5:11 Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, 1 we try to persuade 2 people, 3 but we are well known 4 to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.
1 tn Or “because we know what it means to fear the Lord.”
2 tn The present tense of πείθομεν (peiqomen) has been translated as a conative present.
3 tn Grk “men”; but ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is generic here since clearly both men and women are in view (Paul did not attempt to win only men to the gospel he preached).
4 tn Or “clearly evident.” BDAG 1048 s.v. φανερόω 2.b.β has “θεῷ πεφανερώμεθα we are well known to God 2 Cor 5:11a, cp. 11b; 11:6 v.l.”
5 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).