthians will **glorify God** both by being faithful to Jesus and by giving generously to other believers who have need.
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2CO 9 15 es8c ἐπὶ τῇ ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ αὐτοῦ δωρεᾷ 1 for his inexpressible gift This **gift** could refer to: (1) “the very great grace” that God has given to the Corinthians, which has led them to be so generous. (2) Jesus Christ, whom God gave to all believers.
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2CO 10 intro abcd 0 # 2 Corinthians 10 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 17.<br><br>In this chapter, Paul returns to defending his authority. He also compares the way he speaks and the way he writes.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Boasting<br><br>“Boasting” is often thought of as bragging, which is not good. But in this letter “boasting” means confidently exulting or rejoicing.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphor<br><br>In verses 3-6, Paul uses many metaphors from war. He probably uses them as part of a larger metaphor about Christians being spiritually at war. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Flesh<br><br>“Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for a person’s sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])
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2CO 10 1 yc1g 0 Connecting Statement: Paul shifts the subject from giving to affirming his authority to teach as he does.
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2CO 10 1 gq7j figs-abstractnouns διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 by the meekness and gentleness of Christ If your language does not use abstract noun for the ideas behind the word **meekness** and **gentleness**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “I am humble and gentle as I do so, because Christ has made me that way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 10 2 i6hh τοὺς λογιζομένους ἡμᾶς 1 those who regard Alternate translation: “who think of us”
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2CO 10 2 ik1p figs-metonymy ὡς κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας 1 as walking according to the flesh Here, **flesh** is a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “are acting from human motives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 10 3 cvd6 figs-metaphor ἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες 1 we walk in the flesh Here, **walking** is a metaphor for “living.” Alternate translation: “we live our lives in the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 3 zbet figs-metonymy ἐν σαρκὶ…περιπατοῦντες 1 Here, **flesh** is a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: “we live our lives in physical bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 10 3 k7h8 figs-metaphor οὐ…στρατευόμεθα 1 we do not wage war Paul speaks of his trying to persuade the Corinthians to believe him and not the false teachers as if he were fighting a physical **war**. These words should be translated literally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 3 gpd3 figs-metonymy οὐ κατὰ σάρκα στρατευόμεθα 1 wage war according to the flesh The word **flesh** is: (1) a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: “fight against our enemies using physical weapons” (2) a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “wage war in sinful ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 10 4 uf5s figs-metaphor τὰ…ὅπλα τῆς στρατείας ἡμῶν οὐ σαρκικὰ, ἀλλὰ δυνατὰ τῷ Θεῷ πρὸς καθαίρεσιν ὀχυρωμάτων, λογισμοὺς καθαιροῦντες 1 the weapons we fight with … for pulling down arguments Paul speaks of godly wisdom showing human wisdom to be false as if it were a weapon with which he was destroying an enemy stronghold. Alternate translation: “the weapons we fight with … show people that what our enemies say is completely wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 4 d1gj figs-metonymy οὐ σαρκικὰ 1 are not fleshly The word **fleshly** is: (1) a metonym for merely physical. Alternate translation: “are not physical” (2) a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: “are not sinful” or “do not enable us to do wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 10 5 xuz9 πᾶν ὕψωμα ἐπαιρόμενον 1 every high thing that rises up Paul is still speaking with the metaphor of a war, as if “the knowledge of God” were an army and **every high thing** were a wall that people had made to keep the army out. Alternate translation: “every false argument that proud people think of to protect themselves”
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2CO 10 5 b74d πᾶν ὕψωμα 1 every high thing Alternate translation: “everything that proud people do”
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2CO 10 5 vm1a figs-metaphor ἐπαιρόμενον κατὰ τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 rises up against the knowledge of God Paul speaks of arguments as if they were a wall standing high against an army. The phrase **rises up** mean “stands tall,” not that the “high thing” is floating up into the air. Alternate translation: “people use so they will not have to know who God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 5 r2yz figs-metaphor αἰχμαλωτίζοντες πᾶν νόημα εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 We take every thought captive into obedience to Christ Paul speaks of people’s thoughts as if they were enemy soldiers whom he captures in battle. Alternate translation: “we show how all the false ideas those people have are wrong and teach the people to obey Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 6 m4ds figs-metonymy ἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν 1 to avenge every act of disobedience Here, **act of disobedience** is a metonym for the people who commit those acts. Alternate translation: “punish every one of you who disobey us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 10 7 y2yb figs-rquestion τὰ κατὰ πρόσωπον βλέπετε 1 You are looking at the appearance of things This could be: (1) a command. (2) a statement. Alternate translation: “You are looking only at what you can see with your eyes.” Some think this is a rhetorical question that may also be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Are you looking at what is clearly in front of you?” or “You seem unable to see what is clearly in front of you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 10 7 z1t5 τοῦτο λογιζέσθω πάλιν ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῦ 1 let him remind himself Alternate translation: “he needs to remember”
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2CO 10 7 f3i9 καθὼς αὐτὸς Χριστοῦ, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς 1 that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we Alternate translation: “we belong to Christ just as much as he does”
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2CO 10 8 d4zu figs-metaphor εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν ὑμῶν 1 to build you up and not to destroy you Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. Alternate translation: “to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 9 nw6e ἂν ἐκφοβεῖν ὑμᾶς 1 I would terrify you Alternate translation: “I am trying to frighten you”
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2CO 10 11 m6m6 τοῦτο λογιζέσθω ὁ τοιοῦτος 1 Let such a one consider this Alternate translation: “I want such people to be aware”
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2CO 10 11 g58z οἷοί ἐσμεν τῷ λόγῳ δι’ ἐπιστολῶν ἀπόντες, τοιοῦτοι καὶ παρόντες τῷ ἔργῳ 1 what we are in the words of our letters when we are absent is what we will be in our actions when we are there Alternate translation: “we will do the same things when we are there with you that we have written about in our letters while we have been away from you”
