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Introduction to 1 Corinthians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Corinthians

  1. Divisions in the church (1:10-4:21)
  2. Moral sins and irregularities (5:1-13)
  3. Christians taking other Christians to court (6:1-20)
  4. Marriage and related matters (7:1-40)
  5. Misuse of Christian liberty; food sacrificed to idols, fleeing idolatry; womens head coverings (8:1-13; 10:1-11:16)
  6. Pauls rights as an apostle (9:1-27)
  7. The Lords Supper (11:17-34)
  8. The gifts of the Holy Spirit (12:1-31)
  9. Love (13:1-13)
  10. The gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy and languages (14:1-40)
  11. The resurrection of believers and the resurrection of Christ (15:1-58)
  12. Closing: the contribution for Christians in Jerusalem, requests, and personal greetings (16:1-24)

Who wrote the Book of 1 Corinthians?

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul started the church that met in Corinth. He was staying in the city of Ephesus when he wrote this letter.

What is the Book of 1 Corinthians about?

1 Corinthians is a letter that Paul wrote to the believers who were in the city of Corinth. Paul had heard that there were problems among the believers there. They were arguing with each other. Some of them did not understand some of the Christian teachings. And some of them were behaving badly. In this letter, Paul responded to them and encouraged them to live in a way that pleased God.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “First Corinthians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Pauls First Letter to the Church in Corinth.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the city of Corinth like?

Corinth was a major city located in ancient Greece. Because it was near the Mediterranean Sea, many travelers and traders came to buy and sell goods there. This resulted in the city having people from many different cultures. The city was famous for having people who lived in immoral ways. The people worshipped Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. As part of the ceremonies honoring Aphrodite, her worshipers had sexual intercourse with temple prostitutes.

What was the problem with meat sacrificed to idols?

Many animals were slaughtered and sacrificed to the false gods in Corinth. Priests and worshipers kept some of the meat. Much of the meat was sold in markets. Many Christians disagreed with each other over whether it was right for them to eat this meat, because it had been dedicated to a false god. Paul writes about this problem in 1 Corinthians.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in 1 Corinthians in the ULT?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, 1 Corinthians ULT uses the following principles:

  • Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “holy people.” (See: 1:2; 3:17)
  • Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 6:1, 2; 14:33; 16:1, 15)
  • Sometimes the meaning in the passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “reserved for,” or “sanctified.” (See: 1:2; 6:11; 7:14, 34)

The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.

What is the meaning of “flesh?”

Paul frequently used the terms “flesh” or “fleshly” to refer to Christians who did sinful things. However, it is not the physical world that is evil. Paul also described Christians who lived in a righteous way as “spiritual.” This is because they did what the Holy Spirit taught them to do. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])

What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?

This kind of expression occurs in 1:2, 30, 31; 3:1; 4:10, 15, 17; 6:11, 19; 7:22; 9:1, 2; 11:11, 25; 12:3, 9, 13, 18, 25; 14:16; 15:18, 19, 22, 31, 58; 16:19, 24. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. At the same time, he often intended other meanings as well. See, for example, “those who have been dedicated in Christ Jesus” (1:2), where Paul specifically meant that Christian believers have been dedicated to Christ.

Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 1 Corinthians?

For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. Translators are advised to follow the modern versions of the Bible. However, if in the translators region there are Bibles that read according to older versions of the Bible, the translators can follow those. If so, these verses should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to 1 Corinthians.

  • “Therefore glorify God with your body.” Some older versions read “Therefore glorify God with your body and in your spirit, which are Gods.” (6:20)
  • “I did this even though I myself was not under the law” (9:20). Some older versions leave this passage out.
  • “for the sake of conscience--the conscience of the other man.” Some older versions read “for the sake of conscience: for the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord: the conscience of the other man.” (10:28)
  • “and that I give my body to be burned” (13:3). Some older versions read, “and that I give my body so that I might boast.”
  • “But if anyone does not recognize this, let him not be recognized” (14:38). Some older versions read, “But if anyone is ignorant of this, let him be ignorant.”

(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

31:introud5y0

1 Corinthians 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The first three verses are a greeting. In the ancient Near East, this was a common way of starting a letter.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verse 19, which are from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Disunity

In this chapter, Paul scolds the church for being divided and for following different apostles. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]])

Spiritual gifts

Spiritual gifts are specific supernatural abilities to help the church. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts to Christians after they come to believe in Jesus. Paul lists spiritual gifts in Chapter 12. Some scholars believe the Holy Spirit gave some of these gifts only in the early church to help establish the developing church. Other scholars believe all the gifts of the Spirit are still available to help all Christians throughout the church history. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

In this chapter, Paul refers to the return of Christ using two different phrases: “the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” and “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the Corinthians for dividing into factions and for relying on human wisdom. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Stumbling block

A stumbling block is a rock people stumble over. Here it means the Jews find it hard to believe that God allowed his Messiah to be crucified. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

41:1e8j3Παῦλος1

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Alternate translation: “I, Paul”

51:1qp1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΣωσθένης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς1

This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Sosthenes. Alternate translation: “Sosthenes the brother you and I know” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

61:2r9kgτῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ & ἐν Κορίνθῳ1

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the intended audience. Alternate translation: “wrote this letter to you in Corinth who believe in God”

