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]])
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]])