BHT with Abridged Translator’s Notes1 Corinthians 5 =
5
“Remove the Former Yeast of Sin”
1 The news is getting out everywhere,+ that there exists among you sexual immorality, and of such a kind that not even the Gentiles will condone it.+ Someone there is sleeping with his own stepmother!+ 2 And you are so proud and arrogant! Mourning and lament is what your response should have been, so as to expel from your fellowship the man who did this thing. 3 For I, though not there with you in person,+ but being there in spirit, have already pronounced a decision, as if I were there, concerning the man who did this thing.+ 4 When you are assembled in the powerful name of the Lord Jesus, and I am there with you in spirit,+ and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 turn this man over to Satan for him to heap disaster on the man’s body, so that the man’s+ spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord.+
6 This prideful talk of yours+ is so dangerous and ugly.+ Surely you realize, don’t you, that it takes only a tiny bit of yeast to corrupt+ the whole lump of dough. 7 Remove the former yeast of sin, so that you may be a new lump of dough,+ since you are a batch of unleavened dough; our Passover Lamb, you see, has been sacrificed—the Messiah.+ 8 So then, let us celebrate the festival not with the bread having the former yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.+
9 When I wrote to you previously,+ I instructed you to have nothing to do with people who are sexually immoral— 10 not at all meaning everyone in this world who is immoral,+ or just any greedy person or swindler or idolater, since then you would have to die!+ 11 What I meant was+ that you are to have nothing to do with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister, and yet lives a life of immorality or greed or idolatry or slander or drunkenness or swindling. With such a person don’t even eat. 12 After all, what business is it of mine to preside as judge over those outside the assembly? Your job is to govern and arbitrate decisions for those inside, is it not?+ 13 As for those on the outside, God is the one who will judge them.+ “Remove the evildoer from your midst.”+
+1:1Or called. Following L-N in translation here (see L-N, 33.314).+1:2Lit summoned to be holy, or called/summoned to be saints. Cf 1 Th 4:7, 5:23; 2 Th 2:13.+1:3Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:5Or speech.+1:6Cf 1 Th 1:5.+1:6Cf 1 Co 2:1-5; Th 1:5. Translating ἐν ὑμῖν ( en humin) in a way similar to 1 Th 1:5 (cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NLT, and TEV at 1 Th 1:5). Paul’s point here is similar to his statements in 1 Th 1:4-5.+1:8Lit who.+1:8Cf Php 1:10; Col 1:22 Th 3:12, 5:23; Jud 24.+1:9Or trustworthy. Cf 1 Th 5:24; 2 Th 3:3.+1:9Or called, or invited.+1:9Cf Rm 5:3, 8:17, 8:27-30; Ga 2:20-21, 3:26-29; Php 3:10, 3:21; Col 3:1-4.+1:10Lit speak the same thing. ME (see BDAG, 588, sv λέγω 1.a.α.; ESS [1 Co 1-9], 32; UBSHS [1 Co], 20).+1:10For the basis of this rendering of νοῦς ( nous), see BDAG, 680, sv 2.b. An attitude of humility is what Paul means here (cf Php 2).+1:10Lit be restored to order/unity in the same mind and in the same conviction.+1:11Lit for it was made clear to me concerning you, my brothers, by those of Chloe, that there are bitter arguments/quarrels among you. ME. The mismatch in languages here is obvious.+1:12Lit each of you says. In English, this type of statement is more clearly and naturally expressed by distributing the subject and grouping it with the claim. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT.+1:12Lit I am of Paul. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 21). Variations of this are used here and in 1 Co 3:1, to aid in the translation of 3:21 (where the genitive is functioning on multiple levels at the same time, and where the things referred to are very diverse in nature).+1:13Or on your behalf, or in your place. See note at Ga 1:3.+1:13Cf Col 1:13.+1:16Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:17Lit not with wisdom of speech/word. ME (see BDAG, 599, sv λόγος 1.a.β.; notes at 1 Th 1:5).+1:18Or deliverance.+1:19Cf Mt 11:25.