71:2e75pἡγιασμένοις ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

Here “sanctified” refers to people whom God has reserved to honor him. Alternate translation: “to those whom Christ Jesus has set apart for God” or “to those whom God has set apart for himself because they belong to Christ Jesus”

81:2e8jwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῇ οὔσῃ & κλητοῖς ἁγίοις1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God has called to be holy people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

91:2l21mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῖς ἐπικαλουμένοις τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

The word “name” here is a metonym for person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “who call on the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

101:2l9rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveαὐτῶν καὶ ἡμῶν1

The word “ours” includes Pauls audience. Jesus is the Lord of Paul and the Corinthians and all the churches. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

111:3gc2b0

Paul and Sosthenes wrote this letter to the Christians who belonged to the church in Corinth.

121:3gc2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you0

Unless otherwise noted, such words as “you” and “your” refer to Pauls audience and so are plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

131:4pt1r0

Paul describes the believers position and fellowship in Christ as they wait for his coming.

141:4t16drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐπὶ τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ δοθείσῃ ὑμῖν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

Paul speaks of grace as though it were a physical object that Jesus gives Christians as a gift. Alternate translation: “because Christ Jesus has made it possible for God to be kind to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

151:5js7fἐπλουτίσθητε ἐν αὐτῷ1

Possible meanings are (1) “Christ has made you rich” or (2) “God has made you rich.”

161:5jw1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἐν παντὶ ἐπλουτίσθητε1

Paul is speaking in general terms. Alternate translation: “made you rich with all kinds of spiritual blessings” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

171:5j48tἐν παντὶ λόγῳ1

God has enabled you to tell others about Gods message in many ways.

181:5qy8cπάσῃ γνώσει1

God has enabled you to understand Gods message in many ways.

191:6h9zkτὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐβεβαιώθη ἐν ὑμῖν1

Possible meanings are (1) “you saw for yourselves that what we had said about Christ was true” or (2) “other people learned from seeing how you now live that what we and you say about Christ is true.”

201:7t2hdὥστε1

“Because what I have just said is true”

211:7p5y6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesὑμᾶς μὴ ὑστερεῖσθαι ἐν μηδενὶ χαρίσματι1

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you have every spiritual gift” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

221:7fe4qτὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Possible meanings are (1) “the time when God will reveal the Lord Jesus Christ” or (2) “the time when our Lord Jesus Christ will reveal himself.”

231:8pif5ἀνεγκλήτους1

There will be no reason for God to condemn you.

241:9u6w6πιστὸς ὁ Θεὸς1

“God will do everything he has said he will do”

251:9kx3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

261:10spu80

Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they are to live in unity with each other and that the message of the cross of Christ, not baptism by people, is what saves.

271:10k7gwἀδελφοί1

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

281:10sw54rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδιὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

“Name” here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by means of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

291:10u4y2ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες1

“that you live in harmony with one another”

301:10j75cκαὶ μὴ ᾖ ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα1

“that you do not divide into separate groups among yourselves”

311:10emt2ἦτε & κατηρτισμένοι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοῒ καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ1

“live in unity”

321:11e8jbτῶν Χλόης1

This refers to family members, servants, and others who are part of the household of which Chloe, a woman, is the head.

331:11vbe6ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν1

“you are in groups that quarrel one with another”

341:12a57rἕκαστος ὑμῶν λέγει1

Paul is expressing a general attitude of division.

351:13wf6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός?1

Paul wishes to emphasize the truth that Christ is not divided but one. “It is not possible to divide Christ in the way you are doing!” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

361:13g5qhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν1

Paul wishes to emphasize that it was Christ, not Paul or Apollos, who was crucified. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It certainly was not Paul whom they put to death on the cross for your salvation!” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

371:13tb2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionεἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε?1

Paul wishes to emphasize that we all are baptized in the name of Christ. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It was not in the name of Paul that people baptized you!” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

381:13zi1yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου1

“In the name of” here is a metonym for “by the authority of.” Alternate translation: “by Pauls authority” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

391:14hhh8οὐδένα ὑμῶν & εἰ μὴ1

“only”

401:14vqq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΚρίσπον1

He was a synagogue ruler who became a Christian. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

411:14lv4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΓάϊον1

He traveled with the Apostle Paul. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

421:15hv3mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἵνα μή τις εἴπῃ, ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ἐβαπτίσθητε1

Here “name” represents “authority.” This means Paul did not baptize others because they may claim that they became Pauls disciples. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For some of you might have claimed that I baptized you to make you my disciples” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

431:16ed59rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸν Στεφανᾶ οἶκον1

This refers to the family members and slaves in the house where Stephanas, a man, was the head. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

441:17tg7iοὐ & ἀπέστειλέν με Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν1

This means that baptism was not the primary goal of Pauls ministry.

451:17zn1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσοφίᾳ λόγου & μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Paul speaks of “words of human wisdom” as if they were people, the cross as a container, and of power as a physical thing that Jesus can put in that container. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “words of human wisdom … those words of human wisdom should not empty the cross of Christ of its power” or “words of human wisdom … people should not stop believing the message about Jesus and start thinking I am more important than Jesus” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

461:18j7cw0

Paul emphasizes Gods wisdom rather than mans wisdom.

