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.
Paul started the church in Corinth. He was staying in the city of Ephesus when he wrote this letter.
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.
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 that he was teaching a false message. This group of Jewish Christians wanted Gentile Christians to obey the law of Moses.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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 ULB uses the following principles:
Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULB uses "holy," "holy God," "holy ones," or "holy people."
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 ULB uses "believer" or "believers." (See: 1:1; 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13)
Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULB uses "set apart," "dedicated to," "reserved for," or "sanctified."
The UDB will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.
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 used these phrases to express the idea of a very close union between Jesus Christ and believers--that believers belong to Christ. Belonging to Christ means the believer is saved and is made a friend with God.
These phrases also have specific meanings that depend on how Paul used them in a particular passage. Depending on the the context, the word “in” can mean “because of,” “by means of,” “that agrees with,” “in submission to,” “in the manner of,” or “in regard to.” 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. The translator may represent those more immediate senses. But, if possible, it would be good for the translator to choose a word or phrase that represents both the immediate sense and the sense of “in union with.” (See: inchrist)
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.
The first paragraph reflects a common way to begin a letter in the ancient Near East.
People were criticizing Paul and saying he was not sincere. He refutes them by explaining his motives for what he was doing.
Comfort is a major theme of this chapter. The Holy Spirit comforts Christians. The Corinthians probably were afflicted and needed to be comforted.
Paul uses two rhetorical questions to defend himself against a charge of not being sincere.
Paul uses the pronoun "we". This likely represents at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
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: eternity and save)
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"
This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Timothy and considered him to be their spiritual brother.
This is the name of a Roman province in the southern part of modern-day Greece.
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.
This is a common greeting that Paul uses in his letters.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May we always praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"
These two phrases express the same idea in two different ways. Both phrases refer to God.
Possible meanings are 1) that the words "mercies" and "all comfort" describe the character of "Father" and "God" or 2) that the words "Father" and "God" refer to one who is the source of "mercies" and "all comfort."
Here "us" and "our" include the Corinthians.
Paul speaks of Christ's sufferings as if they were objects that could increase in number. Alternate translation: "For just as Christ suffered greatly for our sake"
Possible meanings are 1) that this refers to the suffering that Paul and Timothy experience because they preach the message about Christ or 2) that this refers to the suffering that Christ experienced on their behalf.
Paul speaks of comfort as if it were an object that could increase in size.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and Timothy, but not to the Corinthians. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if people afflict us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if God comforts us"
"You experience effective comfort"
Hope is spoken of here as if it were a building that could be shaken and destroyed. Paul means that his hope for the Corinthians is strong and he continues to have hope for them. Alternate translation: "Our hope concerning you is strong" or "We have not stopped having hope for you"
Paul was probably hoping that the Corinthian Christians would continue to have faith in God, even though they were suffering, and that they would be comforted. Alternate translation: "We continue to be confident concerning you" or "We continue to confidently expect good for you"
This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "we want you to know"
The word "burdened" is a metaphor for feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We felt so overwhelmed beyond our strength" or "The troubles we had caused us so much more stress than we could handle"
"we could not see any way we could stay alive" or "we were sure we would die"
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"
The words "put our trust" are left out of this phrase. Alternate translation: "but instead to put our trust in God"
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"
"He saved us from such a dangerous situation where we could have died"
Paul and those with him hoped firmly in God. Alternate translation: "We trust in him to rescue us" or "We confidently expect that he will rescue us"
"God will rescue us from danger as you, the people of the church of Corinth, also help us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the favor that God has given to us"
In this verse Paul uses the words "we," "our," 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.
Paul uses the word "boast" ironically here. Boasting is usually a bad thing, but Paul is confident that he has lived "with integrity and godly sincerity," and he is telling the Corinthians so.
Paul speaks of not being guilty as if his conscience were a person that could speak. Alternate translation: "We know by our conscience"
Here "fleshly" represents human. Alternate translation: "not relying on human wisdom but on the grace of God"
The double negative here emphasizes the positive. This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "Everything we write to you is something you can read and understand" or "You can read and understand everything we write to you"
Paul wanted them to understand, and he expected that they should be able to understand, but he didn't know for sure if they would. Alternate translation: "I expect that you will fully understand" or "I trust you will fully understand"
In this vers Paul uses the word "us" to refer to himself and Timothy and possibly others who served with them. This word does not include the people he was writing to.
The word "boast" here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.
Paul explains his sincere expectation with pure motives to come see the believers in Corinth after his first letter.
The word "this" refers to Paul's previous comments about the Corinthians.
Paul hoped to visit the Corinthians two times. Each visit would be a favor to the people. Alternate translation: "so that you might benefit from me visiting you twice"
"assist me on my way to Judea"
Paul uses this question to emphasize he was sure about his decision to visit the Corinthians. The expected answer to the question is no. Alternate translation: "I was not hesitating." or "I was confident in my decision."
Paul uses this question to emphasize that his plans to visit the Corinthians were sincere. Alternate translation: "I do not plan things according to the flesh ... at the same time"
This phrase is a metonym for the way mortal people do things. Alternate translation: "human standards" or "the way most people act"
This means that Paul did not say both that he would visit and that he would not visit at the same time. The words "yes" and "no" are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "I do not plan things ... so that I say 'Yes, I will certainly visit' and 'No, I will definitely not visit' at the same time!"
"what we say to you"
Jesus says "Yes" concerning the promises of God, which means that he guarantees that they are true. Alternate translation: "For the Son of God ... does not say 'Yes' and 'No' concerning God's promises. Instead, he always says 'Yes.'"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
This means that Jesus guarantees all of God's promises. Alternate translation: "all the promises of God are guaranteed in Jesus Christ"
The word "him" refers to Jesus Christ.
Possible meanings are 1) "God who confirms our relationship with each other because we are in Christ" or 2) "God who confirms both our and your relationship with Christ."
Possible meanings are 1) "he sent us to preach the gospel" or 2) "he chose us to be his people."
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"
The word "heart" is often used to refer to the innermost part of a person. Alternate translation: "gave us the Spirit to live within each of us"
The Spirit is spoken of as if he were a partial downpayment toward eternal life.