+1:19Is 29:14+1:20Lit where. EFE. Though intelligible to some degree, the intended effect and meaning of the rhetorical question here doesn’t transfer as naturally into English simply with “where” (cf UBSHS [1 Co], 31). The CJB, LB, NCV, and TEV are best here.+1:20Lit where. EFE. See previous note.+1:20Lit where. EFE. See previous two notes.+1:20Lit Did not God make foolish the wisdom of the world? ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 31). Cf TEV.+1:21Lit Since in the wisdom of God. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 52; UBSHS [1 Co], 32). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:21Cf Mt 11:25-28; Jn 1:18.+1:21IT. Cf TEV; UBSHS [1 Co], 32; v 1:18 above.+1:21Or in him. The object of faith is implied contextually. Cf CJB.+1:22Lit Greeks.+1:23Cf Dt 32:21; Ps 118:22; Is 28:16; Ac 22:22; Rm 9:33, 10:19, 11:9; 1 Pe 2:6-8.+1:23Because of the importance of the “stumbling block” motif in NT teaching, especially with regard to the Jewish people (see, eg, Ps 118:22; Is 28:16; Rm 9:33, 11:9; 1 Pe 2:6-8), I thought it important to maintain the literal imagery here. I have clarified the meaning (see L-N, 25.181), though, with an appositional phrase.+1:23See previous note.+1:23Cf Ac 17:16-21.+1:24Or called, or invited.+1:24Lit Greeks.+1:26Lit look at your calling. ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Co 1:26; UBSHS [1 Co], 37). Cf NET, TEV.+1:27Lit the foolish things of the world. ME Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:27Or chose, or has chosen.+1:27Cf Dt 7:7-9; 1 Sm 16:1-12; 2 Sm 7:8; Am 7:14; Ac 4:13.+1:27Lit the weak things of the world. ME. Cf CJB, TEV.+1:28Lit the insignificant things of the world and the despised things. ME. Cf NCV, TEV.+1:28Lit the things not being. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 65; UBSHS [1 Co], 39). Cf NLT, NCV, TEV.+1:28Lit the things being. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV. Here, the opposite of “the things not being” is meant (see note earlier in this verse).+1:29Lit all flesh, or any flesh, or any kind of flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” M, N (see FBT Chart). Cf translation and note at Ac 2:17.+1:29Lit so that no flesh may boast. ME (see notes at 2 Co 1:14).+1:30Lit out of him, or from him, or because of him, or by him. ME. Cf NASB, NCV, NLT, REB, TEV, TNT. Cf Dt 7:7-9, 9:4-6; Jr 9:23-24; Rm 9:14-18; 1 Jn 4:19; v 31.+1:30Cf CJB, ISV, NLT, TEV.+1:30This may well be an allusion to the cornerstone motif (cf Ps 118:22; Mt 21:42-43; Mk 12:10-11; Ac 4:11). Cf παρὰ κυρίου ( para kuriou) in Mt 21:42 with ἐξ αὐτοῦ ( ex autou) and ἀπὸ θεοῦ ( apo theou) in this verse, and note how this element receives focal prominence here and in Mt 21:42. Cf also the TEV’s translation of γίνομαι at Mt 21:28.+1:30Lit sanctification. ME/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+1:31Lit boasts. ME (see notes at 2 Co 1:14).+1:31Lit in the Lord. ME(OTB) (see UBSHS [1 Co], 42; cf, eg, Ps 77:11, 78:4, 106:2). Cf TEV. Ga 6:14 confirms that the TEV has rightly identified the intending meaning here. Cf Rm 1:16-17.+1:31Jr 9:24+2:4Lit in persuasion of wisdom. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT.+2:4Lit proof/demonstration [consisting] of the Spirit and power. ME. Following the lead of BDAG in translation here (see BDAG, 109, sv ἀπόδειξις), with the information in the verbal noun activated in verb form for more natural expression in English. Cf Ac 10:44-48, 11:15-17; Ga 4:6-7; 1 Th 1:5.+2:6Cf Ps 110:5-6; Is 24:21-23; Dn 10; Zc 14; 1 Co 6:1-3; Eph 3:10-11; 1 Jn 5:19; Re 19:11-21:15.+2:7Cf Rm 16:25; Eph 3:3-9; Col 1:25-28.+2:7The antecedent here is “wisdom.” When used with προορίζω ( proorizō), a wise plan or decision is meant (see L-N, 30.84; UBSHS [1 Co], 54; Ac 4:28; Eph 3:9). Cf NCV, NLT.+2:7Lit unto/for/with a view to our glory. ME (see BDAG, 257, sv δόξα 1.c.; translation and notes at Jn 7:39, Rm 8:30). Cf Is 52:12-53:12; 1 Pt 1:20.+2:8Cf Is 40:13-14; Rm 11:34.+2:8Cf Is 53:1; Jn 1:14, 12:38; Php 2:6-11; 1 Ti 3:16.+2:9Lit not ascend in/on the heart of man. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 58, sv ἀναβαίνω 2; L-N, 30.17; UBSHS [1 Co], 56). Cf HCSB.+2:9Is 64:4+2:10Cf Eph 3:4-6; Col 1:26-27.