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2CO 10 11 kb55 figs-exclusive ἐσμεν 1 we are Here, **we** refers to Paul’s ministry team but not to the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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2CO 10 12 k94z ἐνκρῖναι ἢ συνκρῖναι ἑαυτούς, τισιν 1 to group or compare ourselves Alternate translation: “to say we are as good as some”
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2CO 10 12 i85y figs-parallelism αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες καὶ συνκρίνοντες ἑαυτοὺς ἑαυτοῖς 1 they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with each other Both of these clauses mean essentially the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
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2CO 10 12 n8sx figs-metaphor αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἑαυτοὺς μετροῦντες 1 they measure themselves by one another Paul is speaking of goodness as though it were something whose length people could **measure**. Alternate translation: “they look at each other and try to see who is better” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 12 zwl5 οὐ συνιᾶσιν 1 have no understanding Alternate translation: “show everyone that they do not know anything”
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2CO 10 13 x79x figs-metaphor 0 General Information: Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules, those things over which he has authority as being within the borders or “limits” of his land, and those things not under his authority as being beyond the “limits.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 13 a4ud figs-idiom οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχησόμεθα 1 will not boast beyond limits This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will not boast about things over which we have no authority” or “will boast only about things over which we have authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 10 13 u84l κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος, οὗ ἐμέρισεν ἡμῖν ὁ Θεὸς 1 according to the measure of the area that God has assigned to us Alternate translation: “about things under the authority that God has given us to do”
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2CO 10 13 fx2b figs-metaphor μέτρου, ἐφικέσθαι ἄχρι καὶ ὑμῶν 1 a measure that reached even as far as you Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules. Alternate translation: “and you are within the border of our authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 10 14 ay6h οὐ…ὑπερεκτείνομεν ἑαυτούς 1 we are not overextending ourselves Alternate translation: “we did not go beyond our borders”
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2CO 10 15 hu9l figs-idiom οὐκ εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα καυχώμενοι 1 Neither do we boast beyond limits about This is an idiom. See how similar words were translated in [2 Corinthians 10:13](../10/13.md). Alternate translation: “And we have not boasted about things over which we have no authority” or “We have not boasted only about things over which we have authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 10 16 raq7 ἀλλοτρίῳ κανόνι 1 another person’s area Alternate translation: “an area that God has assigned to someone else”
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2CO 10 17 q8cc ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω 1 boast in the Lord Alternate translation: “let … boast about what the Lord has done”
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2CO 10 18 h81t ὁ ἑαυτὸν συνιστάνων 1 who commends himself This means that he provides enough evidence for each person who hears him to decide whether he is right or wrong. See how “recommend ourselves” is translated in [2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/02.md).
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2CO 10 18 n5v6 figs-activepassive οὐ…ἐστιν δόκιμος 1 is approved If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is not whom the Lord approves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 10 18 sy2r figs-ellipsis ὃν ὁ Κύριος συνίστησιν 1 the one whom the Lord commends You can make explicit the understood information. Alternate translation: “the one whom the Lord recommends is the one of whom the Lord approves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 11 intro abce 0 # 2 Corinthians 11 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>In this chapter, Paul continues defending his authority.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### False teaching<br><br>The Corinthians were quick to accept false teachers. They taught things about Jesus and the gospel that were different and not true. Unlike these false teachers, Paul sacrificially served the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]])<br><br>### Light<br><br>Light is commonly used in the New Testament as a metaphor. Paul here uses light to indicate the revealing of God and his righteousness. Darkness describes sin. Sin seeks to remain hidden from God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/darkness]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphor<br><br>Paul begins this chapter with an extended metaphor. He compares himself to the father of a bride who is giving a pure, virgin bride to her bridegroom. Wedding practices change depending on the cultural background. But the idea of helping to present someone as a grown and holy child is explicitly pictured in this passage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>### Irony<br><br>This chapter is full of irony. Paul is hoping to shame the Corinthian believers with his irony.<br><br>“You tolerate these things well enough!” Paul thinks that they should not tolerate the way the false apostles treated them. Paul does not think they are really apostles at all.<br><br>The statement, “For you gladly put up with fools. You are wise yourselves!” means that the Corinthian believers think they were very wise but Paul does not agree.<br><br>“I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that.” Paul is speaking about behavior he thinks is very wrong in order to avoid it. He is speaking as if he thinks he is wrong for not doing it. He uses a rhetorical question also as irony. “Did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>In refuting the false apostles claiming to be superior, Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions. Each question is coupled with an answer: “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were out of my mind.) I am more.”<br><br>He also uses a series of rhetorical questions to empathize with his converts: “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who has caused another to fall into sin, and I do not burn within?”<br><br>### “Are they servants of Christ?”<br><br>This is sarcasm, a special type of irony used to mock or insult. Paul does not believe these false teachers actually serve Christ, only that they pretend to do so.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 30 is a paradox: “If I must boast, I will boast about what shows my weaknesses.” Paul does not explain why he would boast in his weakness until 2 Corinthians 12:9. ([2 Corinthians 11:30](../11/30.md))
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2CO 11 1 r4q6 ἀνείχεσθέ μου μικρόν τι ἀφροσύνης 1 bear with me in a little bit of foolishness Alternate translation: “you would allow me allow me to act like a fool”
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2CO 11 2 m6vl ζηλῶ…ὑμᾶς Θεοῦ ζήλῳ 1 jealous … jealousy These words speak of a good, strong desire that the Corinthians be faithful to Christ, and that no one should persuade them to leave him.
