1 tn Grk “Paul.” The word “from” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate the sender of the letter.
2tn Or “are throughout Achaia.”
3tn Grk “Grace to you and peace.”
4tn Or “our trials”; traditionally, “our affliction.” The term qli'yi" (qliyi") refers to trouble (including persecution) that involves direct suffering (LN 22.2).
5tn Or “any trials”; traditionally, “any affliction.”
6tn This Greek word translated sufferings here (pavqhma, paqhma) is a different one than the one Paul uses for his own afflictions/persecutions (qli'yi", qliyi") in v. 4
7tn I.e., suffering incurred by Paul as a consequence of his relationship to Christ. The genitive could be considered to have a causative nuance here.
8tn Traditionally, “abound” (here and throughout this section).
9tn The words “to you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied by the statements in the following verse.
10tn Or “are troubled.”
11tn Grk “as you are sharers in.”
12tn Grk “will be sharers in.”
13tn Grk “brothers,” but the Greek word may be used for “brothers and sisters” or “fellow Christians” as here (cf. BAGD 16 s.v. ajdelfov" 1., where considerable nonbiblical evidence for the plural ajdelfoiv [adelfoi] meaning “brothers and sisters” is cited).
14tn Grk “we ourselves had the sentence of death within ourselves.” Here ajpovkrima (apokrima) is being used figuratively; no actual official verdict had been given, but in light of all the difficulties that Paul and his colleagues had suffered, it seemed to them as though such an official verdict had been rendered against them (LN 56.26).
15tn Or “might not put confidence in ourselves.”
16tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative clause “who delivered us…” was made a separate sentence in the translation.
17tn Grk “deliver us, on whom we have set our hope.”
18tn Grk “so that thanks may be given by many.” The words “to God” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. The passive construction has been converted to an active one for clarity, in keeping with contemporary English style.
19tn Or “for boasting.”
20tn Or “sincerity.” The two terms translated “pure motives” (aJplovth", Japloth") and “sincerity” (eijlikrivneia, eilikrineia) are close synonyms.
21tn Grk “sincerity of God,” with the genitive tou' qeou' (tou qeou) translated as an attributive genitive.
22tn Or “not by worldly wisdom.”
23tn Or “and especially.”
24tn Grk “than the things.”
25tn Grk “to the end,” a Greek idiom for “fully,” “totally,” “completely.”
26tn Grk “that we are your boast even as you are our boast.”
27tn Grk “a second grace,” “a second favor” (used figuratively of a second visit by Paul).
28tn Grk “come again.”
29tn The Greek construction anticipates a negative answer. This is indicated in the translation by the ‘tag’ question “did I?” at the end of the sentence.
30tn Grk “the things that I plan, do I plan (them).”
31tn Grk “according to the flesh.”
32tn Grk “so that with me there should be.”
33sn Silvanus is usually considered to be the same person as Silas (LN 93.340).
34tn Or “strengthens.”
35tn Grk “But he who establishes us together with you in Christ and anointed us is God.”
36tn Or “first installment,” “pledge.”
sn Down payment. The Greek word ajrrabwvn (arrabwn) denotes the first payment or first installment of money or goods which serves as a guarantee or pledge for the completion of the transaction. In the NT the term is used only figuratively of the Holy Spirit as the “down payment” of the blessings promised by God (2 Cor 1:22; 5:5, and here). In the “already—not yet” scheme of the NT the possession of the Spirit now by believers (“already”) can be viewed as a guarantee that God will give them the balance of the promised blessings in the future (“not yet”).
1tn Grk “I call upon God as witness against my soul.” Normally this implies an appeal for help (LN 33.176).
2tn Here feidovmeno" (feidomeno") has been translated as a telic participle.
3sn Paul had promised to come again to visit (see 2 Cor 1:15, 24) but explains here why he had changed his plans.
4tn Or “because you stand firm in the faith.”
5tn Or “I decided this for myself.”
6tn Grk “not to come to you again in sorrow.”
sn Paul was not speaking absolutely about not making another visit, but meant he did not want to come to the Corinthians again until the conflict he mentioned in 2 Cor 2:4-11 was settled.
7tn Or “to cheer me up.” LN 25.131 translates this “For if I were to make you sad, who would be left to cheer me up?”
8tn The words “to you” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
9sn So that when I came. Regarding this still future visit by Paul, see 2 Cor 12:14; 13:1.
10tn Or “the love that I have in great measure for you.”
11tn Or “(not to say too much)”; Grk “(not to burden you [with words]).”
12tn Grk “so that on the other hand.”
13tn The word “him” is not in the Greek text but is supplied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted and must be supplied from the context.
14tn Grk “comfort him, so that he is not somehow overwhelmed.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence and the difficulty of expressing a negative purpose/result clause in English a new sentence was started here in the translation.