+2:10Lit the deep things of God. ME (see L-N, 28.76; UBSHS [Re], 61). Cf Dn 2:20-23; 1 Pt 1:11.+2:11Lit Who among men knows the things of the man except the spirit of the man that is in him? ME. The gap between languages here is obvious. Cf NLT.+2:11Lit the things. What the “things” are is made clear from the context. Cf ESV, HCSB, NASB, RSV.+2:13Cf Is 54:13. Cf Jr 31:33-34; Jn 6:45, 16:13; Rm 2:15; 1 Th 4:9; Heb 8:10-11; 1 Jn 2:27.+2:13Or comparing things of the Spirit with things of the Spirit. Though I am not dogmatic here, Paul’s use of πνευματικοῖς ( pneumatikois) in 1 Co 3:1 causes me to favor the interpretation reflected in the translation. Also, looking to the context for the intended meaning of πνευματικὰ ( pneumatika) here: “My message and my preaching” (v 4); “God has revealed them to us by the Spirit” (v 10); “so that we may understand” (v 12); “taught by the Spirit” (v 13); “unable to understand” (v 14); “examined and understood” (v 14); “examine and understand all things” (v 15).+2:14Lit the natural man. ME (see ANLEX, 414, sv ψυχικός 2; UBSHS [1 Co], 61). In addition to the immediate context, Jude 19 makes it clear what is meant by ψυχικός ( psuchikos) here. Cf NIV, NCV, TEV.+2:14Cf Jn 14:15-17.+2:14Lit they.+2:15Cf 1 Co 4:8-13; Heb 11.+2:16A loose quotation of Is 40:13 (LXX).+2:16IT/ME(OTB) (see BDAG, 680, sv νοῦς 3; UBSHS [1 Co], 63; MT of Is 40:13, where rûach [“spirit/breath/mind”] is used). Many English readers might not realize the close relationship between spirit and mind presupposed by Paul’s statement here. Therefore, the IT has been made explicit in translation, so that the connection between this statement and information activated in the broader context is not lost in translation.+3:1Lit as to fleshly people. ME (see L-N, 41.42; UBSHS [1 Co], 67). Cf CJB, ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+3:3Lit for still you are fleshly. ME (see note at v 1).+3:3Lit according to man. ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Co 3:3). Cf CJB, LET, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+3:4Lit Are you not men? ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Co 3:3; UBSHS [1 Co], 70).+3:5Lit to each as the Lord gave. ME. Cf NCV, NLT.+3:7Cf NAB.+3:8Or are united. Lit are one. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 119; UBSHS [1 Co], 73). Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV.+3:8Or wages.+3:9Lit we. The “we” here is an exclusive we, referring to Paul and Apollos (see UBSHS [1 Co], 74). Cf NLT. Cf also 1 Co 4:6.+3:9Lit For we are fellow-workers for God, or For we are God’s fellow-workers. ME. Cf REB, NCV, NRSV, TEV.+3:10Lit according to the grace/gracious gift of God that was given to me. ME (see ANLEX, 407, sv χάρις 3; UBSHS [1 Co], 75).+3:12ME(H)/IT (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 128; UBSHS [1 Co], 77). Cf v 14.+3:12ME (H)/IT (see previous note).+3:13Or because each person’s work. Lit it.+3:13Cf 2 Pt 3.+3:15Or he will be punished. Cf REB.+3:15Lit but so as through fire. ME (see BDAG, 898, sv πῦρ a.; UBSHS [1 Co], 79). Cf CJB, HCSB ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+3:16Or in you, or among you.+3:18Lit in this age. ME (see L-N, 41.38). Cf NIV, NLT.+3:19Jb 5:13+3:20Ps 94:11. Cf the translation of μάταιος [ mataios] here with that at 1 Co 15:17. I have also used “worthless,” though, to preserve potential links in thought with Rm 1:21.+3:21Lit let no one boast in men. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 84; notes at Mt 19:26; 1 Co 1:12, 3:4). Cf HCSB, NET, NCV.+3:21The genitive is functioning at maximum capacity here, with different shades of meaning simultaneously at work because of the diverse nature of the things referred to in the list that follows. With Paul, Apollos, and Cephas, the meaning is that these men are given by God to serve the Corinthians. With “world,” the inheritance that believers will receive at the Second Coming is in view (cf Rm 4:13; Ga 4). “Life” could also conceivably be included with the inheritance, but because it is grouped with death (which certainly isn’t part of the inheritance), “life or death” most likely means something along the lines of passages like 2 Co 2:15, 4:1-12, and 2 Co 11:23, Eph 3:1, Php 1:20-25, Col 1:24, and 1 Th 1:5. “Things present” means the things experienced in this age for our good (cf Rm 8:28-29), and “things to come” refers again to the future inheritance (cf, eg, Rm 8:17). Cf ESS (1 Co 1-9), 143-6.