1 Corinthians 2 (BHT-FTN)

+1:1Or called. Following L-N in translation here (see L-N, 33.314).+1:2In Greek, the grammar switches here from the singular (describing the assembly as a corporate entity) to the plural (describing those who make up the assembly).+1:2Lit summoned to be holy, or called/summoned to be saints. Cf 1 Th 4:7, 5:23; 2 Th 2:13.+1:3“All of” is drawn from the plural “you” here.+1:3Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:3χάρις καὶ εἰρήνη ( charis kai eirēnē) is in a split focal position (see BART Display), and thus commas and inversion have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:5ἐν παντὶ ( en panti) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:5Or speech.+1:6Translating μαρτύριον ( marturion) here in a way similar to the translation at 2 Th 1:10 (see notes there).+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.+1:7Translating the genitive as a subjective genitive. Cf ISV, NIV, TEV.+1:8Lit who.+1:8For the meaning of βεβαιόω ( bebaioō) here, see L-N, 31.91. Col 2:7 makes it clear what Paul means here.+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. πιστὸς ( pistos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been used to give this element extra focus and stress. Cf ISV.+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.+1:10ME(H)/IT (see UBSHS [1 Co], 20).+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). τὸ αὐτὸ ( to auto) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore this element within the ME has been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:10The participle here has been interpreted as a permissive imperative. This is reflected in the translation (cf 2 Co 13:11).+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.+1:11γάρ ( gar) here is signaling strength and support for what precedes.+1:11ἔριδες ( erides) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+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).The same grammatical form is used for the various persons in the sequence that follows.+1:12IT. See notes at Ga 1:18.+1:12Setting the stage in translation here for 1 Co 3:23 (see notes at 1 Co 3:22-23).+1:13Παῦλος ( Paulos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:13Or on your behalf, or in your place.+1:13In Greek, questions that begin with μὴ ( mē) expect a negative answer (see Black, Grammar, 170; Mounce, Grammar, 296).+1:13εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ( eis to onoma Paulou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:13Cf Col 1:13.+1:14οὐδένα ὑμῶν ( oudena humōn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an indefinite article, adjective, and the negative particle have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:15τις ( tis) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:15εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ( eis to emon onoma) is in P2 (see BART Display), and thus a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:15ἐμὸν ( emon) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:16Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:16τὸν Στεφανᾶ ( ton stephana) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:16τινα ἄλλον ( tina allon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this constituent extra focus and emphasis.+1:17βαπτίζειν ( baptizein) and εὐαγγελίζεσθαι ( euangelizesthai) are in E-O, as part of a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT), and therefore the negative particle has been placed immediately before the counterpoint to give extra focus to these elements.+1:17Lit not with wisdom of speech/word. ME (see BDAG, 599, sv λόγος 1.a.β.; notes at 1 Th 1:5).+1:18The datives in this verse have been interpreted as ethical datives. This is reflected in the translation. Cf 2 Co 2:14-16.+1:18The present participle of ἀπόλλυμι ( apollumi) here is pointing readers to the final fate of unbelievers (see notes at 2 Th 1:5; cf Php 1:28; 2 Th 2:10). Eternal ruin is meant (cf Jn 3:16; Rm 2:12; 2 Th 1:9, 2:10). Cf NAB, NEB, NJB, REB, TNT. Cf also UBSHS (1 Co), 28.+1:18μωρία ( mōria) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus a downtoner and an adverb have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:18Or deliverance. Maintaining consistency in the translation of the present participles in this verse (see preceding clause; cf translation and notes at 2 Th 1:5; Rm 2:1-11, 5:9-10, 8:23; Php 1:28; 2 Th 1:5-10). Cf NAB, NJB, REB, TNT.+1:18δύναμις θεοῦ ( dunamis theou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus an amplifier and emphatic adjective have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:19IT. See BDAG, 934, sv σοφία 1; UBSHS [1 Co], 30, 31. This is referring to mere human wisdom, which God doesn’t in fact see as wise.