BHT with Full Translator’s Notes2 Corinthians 2 =
2
1 I made up my mind, you see, not to pay you another visit so+ full of grief and heartache.+ 2 If I, after all, bring grief to your hearts, then who is left to bring joy to mine? Certainly not anyone who is himself overcome with grief because of me.+ 3 In fact, I wrote that other letter+ to you for this very reason, so that when I do visit you again, I won’t be caused grief+ by those who ought to be to me a source of joy; for I am convinced that my own joy means the joy, too,+ of all of you.+ 4 Indeed, it was+ out of intense distress and anguish of heart that I wrote to you, with many tears, not for the purpose of causing you grief, but so that you would know the love+ that I have especially for you.
5 Now if someone has caused grief, it is+ not me on whom he has brought it, but to a degree (I don’t want to press the point too heavily+) all of you. 6 Sufficient+ is this punishment by the majority against such a person. 7 And so now instead it is+ forgiveness and encouragement that you are to extend to him, lest he somehow be overcome with so+ much grief that he gives up completely.+ 8 That is why I am urging you to publicly affirm+ your love for him. 9 Indeed, this is another reason I wrote that letter+ to you: To test and find out your true character, whether you would be obedient, indeed,+ in all respects. 10 Now anyone whom you forgive,+ I, too, forgive, and what I have forgiven (if I had anything at all+ to forgive+), it is+ for your sake that I have done so in the presence+ of the Messiah, 11 lest we be outwitted by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.+
“It Is with Pure and Sincere Motives...That We Speak”
12 Now when I arrived in the city+ of Troas to proclaim the gospel about the Messiah, even though+ the Lord had opened for me a door+ of opportunity,+ 13 I was in turmoil+ because I couldn’t find Titus, my dear+ brother; well, after saying good-bye to them, I set out for Macedonia. 14 Yet thanks be to God,+ who, like a general at the head of his victory procession, puts us on public display+ in union with the Messiah continually,+ and discloses through us everywhere the very+ fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15 What+ we are is a fragrant aroma, offered to God by+ the Messiah+ in the presence of those heading toward salvation+ and in the presence of those heading toward utter ruin.+ 16 Though in the eyes+ of the latter we are more like+ the stench of death leading to greater death,+ in the eyes of the former we are the sweet smell of life leading to greater life.+ And as for such a calling,+ whose lives are truly up to standard?+ 17 We are not like the many who use tricks and deceit to make money off of the word of God, you see. On the contrary, it is+ with pure and sincere motives, and as people sent from God+ and accountable+ to God, that we speak,+ in union with the Messiah.
+1:2Lit the saints/holy ones. ME(OTB)/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]).+1:2“All of” is drawn from the plural “you” here.+1:2Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:2χάρις καὶ εἰρήνη ( charis kai eirēnē) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus commas and inversion have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:3Lit the God of all exhortation/help/encouragement/consolation. ME. Cf TEV.+1:4In Greek, the word παρακαλέω ( parakaleō) and its cognates have a wide range of meaning (console, encourage, exhort, urge, help, strengthen, etc; see, eg, NASB-Dic, 3870; L-N, 12.19), depending on the context. In this section, I have tried to give English readers a more wholistic sense of what Paul has in mind here. Cf 1 Th 3:2 and notes there.+1:4See notes at 1 Th 3:2.+1:5Lit For just as the sufferings of the Messiah abound to us. ME (see BDAG, 805, sv περισσεύω 1.a.β.)+1:5Lit so through the Messiah the strength/help/encouragement of us abounds, too. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 15).+1:6Or for your encouragement and deliverance.