471:18fq4xὁ λόγος & ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ1

“the preaching about the crucifixion” or “the message of Christs dying on the cross”

481:18p4wbμωρία ἐστίν1

“is senseless” or “is silly”

491:18lq5zτοῖς μὲν ἀπολλυμένοις1

Here “dying” refers to the process of spiritual death.

501:18ji74δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν1

“it is God working powerfully in us”

511:19tc6nτὴν σύνεσιν τῶν συνετῶν ἀθετήσω1

“I will confuse intelligent people” or “I will make the plans intelligent people make completely fail”

521:20m6tfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionποῦ σοφός? ποῦ γραμματεύς? ποῦ συνζητητὴς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου?1

Paul emphasizes that truly wise people are nowhere to be found. Alternate translation: “Compared with the wisdom of the gospel, there are no wise people, no scholars, no debaters!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

531:20rkf9γραμματεύς1

a person who is recognized as someone who has studied a great deal

541:20u5j5συνζητητὴς1

a person who argues about what he knows or who is skilled in such arguments

551:20a7zlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ ἐμώρανεν ὁ Θεὸς τὴν σοφίαν τοῦ κόσμου?1

Paul uses this question to emphasize what God has done to the wisdom of this world. Alternate translation: “God has shown that everything they call wisdom is really foolishness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

561:21d7xwτοὺς πιστεύοντας1

Possible meanings are (1) “all who believe the message” or (2) “all who believe in Christ.”

571:22v9farc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive0

Here the word “we” refers to Paul and other Bible teachers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

581:23ntu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveΧριστὸν ἐσταυρωμένον1

“about Christ, who died on a cross” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

591:23krw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκάνδαλον1

Just as a person can stumble over a block on a road, so the message of salvation through the crucifixion of the Christ keeps Jews from believing in Jesus. Alternate translation: “not acceptable” or “very offensive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

601:24h7iwαὐτοῖς & τοῖς κλητοῖς1

“to the people God calls”

611:24hu1sΧριστὸν Θεοῦ δύναμιν, καὶ Θεοῦ σοφίαν1

Possible meanings are (1) “God acted powerfully and wisely by sending Christ to die for us” or (2) “through Christ God has shown how strong and wise he is.”

621:24w9vmΘεοῦ δύναμιν1

Another possible meaning is that Christ is powerful and it is through Christ that God saves us.

631:24p1huΘεοῦ σοφίαν1

Another possible meaning is that God shows the content of his wisdom through Christ.

641:25h9hhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyτὸ μωρὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, σοφώτερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐστίν, καὶ τὸ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἰσχυρότερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is speaking ironically about Gods foolishness and weakness. Paul knows God is not foolish or weak. Alternate translation: “what seems to be the foolishness of God is wiser than peoples wisdom, and what seems to be the weakness of God is stronger than the peoples strength” or (2) Paul is speaking from the point of view of the Greek people who may think God is foolish or weak. Alternate translation: “what people call Gods foolishness is really wiser than what people call wisdom, and what people call Gods weakness is really stronger than peoples strength” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

651:26ps3r0

Paul emphasizes the believers position before God.

661:26w6l1οὐ πολλοὶ1

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Very few of you”

671:26pws2σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα1

“what most people would call wise”

681:26w8rvεὐγενεῖς1

“special because your family is important”

691:27qv5lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός & τοὺς σοφούς & ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός & τὰ ἰσχυρά1

Paul repeats many of the same words in two sentences that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the difference between Gods way of doing things and how people think God should do them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

701:27b5n6τὰ μωρὰ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τοὺς σοφούς1

“God chose to use those whom the world thinks are foolish to shame those whom the world thinks are wise”

711:27tsv5τὰ ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεός, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τὰ ἰσχυρά1

“God chose to use those whom the world thinks are weak to shame those whom the world thinks are strong”

721:28k3kdτὰ ἀγενῆ & καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα1

the people whom the world rejects. Alternate translation: “people who are humble and rejected”

731:28ald1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὰ μὴ ὄντα1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that which people usually regard as without value” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

741:28gj19μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ1

“nothing. He did this so he could show that the things that are held as valuable are really worthless”

751:28f11prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὰ μὴ ὄντα1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “things that people think are worth money” or “things that people think are worth respect” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

761:30fmr3ἐξ αὐτοῦ1

This refers to the work of Christ on the cross.

771:30a7bsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῖν1

These words refer to Paul, those with him, and the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

781:30f1atrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyΧριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὃς ἐγενήθη σοφία ἡμῖν ἀπὸ Θεοῦ1

Possible meanings are (1) “Christ Jesus, who has made clear to us how wise God is” or (2) “Christ Jesus, who has given us Gods wisdom.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

791:31fym9ὁ καυχώμενος, ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω1

“If a person boasts, he should boast about how great the Lord is”

802:introk86p0

1 Corinthians 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verses 9 and 16, which are from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Wisdom

Paul continues the discussion from the first chapter that contrasts human wisdom and Gods wisdom. For Paul, wisdom can be simple and human ideas foolish. He said the wisdom from the Holy Spirit is the only true wisdom. Paul uses the phrase “hidden wisdom” when he refers to previously unknown truths. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/foolish]])

812:1kjc70

Paul contrasts human wisdom and Gods wisdom. He emphasizes that spiritual wisdom comes from God.