The word "soul" here is a metonym for the whole person. Alternate translation: "as witness for me" or "to testify for me"
"so that I might not cause you more suffering"
"control what your faith should be" or "control what you believe"
"we are working with you so that you may have joy"
The word "stand" can refer to not changing. Alternate translation: "remain firm in your faith"
In this chapter, Paul refers to a letter he previously wrote to the Corinthians. Some scholars believe this refers to the letter known as First Corinthians. Other scholars believe this refers to a letter Paul wrote after the letter known as First Corinthians and before this letter. In either case, Paul had told the church to rebuke an erring member. Paul is now encouraging them to be gracious to that person.
A sweet aroma is a pleasing smell. Scripture often describes things that are pleasing to God as having a pleasing aroma.
Because of his great love for them, Paul makes it clear that his rebuke in a previous letter to them caused him pain as well as pain to the church people in Corinth and the immoral man.
"I made the decision"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metonym that refers to causing the Corinthians sorrow. Alternate translation: "in a way that would cause you sorrow" or 2) this refers to Paul's own sorrow. Alternate translation: "while I am sorrowful"
great sadness
Paul uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that neither he nor they would benefit if his coming to them would cause them pain. Alternate translation: "If I caused you sorrow, the only ones who could make me glad would be the very ones whom I had made sorrowful."
See how you translated "sorrow" in 2 Corinthians 2:1.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the very one whom I had hurt"
Paul is referring to a letter he wrote previously to the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "I wrote as I did in my previous letter"
Paul is speaking about the behavior of certain Corinthian believers who caused him emotional pain. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those who should have made me rejoice might not hurt me"
"what gives me joy is what gives you joy, too"
Here the word "tribulation" refers to emotional pain.
Here the word "heart" refers to the location of the emotions. Alternate translation: "with extreme sorrow"
"with much crying"
The "burden" here is the message. Possible meanings are 1) Paul does not want to say words that will make the Corinthians sad. Alternate translation: "not to say this too harshly" Or 2) Paul does not want to say more than is true. Alternate translation: "not to exaggerate"
This can be stated in active form. The word "punishment" can be translated using a verb. Alternate translation: "The way that the majority has punished that person is enough"
"is sufficient"
This means to have a strong emotional response of too much sorrow. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "too much sorrow does not overwhelm him"
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.
"show him that you truly love him"
Possible meanings are 1) "you are obedient to God in everything" or 2) "you are obedient in everything that I have taught you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have forgiven it for your sake"
Possible meanings are 1) "forgiven out of my love for you" or 2) "forgiven for your benefit."
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "For we know his schemes well"
Paul encourages the believers in Corinth by telling them of the opportunities he has had to preach the gospel in Troas and Macedonia.
Paul speaks of his opportunity to preach the gospel as if it were a door through which he was allowed to walk. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Lord opened a door to me ... to preach the gospel" or "The Lord gave me the opportunity ... to preach the gospel"
"My mind was troubled" or "I was worried"
Paul speaks of Titus as his spiritual brother.
"So I left the people of Troas"
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. Possible meanings are 1) Paul and his coworkers are being led as prisoners in the parade. Alternate translation: "God, who leads us as prisoners in Christ's victory parade" or 2) Paul and his coworkers are led as victorious soldiers in the parade. Alternate translation: "God, who leads us as victorious soldiers in Christ's triumphal parade"
Paul speaks of people learning about Christ from Paul and his companions as if they were smoke from incense that has a pleasing smell spreading around so people could smell it. He mixes his metaphor by saying that God "reveals" that 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"
"everywhere we go"
Paul speaks of his ministry as if it were an offering or incense that was being burned, creating a pleasant smell to God.
Possible meanings are 1) "the sweet aroma which is the knowledge of Christ" or 2) "the sweet aroma that Christ offers."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom God has saved"
"the knowledge of Christ is an aroma." This refers back to [2 Corinthians 2:14]
Possible meanings are 1) that the word "death" is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means "an aroma that causes death" or 2) "an aroma of death that causes people to die"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the ones whom God is saving"
Possible meanings are 1) that the word "life" is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means "an aroma that gives life" or 2) "an aroma of life that gives people life"
"Who is qualified to do these things?" The phrase "these things" refers to preaching God's message about Christ. Paul uses a rhetorical question to express amazement that anyone could be worthy of doing this. Alternate translation: 'Who is worthy to spread the knowledge of Christ?" or "It is amazing that anyone is worthy of these things!"
"Word" here is a metonym for "message." Alternate translation: "who sell God's message"
"pure motives"
"we speak as people who are joined to Christ" or "we speak with the authority of Christ"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as people whom God has sent"
This represents the presence of God. Paul and his coworkers preach the gospel with the awareness that God is watching them. Alternate translation: "speaking in the presence of God"
Paul continues his defense. Paul views the Corinthian Christians as the proof of his work.
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: lawofmoses and covenant and reveal)
Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter to explain complex spiritual truths. It is unclear whether this makes Paul's teachings easier or more difficult to understand.
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: spirit)
Paul reminds the Corinthians that he is not boasting as he tells them about what he has done through Christ.
Paul uses this question to emphasize that they are not bragging about themselves. Alternate translation: "We are not beginning to praise ourselves again."
Paul says this to express that the Corinthians already know about Paul and Timothy's good reputation. The question prompts a negative answer. Alternate translation: "We certainly do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people do."
This is a letter that a person writes to introduce and give their approval of someone else.
Paul begins an extended metaphor that speaks of the way that the Corinthians have been obeying Christ as if it were a letter that Christ had written first to Paul and his companions and then to all the people in the world.
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"
Here the word "hearts" refers to their thoughts and emotions. Possible meanings are 1) Paul and his coworkers are sure about the Corinthians being their letter of recommendation or 2) Paul and his coworkers care very deeply for the Corinthians.
This can be stated in active form with "Christ" as the implied subject. Alternate translation: "which Christ has written on our hearts"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that all people can know and read"
Paul continues the extended metaphor that he began in [2 Corinthians 3:2]
Paul clarifies that Christ is the one who has written the letter. Alternate translation: "you are a letter that Christ has written"
Because of the work Paul and his companions had done, the world could look at the Corinthians and see how Christ blesses people in this life. Some modern translations read, "delivered by us."
Paul clarifies that the Corinthians are like a spiritual letter, not like a letter that humans write with physical objects.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It was written not with ink but it was written by the Spirit of the living God" or "It is not a letter that people wrote with ink but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is 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"
Paul speaks of their hearts as if they are flat pieces of stone or clay upon which people engraved letters.