+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.+1:20IT. See note at “so-called” in v 19.+1:20Lit Did not God make foolish the wisdom of the world? ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 31). Cf TEV. In Greek, questions that begin with οὐ ( ou) expect an affirmative answer (Black, Grammar, 170; Mounce, Grammar, 296). This has been made clear in the translation.+1:21Lit Since in the wisdom of God. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 52; UBSHS [1 Co], 32). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:21τὸν θεόν ( ton theon) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:21IT. See note at “so-called” in v 19.+1:21Cf Mt 11:25-28; Jn 1:18.+1:21διὰ τῆς μωρίας τοῦ κηρύγματος ( dia tēs mōrias tou kērugmatos) is in P2 (see BART Display), and thus a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:21IT. Cf TEV; UBSHS [1 Co], 32; v 1:18 above.+1:21Lit God. Since the situation and topic frame was rendered with an ME (see first note in v 21), a personal pronoun has been used here in translation.+1:21Or in him. The object of faith is implied contextually. Cf CJB.+1:22σημεῖα ( sēmeia) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:22Lit Greeks.+1:22σοφίαν ( sophian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:23IT (see BSL, 1 Co 1:23, sv κηρύσσω).+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.+1:24θεοῦ ( theou) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:24θεοῦ ( theou) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:25IT. See notes at 1:19; BDAG, 451, sv θεός 3.f.α.; UBSHS [1 Co], 35. Cf TEV.+1:25σοφώτερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ( sophōteron tōn anthrōpōn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:25IT. See note at Mt 19:26.+1:26Lit look at your calling. ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Co 1:26; UBSHS [1 Co], 37). Cf NET, TEV.+1:26Lit not many were wise according to the flesh, not many were powerful, not many were high-born. ME (see DBL Greek, #2302; L-N, 87.27; UBSHS [1 Co], 37). Cf NCV, NET, TEV.+1:27τὰ μωρὰ τοῦ κόσμου ( ta mōra tou kosmou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:27Lit the foolish things of the world. ME Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:27Or chose, or has chosen. The aorist has been interpreted as functioning gnomically in this context (note especially “all flesh” in the purpose clause of v 29, indicating a broader application than just to the Corinthians themselves). This is reflected in the translation. The same truth is reflected time and again throughout the OT and NT. Cf, eg, Dt 7:7-9; 1 Sm 16:1-12; 2 Sm 7:8; Am 7:14; Ac 4:13.+1:27Cf Dt 7:7-9; 1 Sm 16:1-12; 2 Sm 7:8; Am 7:14; Ac 4:13. “For himself” is drawn from the middle voice here.+1:27τὰ ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου ( ta asthenē tou kosmou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:27Lit the weak things of the world. ME. Cf CJB, TEV.+1:28τὰ ἀγενῆ τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα ( ta agenē tou kosmou kai ta exouthenēmena) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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). τὰ ὄντα ( ta onta) is in P2 (see BART Display; note, though that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+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).+1:30ἐξ αὐτοῦ ( ex autou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent. δὲ ( de) has also been used as a spacer to the same end.+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.+1:30The dative here has been interpreted as a dative of advantage. This is reflected in the translation.+1:30ἀπὸ θεοῦ ( apo theou) is in a split focal position (see BART Display), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis. Cf Mt 6:33.+1:30“In this area, it closely approximates salvation” (\it BDAG, 247, sv δικαιοσύνη 2).+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]).+1:31A condition is implied in the participle here (for more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9). Cf NCV, NLT; NCV, NET, and TEV at Jr 9:24.+1:31Lit boasts. ME (see notes at 2 Co 1:14).+1:31ἐν κυρίῳ ( en kuriō) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus a demonstrative pronoun, adverb, and colon have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:31Following the MT in translation here. Cf NLT.