15tn Grk “comfort him, lest somehow such a person be swallowed up by excessive grief,” an idiom for a person being so overcome with grief as to despair or give up completely (LN 25.285). In this context of excessive grief or regret for past sins, “overwhelmed” is a good translation since contemporary English idiom speaks of someone “overwhelmed by grief.”
16tn Or “I urge you to show that your love for him is real.”
17tn The word “you” is not in the Greek text, but is implied (as an understood direct object).
18tn Grk “to know the proof of you,” that is, to know if the Corinthians’ obedience to Paul as an apostle was genuine (LN 72.7).
19tn Or “be taken advantage of.”
20sn Troas was a city and region in the northwest corner of Asia Minor.
21tn This is translated as a concessive participle (“even though”). The passive construction (“a door of opportunity had been opened for me by the Lord”) has been converted to an active one in the translation for clarity.
22tn Grk “a door”; the phrase ajnoivgw quvran (anoigw quran, “to open a door”) is an idiom meaning “to make possible some opportunity” (LN 71.9).
23tn Or “I had no peace of mind.”
24tn Or “I took my leave of them.”
25tn Since this refers to the outset of a journey, the aorist ejxh'lqon (exhlqon) is taken ingressively.
26tn Or “who always causes us to triumph.”
27tn Or “in the Messiah.”
28tn Or “who reveals.”
29tn The same Greek word (ojsmhv, osmh) translated “odor” here (in relation to the stench of death) is translated “fragrance” in 2:14 and in the next phrase of the present verse. The word itself can describe a smell or odor either agreeable or disagreeable depending on the context (LN 79.45).
30sn These things refer to the things Paul is doing in his apostolic ministry.
31tn The participle kaphleuvonte" (kaphleuonte") refers to those engaged in retail business, but with the negative connotations of deceptiveness and greed—“to peddle for profit,” “to huckster” (LN 57.202). In the translation a noun form (“hucksters”) has been used in combination with the English verb “peddle…for profit” to convey the negative connotations of this term.
32tn Or “in the presence of.”
33tn Or “persons of pure motives.”
1tn The Greek construction anticipates a negative reply (“No, we do not”) which is indicated in the translation by the ‘tag’ at the end, “do we?”
2tn That is, “letter of recommendation.”
3tn Or “making plain.”
4tn Grk “cared for by us,” an expression that could refer either to the writing or the delivery of the letter (BAGD 184 s.v. diakonevw). Since the following phrase refers to the writing of the letter, and since the previous verse speaks of this “letter” being “written on our [Paul’s and his companions’] hearts” it is more probable that the phrase “cared for by us” refers to the delivery of the letter (in the person of Paul and his companions).
5sn An allusion to Exod 24:12; 31:18; 34:1; Deut 9:10-11.
6tn Or “competent.”
7tn Or “competence.”
8tn Or “competent.”
9sn This new covenant is promised in Jer 31:31-34; 32:40.
10tn Grk “on stones”; but since this is clearly an allusion to the tablets of the Decalogue (see 2 Cor 3:3) the word “tablets” was supplied in the translation to make the connection clear.
11tn Grk “so that the sons of Israel.”
12sn The glory of his face. When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai with the tablets of the Decalogue, the people were afraid to approach him because his face was so radiant (Exod 34:29-30).
13tn The words “a glory” are not in the Greek text, but the reference to “glory” has been repeated from the previous clause for clarity.
14tn Or “which was transitory.”
15tn Grk “how will not rather the ministry of the Spirit be with glory?”
16tn Grk “the ministry of condemnation”; translated as an objective genitive, “the ministry that produced condemnation.”
17tn Grk “the ministry of righteousness”; translated as an objective genitive, “the ministry that produces righteousness.”
18tn Traditionally, “abound.”
19tn Grk “in this case.”
20tn The words “of what replaced it” are not in the Greek text, but have been supplied to clarify the meaning.
21tn Or “through” (diav, dia).
22tn Or “what is permanent.”
23tn Or “we employ great openness of speech.”
24tn Grk “the sons of Israel.”
25tn Or “from gazing intently.”
26tn Grk “on the end of what was fading away”; the referent (glory) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
27tn Grk “their minds were hardened.”
28tn Grk “the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant”; the phrase “they hear” has been introduced (“when they hear the old covenant read”) to make the link with the “Israelites” (v. 13) whose minds were closed (v. 14a) more obvious to the reader.
29tn Or “only in Christ is it eliminated.”
30tn Grk “their heart.”
31tn Or perhaps “when(ever) he turns,” referring to Moses.
32sn An allusion to Exod 34:34. The entire verse may refer to Moses, viewing him as a type portraying the Jewish convert to Christianity in Paul’s day.