+1:6Lit for the of you encouragement/help, which is at work/which is effective/which produces. ME. Cf, eg, Php 1:12-13; 1 Th 1:6-10, 3:7. Paul is referring here to the effect his example (ie, how God has given him strength to endure) has on the other believers.+1:6καὶ ἡμεῖς ( kai hēmeis) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an intensive pronoun has been used to give extra focus to this element. καὶ has also been used as a spacer to the same end.+1:7Lit And our hope is firm concerning you. ME (see BDAG, 172, sv βέβαιος 1; Ibid, 319, ἐλπίς 1.a.; UBSHS [2 Co], 16). The content of the hope (“that the Corinthian Christians will continue in their faith despite the afflictions and suffering that they experience” [ UBSHS (2 Co), 16]; cf Php 1:6,1 Th 3:1-5) is signaled by the demonstrative pronoun in translation here.+1:7Or our, or his. The articles in this clause and the following clause are functioning anaphorically. The Messiah (see v 5a) and Paul and his companions (see vv 5-7) are both good contextual candidates for the anaphoric references here.+1:7κοινωνοί τῶν παθημάτων ( koinōnoi tōn pathēmatōn) is in a split focal position (see BART Display; cf LDGNT), and therefore inversion and an auxiliary verb have been used to give extra focus to this constituent, with the pre-posed element landing in clause-final.+1:7Or our, or his. See previous note.+1:8Cf translation and note at 1 Co 10:1; TEV.+1:8IT. Cf NET.+1:8καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ὑπὲρ δύναμιν ( kath’ huperbolēn huper dunamin) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:9τὸ ἀπόκριμα τοῦ θανάτου ( to apokrima tou thanatou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an emphatic adjective and intensive pronoun have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:9Lit we have had the sentence of death in ourselves. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 19). Cf CJB, ISV, NET, NIV.+1:9Cf REB. An ongoing relevance at the time of the speaker is signaled by the perfect tense.+1:9πεποιθότες ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῖς ( pepoithoest eph’ hautois) is in a split focal position (see BART Display; cf LDGNT), and ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τῷ θεῷ τῷ ἐγείροντι τοὺς νεκρούς ( all’ epi tō theō tō egeironti tous nekrous) in E-O, as part of a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT). The negative particle has thus been placed before the counterpoint to give extra focus to the split element and the main point.+1:9Or who is going to raise the dead.+1:10Lit who.+1:10ἐκ τηλικούτου θανάτου ( ek tēlikoutou thanatou) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+1:10Lit so great a death. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 20).+1:10Lit in whom.+1:11ἐκ πολλῶν ( ek pollōn) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore the clause has been structured to give extra focus to this constituent within the ME (see final note of this verse).+1:11τὸ εἰς ἡμᾶς χάρισμα διὰ πολλῶν ( to eis hēmas charisma dia pollōn) is in P2 (see BART Display; cf LDGNT), and therefore adverbs have been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+1:11Lit so that thanks are (or may be) given by many faces on our behalf for the gracious gift to us through many. ME (see BDAG, 1081, sv χάρισμα a; L-N, 9.9; UBSHS [2 Co], 21). The mismatch in languages here is obvious. Cf CEV, CJB, ISV, NAB, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, REB, TEV.+1:12Lit the testimony/witness of our conscience.+1:12ἐν ἁπλότητι καὶ εἰλικρινείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, [καὶ] οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ ἀλλ’ ἐν χάριτι θεοῦ ( en aplotēti kai eilikrineia tou theou [kai] ouk en sophia sarkikē all’ in chariti theou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:12Lit fleshly. ME (see ANLEX, 346, sv σαρκικός 2, 3; BDAG, 914, σαρκικός 2; notes at 1 Co 3:1). Cf NAB.+1:12Cf 1 Th 2:1-8.+1:12The NIV and TEV capture the meaning well here, in my opinion, and have thus been followed in translation.+1:13ἄλλα ἀλλ’ ἢ ἃ ἀναγινώσκετε ἢ καὶ ἐπιγινώσκετε ( alla all’ ē ha anaginōskete ē kai epiginōskete) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT). The negative particle has thus been placed directly before the preposed element to give it extra focus, with an indefinite article also used to the same end.