This refers to what Paul has just said. His confidence comes from knowing that the Corinthians are the validation of his ministry before God.
"qualified in ourselves" or "sufficient in ourselves"
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"
"God gives us our sufficiency"
Here the word "letter" means letters of the alphabet and refers to words that people write down. The phrase alludes to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: "a covenant not based on commands that men have written"
The Holy Spirit is the one who establishes God's covenant with people. Alternate translation: "but a covenant of the Spirit" or "but a covenant based on what the Spirit does"
Paul speaks of the Old Testament law as a person who kills. Following that law leads to spiritual death. Alternate translation: "the written law leads to death"
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. During the time of Moses there was a less clear picture of what is now revealed.
Paul emphasizes that although the law leads to death, it was still very glorious.
This refers to the Old Testament law that God gave through Moses. Alternate translation: "the ministry that causes people to die because it is based on the law"
"carved in letters on stone." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God carved in letters on stone"
"in so much glory"
"They could not look because"
Paul uses this question to emphasize that "the service that the ministry of the Spirit" must be more glorious than "the ministry of death" [2 Corinthians 3:7]
This 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"
"the ministry of condemnation." This refers to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: "the ministry that condemns people because it is based on the law"
Here the word "how" marks this phrase as an exclamation, not as a question. Alternate translation: "then the ministry of righteousness must abound in so much more glory!"
Paul speaks of "the ministry of righteousness" as if it were an object that could produce or multiply another object. He means that "the ministry of righteousness" is far more glorious than the law, which also had glory.
This 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"
The Old Testament law no longer appears glorious when compared with the new covenant, which is much more glorious.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the law which God once made glorious"
"in this way"
This refers to "the service of condemnation," which Paul speaks of as if it were an object capable of disappearing. Alternate translation: "that which was becoming useless"
This hope is a confident hope. It refers to what Paul has just said. His hope comes from knowing that the new covenant leads to an eternal glory. Alternate translation: "Since we confidently expect this" or "Since we confidently wait to receive this glory"
"such confidence"
The refers to the glory that shined on Moses's face. Alternate translation: "the glory on Moses's face as it faded away completely"
Paul speaks of the minds of the Israelite people as objects that could be 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"
to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians
Just as the Israelites could not see the glory on Moses's 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.
"when they hear someone read the old covenant"
Here both occurrences of the word "it" refer to "the same veil." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one removes the veil, because only in Christ does God remove it"
This phrase refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.
Here the word "Moses" refers to the Old Testament law. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whenever someone reads the Mosaic law"
Here the word "hearts" represents what people think, and the people being unable to understand the old covenant is spoken of as if they have a veil that covers their hearts the way a physical veil would cover their eyes. Alternate translation: "they are unable to understand what they are hearing"
Here "turns 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"
God gives them the ability to understand. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God lifts the veil away" or "God gives them the ability to understand"
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Here the word "us" refers to all believers, including Paul and the Corinthians.
Unlike the Israelites who could not see God's glory reflected on Moses's face because he had covered it with a veil, there is nothing to prevent believers from seeing and understanding God's glory.
The Spirit is changing believers to be glorious like him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Lord is transforming us into his same glorious likeness"
"from one amount of glory to another amount of glory." This means that the Spirit is constantly increasing the glory of believers.
"just as this comes from the Lord"
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.
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: spirit)
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: righteous)
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: life and death and faith)
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: hope)
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.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and his coworker, but not to the Corinthians.
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"
This means that Paul and his coworkers refuse to do "secret and shameful" things. It does not mean that they had done these things in the past.
The word "secret" 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"
The word "walk" is a metaphor for the way a person lives his life. Alternate translation: "live by deceiving people"
The phrase "word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. The words "we do not mishandle" use two negative thoughts to express a positive thought. Alternate translation: "we handle God's message correctly" or "we use the word of God properly"
This means that they provide enough evidence for each person who hears them to decide whether they are right or wrong.
This 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: "before God" or "with God as witness"
This refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 3:14]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if a veil covers our gospel, that veil covers it"
"the gospel that we preach"
Paul speaks of their minds 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"
"the god who rules this world." This phrase refers to Satan.
As the Israelites could not see God's glory that shined on Moses's face because he covered it with a veil (2 Corinthians 3:13), 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"
"the light that comes from the gospel"
"the gospel about Christ's glory"
You can supply the verb for these phrases. Alternate translation: "but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and we proclaim ourselves as your servants"
"because of Jesus"
With this sentence, Paul refers to God creating light, as described in the book of Genesis.
Here the word "light" refers to the ability to understand. Just as God created light, he also creates understanding for believers. Alternate translation: "He has shone ... to enable us to understand the glory of God"
Here the word "hearts" refers to the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "in our minds"
"the light, which is the knowledge of the glory of God, in the presence"
"the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Just as God's glory shone upon Moses's face (2 Corinthians 3:7), it also shines upon Jesus's face. This means that when Paul preaches the gospel, people are able to see and understand the message about God's glory.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and his coworkers, but not to the Corinthians.
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.
"so that it is clear to people" or "so that people clearly know"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People afflict us in every way"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People persecute us, but God does not abandon us" or "People persecute us, but God does not stop caring for us"
This can be stated in active form and as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "abandoned. People strike us down but do not destroy us"
"hurt badly"
Paul speaks of his sufferings as if they are an experience of the death of Jesus. Alternate translation: "often in danger of dying, as Jesus died" or "always suffering in such a way that we experience the death of Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "people can see that we will live in bodies again because Jesus is alive" or 2) "we can show other people in our bodies the spiritual life that Jesus gives."
Carrying the death of Jesus represents being in danger of dying because of being loyal to Jesus. Alternate translation: "God is always leading those of us who are alive to face death because we are joined to Jesus" or "People are always causing us who are alive to be in danger of dying because we are joined to Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that God may reveal the life of Jesus in our mortal flesh"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is referring to the life that Jesus lives. Alternate translation: "God may reveal that Jesus is alive" 2) Paul is referring to the life that Jesus gives to his people. Alternate translation: "God may reveal the life that Jesus gives to his people"
Paul is referring to our physical bodies, which will die someday.
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.
"the same attitude of faith." Here the word "spirit" refers a person's attitude and temperament.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as the one who wrote these words"
This is a quote from the Psalms.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "that the one who caused the Lord Jesus to live again will" or "God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will"
Here the word "everything" refers to all of the sufferings that Paul has described in previous verses.