33tn Grk “where the Spirit of the Lord is”; the word “present” is added to specify that the presence of the Lord’s Spirit is emphasized rather than the mere existence of the Lord’s Spirit.
34tn Or “we all with unveiled faces beholding the glory of the Lord as in a mirror.”
35tn Grk “from glory to glory.”
36tn Grk “just as from.”
37tn Grk “from the Lord, the Spirit”; the genitive pneuvmato" (pneumato") is translated as a genitive of apposition.
1tn Grk “just as we have been shown mercy”; hjlehvqhmen (hlehqhmen) is translated as a ‘divine passive’ which is a circumlocution for God as the active agent. For clarity this was converted to an active construction with God as subject in the translation.
2tn Or “we do not lose heart.”
3tn LN 13.156; the word can also mean “to assert opposition to,” thus here “we have denounced” (LN 33.220).
4tn Grk “the hidden things [deeds] of shame”; here aijscuvnh" (aiscunh") is translated as an attributive genitive.
5tn Or “not conducting ourselves”; Grk “not walking” (a common NT idiom for conduct, way of life, or behavior).
6tn Or “craftiness.”
7tn Or “of unbelievers.”
8tn Grk “the gospel of the glory”; dovxh" (doxhs) is translated as an attributive genitive.
9tn Or “so that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ would not be evident to them” (LN 28.37).
10tn Or “preach.”
11tn Traditionally, “servants.” Though dou'lo" (doulos) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free man serving another. BAGD notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times…in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BAGD 205 s.v. dou'lo"). The most accurate translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for dou'lo"), in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force.
12sn An allusion to Gen 1:3; see also Isa 9:2.
13tn Grk “the light of the knowledge of the glory”; dovxh" (doxhs) is translated as an attributive genitive.
14tn Grk “the surpassingness of the power”; dunavmew" (dunamew") is translated as an attributed genitive (“extraordinary power”).
15tn Grk “we are hard pressed [by crowds] on every side.”
16tn Or “at a loss.”
17tn Or “forsaken.”
18tn Or “badly hurt.” It is possible to interpret kataballovmenoi (kataballomenoi) here as “badly hurt”: “[we are] badly hurt, but not destroyed” (LN 20.21).
19tn The first clause of 2 Cor 4:10 is elliptical and apparently refers to the fact that Paul was constantly in danger of dying in the same way Jesus died (by violence at least). According to LN 23.99 it could be translated, “at all times we live in the constant threat of being killed as Jesus was.”
20tn Or “may also be revealed.”
21tn Or “may also be revealed.”
22tn Grk “mortal flesh.”
23tn Or “So then.”
24tn Grk “death is at work in us, but life in you”; the phrase “is at work in” is repeated in the translation for clarity.
25tn Grk “spirit of faith according to.”
26sn A quotation from Ps 116:10.
27tn Grk “speak, because.” A new sentence was started here in the translation, with the words “We do so” supplied to preserve the connection with the preceding statement.
28tn Or “that is abounding to.”
29tn Or “to abound.”
30tn Or “do not lose heart.”
31tn Grk “our outer man.”
32tn Grk “our inner [man].”
33tn Grk “momentary lightness of affliction.”
1sn The expression the tent we live in refers to “our earthly house, our body.” Paul uses the metaphor of the physical body as a house or tent, the residence of the immaterial part of a person.
2tn Or “destroyed.”
3tn Or “dwelling place.”
4tn Or “to be clothed with.”
5tn Grk “it”; the referent (the earthly house of the previous verse, referring to the physical body) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6sn See the note in 5:1 on the phrase the tent we live in.
7tn Or “we are burdened.”
8tn Grk “for this very thing.”
9tn Or “first installment,” “pledge” (see the note on the phrase “down payment” in 1:22).
10tn Grk “we know that being at home in the body”; an idiom for being alive (LN 23.91).
11tn Grk “we walk.”
12tn Or “be absent.”
13tn Grk “whether we are at home” [in the body]; an idiom for being alive (LN 23.91).
14tn Grk “to be pleasing to him.”
15sn The judgment seat (bh'ma, bhma) was a raised platform mounted by steps and sometimes furnished with a seat, used by officials in addressing an assembly or making pronouncements, often on judicial matters. The judgment seat was a common item in Greco-Roman culture, often located in the agora, the public square or marketplace in the center of a city. Use of the term in reference to Christ’s judgment would be familiar to Paul’s first century readers.
16tn Or “whether good or bad.”
17tn Or “because we know what it means to fear the Lord.”
18tn The present tense of peivqomen (peiqomen) is translated as a conative present.
19tn Grk “men”; but a[nqrwpo" (anqrwpo") is generic here since clearly both men and women are in view (Paul did not attempt to win only men to the gospel he preached).