+1:13The presence of γὰρ ( gar) here (which signals that this information is being used to give strength and support to the preceding statements) makes Hughes’ interpretation (that Paul is referring to the Corinthians’ firsthand knowledge of his character; see ESS [2 Co], 44) more likely than that represented in some of the other examples offered in the UBSHS and ESS (see ESS [2 Co], 44; UBSHS [2 Co], 26). Paul isn’t making a random point about how he writes understandable letters. He is saying that when his readers hear the things he has been writing about in reference to his character and integrity, they would acknowledge the truth of what he is saying based on their firsthand experience of his life. This is similar to 1 Th 1:5 and 2:1-10. BSL defines ἐπιγινώσκω ( epiginōskō) in this context as “to discern something clearly and distinctly, or as true or valid; often with a personal acquaintance that necessitates a reaction” ( BSL, 2 Co 1:13, sv).+1:13ἐλπίζω ( elpizō) here does not mean wishful thinking (see, eg, BSL, 1 Co 1:13, sv; BDAG, 319, sv 1, 2).+1:13Cf NCV; TEV.+1:13ἕως τέλους ( heōs telous) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:14Cf 1 Co 4:1-5.+1:14Or For. Following CEV, NCV, NLT, TEV in the interpretation of ὅτι ( hoti) in this context (see ESS [2 Co], 45). Paul is referring here to the age to come, when each person’s life and work will be brought into the light (see 1 Co 4:1-5).+1:14Lit for we are your boast, even as we too are yours. ME (see DBL Greek, #3016; L-N, 33.368; cf also the parallel ideas in places like Ps 34:1-6, Ps 44:8). The copula here is functioning futuristically. Cf ESV, NLT, NIV, TEV.+1:14Cf 1 Th 2:19-20.+1:15Lit with this confidence. ME. Cf CJB, NAB, NCV.+1:15πρότερον ( proteron) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:15δευτέραν χάριν ( deuteran charin) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this constituent within the ME (see following note) extra focus and emphasis.+1:15Lit a second gift/grace. ME (see ANLEX, 407, sv χάρις 3.b.; BDAG, 1080, sv χάρις 3.a.).+1:16Or through your city. Lit through you (ie, either by way of Corinth, or with the assistance of the Corinthians; see ESS [2 Co], 51).+1:16The infinitive here is connected with “intended/planned” (translated as “my plan”) in v 15.+1:16Lit by you be sent on my way. ME. Cf HCSB, TEV. In this context, προπέμπω ( propempō) means to help someone with the provisions needed for a trip (see BDAG, 873, sv 2).+1:17τῇ ἐλαφρίᾳ ( tē elaphria) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:17Lit When planning this, therefore, surely not then did I use the vacillation? ME/IT (see BDAG, 314, sv ἐλαφρία). In Greek, the particle οὖν ( oun) signals an inference from what precedes, as well as a new development, and can operate on various levels and boundaries of discourse (see Runge, Disc Grammar, 43-8). In this case, the inference is drawn partly from the IT (ie, “I made these plans [and as you know, and I didn’t come back to Corinth]. Therefore, was I being fickle?”). The IT has been made explicit in translation for the sake of clarity. Cf REB, UBSHS (2 Co), 29.+1:17κατὰ σάρκα ( kata sarka) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore the sentence has been structured so as to give extra focus to this constituent within the ME (see following two notes). An adverb has also been used to the same end.+1:17Lit according to the flesh. ME. Cf NIV, REB.+1:17Lit Or the things that I plan/decide, do I decide according to the flesh, so that there may be with me the “Yes, yes” and the “No, no”? ME (see BDAG, 665, sv ναί e.; ESS [2 Co], 54-5; UBSHS [2 Co], 30). Cf CEV, ESV, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NRSV, TEV+1:17In Greek, questions that begin with μὴ ( mē) expect a negative answer (see Black, Grammar, 170; Mounce, Grammar, 296).+1:18πιστὸς ( pistos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:18IT. Cf Barrett in UBSHS (2 Co), 30.