822:1qvj7ἀδελφοί1

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

832:2a2g9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἔκρινά τι εἰδέναι & εἰ μὴ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν1

When Paul said that he “decided to know nothing” he exaggerated to emphasize that he decided focus on and teach about nothing other than Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “I decided to teach nothing … except Jesus Christ” or “I decided not to teach anything … except Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

842:3s9lpκἀγὼ & ἐγενόμην πρὸς ὑμᾶς1

“I was visiting with you”

852:3e8liἐν ἀσθενείᾳ1

Possible meanings are: (1) “physically weak” or (2) “feeling like I could not do what I needed to do.”

862:4z81aπειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις1

words that sound wise and with which the speaker hopes to cause people to do or believe something

872:6sg760

Paul interrupts his main argument to explain what he means by “wisdom” and to whom he desires to speak.

882:6azm7δὲ λαλοῦμεν1

The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Paul begins to explain that true wisdom is Gods wisdom.

892:6uka3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsσοφίαν & λαλοῦμεν1

The abstract noun “wisdom” can be stated as the adjective, “wise.” Alternate translation: “speak wise words” or “speak a wise message” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

902:6eq1qτοῖς τελείοις1

“mature believers”

912:7k2ctπρὸ τῶν αἰώνων1

“before God created anything”

922:7q2z9εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν1

“in order to ensure our future glory”

932:8zc89τὸν Κύριον τῆς δόξης1

“Jesus, the glorious Lord”

942:9fu1yἃ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ & ἀνέβη, ἃ & ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν1

This is an incomplete sentence. Some translations make it a complete sentence: “Things that no eye … imagined; these are the things … who love him.” Others leave it incomplete but show that it is incomplete by using non-final punctuation here and beginning the next verse as a continuation of this verse: “Things that no eye … imagined, the things … who love him—”

952:9j9ibrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἃ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ εἶδεν, καὶ οὖς οὐκ ἤκουσεν, καὶ ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἀνέβη1

This is a triplet referring to all parts of a person to emphasize that no man has ever been aware of the things that God has prepared. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

962:9t61vἃ ἡτοίμασεν ὁ Θεὸς τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν1

The Lord has created in heaven wonderful surprises for those who love him.

972:11h4p8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς γὰρ οἶδεν ἀνθρώπων τὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, εἰ μὴ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ?1

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows what a person is thinking except the person himself. Alternate translation: “No one knows what a person is thinking except that persons spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

982:11i47dτὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

This refers to a persons inner being, his own spiritual nature.

992:11gw3urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesτὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐδεὶς ἔγνωκεν, εἰ μὴ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “only the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1002:12zbv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive0

Here the word “we” includes both Paul and his audience. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1012:12n1c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ χαρισθέντα ἡμῖν1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God freely gave to us” or “that God has kindly given us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1022:13u797ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος, πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες1

The Holy Spirit communicates Gods truth to believers in the Spirits own words and gives them his own wisdom.

1032:13yg45ἐν διδακτοῖς Πνεύματος, πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συνκρίνοντες1

“The Spirit explains uses his own spiritual wisdom to explain spiritual words”

1042:14cve2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive0

Here the word “we” includes both Paul and his audience. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1052:14hq3uψυχικὸς & ἄνθρωπος1

the non-Christian person, who has not received the Holy Spirit

1062:14gwe3ὅτι πνευματικῶς ἀνακρίνεται1

“because understanding these things requires the aid of the Spirit”

1072:15w4q7ὁ & πνευματικὸς1

“The believer who has received the Spirit”

1082:16m4purc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς γὰρ ἔγνω νοῦν Κυρίου, ὃς συμβιβάσει αὐτόν?1

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows the mind of the Lord. No one is as wise as the Lord. Alternate translation: “No one can know the mind of the Lord, so no one can teach him anything he does not already know” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1093:introg6ku0

1 Corinthians 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verses 19 and 20.

Special concepts in this chapter

Fleshly people

The Corinthian believers were immature because of their unrighteous actions. He calls them “fleshly,” meaning acting as nonbelievers. This term is used in opposition to those who are “spiritual.” Christians following their “flesh” are acting foolishly. They are following the wisdom of the world. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/foolish]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

There are many metaphors in this chapter. Paul uses “babies” and “milk” to illustrate spiritual immaturity. He uses the metaphors of planting and watering to describe the roles he and Apollos played in growing the church in Corinth. Paul uses other metaphors to help teach spiritual truths to the Corinthians and to help them to understand his teachings. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1103:1a43d0

Paul now reminds the Corinthian believers of how they are actually living instead of behaving as their position before God is. He then reminds them that the person who teaches them is not as important as God who gives their growth.