20tn Or “clearly evident.” BAGD 853 s.v. fanerovw 2.b.a has “qew/' pefanerwvmeqa we are well known to God 2 Cor 5:11a, cf. 11b; 11:6 t.r.”
21tn The present tense of sunistavnomen (sunistanomen) is translated as a conative present.
22tn Or “to boast about us.”
23tn Or “who boast.”
24tn Or “in what is seen.”
25tn The phrase hJ ajgavph tou' Cristou' (Jh agaph tou Cristou, “the love of Christ”) could be translated as either objective genitive (“our love for Christ”) or subjective genitive (“Christ’s love for us”). Either is grammatically possible, but with the reference to Christ’s death for all in the following clauses, a subjective genitive (“Christ’s love for us”) is more likely.
26tn Grk “one”; the referent (Christ) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
27tn Or “but for him who died and was raised for them.”
28tn Grk “we know.”
29tn Grk “no one according to the flesh.”
30tn Grk “we have known Christ according to the flesh.”
31tn Grk “old things have passed away.”
32tn Grk “new things have come [about].”
33tn Or “he has entrusted to us.”
34tn Or “as though God were begging.”
35tn Or “we beg you.”
36tn Grk “He”; the referent (God) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
37sn The one who did not know sin is a reference to Jesus Christ.
38sn That is, “in Christ.”
1tn Or “receive the grace of God uselessly.”
2sn A quotation from Isa 49:8.
3tn The word “anyone” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted when clear from the context.
4tn Other interpretations of the first part of 2 Cor 6:3 are possible. The phrase could also mean, “not putting an obstacle in the way of anyone” (LN 22.14), or “giving no one in anything a cause to sin” (LN 88.307).
5tn Or “ministers.”
6tn Or “we have commended ourselves by all things.”
7tn Or “in trouble and suffering.”
8tn Or “rebellions” (uprisings in open defiance of civil authority).
9tn Usually kovpoi" (kopois) is translated as “labors” or “hard work,” but see Matt 26:10 where it means “trouble”; “distress” (LN 22.7). In this context with so many other terms denoting suffering and difficulty, such a meaning is preferable.
10tn Or “by holiness of spirit.”
11tn Or “sincere.”
12tn Grk “by the word of truth”; understanding ajlhqeiva" (alhqeias) as an attributive genitive (“truthful word”).
13tn Or “speech.” In this context it is more likely that lovgo" (logos) refers to Paul’s message (thus “teaching”) than to his speech in general.
14tn The phrase “for the right hand and for the left” possibly refers to a combination of an offensive weapon (a sword for the right hand) and a defensive weapon (a shield for the left).
15tn Or “regarded as deceivers.”
16tn Grk “disciplined,” but in this context probably a reference to scourging prior to execution (yet the execution is not carried out).
17tn Grk “our mouth has been open to you,” an idiom for openness in communication.
18tn Grk “You are not restricted by us.”
19tn The word “my” is not in the Greek text but is implied.
20tn The words “to us” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
21tn Or “Do not be mismatched.”
22sn The Greek term Beliavr (Beliar) is a spelling variant for Belial ( Belial, see Judg 20:13 LXX). It occurs only here in the NT. Beliar is a reference to Satan.
23tn Or “live among them,” “live with them.”
sn I will live in them. The OT text that lies behind this passage (Lev 26:11-12) speaks of God dwelling in the midst of his people. The Greek preposition en in the phrase en autoi" (“in them”) can also have that meaning (“among” or “with”). However, Paul appears to be extending the imagery here to involve God (as the Spirit) dwelling in his people, since he calls believers “the temple of the living God” in the previous clause, imagery he uses elsewhere in his writings (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:21-22).
24sn A quotation from Lev 26:12; also similar to Jer 32:38; Ezek 37:27.
25sn A quotation from Isa 52:11.
26tn Or “will receive.”
27sn A paraphrased quotation from Ezek 20:41.
28sn A paraphrased quotation from 2 Sam 7:14 and Isa 43:6.
29tn Traditionally, “the Lord Almighty.” BAGD 608 s.v. pantokravtwr states, “the Almighty, All-Powerful, Omnipotent (One) only of God…kuvrio" p. (oft. LXX) 2 Cor 6:18.”
1tn Or “purify ourselves.”
2tn Grk “from every defilement of the flesh.”
3tn Grk “accomplishing.” The participle has been translated as a finite verb due to considerations of contemporary English style, and “thus” has been supplied to indicate that it represents a result of the previous cleansing.
4tn Grk “in the fear of God.”
5tn The phrase “in your hearts” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
6tn “We have ruined no one” may refer to financial loss (“we have caused no one to suffer financial loss”) but it may also refer to the undermining of faith (“we have corrupted no one’s faith,”). Both options are mentioned in LN 20.23.
