4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, 4 we do not become discouraged. 5
13:1 This is the third time I am coming to visit 12 you. By the testimony 13 of two or three witnesses every matter will be established. 14
1 tc Although usually δέ (de, “now”; found in א A C D1 F G Ψ 0285 Ï lat) should take precedent over γάρ (gar) in textually disputed places in the corpus Paulinum, the credentials for γάρ here are not easily dismissed (Ì46 B 0223 0243 33 1739 1881 al); here it is the preferred reading, albeit slightly.
2 tn Or “I decided this for myself.”
3 tn Grk “not to come to you again in sorrow.”
4 tn Grk “just as we have been shown mercy”; ἠλεήθημεν (hlehqhmen) has been 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.
5 tn Or “we do not lose heart.”
7 tn The word “you” is not in the Greek text, but is implied (as an understood direct object).
8 tn Grk “to know the proof of you,” that is, to know if the Corinthians’ obedience to Paul as an apostle was genuine (L&N 72.7).
10 tn Grk “for this very thing.”
11 tn Or “first installment,” “pledge,” “deposit” (see the note on the phrase “down payment” in 1:22).
13 tn “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.
16 tn Or “bountifully”; so also in the next occurrence in the verse.
19 tn The word “visit” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
20 tn Grk “By the mouth.”
21 sn A quotation from Deut 19:15 (also quoted in Matt 18:16; 1 Tim 5:19).
22 tn Or “fully equipped.”
25 tn The phrase ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ (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.
26 tn Grk “one”; the referent (Christ) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
28 tn Or “all of you have put his mind at ease.”
31 tn Grk “who.”
34 tn The phrase is close to a recognized idiom for judging based on outward appearances (L&N 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).
37 tn Grk “what we are in word.”
40 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.
41 tn Grk “the things that I plan, do I plan (them).”
42 tn Grk “according to the flesh.”
43 tn Grk “so that with me there should be.”
43 tn The words “to you” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
44 sn So that when I came. Regarding this still future visit by Paul, see 2 Cor 12:14; 13:1.
46 tn Grk “this very thing, to be grieved.”
47 tn The words “of yourselves” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
48 sn What indignation refers to the Corinthians’ indignation at the offender.
49 tn Or “what zeal.”
50 sn That is, punishment for the offender.
49 tn 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.
52 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.”
53 tn The words “with you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.