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2CO 11 2 ee9i figs-metaphor ἡρμοσάμην γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἀνδρὶ, παρθένον ἁγνὴν παραστῆσαι τῷ Χριστῷ 1 for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ Paul speaks of his care for the Corinthian believers as if he had **promised** another man that he would prepare his daughter to marry him and he is most concerned that he be able to keep his promise to the man. Alternate translation: “for I was like a father who promised to present his daughter to one husband. I promised to keep you as a pure virgin so I could give you to Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 3 l2hr φοβοῦμαι δὲ, μή πως ὡς ὁ ὄφις ἐξηπάτησεν Εὕαν ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτοῦ, φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἁπλότητος καὶ τῆς ἁγνότητος τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστόν 1 But I am afraid that somehow … the sincerity and the purity that are in Christ Alternate translation: “But I am afraid that somehow your thoughts might be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness”
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2CO 11 3 m5zn figs-metaphor φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν 1 your thoughts might be led astray Paul speaks of **thoughts** as if they were animals that people could lead along the wrong path. Alternate translation: “someone might cause you to believe lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 4 wq57 εἰ μὲν γὰρ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 For if one who comes Alternate translation: “When anyone comes and”
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2CO 11 4 l7m8 πνεῦμα ἕτερον…ὃ οὐκ ἐλάβετε, ἢ εὐαγγέλιον ἕτερον ὃ οὐκ ἐδέξασθε 1 or you receive a different spirit which you did not receive, or you receive a different gospel which you did not accept Alternate translation: “a different spirit than the Holy Spirit, or a different gospel than you received from us”
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2CO 11 4 fs5z καλῶς ἀνέχεσθε 1 you are bearing with it well See how these words were translated in [2 Corinthians 11:1](../11/01.md). Alternate translation: “you are dealing correctly with these things”
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2CO 11 5 eet1 figs-irony τῶν ὑπέρλίαν ἀποστόλων 1 those super-apostles Paul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say there are. Alternate translation: “those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
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2CO 11 6 f8d1 figs-litotes οὐ τῇ γνώσει 1 I am not untrained in knowledge This negative phrase emphasizes the positive truth that he is trained in knowledge. Alternate translation: “I am certainly trained in knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
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2CO 11 6 n7xy figs-abstractnouns οὐ τῇ γνώσει 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **knowledge**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I am trained to know what they know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 11 7 un9v figs-rquestion ἢ ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησα ἐμαυτὸν ταπεινῶν, ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑψωθῆτε, ὅτι δωρεὰν τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγέλιον εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν? 1 Or did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted? Paul is beginning to claim that he treated the Corinthians well. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I think we agree that I did not sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 11 7 ax51 δωρεὰν τὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγέλιον εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν 1 freely preached the gospel of God to you Alternate translation: “I preached the gospel of God to you without expecting anything from you in return”
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2CO 11 8 k6ds figs-hyperbole ἄλλας ἐκκλησίας ἐσύλησα 1 I robbed other churches This is an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul received money from **churches** who were not obligated to give to him. Alternate translation: “I accepted money from other churches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
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2CO 11 8 a416 figs-explicit τὴν ὑμῶν διακονίαν 1 the ministry to you The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I could serve you at no cost” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 11 9 a23k οἱ ἀδελφοὶ ἐλθόντες 1 the brothers who came These **brothers** were probably all male.
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2CO 11 9 fc6l figs-metaphor ἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω 1 In everything I have kept myself from being a burden to you Paul speaks of someone for whom one has to spend money as if they were heavy items that people have to carry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 9 sqcf figs-explicit ἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω 1 The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I have done all I can to make sure you do not have to spend money so that I can be with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 11 9 b35r ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν…ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω 1 I will continue to do that Alternate translation: “I never will be a burden to you”
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2CO 11 10 si2r ἔστιν ἀλήθεια Χριστοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ 1 the truth of Christ is in me Paul is emphasizing that because his readers know that he tells the **truth** about **Christ**, they can know that he is telling the truth here. “As surely as you know that I truly know and proclaim the truth about Christ, you can know that what I am about to say is true”
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2CO 11 10 nae3 figs-activepassive ἡ καύχησις αὕτη οὐ φραγήσεται εἰς ἐμὲ 1 this boasting of mine will not be silenced If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to make me stop boasting and stay silent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 11 10 ua2i ἡ καύχησις αὕτη…εἰς ἐμὲ 1 this boasting of mine This refers to what Paul spoke about starting in ([2 Corinthians 11:7](../11/07.md)).