+3:22Cf Jn 13:12-17; Rm 4:13, 8:17, 8:28-9; 2 Co 2:15, 4:1-12; Ga 4; Eph 3:1; Php 1:20-25, 3:10-11; Col 1:24; 1 Th 1:5.+3:23Lit You are of the Messiah. Maintaining consistency in translation with 1 Co 1:12 (see translation and note there).+3:23Lit the Messiah is of God. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 146). Cf Rm 8:17; 1 Co 11:3, 15:28.+4:1Cf Rm 16:25-26; 1 Co 2:1, 7; Eph 3:5; Col 1:26; 1 Th 2:4.+4:2Cf HCSB.+4:4Lit I am not conscious of anything against myself. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 90). Cf ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+4:4Cf translation and notes at 1 Co 2:15.+4:4Lit examines me, or discerns me.+4:5Lit the purposes/intentions of the heart. ME(H/OTB) (see note at Mk 3:5).+4:6Lit in us, or by us. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 161; UBSHS [1 Co], 93). Cf NCV, TEV, REB.+4:6Or learn.+4:6Lit the not above what is written. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 162; L-N, 88.95; UBSHS [1 Co], 93).+4:6Lit so that none of you are inflated with pride for/in favor of the one against the other. ME. The mismatch in languages is significant here. The meaning is clear from the context. Cf ESS (1 Co 1-9), 164; UBSHS (1 Co), 94.+4:7Lit Who differentiates you? ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 95). Cf Re 3:17-19.+4:8Cf Dn 7:21-22; 1 Co 4:5, 6:2-3; 1 Th 4:17; Heb 12:39-40; Re 2:25-28.+4:9Lit God has appointed/publicly displayed us apostles last/at the end like men condemned to death. ME(H)/IT (see BDAG, 108, sv ἀποδείκνυμι 1; ESS [1 Co 1-9], 170-171; FSB, 1 Co 4:9, sv ἀποδείκνυμι; UBSHS [1 Co], 97).+4:17Or faithful, or dependable, or loyal.+4:18Lit as though my not coming to you. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 105). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+4:19Lit I will know not the word of those inflated with pride, but the power. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 106). Cf ISV, NLT, TEV.+4:20Cf CSB, NIV, REB. For another possibility, see VPR (see VCC, 1 Co 4:19). The verb is not explicit, and therefore must be inferred from the context. Cf Dn 2:34, 44; Mt 16:27, 25:31; Mk 9:2, 13:26; Lk 17:21-25, 21:28-30; 2 Th 1:5-8; 2 Ti 4:1-8.+5:1Lit Everywhere it is being reported, or it is actually being reported. ME (see BDAG, 704, sv ὅλως; UBSHS [1 Co], 109).+5:1Lit and such immorality which is not even among the Gentiles. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 109). Cf NLT, TEV.+5:1Lit so that someone has the wife of the father. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 111). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+5:3Lit though absent in the body. ME. Cf NCV, NLT.+5:3Cf Mt 16:19, 18:15-20.+5:4Lit and my own spirit. ME. Cf NET, NIV.+5:5Lit the (that is, the man’s).+5:5Cf Pr 20:30.+5:6Lit your boasting.+5:6καλός ( kalos) can mean “good” in the sense of “beautiful” (see, eg, L-N, 79.9) or “advantageous” (see, eg, L-N, 65.43). Here it has been translated as the opposite of these (ie, “not beautiful,” and “not advantageous” [in this context, “not advantageous” in the sense of “dangerous” fits the context well]).+5:6Lit leavens. ME(H/OTB) (see note at Ga 5:9).+5:7Cf Ex 12:15; Eph 4:17-32; Col 3:5-10.+5:7Cf Ex 12:1-28; Jn 19:36.+5:8Cf Ex 12:1-28; Lv 23:4-8; Nu 9:1-5.+5:9Lit I wrote to you in the letter. ME(H) (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 214; UBSHS [1 Co], 117). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+5:10Lit not by any means/entirely the sexually immoral people of this world. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 118). Cf FrCL.+5:10Lit since then you would be obligated to go out of the world. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 348, sv ἐξέρχομαι 2).+5:11Or Now I am writing to you. Cf NLT, TEV.+5:12Cf Mt 16:17-20, 18:10-20.+5:13Cf Rm 2:1-16, 12:19-20.+5:13Dt 17:7
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