1113:1r4iwἀδελφοί1

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1123:1jx17πνευματικοῖς1

people who obey the Spirit

1133:1r5w5σαρκίνοις1

people who follow their own desires

1143:1ja6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὡς νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ1

The Corinthians are compared to children very young in age and understanding. Alternate translation: “as to very young believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1153:2vg2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγάλα ὑμᾶς ἐπότισα, οὐ βρῶμα1

The Corinthians can understand only easy truths like babies who can drink only milk. They are not mature enough to understand greater truths like older children who now can eat solid food. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1163:2vt3erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐδὲ νῦν δύνασθε1

It is implied that they are not ready to understand more difficult teachings. Alternate translation: “you still are not ready to understand the harder teachings about following Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1173:3m712ἔτι & σαρκικοί1

still behaving according to sinful or worldly desires

1183:3k5llrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ σαρκικοί ἐστε καὶ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖτε?1

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for their sinful behavior. “Walking” here is a metaphor for “judging your behavior,” deciding what is good and bad. Alternate translation: “you should be ashamed because you are behaving according to your sinful desires and you are using human standards to decide whether your behavior is good or bad!” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1193:4s96grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ ἄνθρωποί ἐστε?1

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “you should be ashamed because you are living the same way people who do not have the Spirit live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1203:5m463rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐστιν Ἀπολλῶς? τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος?1

Paul is emphasizing that he and Apollos are not the original source of the gospel, and therefore the Corinthians should not follow them. Alternate translation: “It is wrong to form groups to follow Apollos or Paul!” or (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1213:5lq6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος?1

Paul is speaking of himself as though he were speaking of someone else. Alternate translation: “I am not important!” or “Who am I?” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1223:5qmy2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisδιάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε1

Paul answers his own question by saying that he and Apollos are Gods servants. Alternate translation: “Paul and Apollos are servants of Christ, and you believed in Christ because we served him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1233:5f6wmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisδιάκονοι δι’ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε, καὶ ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ Κύριος ἔδωκεν1

This can be stated with the understood information. Alternate translation: “We are servants through whom youbelieved. We are only people to whom the Lord gave tasks” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1243:6iah7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα1

The knowledge of God is compared to a seed which must be planted in order to grow. Alternate translation: “When I preached Gods word to you, I was like one who plants seeds in a garden” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1253:6gyi5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἈπολλῶς ἐπότισεν1

As seeds need water, faith needs further teaching in order for it to grow. Alternate translation: “and when Apollos continued to teach you Gods word, he was like one who waters a garden” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1263:6iq9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ηὔξανεν1

As plants grow and develop, so faith and knowledge in God also grow and become deeper and stronger. Alternate translation: “but God caused you to grow” or “but just as God causes plants to grow, he causes you to grow spiritually” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1273:7dl3zοὔτε ὁ φυτεύων ἐστίν τι & ἀλλ’ ὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός1

Paul stresses that neither he nor Apollos is responsible for the believers spiritual growth, but it is Gods doing.

1283:7c68grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὁ αὐξάνων, Θεός1

Here to give growth means to cause growth. The abstract noun “growth” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “it is God who causes you to grow” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1293:8s16brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ φυτεύων & καὶ ὁ ποτίζων, ἕν εἰσιν1

Paul speaks of telling people the good news and teaching those who have accepted it as if they were planting and watering plants. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1303:8za43ἕν εἰσιν1

Possible meanings are “one” are (1) “united in purpose” or (2) “equal in importance.”

1313:8zd36μισθὸν1

an amount of money that a worker receives for his work

1323:9gj26rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἐσμεν1

This refers to Paul and Apollos but not the Corinthian church. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1333:9r9snΘεοῦ & συνεργοί1

Paul considers himself and Apollos as working together.

1343:9lqg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΘεοῦ γεώργιον1

Possible meanings are (1) being Gods garden represents belonging to God. Alternate translation: “You are like a garden that belongs to God” or (2) being Gods garden represents God causing us to grow. Alternate translation: “You are like a garden that God makes grow” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1353:9l2fqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΘεοῦ οἰκοδομή1

Possible meanings are (1) being Gods building represents belonging to God. Alternate translation: “and you are like a building that belongs to God” or (2) being Gods building represents God causing us to become what he wants. Alternate translation: “and you are like a building that God is constructing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1363:10iln9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “According to the task that God freely gave me to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1373:10a69qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθεμέλιον ἔθηκα1

Paul equates his teaching of faith and salvation in Jesus Christ to laying a foundation for a building. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1383:10pwi7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἄλλος & ἐποικοδομεῖ1

Paul is referring to the person or people who are teaching the Corinthians at that time as if they are carpenters who are constructing the building above the foundation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1393:10px9cἕκαστος1

This refers to Gods workers in general. Alternate translation: “let each person who serves God”

1403:11jt2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveθεμέλιον & ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι, παρὰ τὸν κείμενον1

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “no one can lay a foundation other than the foundation that I, Paul, have laid” or “I have already laid the only foundation that anyone can lay” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1413:12np7c0

Paul speaks of what builders usually do when constructing a building to describe what the teachers in Corinth are actually doing. Builders usually only use gold, silver, or precious stones as decorations on buildings.