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2CO 11 11 zqu5 figs-rquestion διὰ τί? ὅτι οὐκ ἀγαπῶ ὑμᾶς? 1 Why? Because I do not love you? Paul uses rhetorical questions to emphasize love for the Corinthians. These questions can be combined or made into a statement. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can combine them or express them as statements. Alternate translation: “Is it because I do not love you that I do not want to be a burden to you?” or “I will continue to keep you from paying for my needs because this shows others that I love you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 11 11 rj6f figs-ellipsis ὁ Θεὸς οἶδεν 1 God knows You can make explicit the understood information. Alternate translation: “God knows I love you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 11 12 d9sl figs-metaphor ἵνα ἐκκόψω τὴν ἀφορμὴν τῶν θελόντων ἀφορμήν, ἵνα ἐν ᾧ καυχῶνται, εὑρεθῶσιν καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς 1 in order that I may take away the opportunity Paul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can carry away. Alternate translation: “so that I might make it impossible for those who are trying to get people to regard them as highly as they respect us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 12 t4js figs-activepassive εὑρεθῶσιν 1 they may be regarded as equal to us If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will think highly of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 11 13 ml66 οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι 1 For such people Alternate translation: “I do what I do because people like them”
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2CO 11 13 nq3t ἐργάται δόλιοι 1 deceitful workers Alternate translation: “dishonest workers”
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2CO 11 13 y896 μετασχηματιζόμενοι εἰς ἀποστόλους 1 disguising themselves as apostles Alternate translation: “are not apostles, but they try to make themselves look like apostles”
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2CO 11 14 v9z4 figs-litotes οὐ θαῦμα 1 no wonder By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many “false apostles” ([2 Corinthians 11:13](../11/13.md)). Alternate translation: “we should expect this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
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2CO 11 14 ss7s αὐτὸς…ὁ Σατανᾶς μετασχηματίζεται εἰς ἄγγελον φωτός 1 Satan disguises himself as an angel of light Alternate translation: “Satan is not an angel of light, but he tries to make himself look like an angel of light”
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2CO 11 14 mld4 figs-metaphor ἄγγελον φωτός 1 an angel of light Here, **light** is a metaphor for righteousness. Alternate translation: “an angel of righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 15 fvx7 figs-litotes οὐ μέγα…εἰ 1 it is no great thing By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many “false apostles” ([2 Corinthians 11:13](../11/13.md)). Alternate translation: “we should certainly expect to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
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2CO 11 15 sb58 καὶ οἱ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ μετασχηματίζονται ὡς διάκονοι δικαιοσύνης 1 his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness Alternate translation: “his servants are not servants of righteousness, but they try to make themselves look like servants of righteousness”
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2CO 11 16 s962 γε κἂν ὡς ἄφρονα δέξασθέ με, ἵνα κἀγὼ μικρόν τι καυχήσωμαι 1 receive me as a fool so I may boast a little Alternate translation: “receive me as you would receive a fool: let me talk, and consider my boasting the words of a fool”
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2CO 11 18 t4ic figs-metonymy κατὰ σάρκα 1 according to the flesh Here the metonym **flesh** refers to man in his sinful nature and his achievements. Alternate translation: “about their own human achievements” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 11 19 u8f3 ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων 1 put up with the foolish See how a similar phrase was translated in [2 Corinthians 11:1](../11/01.md). Alternate translation: “you … accept me when I act like a fool”
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2CO 11 19 si6l figs-irony φρόνιμοι ὄντες 1 being wise Paul is shaming the Corinthians by using irony. Alternate translation: “thinking that you are wise, even through you are not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
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2CO 11 20 zmfo figs-hyperbole εἴ τις ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ, εἴ τις κατεσθίει 1 Paul is using exaggeration when he speaks of some people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves or devouring them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
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2CO 11 20 lu7d figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ 1 enslaves you Paul speaks of people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves. Alternate translation: “makes you follow rules they have thought of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 20 sr4n figs-metaphor κατεσθίει 1 he consumes you Paul speaks of the super-apostles’ taking people’s material resources as if they were eating the people themselves. Alternate translation: “takes all your property” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 20 yn5t λαμβάνει 1 takes advantage of you A person **takes advantage of** another person by knowing things that the other person does not and using that knowledge to help himself and harm the other person.
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2CO 11 21 n8s9 figs-irony κατὰ ἀτιμίαν λέγω ὡς ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠσθενήκαμεν! 1 I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that Paul is using irony to tell the Corinthians that it was not because he was **weak** that he treated them well. Alternate translation: “I am not ashamed to say that we had the power to harm you, but we treated you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
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2CO 11 21 v8a3 ἐν ᾧ…ἄν τις τολμᾷ…τολμῶ κἀγώ 1 Yet if anyone boasts … I too will boast Alternate translation: “in whatever anyone boasts about … I will dare to boast about it also”
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2CO 11 22 jdq8 figs-rquestion Ἑβραῖοί εἰσιν? κἀγώ. Ἰσραηλεῖταί εἰσιν? κἀγώ. σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ εἰσιν? κἀγώ. 1 Are they Hebrews? … Are they Israelites? … Are they descendants of Abraham? Paul is asking and answering questions the Corinthians might be asking to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “They want you to think they are important and to believe what they say because they are Hebrews and Israelites and descendants of Abraham. Well, so am I!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 11 23 a4tz figs-rquestion διάκονοι Χριστοῦ εἰσιν? (παραφρονῶν λαλῶ), ὑπὲρ ἐγώ 1 Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were out of my mind.) I am more Paul continues asking and answering questions the Corinthians might be asking to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “They say they are servants of Christ—I speak as though I were out of my mind—but I am more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 11 23 bq23 παραφρονῶν λαλῶ 1 as though I were out of my mind Alternate translation: “I speak as though I were unable to think well”
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2CO 11 23 vy54 figs-ellipsis ὑπὲρ ἐγώ 1 I am more You can make explicit the understood information. Alternate translation: “I am more a servant of Christ than they are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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2CO 11 23 s8wq ἐν κόποις περισσοτέρως 1 in even more hard work Alternate translation: “I have worked harder”
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2CO 11 23 dr6x ἐν φυλακαῖς περισσοτέρως 1 in far more imprisonments Alternate translation: “I have been in prisons more often”
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2CO 11 23 cs3f figs-idiom ἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως 1 in beatings beyond measure Here, **beyond measure** is an idiom that means he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: “I have been beaten very many times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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2CO 11 23 qdcm figs-hyperbole ἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως 1 This is exaggerated to emphasize that he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: “I have been beaten too many times to bother counting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
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2CO 11 23 r6jv ἐν θανάτοις πολλάκις 1 in facing many dangers of death Alternate translation: “and I have almost died many times”
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2CO 11 24 ttz2 τεσσεράκοντα παρὰ μίαν 1 forty lashes minus one This was a common expression for being whipped 39 times. In Jewish law the most they were allowed to whip a person at one time was forty lashes. So they commonly whipped a person thirty-nine times so that they would be guilty of whipping someone too many times if the accidentally counted wrong.