Paul speaks of more and more people experiencing God's grace as if grace were "reaching" people. And, Paul speaks of more and ore people giving thanks to God as if thanksgiving were an object that could become larger by itself. Alternate translation: "God may show his grace to many people, causing more and more people to give thanks, to the glory of God"
Paul writes that the Corinthian difficulties are minor and do not last long when compared to the unseen eternal things.
This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: "So we remain confident"
This refers to their physical bodies decaying and dying. Alternate translation: "our physical bodies are getting weak and dying"
This refers to their inward, spiritual lives getting stronger. Alternate translation: "our spiritual beings are being strengthened day by day"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is renewing our inward being more each day"
Paul speaks of his sufferings and the glory that God will give him as if they were objects that can be weighed. He uses irony to call affliction, which people usually think of as if it were a heavy burden, a light burden and glory, which people usually think of as relief from suffering, as if it were a heavy burden. Through this metaphor he is saying that the glory to come will be much greater than the affliction.
The glory that Paul will experience is so great that no one can measure it. The abstract noun "measurement" can be translated as the verb "measure." Alternate translation: "that no one can measure"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "things that we can see ... things that we cannot see ... things that we cannot see"
You can supply the verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: "but we are watching for things that are unseen"
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: goodnews, reconcile, sin, and righteous)
The old and new creation probably refer 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: faith)
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: heaven and and hope)
This refers to the gospel. Paul calls for people who are hostile to God to repent and be reconciled to him. (See: repent and reconcile)
Paul continues by contrasting believers' earthly bodies to the heavenly ones God will give.
Here a temporary "house" or "tent" is a metaphor for a person's physical body and a permanent "building from God" is a metaphor for the new body that God will give believers after they die.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if people destroy our earthly house—the tent—we have" or "if people kill our bodies, we have"
"if the tent that is our home on earth is destroyed"
Here "house" means the same thing as "building from God." Here "hands" is a synecdoche that represents the human as a whole. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is a house that humans did not make"
Here "this tent" means the same thing as "the earthly dwelling that we live in." A groan is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good.
The words "our heavenly residence" means the same thing as "the place God will give us to live in." Paul speaks of the new body that believers receive after they die as if it were both a house to live in and a piece of clothing that a person can put on.
"by putting on our heavenly dwelling"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we will not be naked" or "God will not find us naked"
Paul speaks of the physical body as if it were a "tent."
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.
Paul refers to the difficulties that the physical body experiences as if they were heavy objects that are difficult to carry.
Paul speaks of the body as if it were clothing. 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.
"to be without clothes" or "to be naked"
Paul speaks of life as if it were an animal that eats "what is mortal." The physical body that will die will be replaced by a resurrection body that will live forever.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that life may swallow up what is mortal"
The Spirit is spoken of as if he were a down payment toward eternal life. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 1:22]
Because believers will have a new body and have the Holy Spirit as a pledge, Paul reminds them to live by faith so that they may please the Lord.
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"
"we are not at home with the Lord" or "we are not in heaven with the Lord"
Here "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "behave." Alternate translation: "we live according to faith, not according to what we see"
You may need to make explicit that they do not prefer to remain alive in this present world. Alternate translation: "We would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord than to remain in the body and away from the Lord"
Here the word "body" refers to the physical body.
"at home with the Lord in heaven"
Possible meanings are 1) "whether we are at home in the body or away from it" or 2) "whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him." Either way, Paul means that, whether in this life or in the next life, believers should try to please the Lord.
"to please the Lord"
Here "judgment seat of Christ" represents Christ himself, who will judge all people. Alternate translation: "we all must stand in the presence of Christ to be judged" or "Christ will judge all of us"
"go" or "be present" or "stand"
"each person may receive what he deserves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things he has done in the physical body"
"whether those things were good or bad"
"knowing what it means to fear the Lord"
Possible meanings are 1) "we persuade people of the truth of the gospel" or 2) "we persuade people that we are legitimate apostles."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God clearly sees what kind of people we are"
Paul wanted the the Corinthians to know what kind of people he and those with him were. "I expect that it is also clear to your conscience" or "I trust that it is also clear to your conscience"
"that you are also convinced of it"
"We are not recommending ourselves to you again" or "We are not trying to show you again that we are worthy"
"so you may have something to say to those"
Here the word "appearances" 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"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "our love for Christ" or 2) "Christ's love for us."
"died for all people"
"him who for their sake died and whom God caused to live again" or "Christ, who died for their sake and whom God raised"
Possible meanings are 1) these words refer only to "died" or 2) these words refer to both "died" and "was raised."
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 to receive God's righteousness through Christ.
This refers to what Paul has just said about living for Christ instead of living for self.
"judge anyone" or "think about anyone"
This phrase is a metonym for the way mortal people do things. See how you translated it in [2 Corinthians 1:17]
Paul speaks of the person who believes in Christ as if that person were a new person that God had created. Alternate translation: "he is a new person"
Here "the old things" refers to the things that characterized a person before he trusted in Christ.
The word "See" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
"God has done all these things." This refers to what Paul has just said in the previous verse about new things replacing old things.
This can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "the ministry of reconciling people to him"
"This means that in Christ"
Here the word "world" refers to people in the world. Alternate translation: "in Christ, God is reconciling mankind to himself"
God has given Paul the responsibility to spread the message that God is reconciling people to himself.
"the message about reconciliation"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has appointed us as Christ's representatives"
"those who speak for Christ"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let God reconcile you to himself"
The words "us" and "we" refer to Paul and his readers and so are inclusive.
"Christ new no sin, but God made him to become sin for us"
"never sinned"
The word "sin" is a metonym for the sacrifice that is offered so that God will forgive sin. Alternate translation: "to become the sacrifice for which God will forgive our sins"
"us. He did this so that"
The phrase "the righteousness of God" refers to the righteousness that God requires and that comes from God. Alternate translation: "so that through Christ we might have the righteousness that God requires"
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 2 and 16-18, which are words from the Old Testament.
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.
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: righteous and light and darkness)
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: righteous)
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: and sin)
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
Paul summarizes how working together for God is supposed to be.
Paul is implying that he and Timothy are working with God. Alternate translation: "Working together with God"
"we beg you to make use of the grace that you have received from God"
In this verse, Paul quotes a portion from the prophet Isaiah.