+1:18Lit our word to you. In this context, λόγος ( logos—“word,” “message,” “statement,” “instruction,” etc) encompasses communications concerning plans, as well as the gospel message itself (see ESS [1 Co], 56; UBSHS [2 Co], 30).+1:18Cf NLT.+1:19υἱὸς ( huios) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:19δι’ ἡμῶν ( di hēmōn) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore an intensive pronoun has been used to give this element extra focus and stress (the clause has been rendered actively to allow for this).+1:19Lit Silvanus. Silvanus and Silas are the same person (see UBSHS [2 Co], 31). Cf NIV, TEV.+1:19IT. This is the opposite of the certain affirmation of “Amen” (see L-N, 72.6).+1:19Cf Ac 14:3, 1 Co 1:4-9, 2:1-5; 1 Th 1:5.+1:19ναὶ ( nai) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adjective (cf NLT) has been used to give extra focus and stress to this constituent, which has also been placed in clause-final to the same end.+1:20ὅσαι ἐπαγγελίαι θεοῦ ( hosai epangeliai theou) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis. γὰρ ( gar) has also been used as a spacer to the same end.+1:20Translating the genitive as a subjective genitive. Cf CJB, NIV.+1:20ME/IT (see L-N, 69.1, 72.6).+1:20ME/IT (see L-N, 69.1, 72.6).+1:21Cf 1 Co 1:8.+1:22IT/ME(H) (see BDAG, 980, sv σφραγίζω 3; UBSHS [2 Co], 33). Cf NIV, TEV.+1:22Cf NIV, REB, TNT, TEV; L-N, 57.170.+1:22The genitive here is interpreted as functioning appositionally. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NET, NLT, NIV, NRSV, TEV.+1:23μάρτυρα ( martura) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has thus been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:23φειδόμενος ὑμῶν ( phidomenos) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:24Lit not that we lord it over your faith. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 35). Cf CEV, NLT, TEV.+1:24συνεργοί τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν ( sunergoi tēs charas humōn) is in a split focal position (see BART Display; cf LDGNT), and therefore a wh-construction and a comma have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:24Or in the faith.+1:24ἑστήκατε ( hestēkate) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+2:1ἐν λύπῃ ( en lupē) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb and repetition (a synonym) have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:1Lit I judged for myself this, the to not again come to you in grief. ME (see ESS [2 Co], 70; UBSHS [2 Co], 34). Cf ESV, HCSB, NET, NRSV, RSV.+2:2Lit If I grieve you, then who is the one going to cheer me/make me glad, except the one being grieved by/because of/from me? ME/EFE (see L-N, 25.131; UBSHS [2 Co], 37). Cf CJB, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:3IT (see UBSHS [2 Co], 37). Cf TEV.+2:3λύπην ( lupēn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:3πάντων ὑμῶν ( pantōn humōn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a spacer has been used to give extra focus to this constituent within the ME (see following note).+2:3Lit having confidence about you all, that my joy is [the joy] of all of you. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 38). Cf CJB, ESV, HCSB, NASB, NCV, NET, NIV, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+2:4ἐκ πολλῆς θλίψεως καὶ συνοχῆς καρδίας ( ek pollēs thipseōs kai sunochēs kardias) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:4τὴν ἀγάπην ἣν ἔχω περισσοτέρως εἰς ὑμᾶς ( tēn agapēn hēn echō perissoterōs eis humas) is in a split focal position (see BART Display). Italics have been used to give the preposed element extra focus and stress.+2:5ἐμὲ ( eme) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+2:5Lit in order not to burden/weigh down. ME (see ANLEX, 162, sv ἐπιβαρέω; BDAG, 368, sv ἐπιβαρέω).+2:6ἱκανὸν ( hikanon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:7χαρίσασθαι καὶ παρακαλέσαι ( charisasthai kai parakelsai) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to the main information activated by this element.+2:7τῇ περισσοτέρᾳ λύπῃ ( tē perissotera lupē) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+2:7Lit lest he be swallowed up with more abundant grief. ME (see L-N, 25.285).