7tn Or “we have taken advantage of no one.”
8sn See 2 Cor 1:4-7.
9tn The words “with you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
10tn Grk “great is my boasting.”
11tn Or “comfort.”
12tn Grk “I am overflowing with joy in all our suffering”; the words “in the midst of” are not in the Greek text but are added to clarify that Paul is not rejoicing in the suffering itself, but in his relationship with the Corinthians in the midst of all his suffering.
13tn Grk “our flesh.”
14tn Or “comforts,” “consoles.”
15tn Or “comforted,” “consoled.”
16tn Because of the length and complexity of this Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the phrase “We were encouraged.”
17tn Or “comfort,” “consolation.”
18tn Grk “by the encouragement with which he was encouraged by you.” The passive construction was translated as an active one in keeping with contemporary English style, and the repeated word “encouraged” was replaced in the translation by “gave” to avoid redundancy in the translation.
19tn Or “your grieving,” “your deep sorrow.”
20tn Or “your zeal.”
21tn Grk “if I grieved you.”
22sn My letter. Paul is referring to the “severe” letter mentioned in 2 Cor 2:4.
23tn Grk “I do not regret”; direct objects in Greek must often be supplied from the context. Here one could simply supply “it,” but since Paul is referring to the effects of his previous letter, clarity is improved if “having written it” is supplied.
24tn Grk “I did regret”; the direct object “it” must be supplied from the context.
25tn Grk “my letter grieved you.”
26tn Grk “were grieved.”
27tn Grk “were grieved.”
28tn Grk “were grieved.”
29tn Grk “corresponding to God,” that is, corresponding to God’s will (kataV qeovn, kata qeon).
30tn Grk “so that you did not suffer loss.”
31tn Grk “corresponding to God,” that is, corresponding to God’s will (kataV qeovn, kata qeon).
32tn Grk “this very thing, to be grieved.”
33tn Grk “corresponding to God,” that is, corresponding to God’s will (kataV qeovn, kata qeon).
34tn The words “of yourselves” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
35sn What indignation refers to the Corinthians’ indignation at the offender.
36tn Or “what zeal.”
37sn That is, punishment for the offender.
38tn Grk “but in order that your eagerness on our behalf might be revealed to you.”
39tn Or “his mind has been put at ease.”
40tn Grk “I have not been put to shame”; the words “by you” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
41tn Grk “just as we spoke everything to you in truth.”
42tn The words “about you” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
43tn Or “is all the more.”
1tn Grk “brothers,” but the Greek word may be used for “brothers and sisters” or “fellow Christians” as here (cf. BAGD 16 s.v. ajdelfov" 1., where considerable nonbiblical evidence for the plural ajdelfoiv [adelfoi] meaning “brothers and sisters” is cited).
2tn Or “riches.”
3tn Or “spontaneously.”
4tn Or “of ministering to.”
5tn A new sentence was started here in the translation and the word “thus” was supplied to indicate that it expresses the result of the previous clause.
6tn Or “we exhorted.”
7tn The words “this work” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted and must be supplied from the context.
8tn Grk “this grace.”
9tn Grk “as you abound.”
10tn Grk “you abound.”
11tn Grk “this grace.”
12tn Grk “by means of the eagerness of others.”
13tn Or “generosity.”
14tn The words “this work” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted and must be supplied from the context.
15tn Grk “just as the eagerness to want [it].”
16tn Grk “so also it might be completed.” The passive construction was converted to an active one in the translation in keeping with contemporary English style.
17tn Grk “completed from what you have.”
18tn The words “the gift itself” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Translators often supply an English phrase like “it is” (NASB) but in the context, Paul is clearly referring to the collection Titus was to oversee (2 Cor 8:4-7). Therefore there is no reason not to specify the referent (the gift) more narrowly for clarity.
19tn Or “their lack.”
20tn The word “gathered” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
21tn The word “gathered” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
22sn A quotation from Exod 16:18.
23tn Or “eagerness.”
24tn The comparative form of this adjective is used here with elative meaning.
25tn This verb is translated as an epistolary aorist.
26tn Or “of his own free will.”
27tn This verb is translated as an epistolary aorist.
28tn Grk “the brother of whom the praise in the gospel [is] throughout all the churches.”
29tn Grk “gospel, and not only this, but.” Here a new sentence was started in the translation.
30tn Grk “he”; the referent (the brother mentioned in v. 18) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
31tn That is, the offering or collection being taken to assist impoverished Christians.
32tn The words “to help” are not in the Greek text but are implied (see LN 25.68).