1423:12nbu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰ δέ τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην1

The building materials used to build a new building are being compared to the spiritual values used to build a persons behavior and activities during his lifetime. Alternate translation: “Whether a person builds with valuable materials that will last or with cheap materials that burn easily” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1433:12i14yλίθους τιμίους1

“expensive stones”

1443:13t2mkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will show everyone what the builder has done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1453:13mv14rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει1

The “daylight” here is a metaphor for the time when God will judge everyone. When God shows everyone what these teachers have done, it will be like the sun has come up to reveal what happened during the night. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1463:13ndu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὅτι ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται; καὶ ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον, ὁποῖόν ἐστιν, τὸ πῦρ αὐτὸ δοκιμάσει1

Just as fire will reveal the strengths or destroy the weaknesses of a building, Gods fire will judge mans efforts and activities. Alternate translation: “God will use fire to show the quality of his work” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1473:14t8yv0

The terms “a person” and “anyones” and “he” and “himself” refer to believers.

1483:14s4u3τὸ ἔργον μενεῖ1

“work lasts” or “work survives”

1493:15c2xjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if the fire destroys anyones work” or “if the fire ruins anyones work” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1503:15ups4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsζημιωθήσεται1

The abstract noun “loss” can be expressed with the verb “lose.” Alternate translation: “he will lose his reward” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1513:15w1zvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but God will save him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1523:16uq2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐστε, καὶ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν?1

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You act as though you do not know that you are Gods temple and the Spirit of God lives in you!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1533:18glg8μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω1

Nobody should believe the lie that he himself is wise in this world.

1543:18p3wiἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ1

according to the way people who do not believe decide what is wise

1553:18s7xirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyμωρὸς γενέσθω1

“that person should be willing to have people who do not believe call him a fool” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

1563:19zws3ὁ δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτῶν1

God traps the people who think they are clever and uses their own schemes to trap them.

1573:20la6xΚύριος γινώσκει τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν, ὅτι εἰσὶν μάταιοι1

“The Lord knows that what people who think they are wise plan to do is futile”

1583:20kz2uμάταιοι1

useless

1593:23nj48ὑμεῖς δὲ Χριστοῦ, Χριστὸς δὲ Θεοῦ1

“you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God”

1604:introvg5z0

1 Corinthians 04 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pride

Paul contrasts the Corinthians being proud with the apostles being humble. The Corinthian believers had no reason to be proud. All that they had, and all they were, was a gift from God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. He describes the apostles as servants. Paul speaks of a victory parade where the apostles are the prisoners who will be killed. He uses a rod to stand for punishment. He calls himself their father because he is their “spiritual father.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])

Irony

Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians for being proud. The Corinthian believers are reigning but the apostles are suffering. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

1614:1k1v50

Having just reminded the people not to be proud concerning who taught them about the Lord and who had baptized them, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that all believers are to be humble servants.

1624:2th8erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὧδε λοιπὸν ζητεῖται ἐν τοῖς οἰκονόμοις1

Paul is speaking of himself as if he were speaking about other people. Alternate translation: “we are required to be” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1634:3k6ncἐλάχιστόν ἐστιν, ἵνα ὑφ’ ὑμῶν ἀνακριθῶ1

Paul is comparing the difference between human judgment and Gods judgment. Mans judgment is not important compared to Gods true judgment upon man.

1644:4u9jdοὐδὲν & ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα1

“I have not heard anyone accuse me of doing wrong”

1654:4h3wlοὐκ ἐν τούτῳ δεδικαίωμαι; ὁ δὲ ἀνακρίνων με Κύριός ἐστιν1

“that lack of accusation does not prove I am innocent. The Lord knows if I am innocent or guilty”

1664:5qi3gὥστε1

“Because what I have just said is true”

1674:5wl3irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὃς καὶ φωτίσει τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους, καὶ φανερώσει τὰς βουλὰς τῶν καρδιῶν1

Here “bring to light the hidden things of darkness” is a metaphor for making known to everyone things that were done in secret. Here “heart” is a metonym for peoples thoughts and intentions. Alternate translation: “Like a light that shines on things in darkness, God will show what people have secretly done and what they secretly planned” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1684:6ijn5ἀδελφοί1

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1694:6ziz9δι’ ὑμᾶς1

“for your welfare”

1704:7fnu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youσε & ἔχεις & ἔλαβες & ἔλαβες & καυχᾶσαι & λαβών1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” here are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1714:7gtb5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς γάρ σε διακρίνει?1

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians who think they are better than those who heard the gospel from someone else. Alternate translation: “For there is no difference between you and others.” or “For you are not superior to other people.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1724:7r6ywrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί δὲ ἔχεις ὃ οὐκ ἔλαβες?1

Paul uses this question to emphasize that they did not earn the things they have. Alternate translation: “Everything that you have is what you have freely received.” or “God gave to you everything that you have for free!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1734:7e8l2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί καυχᾶσαι ὡς μὴ λαβών?1

Paul was rebuking them for boasting in what they had. Alternate translation: “you should not boast as if you had not done so.” or “you have no right to boast!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1744:7rqd7ὡς μὴ λαβών1

The phrase “done so” refers to freeling receiving what they had. Alternate translation: “as you had not freely received it” or “as if you had earned it”

1754:8yp8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony0

Paul uses irony here to shame the Corinthians and make them realize that they are sinning when they are proud of themselves and their teachers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