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2CO 11 25 u9xc figs-activepassive ἐραβδίσθην 1 I was beaten with rods If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people beat me with wooden rods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 11 25 xk9w figs-activepassive ἐλιθάσθην 1 I was stoned If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people threw stones at me until they thought I was dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 11 25 b4kz νυχθήμερον ἐν τῷ βυθῷ πεποίηκα 1 I have spent a night and a day on the open sea Paul was referring to floating in the water after the ship he was on sank.
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2CO 11 26 b3j9 figs-explicit κινδύνοις ἐν ψευδαδέλφοις 1 in danger from false brothers The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and in danger from people who claimed to be brothers in Christ, but who betrayed us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 11 27 ds5h figs-hyperbole γυμνότητι 1 nakedness Here Paul exaggerates to show his need of clothing. Alternate translation: “without enough clothing to keep me warm” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
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2CO 11 28 n1q5 figs-metaphor ἡ ἐπίστασίς μοι ἡ καθ’ ἡμέραν, ἡ μέριμνα πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν 1 there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety Paul knows that God will hold him responsible for how well the **churches** obey God and speaks of that knowledge as if it were a heavy object pushing him down. Alternate translation: “I know that God will hold me accountable for the spiritual growth of all the churches, and so I always feel like a heavy object is pushing me down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 29 fvz6 figs-rquestion τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ? 1 Who is weak, and I am not weak? This rhetorical question emphasizes that Paul cares about people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone is weak, I feel that weakness also.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 11 29 hhb2 figs-metaphor τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ? 1 Who is weak, and I am not weak? The word **weak** is probably a metaphor for a spiritual condition, but no one is sure what Paul is speaking of, so it is best to use the same word here. Alternate translation: “I am weak whenever anyone else is weak.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 29 g5am figs-metaphor τίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι? 1 Who has been caused to stumble, and I do not burn? Here Paul’s anger is spoken of as a burning inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 29 bdd4 figs-rquestion τίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι? 1 Paul uses this question to express his anger when a fellow believer is caused to sin. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone causes a brother to sin, I am angry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 11 29 xu57 figs-metaphor σκανδαλίζεται 1 has been caused to stumble Paul speaks of sin as if it were tripping over something and then falling. Alternate translation: “has been led to sin” or “has thought that God would permit him to sin because of something that someone else did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 11 30 gxe6 τὰ τῆς ἀσθενείας 1 what shows my weaknesses Alternate translation: “what shows how weak I am”
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2CO 11 31 yx8z figs-litotes οὐ ψεύδομαι 1 I am not lying Paul is using litotes to emphasize that he is telling the truth. Alternate translation: “I am telling the absolute truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
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2CO 11 32 n383 ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἁρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν πόλιν 1 the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city Alternate translation: “the governor whom King Aretas had appointed had told men to guard the city”
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2CO 11 32 j7de πιάσαι με 1 to arrest me Alternate translation: “so that they might catch and arrest me”
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2CO 11 33 i8xa figs-activepassive ἐν σαργάνῃ, ἐχαλάσθην 1 I was lowered in a basket If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “some people put me in a basket and lowered me to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 11 33 aw7d figs-metonymy τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ 1 from his hands Paul uses the governor’s **hands** as metonymy for the governor. Alternate translation: “from the governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 12 intro abcf 0 # 2 Corinthians 12 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul continues defending his authority in this chapter.<br><br>When Paul was with the Corinthians, he proved himself to be an apostle by his powerful deeds. He had not ever taken anything from them. Now that he is coming for the third time, he will still not take anything. He hopes that when he visits, he will not need to be harsh with them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]])<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Paul’s vision<br><br>Paul now defends his authority by telling about a wonderful vision of heaven. Although he speaks in the third person in verses 2-5, verse 7 indicates that he was the person who experienced the vision. It was so great, God gave him a physical handicap to keep him humble. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])<br><br>### Third heaven<br><br>Many scholars believe the “third” heaven is the dwelling place of God. This is because Scripture also uses “heaven” to refer to the sky (the “first” heaven) and the universe (the “second” heaven).<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>Paul uses many rhetorical questions as he defends himself against his enemies who accused him: “For how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that I was not a burden to you?” “Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same way? Did we not walk in the same steps?” and “Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>### Sarcasm<br><br>Paul uses sarcasm, a special type of irony, when he reminds them how he had helped them at no cost. He says, “Forgive me for this wrong!” He also uses regular irony when he says: “But, since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceit.” He uses it to introduce his defense against this accusation by showing how impossible it was to be true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A “paradox” is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 5 is a paradox: “I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.” Most people do not boast about being weak. This sentence in verse 10 is also a paradox: “For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” In verse 9, Paul explains why both of these statements are true. ([2 Corinthians 12:5](../12/05.md))
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2CO 12 1 iwn3 0 Connecting Statement: In defending his apostleship from God, Paul continues to state specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.