33tn “This” refers to sending the brother mentioned in 2 Cor 8:18 to Corinth along with Titus. The words “We did this” have no equivalent in the Greek text, but are necessary to maintain the thought flow in English. The Greek participle that begins v. 20 continues the sentence begun in v. 18 which concerns the sending of the other brother mentioned there.
34sn An allusion to Prov 3:4.
35tn This verb is translated as an epistolary aorist.
36tn Grk “If concerning Titus” (ei[te uJpeVr Tivtou, eite Juper Titou); the Greek sentence opens with an ellipsis which must be supplied: If [there is any question] about Titus.”
37tn Grk “apostles.”
38tn In the Greek text ejndeiknuvmenoi (endeiknumenoi) is a present participle which is translated as an imperative verb.
39tn Or “our boasting about you.”
1tn Or “it is superfluous.”
2tn Or “this ministry,” “this contribution.”
3tn The words “to help” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
4tn Grk “concerning which I keep boasting to the Macedonians about you.” A new sentence was started here and the translation was simplified by removing the relative clause and repeating the antecedent “this eagerness of yours.”
5tn The words “to give” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
6tn The words “to participate” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
7sn Most of them is a reference to the Macedonians (cf. v. 4).
8tn This verb is translated as an epistolary aorist.
9tn That is, ready with the collection for the saints.
10tn Or “be disgraced”; Grk “be put to shame.”
11tn Grk “by this confidence”; the words “we had in you” are not in the Greek text, but are added as a necessary clarification for the English reader.
12tn Grk “the blessing.”
13tn Grk “a blessing.”
14tn Grk “as a covetousness”; that is, a gift given grudgingly or under compulsion.
15tn Or “bountifully.”
16tn Or “bountifully.”
17tn Or “must do.” The words “of you” and “should do” are not in the Greek text, which literally reads, “Each one just as he has decided in his heart.” The missing words are an ellipsis; these or similar phrases must be supplied for the English reader.
18tn Or “in his mind.”
19tn Or “not from regret”; Grk “not out of grief.”
20tn Or “not out of a sense of duty”; Grk “from necessity.”
21tn Or “abound.”
22tn Or “so that by having enough.” The Greek participle can be translated as a participle of cause (“because you have enough”) or means (“by having enough”).
23tn Or “abound.”
24sn He in the quotation refers to the righteous person.
25sn A quotation from Ps 112:9.
26tn Grk “he”; the referent (God) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
27tn Grk “in every way for every generosity,” or “he will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times” (LN 57.29).
28tn Or “not only supplying.”
29tn Or “proof,” or perhaps “testing” (NRSV).
30tn Or “ministry.”
31tn Or “your partnership”; Grk “your fellowship.”
32tn Grk “the extraordinary grace of God to you”; the point is that God has given or shown grace to the Corinthians.
33tn “Let us thank God for his gift which cannot be described with words” (LN 33.202).
1tn The Greek pronoun (“you”) is plural.
2tn The word “personally” is added to reflect the force of the Greek intensive pronoun aujtov" (autos) at the beginning of the verse.
3tn Or “who lack confidence.”
4tn Or “when face to face with.”
5tn Or “but bold.”
6tn Grk “consider us as walking.”
7tn Grk “according to the flesh.”
8tn Grk “we walk.”
9tn Grk “in the flesh.”
10tn Grk “according to the flesh.”
11tn Grk “are not fleshly [weapons].” The repetition of the word “warfare” does not occur in the Greek text, but is added for clarity.
12tn Or “but (are) divinely powerful,” “but they have divine power,” or “but are powerful for God’s [service]”; Grk “but are powerful to God.”
13sn Ultimately Paul is referring here to the false arguments of his opponents, calling them figuratively “strongholds.” This Greek word (ojcuvrwma, ocurwma) is used only here in the NT.
14tn Or “speculations.”
15tn The phrase “every arrogant obstacle” could be translated simply “all arrogance” (so LN 88.207).
16tn Grk “to the obedience of Christ”; but since Cristou' (Cristou) is clearly an objective genitive here, it is better to translate “to make it obey Christ.”
17tn Or “punish all disobedience.”
18tn The phrase is close to a recognized idiom for judging based on outward appearances (LN 30.120). Some translators see a distinction, however, and translate 2 Cor 10:7a as “Look at what is in front of your eyes,” that is, the obvious facts of the case (so NRSV).
19tn The word “us” is not in the Greek text but is supplied. Indirect objects in Greek were often omitted when clear from the context, and must be supplied for the modern English reader.
20tn Grk “I will not be put to shame,” “I will not be ashamed.” The words “of doing so” are added to clarify for the reader that Paul will not be ashamed of boasting somewhat more about the authority the Lord gave him (beginning of v. 8).
21tn Or “unimpressive.”
22tn Or “is contemptible”; Grk “is despised.”
23tn Grk “what we are in word.”
24tn Or “they are unintelligent.”