"For God says." This introduces a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. Alternate translation: "For God says in scripture"
The word "Look" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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"
The word "discredited" refers to people speaking badly about Paul's ministry, and working against the message he proclaims. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we do not want anyone to be able to speak badly about our ministry"
When Paul uses "we" here, he is referring to himself and Timothy.
Possible meanings are 1) "Because we are God's servants we recommend ourselves to you in every way" or 2) "in every way we show that we are God's servants"
This tells how they commend themselves. Alternate translation: "in everything we do"
Paul mentions various difficult situations in which they commend themselves as God's servants.
Paul continues to mention various difficult situations in which they commend themselves as God's servants.
Paul lists several moral virtues that they maintained in difficult situations, commending themselves as God's servants.
"by speaking God's message about truth" or "by speaking God's true message"
"by showing God's power to people"
Paul speaks of their righteousness as if it were weapons that they use to fight spiritual battles.
"righteousness as our armor" or "righteousness as our weapons"
Possible meanings are 1) that there is a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other or 2) that they are completely equipped for battle, able to fend off attacks from any direction.
"people regard us as deceivers" or "people say that we are liars"
You may need to fill in the words left out of the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "but we are truthful"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if people did not know us, and yet people know us well"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if people were punishing us for our actions, yet they have not killed us"
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"spoken honestly to you"
Paul speaks of his great affection for the Corinthians as having a heart that is open. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "we love you very much"
Paul speaks of the Corinthians' lack of love for him as if their hearts were squeezed into a tight space. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We have not restrained you" or "We have not given you any reason to stop loving us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your own hearts are restraining you" or "you have stopped loving us for your own reasons"
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"
Paul encourages the believers at Corinth to be separated from idols and live clean lives for God.
This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "Only be yoked together with believers"
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: "team up with" or "have a close relationship with"
This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: "For righteousness can have no association with lawlessness."
Paul asks this question to emphasize that light and darkness cannot coexist since light dispels darkness. The words "light" and "darkness" refer to the moral and spiritual qualities of believers and unbelievers. Alternate translation: "Light can have no fellowship with darkness."
This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: "There is no agreement between Christ and Belial."
This is another name for the devil.
This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: "A believer shares nothing in common with an unbeliever."
Paul paraphrases portions from several Old Testament prophets: Moses, Zechariah, Amos, and possibly others.
This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: "There is no agreement between the temple of God and idols."
Paul refers to all Christians as forming a temple for God to dwell in. Alternate translation: "we are like a temple where the living God dwells"
This is an Old Testament quotation that speaks of God being with the people in two different ways. 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"
Paul quotes portions from the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "set yourselves apart" or "allow me to set you apart"
This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "Touch only things that are clean" or "Stay away from things that are unclean"
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In verses 2-4, Paul finishes his defense. He then writes about Titus's return and the comfort it brought.
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: clean and lawofmoses)
The words "sad" and "sorrow" in this chapter indicate that the Corinthians were upset to the point of repenting. (See: repent)
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
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.
Paul continues to remind the Corinthians to be separated from sin and to seek holiness purposefully.
"You whom I love" or "Dear friends"
Here Paul is saying to stay away from any form of sin that would affect one's relationship with God.
"of all things that defile our body and spirit" or "of all things in our body and spirit that make us unacceptable to God"
"Let us do all we can to be perfectly holy"
"out of deep respect for God" or "because we fear God"
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.
This refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 6:11]
"I do not say this to accuse you of having done wrong." The word "this" refers to what Paul just said about not having wronged anyone.
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"
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"
"us" includes the Corinthian believers.
"I boast much about you" or "I am very proud of you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You fill me with comfort"
Paul speaks of joy as if it is a liquid that fills him until he overflows. Alternate translation: "I am extremely joyful"
"even though we suffer greatly"
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Corinthians or Titus.
The word "body" often refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "we had no rest" or "we were very tired"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we experienced trouble in every way"
Possible meanings for "outside" are 1) "outside of our bodies" or 2) "outside of the church." The word "inside" refers to their inward emotions. Alternate translation: "by conflicts with other people and by fears within ourselves"
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Paul received comfort from knowing that the Corinthians had comforted Titus. Alternate translation: "by learning about the comfort that Titus had received from you"
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.
Paul praises them for their godly sorrow, their zeal to do right, and the joy that it brought him and Titus.
"when I learned that my letter"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not because what I said in my letter made you sorrowful"
or "distressed ... distress ... distress"
"so you suffered no loss because we rebuked you." 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"
The word "repentance" may be repeated to clarify its relationship to what precedes it and what follows it. "For godly sorrow produces repentance, and repentance leads to salvation"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul has no regret that he caused them sorrow because that sorrow led to their repentance and salvation or 2) the Corinthians will not regret experiencing sorrow because it led to their repentance and salvation.
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"
"Look and see for yourselves what great diligence"
Here the word "How" makes this statement an exclamation. Alternate translation: "Your determination to prove you were innocent was very great!"
"your anger"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone should carry out justice"
"the one who did wrong"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you would know in the sight of God your earnestness toward us"
sincere, serious desire for what is good
This represents God's presence. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 4:2]
Here the word "this" refers to the way the Corinthians responded to Paul's previous letter, as he described in the previous verse. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is what encourages us"
Here the word "spirit" refers to a person's temperament and disposition. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all of you refreshed his spirit" or "all of you made him stop worrying"
"For although I boasted to him about you"
"you did not disappoint me"
"you proved that our boasting about you to Titus was true"
This noun "obedience" can be stated with a verb, "obey." Alternate translation: "how all of you obeyed"
Here "fear" and "trembling" share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: "you welcomed him with great reverence"
Possible meanings are 1) "with great reverence for God" or 2) "with great reverence for Titus."
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Chapters 8 and 9 begin a new section. Paul writes about how churches in Greece helped needy believers in Jerusalem.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 15.
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.
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
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)
Having explained his changed plans and his ministry direction, Paul talks about giving.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the grace that God has given to the churches of Macedonia"
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"
Paul speaks of joy as if it were a physical object that could increase in size or quantity.
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.
"a very great generosity." The words "great riches" emphasize the greatness of their generosity.
This refers to the churches in Macedonia.