1764:9bb41rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismὁ Θεὸς ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους & ἀπέδειξεν1

Paul expresses two ways how God has put his apostles on display for the world to see. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1774:9vfq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους & ἀπέδειξεν1

God has displayed the apostles just like prisoners at the end of a Roman military parade, who are humiliated before their execution. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1784:9cs4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὡς ἐπιθανατίους1

God put the apostles on display like men who are about to be executed. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1794:9cqh4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ἀγγέλοις καὶ ἀνθρώποις1

Possible meanings are (1) “the world” consists of both supernatural (“angels”) and natural (“human beings”) or (2) the list consists of three items: “to the world, to angels, and to human beings.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1804:10fkw2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyἡμεῖς μωροὶ & ἄτιμοι1

Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians so they will think about what he is saying. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

1814:10wqh7ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι1

“People treat you Corinthians as though you are important people”

1824:10z22cἡμεῖς & ἄτιμοι1

“people shame us apostles”

1834:11i298ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας1

“Until now” or “Up to now”

1844:11jj2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκολαφιζόμεθα1

This refers to hitting with the hand, not with whips or clubs. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people beat us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1854:11yhf4ἀστατοῦμεν1

Paul means that they had places to stay, but they had to move around from place to place. They had no fixed home.

1864:12n389rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveλοιδορούμενοι, εὐλογοῦμεν1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people revile us, we bless them” or “When people scorn us, we bless them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1874:12kue7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδιωκόμενοι1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people persecute us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1884:13a6hprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδυσφημούμενοι1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people slander us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1894:13xz66ὡς περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐγενήθημεν, πάντων περίψημα ἕως ἄρτι1

“People began to consider us—and they still consider us—to be the garbage of the world”

1904:14k1atοὐκ ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς γράφω ταῦτα, ἀλλ’ & νουθετῶ1

“I do not intend to shame you, but to improve you” or “I am not trying to shame you, but I want to correct you”

1914:14t8jcνουθετῶ1

tell someone that what they are doing is wrong and will cause bad things to happen

1924:14ruu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ1

Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, they are like his spiritual children. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1934:15n8c1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleμυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς1

This is an exaggeration of the number of people guiding them, to emphasize the importance of the one spiritual father. Alternate translation: “very many guardians” or “a large crowd of guardians” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1944:15m9ekἐν & Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα1

Paul is emphasizing firstly that his relationship with the Corinthians is most importantly “in Christ,” secondly that it came because he told them the good news, and thirdly that he is the one who is like a father to them. Alternate translation: “it was because God joined you to Christ when I told you the good news that I was the one who became your father”

1954:15n9hprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα1

Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, he is like a father to them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1964:17hi7wμου τέκνον, ἀγαπητὸν καὶ πιστὸν ἐν Κυρίῳ1

“whom I love and whom I teach about the Lord as if he were my own child”

1974:18v4fnδέ1

This word indicates that Paul is shifting his topic to rebuking the arrogant behavior of the Corinthian believers.

1984:19jdk5ἐλεύσομαι & πρὸς ὑμᾶς1

“I will visit you”

1994:21ix5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί θέλετε?1

Paul was making a last appeal to the Corinthians, as he has been rebuking them for the errors they had made. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you want to happen now” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2004:21wv61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἐν ῥάβδῳ ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἢ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, πνεύματί τε πραΰτητος?1

Paul is offering the Corinthians two opposing attitudes he could use when approaching them. Alternate translation: “If you want, I can come to punish you, or I can come to show you how much I love you by being gentle with you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2014:21ix7lπραΰτητος1

“of kindness” or “of tenderness”

2025:introvb3l0

1 Corinthians 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 13.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemisms

Paul uses euphemisms to describe sensitive topics. This chapter deals with sexual immorality of one church member. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/other/fornication]])

Metaphor

Paul uses an extended comparison using many metaphors. Yeast represents evil. The loaf probably represents the whole congregation. The unleavened bread represents living purely. So the whole passage means: Dont you know that a little evil will affect the whole congregation? So get rid of the evil so you can live purely. Christ has been sacrificed for us. So let us be sincere and truthful and not wicked and behaving badly. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/unleavenedbread]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/purify]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]])

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

2035:1e66c0

Paul now specifically states about what sin of theirs he has heard, and how the Corinthian believers are proud of their acceptance of that man and his sin.

2045:1dlj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἥτις οὐδὲ ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that not even the Gentiles permit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2055:1b9xnγυναῖκά τινα τοῦ πατρὸς ἔχειν1

“A man among you is commiting adultery with his fathers wife”

2065:1lxp1γυναῖκά & πατρὸς1

the wife of his father, but probably not his own mother

2075:2zk7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἐπενθήσατε1

This rhetorical question is used to scold the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You should mourn over this instead!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2085:2rr93rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἵνα ἀρθῇ ἐκ μέσου ὑμῶν ὁ, τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο ποιήσας1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must remove the one who did this from among you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2095:3xm4eπαρὼν & τῷ πνεύματι1

“I am with you in spirit.” Being with them in spirit represents caring about them or wanting to be with them. Alternate translation: “I care about you” or “I want to be with you”