25tn Or “boast excessively.” The phrase eij" taV a[metra (ei" ta ametra) is an idiom; literally it means “into that which is not measured,” that is, a point on a scale that goes beyond what might be expected (LN 78.27).
26tn The words “will confine our boasting” are not in the Greek text, but the reference to boasting must be repeated from the previous clause to clarify for the modern reader what is being limited.
27tn Grk “according to the measure of the rule which God has apportioned to us as a measure”; for the translation used in the text see LN 37.100.
28tn Grk “with the gospel of Christ,” but since Cristou' (Cristou) is clearly an objective genitive here, it is better to translate “with the gospel about Christ.”
29tn Or “boast excessively.” The phrase eij" taV a[metra (ei" ta ametra) is an idiom; literally it means “into that which is not measured,” that is, a point on a scale that goes beyond what might be expected (LN 78.27).
30tn Or “in the labors.”
31tn Grk “but we have the hope.”
32tn Or “greatly enlarged.”
33tn That is, Paul’s work might be greatly expanded within the area of activity assigned to him by God.
34tn The traditional translation (“let the one who boasts boast in the Lord”) can be understood as merely permissive by the English reader, but the Greek verb kaucavsqw (kaucasqw) is a third person imperative.
sn A quotation from Jer 9:24 (also quoted in 1 Cor 1:31).
1tn That is, to Christ.
2tn Or “chaste.”
3tn Grk “I fear lest somehow.”
4tn Or “the snake.”
5tn Or “craftiness.”
6tn Or “corrupted,” “seduced.”
7tn Or “preaches.”
8tn Grk “another Jesus whom we have not proclaimed.”
9tn Grk “a different spirit which you did not receive.”
10tn Grk “a different gospel which you did not accept.”
11tn Or “you endure it very well.”
12tn The implicit irony in Paul’s remark is brought out well by the TEV: “I do not think that I am the least bit inferior to those very special so-called ‘apostles’ of yours!”
sn The super-apostles’ refers either (1) to the original apostles (the older interpretation) or (2) more probably, to Paul’s opponents in Corinth, in which case the designation is ironic.
13sn Unskilled in speaking means not professionally trained as a rhetorician.
14sn Paul is referring to humbling himself to the point of doing manual labor to support himself.
15tn Or “preached.”
16sn That is, serve them free of charge (cf. the end of v. 7).
17tn Grk “you, and when.” A new sentence was started here in the translation.
18tn If the participle ejlqovnte" (elqonte") is taken as temporal rather than adjectival, the translation would be, “for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, fully supplied my needs” (similar to NASB).
19tn Grk “needs, and I kept.” A new sentence was started here in the translation.
20tn That is, that Paul offers the gospel free of charge to the Corinthians (see 2 Cor 11:7).
21tn Or “silenced.”
22tn Grk “God knows!” The words “I do” are supplied for clarity. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
23tn Grk “an opportunity, so that they may be found just like us.”
24tn Or “dishonest.”
25tn Or “workers, masquerading.”
26tn Or “Satan himself masquerades.”
27tn Or “also masquerade.”
28tn Or “their works.”
29tn Or “am foolish.”
30tn Grk “with this confidence of boasting.” The genitive kauchvsew" (kauchsew") is translated as an attributed genitive (the noun in the genitive gives an attribute of the noun modified).
31tn Or “say with the Lord’s authority.”
32sn Many is a reference to Paul’s opponents.
33tn Grk “according to the flesh.”
34tn Or “you tolerate.”
35tn Or “you tolerate.”
36tn See LN 88.212.
37tn Or “my shame.”
38sn It seems best, in context, to see the statement we were too weak for that as a parenthetical and ironic comment by Paul on his physical condition (weakness or sickness) while he was with the Corinthians (cf. 2 Cor 12:7-10; Gal 4:15).
39tn The words “to boast about” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, and this phrase serves as the direct object of the preceding verb.
40tn Grk “I also dare”; the words “to boast about the same thing” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, and this phrase serves as the direct object of the preceding verb.
41tn Grk “forty less one”; this was a standard sentence. “Lashes” is supplied to clarify for the modern reader what is meant.
42sn Beaten with a rod refers to the Roman punishment of verberatio according to BAGD 733 s.v. rJabdivzw. Acts 16:22 describes one of these occasions in Philippi; in this case it was administered by the city magistrates, who had wide powers in a military colony.
43sn Received a stoning. See Acts 14:19, where this incident is described.
44tn Or “bandits.” The word normally refers more to highwaymen (“robbers”) but can also refer to insurrectionists or revolutionaries (“bandits”).
45tn Or “desert.”
46tn The two different words for labor are translated “in hard work and toil” by LN 42.48.