"voluntarily"
Paul is referring to providing money to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "this ministry of providing for the believers in Jerusalem"
The Macedonians did even more than Paul and those with him had hoped for. Alternate translation: "This did not happen merely as we had thought it might" or "But even more than we had expected"
Paul is referring to the collection of money from the Corinthians for the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "who had encouraged your giving in the first place"
Titus was to help the Corinthians to complete the collection of money. Alternate translation: "to encourage you to finish collecting and giving your generous gift"
Here "this act of grace" refers the gift that the Corinthians were to give. Alternate translation: "make sure that you are very generous in your giving"
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously by comparing their generosity with the generosity of the Macedonian churches.
In this context, the word "grace" emphasizes the generosity with which Jesus had blessed the Corinthians.
Paul speaks of Jesus before his incarnation as being rich, and of his becoming human as becoming poor.
Paul speaks of the Corinthians becoming spiritually rich as a result of Jesus becoming human.
This refers to their collecting money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "With regard to the collection"
This can be stated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "you were eager and desired to do it"
"complete it" or "finish it"
Here the words "good" and "acceptable" share similar meanings and emphasize the goodness of the thing. Alternate translation: "a very good thing"
"Giving must be based on what a person has"
The word "this" refers to collecting money for the believers in Jerusalem. The abstract nouns "relief" and "tribulation" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "We are not asking you to give money to relieve others and make yourselves suffer"
"but so that there should be equality" or "but so that there might be equality between others and you." Paul is explaining why he is asking the Corinthians to give money to the believers in Jerusalem.
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"
Here Paul quotes from Exodus. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Moses wrote"
"had all he needed"
Here the word "heart" refers to the emotions. This means that God caused Titus to love them. Alternate translation: "who made Titus care for you as much as I do"
"the same enthusiasm" or "same deep concern"
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"
"with Titus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the brother whom believers among all of the churches praise"
"Not only do believers among all of the churches praise him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the churches also chose him"
"to travel with us as we carry out this act of generosity." This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "which we are taking care of"
You may need to fill in the ideas missing in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "so that people will praise the Lord and so that they will see how eager we are to help"
This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. The abstract noun "generosity" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "concerning the way we are handling this generous gift"
"We are careful to do not only what the Lord thinks is good but also what people think is good"
"in the Lord's opinion ... in people's opinion"
The word "them" refers to Titus and the previously mentioned brother.
"he is my partner, who works with me to help you"
This refers to the two other men who will accompany Titus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the churches have sent them as their messengers"
This can be stated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "They will cause people to see Christ's glory" or "They will cause people to honor Christ"
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Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 9, which is quoted from the Old Testament.
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: and reward)
When Paul refers to Achaia, he is talking about a Roman province located in southern Greece where Corinth is located.
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.
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"
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"
This refers to Titus and the two men who accompany him.
Paul does not want others to think that the things that he had boasted about the Corinthians were false.
"find you unprepared to give"
From Paul's perspective, the brothers are going. Alternate translation: "the brothers to go to you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not as something that we have extorted from you" or "not as something that you gave us because we forced you to give it to us"
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.
Here the word "heart" refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "give as he has determined"
This can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "not because he feels guilty or because someone is forcing him to give"
God wants people to give gladly to help provide for fellow believers.
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 many things" or "God is able to give you very much"
This refers here to the physical things a Christian needs, not to the need for God to save him from his sins.
"so that you may be able to do more and more good deeds"
"This is just as it is written." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is just as the writer wrote"
"God who supplies"
Here the word "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "food to eat"
Paul speaks of the Corinthians' possessions as if they were 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"
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"
"the harvest that comes from your righteous actions." Here the word "righteousness" refers to the righteous actions of the Corinthians in giving their resources to the believers in Jerusalem.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will enrich you"
The word this refers to the Corinthian's generosity. Alternate translation: "Because of your generosity, those who receive the gifts we bring them will thank God" or "When we give your gifts to those who need them, they will give thanks to God"
Here the word "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"
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 people to do many deeds for which people will thank God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Because this service has tested and proven you"
Paul says that the Corinthians will glorify God both by being faithful to Jesus and by giving generously to other believers who have need.
The abstract nouns "generosity" and "contribution" can be stated respectively as an adverb and a verb. Alternate translation: "what you have contributed generously" (
This word refers here to a gift that is part of a larger gift that many people are giving.
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"for his gift, which words cannot describe." Possible meanings are 1) that this gift refers to "the very great grace" that God has given to the Corinthians, which has led them to be so generous or 2) that this gift refers to Jesus Christ, whom God gave to all believers.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 17.
In this chapter, Paul returns to defending his authority. He also compares the way he speaks and the way he writes.
"Boasting" is often thought of as bragging, which is not good. But in this letter "boasting" means confidently exulting or rejoicing.
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.
"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: flesh)
Paul shifts the subject from giving to affirming his authority to teach as he does.
The word "humility" and "gentleness" are abstract nouns, and can be expressed in another way. Alternate translation: "by Christ, who is humble and gentle"
The word "walking" is a metaphor for the way a person lives his life. "we are acting"
The word "flesh" is a metonym for the mortal body, which in turn is a metaphor for the person himself. See how you translated it in [2 Corinthians 1:17]
Here "walk" is an metaphor for "live" and "flesh" is a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: "we live our lives in physical bodies"
This phrase is a metonym for the way mortal people do things. See how you translated it in [2 Corinthians 1:17]
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.
Possible meanings are 1) the word "flesh" is a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: "fight against our enemies using physical weapons" or 2) the word "flesh" is a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: "make war in sinful ways"
Paul speaks of godly wisdom that shows human wisdom to be false as if it were a weapon with which he is destroying an enemy stronghold. Alternate translation: "the weapons we fight with ... show people that what our enemies say is completely wrong"
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.
Possible meanings are 1) the word "fleshly" is a metonym for merely physical. Alternate translation: "are not physical" or 2) the word "fleshly" is a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: "are not sinful" or "do not enable us to do wrong"
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"
"everything that proud people do"
Paul speaks of arguments as if they were a wall standing high against an army. The words "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"
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"
The words "act of disobedience" are a metonym for the people who commit those acts. Alternate translation: "punish every one of you who disobeys us"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a command or 2) this is a statement, "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."
"he needs to remember"
"that we belong to Christ just as much as he does"
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"
"I am trying to frighten you"
"demanding and forceful"
"when he is here physically, he is not impressive"
"I want such people to be aware"
"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"
All instances of these words refer to Paul's ministry team but not the Corinthians.