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2CO 12 1 iur3 ἐλεύσομαι…εἰς 1 I will go on to Alternate translation: “I will continue talking, but now about”
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2CO 12 1 rb42 figs-hendiadys ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις Κυρίου 1 visions and revelations from the Lord This could mean: (1) Paul uses the words **visions** and **revelations** to mean the same thing in hendiadys for emphasis. Alternate translation: “things that the Lord has allowed only me to see” (2) Paul is speaking of two different things. Alternate translation: “secret things that the Lord has let me see with my eyes and other secrets that he has told me about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
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2CO 12 2 cz7u οἶδα ἄνθρωπον ἐν Χριστῷ 1 I know a man in Christ Paul is actually speaking of himself as if he were speaking of someone else, but this should be translated literally if possible.
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2CO 12 2 fth2 εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα 1 whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know Paul continues to describe himself as if this happened to another person. “I do not know if this man was in his physical body or in his spiritual body”
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2CO 12 2 k4aw τρίτου οὐρανοῦ 1 the third heaven Here, the **third heaven** refers to the dwelling place of God rather than the sky or outer space (the planets, stars, and the universe).
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2CO 12 4 qv5h ἡρπάγη εἰς τὸν Παράδεισον 1 was caught up into paradise Paul continues his account of what happened to “this man” (verse 3). If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God took this man into **paradise**. (2) an angel took this man into **paradise**. If possible, it would be best not to name the one who took the man: “someone took him up to paradise” or “they took him up to paradise.”
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2CO 12 4 wm7y ἡρπάγη 1 caught up Here, **caught up** refers to being suddenly and forcefully held and taken.
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2CO 12 4 ic45 τὸν Παράδεισον 1 paradise Here, **paradise** could refer to: (1) heaven. (2) the third heaven. (3) a special place in heaven.
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2CO 12 5 hpq6 τοῦ τοιούτου 1 of such a person Alternate translation: “of that person”
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2CO 12 5 i12f οὐ καυχήσομαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις 1 I will not boast, except about my weaknesses You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will boast only of my weaknesses”
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2CO 12 6 p8fm μή τις εἰς ἐμὲ λογίσηται ὑπὲρ ὃ βλέπει με, ἢ ἀκούει ἐξ ἐμοῦ 1 no one will think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me Alternate translation: “no one will give me more credit than what he sees in me or hears from me”
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2CO 12 7 v5s7 0 General Information: This verse reveals that Paul was speaking about himself beginning in [2 Corinthians 12:2](../12/02.md).
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2CO 12 7 xxi2 τῇ ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων 1 because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations Alternate translation: “because those revelations were so much greater than anything anyone else had ever seen”
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2CO 12 7 hu8g figs-activepassive ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί 1 a thorn in the flesh was given to me If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave me a thorn in the flesh” or “God allowed me to have a thorn in the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 12 7 q5e7 figs-metaphor σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί 1 a thorn in the flesh Here Paul’s physical problems are compared to a **thorn** piercing his **flesh**. Alternate translation: “an affliction” or “a physical problem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 12 7 q7lz ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ 1 a messenger from Satan Alternate translation: “a servant of Satan”
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2CO 12 7 ehp9 μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι 2 overly proud Alternate translation: “I would not become too proud”
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2CO 12 8 n76p τρὶς 1 Three times Paul put the words **three times** at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that he had prayed many times about his “thorn” ([2 Corinthians 12:7](../12/07.md)).
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2CO 12 8 wc7r ὑπὲρ τούτου 1 Lord about this Alternate translation: “about this thorn in the flesh,” or “about this affliction”
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2CO 12 9 nr2j ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου 1 My grace is enough for you Alternate translation: “I will be kind to you, and that is all you need”
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2CO 12 9 cs63 ἡ γὰρ δύναμις ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται 1 for power is made perfect in weakness Alternate translation: “for my power works best when you are weak”
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2CO 12 9 g8mi figs-metaphor ἐπισκηνώσῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the power of Christ might reside on me Paul speaks of the **power of Christ** as if it were a tent built over him. This could mean: (1) people might see that Paul has the power of Christ. (2) Paul truly has the power of Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 12 10 pxf1 εὐδοκῶ ἐν ἀσθενείαις, ἐν ὕβρεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν διωγμοῖς, καὶ στενοχωρίαις, ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ 1 I am content for Christ’s sake in weaknesses, in insults, in troubles, in persecutions and distressing situations This could mean: (1) Paul is **content** in **weaknesses**, **insults**, **troubles**, **persecutions**, and **distressing situations** if these things come because I belong to Christ. (2) Paul is content in weakness if these things cause more people to know Christ.
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2CO 12 10 s5sx ἐν ἀσθενείαις 1 in weaknesses Alternate translation: “when I am weak”
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2CO 12 10 xl8q ἐν ὕβρεσιν 1 in insults Alternate translation: “when people try to make me angry by saying that I am a bad person”
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2CO 12 10 hza1 ἐν ἀνάγκαις 1 in troubles Alternate translation: “when I am suffering”
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2CO 12 10 c4t2 στενοχωρίαις 1 distressing situations Alternate translation: “when there is trouble”
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2CO 12 10 t7qg ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι 1 For whenever I am weak, then I am strong Paul is saying that when he is no longer **strong** enough to do what needs to be done, Christ, who is more powerful than Paul could ever be, will work through Paul to do what needs to be done. However, it would be best to translate these words literally, if your language allows.