47tn Grk “in cold and nakedness.” Paul does not mean complete nakedness, however, which would have been repugnant to a Jew; he refers instead to the lack of sufficient clothing, especially in cold weather. A related word is used to 1 Cor 4:11, also in combination with experiencing hunger and thirst.
48sn Apart from other things. Paul refers here either (1) to the external sufferings just mentioned, or (2) he refers to other things he has left unmentioned.
49tn “Anxious concern,” so translated in LN 25.224.
50tn Or “who is caused to stumble.”
51tn Grk “If boasting is necessary.”
52tn Or “about the things related to my weakness.”
53tn Grk “ethnarch.”
sn The governor was an official called an ethnarch who was appointed to rule over a particular area or constituency on behalf of a king.
54tn Grk “the city of the Damascenes.”
55tn Or “to seize,” “to catch.”
56tn In Acts 9:25 the same basket used in Paul’s escape is called a spuriv" (spuri"), a basket larger than a kovfino" (kofinos). It was very likely made out of rope, so the translation “rope-basket” is used.
1tn Grk “Boasting is necessary.”
2sn In the NT, paradise is mentioned three times. In Luke 24:43 it refers to the abode of the righteous dead. In Rev 2:7 it refers to the restoration of Edenic paradise predicted in Isa 51:3 and Ezek 36:35. The reference here in 2 Cor 12:4 is probably to be translated as parallel to the mention of the “third heaven” in v. 2. Assuming that the “first heaven” would be atmospheric heaven (the sky) and “second heaven” the more distant stars and planets, “third heaven” would refer to the place where God dwells. This is much more likely than some variation on the seven heavens mentioned in the pseudepigraphal book known as 2 Enoch and in other nonbiblical and rabbinic works.
3tn Or “things that cannot be put into words.”
4tn Grk “a man.”
5tn Or “speaking.”
6tn Or “may think of.”
7tn Or “to harass.”
8tn The phrase “so that I might not become arrogant” is repeated here because it occurs in the Greek text two times in the verse. Although redundant, it is repeated because of the emphatic nature of its affirmation.
9tn Here kaiv (kai) has been translated as “but” because of the contrast implicit in the context.
10tn Or “is sufficient.”
11tn Or “my power comes to full strength.”
12tn “Most gladly,” a comparative form used with superlative meaning and translated as such.
13tn Or “may rest on.”
14tn Or “I take delight in.”
15tn Or “calamities.”
16tn Or “I am in no way inferior.”
17tn Or “patience,” “endurance.”
18tn Or “and miracles.”
19tn Grk “For in what respect.”
20tn Grk “children ought not,” but this might give the impression that children are not supposed to support sick or aging parents in need of help. That is not what Paul is saying. His point is that children should not have to pay their parent’s way.
21tn Grk “souls.”
22tn The Greek construction anticipates a negative answer, indicated by the ‘tag’ question “have I?” at the end of the clause. The question is rhetorical.
23tn The words “to visit you” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, and must be supplied for the modern reader.
24tn Grk “the.”
25tn The Greek construction anticipates a negative answer, indicated by the ‘tag’ question “did he?” at the end of the clause.
26tn Grk “[Did we not walk] in the same tracks?” This is an idiom that means to imitate someone else or to behave as they do. Paul’s point is that he and Titus have conducted themselves in the same way toward the Corinthians. If Titus did not take advantage of the Corinthians, then neither did Paul.
27tn Or “for your strengthening”; Grk “for your edification.”
28tn Grk “and I will be found by you.” The passive construction has been converted to an active one in the translation.
29tn The words “I am afraid that” are not repeated in the Greek text, but are needed for clarity.
30tn Or “intense anger, hostility.”
31tn The words “I am afraid that” are not repeated in the Greek text from v. 20, but are needed for clarity.
32tn Or “I will mourn over.”
1tn The word “visit” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
2tn Grk “By the mouth.”
3sn A quotation from Deut 19:15 (also quoted in Matt 18:16; 1 Tim 5:19).
4tn The word “anyone” is not in the Greek text but is implied.
5tn Grk “who.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
6tn Or “unless indeed you are disqualified.”
7tn Or “that we are not disqualified.”
8tn Or “that we may appear to be approved.”
9tn Or “what is good.”
10tn Or “even if we appear disapproved.”
11tn Or “fully equipped.”
12tn Grk “when I am present,” but in the context of Paul’s third (upcoming) visit to Corinth, this is better translated as “when I arrive.”
13tn The words “with you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
14tn Grk “brothers,” but the Greek word may be used for “brothers and sisters” or “fellow Christians” as here (cf. BAGD 16 s.v. ajdelfov" 1., where considerable nonbiblical evidence for the plural ajdelfoiv [adelfoi] meaning “brothers and sisters” is cited).
15tn Or “communion.”