+2:8Drawing from ANLEX in translation here (see ANLEX, 240, sv κυρόω 2). Cf UBSHS (2 Co), 43.+2:9IT. Cf TEV.+2:9εἰς πάντα ὑπήκοοί ( eis panta hupēkooi) is in P2 (see BART Display), with εἰς πάντα ( eis panta) in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore an emphatic adverb/spacer has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:10χαρίζεσθε ( charizesthe) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and therefore τι ( ti) has been left implicit in translation, to allow for the verb to land in clause-final for extra stress. Cf CJB, ESV, NRSV, RSV.+2:10τι ( ti) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:10Cf NCV.+2:10δι’ ὑμᾶς ( di’ humas) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:10Lit in the face of. ME (I/F) (see L-N, 85.26).+2:11αὐτοῦ τὰ νοήματα ( autou ta noēmata) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this constituent extra focus and emphasis.+2:12IT. Cf NLT.+2:12The participle has been interpreted as an adverbial participle of concession. This is reflected in the translation. Cf ESV, NET.+2:12θύρας ( thuras) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:12IT (see BDAG, 462, sv θύρα 1.b.γ.; UBSHS [2 Co], 46). Cf NCV, NET, NLT.+2:13Lit I did not have relief in my spirit. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 47).+2:13IT (see UBSHS [2 Co], 47). Cf NLT.+2:14Τῷ θεῷ ( tō theō) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:14ME(H)/IT (see BDAG, 459, sv θριαμβεύω 1, 5, 6; BSL, 2 Co 2:14; UBSHS [2 Co], 49).+2:14πάντοτε ( pantote) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:14τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ ( tēn osmēn tēs gnōseōs autou) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this constituent, which has also been placed in clause-final to the same end.+2:15Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ( christou euōdia) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a wh-cleft and a comma have been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+2:15The genitive has been interpreted as a subjective genitive (cf UBSHS [2 Co], 50). This is reflected in the translation.+2:15Cf Mt 10:40, Lk 9:48, Lk 10:16, Jn 13:20+2:15Translating in the same way as at 1 Co 1:18 (see translation and notes there).+2:15Translating in the same way as at 1 Co 1:18 (see translation and notes there).+2:16The datives in this verse have been interpreted as ethical datives. This is reflected in the translation. Cf 1 Co 1:18.+2:16Here Paul makes a switch to a bad odor, though the word for a sweet aroma was used in v 15. “More like” has been used to aid the switch in English. Metaphorical usage is implied here.+2:16Lit from death to death. ME (cf 2 Co 3:18; Ps 83:8 in the LXX). Contra L-N (see L-N, 78.48) and the UBSHS (see UBSHS [2 Co], 51), other examples of ἐκ ( ek) with εἰς ( eis) in both the OT and NT (see, eg, Ps 84:5 [83:8 in the LXX]; 2 Co 3:18) argue against an exclusively idiomatic usage here; it is likely that degree is meant. Cf NAC (2 Co), 149; CJB, HCSB.+2:16Lit from life to life. ME (see preceding note).+2:16Lit And with respect to these things. ME. Cf REB in ESS (2 Co), 94.+2:16 BSL defines ἱκανός ( hikanos) here as “meeting adequate standards for a purpose” (see BSL, 2 Co 3:5, sv). The following verse (note the presence of γάρ [ gar], which signals strength and support for what precedes), confirms the interpretation reflected in the translation here. Cf 2 Co 11-12; 1 Th 1-2.+2:17ὡς ἐξ εἰλικρινείας ( hōs ex eilikrineias), ἀλλ’ ὡς ἐκ θεοῦ ( hōs ek theou), κατέναντι θεοῦ ( katenanti theou), and ἐν Χριστῷ ( en christō) are in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore a cleft-construction and commas have been used to give extra focus to these constituents.+2:17Lit as from God. ME. Cf ISV, NIV, TEV.+2:17Lit before, or in the presence of. ME (see ESS [2 Co], 97; UBSHS [2 Co], 51). Cf ISV.+2:17Lit but as from sincerity, but as from God, before God, in Christ we speak. ME. Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.
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