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2CO 12 11 a1ym γέγονα ἄφρων 1 I have become a fool Alternate translation: “I am acting like a fool”
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2CO 12 11 pzw1 ὑμεῖς με ἠναγκάσατε 1 You forced me to this Alternate translation: “You forced me to talk this way”
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2CO 12 11 v2lr figs-activepassive ἐγὼ…ὤφειλον ὑφ’ ὑμῶν συνίστασθαι 1 I should have been commended by you If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you should have praised me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 12 11 f644 συνίστασθαι 1 commended See how you translated similar phrases in ([3:1](../03/01.md)) and ([4:2](../04/02.md)). Alternate translation: “been praised” or “been recommended”
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2CO 12 11 h4d5 figs-litotes οὐδὲν γὰρ ὑστέρησα 1 For I was not at all inferior By using the negative form, Paul is saying strongly that those Corinthians who think that he is **inferior** are wrong. Alternate translation: “For I am just as good as” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
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2CO 12 11 s82x figs-irony τῶν ὑπέρλίαν ἀποστόλων 1 super-apostles Paul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say they are. See how this is translated in [2 Corinthians 11:5](../11/05.md). Alternate translation: “those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
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2CO 12 12 kp5l figs-activepassive τὰ μὲν σημεῖα τοῦ ἀποστόλου κατειργάσθη 1 indeed the signs of an apostle were performed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form with emphasis on the **signs**, or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it is the true signs of an apostle that I performed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 12 12 d4um σημείοις τε, καὶ τέρασιν, καὶ δυνάμεσιν 1 signs and wonders and mighty deeds These are the “signs of an apostle” that Paul performed “with all perseverance.”
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2CO 12 13 z35e figs-rquestion τί γάρ ἐστιν ὃ ἡσσώθητε ὑπὲρ τὰς λοιπὰς ἐκκλησίας, εἰ μὴ ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν? 1 how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that … you? Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians are wrong to accuse him of wanting to do them harm. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I treated you the same way I treated all the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 12 13 d426 αὐτὸς ἐγὼ οὐ κατενάρκησα ὑμῶν 1 I was not a burden to you Alternate translation: “I did not ask you for money or other things I needed”
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2CO 12 13 sy7v figs-irony χαρίσασθέ μοι τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην! 1 Forgive me for this wrong! Paul is being ironic to shame the Corinthians. Both he and they know that he has done them no wrong, but they have been treating him as though he has wronged them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
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2CO 12 13 u1w9 τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην 1 this wrong Here, **this wrong** refers to not asking them for money and other things he needed.
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2CO 12 14 ugk1 figs-explicit ἀλλὰ ὑμᾶς 1 but you The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but what I want is that you love and accept me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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2CO 12 14 wd97 οὐ…ὀφείλει τὰ τέκνα τοῖς γονεῦσιν θησαυρίζειν 3 children should not save up for the parents Young **children** are not responsible for saving money or other goods to give to their healthy **parents**.
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2CO 12 15 vj2m figs-metaphor ἐγὼ…ἥδιστα δαπανήσω καὶ ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι 1 I will most gladly spend and be spent Paul speaks of his work and his physical life as if it were money that he or God could **spend**. Alternate translation: “I will gladly do any work and gladly allow God to permit people to kill me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 12 15 nk8v figs-metonymy ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν 1 for your souls The word **souls** is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “for you” or “so you will live well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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2CO 12 15 t3na figs-rquestion εἰ περισσοτέρως ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶν, ἧσσον ἀγαπῶμαι? 1 If I love you more, am I to be loved less? This rhetorical question to emphasize that the Corinthians should love Paul. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If I love you so much, you should not love me so little.” or “If I love you so much, you should love me more than you do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 12 15 j887 περισσοτέρως 1 more It is not clear what it is that Paul’s love is **more** than. It is probably best to use “very much” or a “so much” that can be compared to “so little” later in the sentence.