"Bold people would group themselves ... praise themselves, but we are not that bold, so we do not." Paul is using irony here: most people think of boldness as a good thing, but Paul is saying that those who have the boldness to praise themselves are doing wrong.
"to say we are as good as those"
Paul is saying much the same thing twice.
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"
"show everyone that they do not know anything"
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."
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will not boast about things over which we have no authority. Instead" or "will boast only about things over which we have authority. And"
"about things under the authority that God"
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"
"we are not doing more than we should." Possible meanings are 1) "we are not boasting more than we should" or 2) "we are not claiming to have more authority than we do."
This is an idiom. See how similar words were translated in [2 Corinthians 10:13]
"we hope that" or "we desire that" or "we trust that"
"an area God has assigned to someone else"
"boast about what the Lord has done"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Lord approves"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "but it is the one whom the Lord recommends who is approved"
In this chapter, Paul continues defending his authority.
The Corinthians were quick to accept false teachers who taught things about Jesus and the gospel that were different from what Paul taught and that were not true. Unlike these false teachers, Paul sacrificially served the Corinthians. (See: goodnews)
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: light, righteous and darkness and sin)
Paul begins this chapter with an extended metaphor. He compares himself to a father who is giving his daughter, a pure virgin, as a 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.
This chapter is full of irony. Paul is hoping to shame the Corinthian believers with his irony.
"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.
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.
"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?"
In refuting the false apostles, who claim 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."
He also uses a series of rhetorical questions to empathize with his converts: "Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who has been caused to stumble, and I do not burn?"
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.
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)
Paul continues to affirm his apostleship.
"allow me to act like a fool"
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.
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: "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"
"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"
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"
Paul lists three situations that are likely to happen or may have actually happened. These sentences can be combined into one sentence. Alternate translation: "For when ... preached, or when ... received, or when ... received, you put"
"a different spirit than the Holy Spirit, or a different gospel than you received from us"
"deal with these things." See how these words were translated in 2 Corinthians 11:1.
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"
This negative phrase emphasizes the positive truth that he is trained in knowledge. The abstract noun "knowledge" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "I am certainly trained in knowledge" or "I am trained to know what they know"
Paul is beginning to claim that he treated the Corinthians well. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement, if necessary. Alternate translation: "I think we agree that I did not sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted"
"preached the gospel of God to you without expecting anything from you in return"
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul received money from churches who were not obligated to give to him. Alternate translation: "In a way, I robbed other churches" or "It was as if I robbed other churches"
The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I could serve you at no cost"
"I have never in any way been a financial 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. 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"
These "brothers" were probably all male.
"I never will be a burden to you"
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. This"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will be able to make me stop boasting and stay silent"
This refers to what Paul spoke about starting in (2 Corinthians 11:7).
"regions of Achaia." The word "parts" speaks of areas of land, not political divisions.
Paul uses rhetorical questions to emphasize love for the Corinthians. These questions can be combined or made into a statement. 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"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "God knows I love you"
As Paul continues to affirm his apostleship, he talks about false apostles.
Paul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can cut off. Alternate translation: "so that they have no reason to boast that they are doing the same work that we are doing"
"to appear to be like us" or "to appear to be doing the same work we are doing"
"us, as they are boasting that they are"
"I do what I do because people like them"
"dishonest workers"
"are not apostles, but they try to make themselves look like apostles"
By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many "false apostles"
"Satan is not an angel of light, but he tries to make himself look like an angel of light"
Here "light" is a metaphor for righteousness. Alternate translation: "an angel of righteousness"
By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many "false apostles"
"his servants are not servants of righteousness, but they try to make themselves look like servants of righteousness"
"receive me as you would receive a fool: let me talk, and consider my boasting the words of a fool"
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These people "boast" in the bad sense of claiming to be better people than they really are.
Here the metonym "flesh" refers to man in his sinful nature and his achievements. Alternate translation: "about their own human achievements"
Paul uses the word "boast" ironically. See how you translated "boasting" in [2 Corinthians 1:12]
"accept fools." See how a similar phrase was translated in 2 Corinthians 11:1.
Paul is shaming the Corinthians by using irony. Alternate translation: "You think you are wise, but you are not!"
Paul uses exaggeration when he speaks of someone forcing others to obey rules as if he were forcing them to be slaves. Alternate translation: "makes you follow rules he has thought of"
Paul speaks of the super-apostles' taking people's material resources as if they were eating the people themselves. Alternate translation: "he takes all your property"
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.
"I shamefully admit that we were not bold enough to treat you like 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"
"Whatever anyone boasts about ... I will dare to boast about it also." Paul's boldness here is the boldness to boast.
Paul is asking questions the Corinthians might be asking and then answering them to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. 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."
As Paul continues to confirm his apostleship, he states specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.
Paul is asking questions the Corinthians might be asking and then answering them to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. Alternate translation: "They say they are servants of Christ—I speak as though I were insane—but I am more"
"as though I were unable to think well"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "I am more a servant of Christ than they are"
"I have worked harder than they have"
"I have been in prison more often"
This is an idiom, and is exaggerated to emphasize that he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: "I have been beaten very many times, and I have faced" or "I have been beaten too many times to bother counting, and I have faced"
"and I have almost died many times"
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 not be guilty of whipping someone too many times if they accidentally counted wrong.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people beat me with wooden rods"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people threw stones at me until they thought I was dead"
Paul was referring to floating in the water after the ship he was on sank.
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"
The words "I have served" have been added to shorten the sentence that begins in 2 Corinthians 11:24. You can end 2 Corinthians 11:26 with a comma and begin this verse with the words "in labor."
This hendiadys emphasizes how hard Paul worked. Alternate translation: "extremely hard work"
Here Paul exaggerates to show his need of clothing. Alternate translation: "without enough clothing to keep me warm"
Here Paul's concern for the churches is spoken of as if it were a heavy object weighing him down. Alternate translation: "I am so concerned everyday for all the churches that I feel like I have a heavy object weighing me down"
The word "weak" may refer to a spiritual condition or to a physical condition. No one is sure what Paul is speaking of, so it is best to use the same word here. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Whenever anyone is weak, I feel that weakness also." or "I am weak whenever anyone else is weak."
Paul uses this question to express his anger when a fellow believer is caused to sin. Here his anger is spoken of as a burning inside him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Whenever anyone causes a brother to sin, I am angry."