+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+2:1καθ’ ὑπεροχὴν λόγου ἢ σοφίας ( kath’ huperochēn logou ē sophias) is receiving extra prominence (see BART Display and LDGNT; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:1The genitive has been interpreted as functioning in the a subjective/source range. This is reflected in the translation. Looking to 1 Co 2:7, Eph 3:5, and Col 1:26 for the compressed verbal information here. “Entrusted” is also another good candidate (see 1 Co 4:1; cf 1 Th 2:4)+2:2τι ( ti) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:2ἐσταυρωμένον ( estaurōmenon) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:3ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ καὶ ἐν φόβῳ καὶ ἐν τρόμῳ πολλῷ ( en astheneia kai en phobō kai en tromō pollō) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:3γίνομαι ( ginomai) with ἐν ( en) here is signaling a state of being (see BDAG, 198, sv 5.c.).+2:4IT. See notes at 1 Co 1:6-7; 1 Th 1:5. This also implied by ἀπόδειξις ( apodeixis), which is used in the counterpoint. Cf L-N, 28.52; UBSHS [1 Co], 47.+2:4ἐν πειθοῖ[ς] σοφίας [λόγοις] ἀλλ’ἐν ἀποδείξει πνεύματος καὶ δυνάμεως ( en peithoi[s] sophhias [logois] all’ en apodeixei pneumatos kai dunameōs) are in E-O, as part of a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT), and therefore the negative particle has been placed directly before the counterpoint to give extra focus to these constituents.+2:4IT. Cf NCV, TEV.+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.+2:6IT (see UBSHS [1 Co], 52).+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.+2:7θεοῦ ( theou) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:7In Pauline theology, the “mystery” is now considered disclosed to believers (cf, eg, Rm 16:25; Eph 3:3-9; Col 1:25-28), though it is still hidden to some (which seems to be implied by the perfect tense here; see UBSHS [1 Co], 54). Cf NLT.+2:7IT. (see BDAG, 662, sv 1.b.).+2:7Cf NET. Cf also 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.+2:8τὸν κύριον τῆς δόξης ( ton kurion tēs doxēs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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. ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου ( epi kardian anthrōpou) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore this element within the ME has been placed in clause-final for primary focus and stress.+2:9Is 64:4+2:10Cf Eph 3:4-6; Col 1:26-27.+2:10πάντα ( panta) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+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.+2:12τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ κόσμου ( to pneuma tou kosmou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), as part of a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT), with ἀλλὰ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ( alla to pneuma to ek tou theou) in a split focal position (see BART Display), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:13διδακτοῖς ἀνθρωπίνης σοφίας ( didaktois antrhōpinēs sophias) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display). Italics have thus been used to give the key word extra focus and emphasis (the next clause makes it clear what is being contrasted).+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.+2:13Drawing from ANLEX (see ANLEX, 318, sv πνευματικός 2) and the UBSHS (see UBSHS [1 Co], 61) in translation here. πνευματικὰ ( pneumatika) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), though there is some focal ambiguity here (see BART Display). Commas have thus been used to give extra focus to these elements, with πνευματικὰ in clause-final for primary focus and stress.+2:13Following L-N in translation here (see L-N, 12.21). The context clearly favors understanding “spiritual” in the sense of things derived from the Spirit, rather than things about the Spirit. Cf Eph 1:18, 3:5.+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.+2:14μωρία ( mōria) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a downtoner has been used to give extra focus to this element, which has also been placed in clause-final to the same end.+2:14πνευματικῶς ( pneumatikōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction and adverb have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:14Drawing from ANLEX in the translation of πνευματικῶς ( pneumatikōs) here (see ANLEX, 318, sv 2).+2:14For the meaning of ἀνακρίνω ( anakrinō) in this context, see UBSHS (1 Co), 62. That this is in fact the intended meaning here, is confirmed by the contrast with the person who is “unable to understand.” Cf the Bereans, who “examined” (ἀνακρίνω) the Scriptures to discern the truth of what they were hearing.+2:15A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+2:15Maintaining consistency in translation with verse 13.+2:15Maintaining consistency in translation (ἀνακρίνω [ anakrinō] is used again).+2:15ὑπ’ οὐδενὸς ( hup’ oudenos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this constituent extra focus and emphasis.+2:15Cf 1 Co 4:8-13; Heb 11.+2:16A loose quotation of Is 40:13 (LXX).+2:16νοῦν κυρίου ( noun kuriou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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.