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2CO 12 16 ur5x figs-irony ἀλλὰ ὑπάρχων πανοῦργος δόλῳ, ὑμᾶς ἔλαβον 1 But, since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceit Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians who think he lied to them even if he did not ask them for money. Alternate translation: “but others think I was deceptive and used trickery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
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2CO 12 17 vb7q figs-rquestion μή τινα ὧν ἀπέσταλκα πρὸς ὑμᾶς, δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐπλεονέκτησα ὑμᾶς? 1 I did not take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you, did I? Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is “no.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one that I sent to you has taken advantage of you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 12 18 pjl2 figs-rquestion μήτι ἐπλεονέκτησεν ὑμᾶς Τίτος? 1 Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is “no.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Titus certainly did not take advantage of you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 12 18 acg6 figs-metaphor οὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν 1 Did we not walk in the same way? Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Alternate translation: “We all walk in the same spirit.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 12 18 rjiy figs-rquestion οὐ τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι περιεπατήσαμεν 1 Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is “yes.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all have the same attitude and live alike.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 12 18 k6b3 figs-rquestion οὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν? 1 Did we not walk in the same steps? Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is “yes.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all walk in the same steps.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 12 18 oket figs-metaphor οὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν? 1 Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Alternate translation: “We all do things the same way.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 12 19 g1iw figs-rquestion πάλαι δοκεῖτε ὅτι ὑμῖν ἀπολογούμεθα? 1 Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you? Paul uses this question to acknowledge something that the people may have been thinking. He does this so that he can assure them that it is not true. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Perhaps you think that all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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2CO 12 19 ih3e figs-metaphor κατέναντι Θεοῦ 1 Before God Paul speaks of **God** knowing everything Paul does as if God were physically present and observed everything Paul said and did. Alternate translation: “With God as witness” or “In the presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 12 19 vg3u figs-metaphor ὑπὲρ τῆς ὑμῶν οἰκοδομῆς 1 for your strengthening Paul speaks of knowing how to obey God and desiring to obey him as if it were physical growth. Alternate translation: “so that you would know God and obey him better” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 12 20 cu6s οὐχ οἵους θέλω, εὕρω ὑμᾶς 1 I may not find you as I wish Alternate translation: “I may not like what I find” or “I may not like what I see you doing”
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2CO 12 20 zy6g κἀγὼ εὑρεθῶ ὑμῖν οἷον οὐ θέλετε 1 I may not be found by you as you wish Alternate translation: “you might not like what you see in me”
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2CO 12 20 rh1h figs-abstractnouns μή πως ἔρις, ζῆλος, θυμοί, ἐριθεῖαι, καταλαλιαί, ψιθυρισμοί, φυσιώσεις, ἀκαταστασίαι 1 there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words **quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. This could mean: (1) some of you will be arguing with us, jealous of us, suddenly becoming very angry with us, trying to take our places as leaders, speaking falsely about us, telling about our private lives, being proud, and opposing us as we try to lead you. (2) some of you will be arguing with each other, jealous of each other, suddenly becoming very angry with each other, quarreling with each other over who will be the leader, speaking falsely about each other, telling about each other’s private lives, being proud, and opposing those whom God has chosen to lead you. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 12 21 ddw3 πενθήσω πολλοὺς τῶν προημαρτηκότων, 1 I might be grieved by many of those who have sinned Alternate translation: “I will be grieved because many of them have not given up their old sins”
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2CO 12 21 hq1e figs-parallelism μὴ μετανοησάντων ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ πορνείᾳ, καὶ ἀσελγείᾳ 1 did not repent of the impurity and sexual immorality and lustful indulgence This could mean: (1) Paul is saying almost the same thing three times for emphasis. Alternate translation: “did not stop commiting the sexual sins that they practiced” (2) Paul is speaking of three different sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
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2CO 12 21 rh22 figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ 1 of the impurity If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **impurity**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “of secretly thinking about and desiring things that do not please God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 12 21 rn6u figs-abstractnouns πορνείᾳ 1 of the … sexual immorality If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **sexual immorality**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “of doing sexually immoral deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 12 21 yyr5 figs-abstractnouns ἀσελγείᾳ 1 of the … lustful indulgence If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **lustful indulgence**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “doing things that satisfy immoral sexual desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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2CO 13 intro abcg 0 # 2 Corinthians 13 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>In this chapter, Paul finishes defending his authority. He then concludes the letter with a final greeting and blessing.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Preparation<br><br>Paul instructs the Corinthians as he prepares to visit them. He is hoping to avoid needing to discipline anyone in the church so he can visit them joyfully. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Power and weakness<br><br>Paul repeatedly uses the contrasting words “power” and “weakness” in this chapter. The translator should use words that are understood to be opposites of each other.<br><br>### “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”<br><br>Scholars are divided over what these sentences mean. Some scholars say that Christians are to test themselves to see whether their actions align with their Christian faith. The context favors this understanding. Others say these sentences mean that Christians should look at their actions and question whether they are genuinely saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
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2CO 13 1 slj1 figs-activepassive ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων καὶ τριῶν σταθήσεται πᾶν ῥῆμα 1 Every matter must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Believe that someone has done something wrong only after two or three people have said the same thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 13 2 fxl6 τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν 1 all the rest Alternate translation: “all you other people”
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2CO 13 4 a1bf figs-activepassive καὶ…ἐσταυρώθη 1 he was crucified If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they crucified him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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2CO 13 5 sbx4 ἐν ὑμῖν 1 in you Here, **in you** could mean: (1) Jesus is living inside each individual. (2) Jesus is living among them, part of and the most important member of the group.
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2CO 13 7 u75e figs-doublenegatives μὴ ποιῆσαι ὑμᾶς κακὸν μηδέν 1 that you may not do any wrong If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not … wrong**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “you will do everything right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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2CO 13 7 gt2e δόκιμοι 1 to have passed the test Alternate translation: “to be great teachers and live the truth”
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2CO 13 8 a3l7 οὐ…δυνάμεθά τι κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας 1 we are not able to do anything against the truth Alternate translation: “we are not able to keep people from learning the truth”
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2CO 13 9 vt7b τὴν ὑμῶν κατάρτισιν 1 for your perfection Alternate translation: “that you may become spiritually mature”
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2CO 13 10 rlm8 figs-metaphor εἰς οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ εἰς καθαίρεσιν. 1 for building up, and not for tearing down Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 10:8](../10/08.md). Alternate translation: “to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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2CO 13 11 uk1p 0 Connecting Statement: Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian believers.
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2CO 13 11 fm8m καταρτίζεσθε 1 Be restored Alternate translation: “Work toward maturity”
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2CO 13 11 diw1 τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε 1 be of the same mind Alternate translation: “live in harmony with one another”
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2CO 13 12 p1nh ἐν ἁγίῳ φιλήματι 1 with a holy kiss Alternate translation: “with Christian love”
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2CO 13 12 x2qd οἱ ἅγιοι 1 the saints Alternate translation: “those whom God has set apart for himself”
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