2 Corinthians 1:17

1:17 Therefore when I was planning to do this, I did not do so without thinking about what I was doing, did I? ¹  Or do I make my plans ²  according to mere human standards ³  so that I would be saying ⁴  both “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time?

2 Corinthians 13:10

13:10 Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive ⁵  I may not have to deal harshly with you ⁶  by using my authority – the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!

¹ tn 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.

² tn Grk “the things that I plan, do I plan (them).”

³ tn Grk “according to the flesh.”

⁴ tn Grk “so that with me there should be.”

⁵ tn 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.”

⁶ tn The words “with you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.