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"
Paul speaks of being angry about sin as if he had a fire inside his body. Alternate translation: "I am not angry about it"
"what shows how weak I am"
Paul is using litotes to emphasize that he is telling the truth. Alternate translation: "I am telling the absolute truth"
"the governor whom King Aretas had appointed had told men to guard the city"
"so that they might catch and arrest me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "some people put me in a basket and lowered me to the ground"
Paul uses the governor's hands as metonymy for the governor. Alternate translation: "from the governor"
Paul continues defending his authority in this chapter.
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: apostle)
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 a vision that God gave him a physical handicap to keep him humble. (See: heaven)
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).
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?"
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.
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)
In defending the apostleship that God gave him, Paul continues to state specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.
"even if boasting is does not do any good"
"I will continue talking, but now about"
Possible meanings are 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" or 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"
Paul is actually speaking of himself as if he were speaking of someone else, but this should be translated literally if possible.
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"
This refers to the dwelling place of God rather than the sky or outer space (the planets, stars, and the universe).
Paul continues to speak of himself as though he were speaking of someone else.
This continues Paul's account of what happened to "this man"
suddenly and forcefully held and taken
Possible meanings are 1) heaven or 2) the third heaven or 3) a special place in heaven.
Possible meanings of "inexpressible" are that 1) Paul means something other than "it is unlawful for people to speak" these words, and so people are unable to communicate the ideas expressed in the words or 2) Paul means the same thing as "it is unlawful for people to speak" these words, emphasizing that God does not permit people to speak the words.
"of that person"
This double negative emphasizes that Paul will boast only about his weaknesses. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I will boast only of my weaknesses"
"no one will give me more credit than what he sees in me or hears from me"
This verse reveals that Paul was speaking about himself beginning in 2 Corinthians 12:2.
As Paul defends his apostleship, he tells of the weakness that God gave him to keep him humble.
"because those revelations were so much greater than anything anyone else had ever seen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave me a thorn in the flesh" or "God allowed me to have 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"
"a servant of Satan"
Paul put these words at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that he had prayed many times about his "thorn" (2 Corinthians 12:7).
"Lord about this thorn in the flesh," or "Lord about this affliction"
"I will be kind to you, and that is all you need"
"for my power works best when you are weak"
Paul speaks of Christ's power as if it were a tent built over him. Possible meanings are 1) "people might see that I have the power of Christ" or 2) "I might truly have the power of Christ."
Possible meanings are 1) "I am content in weakness ... situations if these things come because I belong to Christ" or 2) "I am content in weakness ... if these things cause more people to know Christ."
"when I am weak"
"when people try to make me angry by saying that I am a bad person"
"when I am suffering"
"when there is trouble"
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.
To strengthen them, Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of the true signs of an apostle and of his humility while before them.
"I am acting like a fool"
"You forced me to talk this way"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it is praise that you should have given me"
"commended"
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"
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]
This can be stated in active form, with emphasis on the "signs." Alternate translation: "It is the true signs of an apostle that I performed"
Use the same word both times.
"with as much perseverance as we had" or "with great perseverance"
These are the "true signs of an apostle" that Paul performed "with complete perseverance."
Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians are wrong to accuse him of wanting to do them harm. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I treated you the same way I treated all the other churches, except that ... you."
"I did not ask you for money or other things I needed"
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.
not asking them for money and other things he needed
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "What I want is that you love and accept me"
Young children are not responsible for saving money or other goods to give to their healthy parents.
Paul speaks of his work and his physical life as if they 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"
The word "souls" is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: "for you" or "so you will live well"
This rhetorical question can be translated 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."
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.
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"
Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one that I sent to you has taken advantage of you!"
Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Titus did not take advantage of you."
Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Possible meanings of "spirit" are 1) Paul and his companions acted rightly with the Corinthians, as had Titus. Alternate translation: "We all had the same attitude and acted the same way" Or 2) Paul, his companions, and Titus all obeyed the Holy Spirit as they served the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "We all lived in obedience to the same Spirit" This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement.
Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is yes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We all did things the same way."
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. Alternate translation: "Perhaps you think that all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you."
This represents the presence of God. Paul and his coworkers are aware that God is watching them while they teach the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "before God" or "with God as witness" or "in the presence of God"
The reason Paul and his coworkers speak in Christ is so that the Corinthians might be strenthened. Paul speaks of knowing how to obey God and desiring to obey him as if it were physical growth. Alternate translation: "and we do all this in order to strengthen you" or "and we do all this so that you may know God and obey him better"
"I may not like what I find" or "I may not like what I see you doing"
"you might not like what you see in me"
The abstract nouns "quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder" can be translated using verbs. Possible meanings are 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" or 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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will grieve because many of you have sinned before now and have not repented ... that you have practiced"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is saying almost the same thing three times for emphasis. Alternate translation: "did not stop commiting the sexual sins that they practiced" or 2) Paul is speaking of three different sins.
The abstract noun uncleanness can be translated as "things that do not please God." Alternate translation: "of secretly thinking about and desiring things that do not please God"
The abstract noun "immorality" can be translated as "immoral deeds." Alternate translation: "of doing sexually immoral deeds"
The abstract noun "indulgence" can be translated using a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "of ... doing things that satisfy immoral sexual desire"
In this chapter, Paul finishes defending his authority. He then concludes the letter with a final greeting and blessing.
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: disciple)
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.
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: faith and save)
Paul establishes that Christ is speaking through him and that Paul is wanting to restore them, encourage them, and unify them.
Here a "matter" is an accusation and "mouth" is a metonym for the testimony a person gives through his mouth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Believe that someone has done something wrong only after two or three people have given the same testimony"
"all you other people"
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This can be made active. Alternate translation: "they crucified him"
God gives us the power and ability to live life in and with him.
Possible meanings are 1) living inside each individual or 2) "among you," part of and the most important member of the group.
"you have examined and tested yourself and found that you are not in the faith and Jesus Christ is not in you"
"I desire that" or "I trust that"
"that you will not sin at all" or "that you will not refuse to listen to us when we correct you." Paul is emphasizing the opposite with his statement. Alternate translation: "that you will do everything right"
"to be great teachers and live the truth"
"we are not able to keep people from learning the truth"
"truth; everything we do will enable people to learn the truth"
"may become spiritually mature"
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]
Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian believers.
"Work toward maturity"
"agree with one another" or "live in harmony with one another"
"with Christian love"
"those whom God has set apart for himself"
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