2105:3ax3uἤδη κέκρικα & τὸν οὕτως τοῦτο κατεργασάμενον1

Possible meanings are (1) “I have decided what you should do with the one who did this” or (2) “I have found the person who did this guilty”

2115:4m9yzσυναχθέντων ὑμῶν1

“When you are together” or “When you meet together”

2125:4t83drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ1

Possible meanings are (1) the name of the Lord Jesus is a metonym that represents his authority. Alternate translation: “with the authority of our Lord Jesus” or (2) being assembled in the Lords name implies meeting together to worship him. Alternate translation: “to worship our Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2135:5xcf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπαραδοῦναι τὸν τοιοῦτον τῷ Σατανᾷ1

Handing the man over to Satan represents not allowing the man to be part of their group so that Satan would be allowed to harm him. Alternate translation: “make this man leave your group so that Satan can harm him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2145:5nq4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός1

Possible meanings are (1) “flesh” refers to his physical body. Alternate translation: “so that Satan may harm his body” or (2) “flesh” is a metaphor for the sinful nature. Alternate translation: “so that his sinful nature will be destroyed” or “so that he will not continue to live according to his sinful nature” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2155:5z2clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἵνα τὸ πνεῦμα σωθῇ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God may save his spirit on the day of the Lord” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2165:6h2hkοὐ καλὸν τὸ καύχημα ὑμῶν1

“Your boasting is bad”

2175:6ng4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι μικρὰ ζύμη, ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ?1

Just as a little yeast spreads throughout a whole loaf of bread, so can a little sin impact the entire fellowship of believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2185:7ret3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ Πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη, Χριστός1

As the Passover lamb covered the sins of Israel by faith each year, so did Christs death cover the sins of all who trust in Christ by faith for eternity. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord has sacrificed Christ, our Passover lamb” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2195:9nrb4πόρνοις1

This refers to people who claim to believe in Christ but behave in this manner.

2205:10xp48τοῖς πόρνοις τοῦ κόσμου τούτου1

people who have chosen to live an immoral lifestyle, who are not believers

2215:10taf5τοῖς πλεονέκταις1

“those who are greedy” or “those who are willing to be dishonest to get what others have”

2225:10hu63ἅρπαξιν1

This means people who cheat to get others property.

2235:10m59jὠφείλετε & ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελθεῖν1

“you would need to avoid all people”

2245:11wcm20

Paul tells them how to treat believers in the church who refuse to be corrected for their involvement in sexual immorality and other obvious sins before others.

2255:11w9w8τις & ὀνομαζόμενος1

“anyone who calls himself”

2265:11b4usἀδελφὸς1

Here this means a fellow Christian, either a man or a woman.

2275:12xeu7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί & μοι τοὺς ἔξω κρίνειν?1

Paul is emphasizing that he is not the one to judge people outside the church. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am not the one who should judge people who do not belong to the church” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2285:12m4s6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ τοὺς ἔσω ὑμεῖς κρίνετε?1

Paul is scolding the Corinthians. “you should know that you are the ones who should judge those who are inside the church” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2296:intros6hb0

1 Corinthians 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Lawsuits

Paul teaches that a Christian should not take another Christian to court before a non-Christian judge. It is better to be cheated. Christians will judge the angels. So they should be able to solve problems among themselves. It is especially bad to use a court to cheat another believer. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The temple of the Holy Spirit is an important metaphor. It refers to the place where the Holy Spirit stays and is worshiped. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

2306:1hv790

Paul then explains how believers are to settle disagreements with other believers.

2316:1q5d3πρᾶγμα1

disagreement or argument

2326:1gmy5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτολμᾷ & κρίνεσθαι & τῶν ἁγίων?1

Paul is emphasizing that Christians must resolve disagreements among themselves. Alternate translation: “he should not dare to go … saints!” or “he should be fear God and not go … saints!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2336:2i1m5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ ἅγιοι τὸν κόσμον κρινοῦσιν?1

Paul is shaming the Corinthians for acting like they do not know. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2346:2i67frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionκαὶ εἰ ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος, ἀνάξιοί ἐστε κριτηρίων ἐλαχίστων?1

Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. Alternate translation: “you will judge the world in the future, so you should be able to settle this matter now.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2356:3h374βιωτικά1

“stop arguments about things that have to do with this life”

2366:3us55rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἀγγέλους κρινοῦμεν1

Paul is surprised that they do not seem to know. Alternate translation: “You know that we will judge the angels.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2376:3v5r5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveκρινοῦμεν1

Paul includes himself and the Corinthians. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2386:3x6h3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμήτι γε βιωτικά?1

Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. Alternate translation: “Because we know we will judge the angels, we can also be sure that God will enable us to judge matters in this life.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2396:4vw5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionβιωτικὰ μὲν οὖν κριτήρια ἐὰν ἔχητε, τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε?1

Possible meanings are (1) this is a rhetorical question or (2) this is a statement, “When in the past you have settled matters that are important in this life, you have not handed off disputes between Christians to be settled by unbelievers” or (3) this is a command, “When you settle matters that are important in this life, it is even to those who have no standing in the church that you should hand off disputes to be settled!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2406:4xn32βιωτικὰ μὲν οὖν κριτήρια ἐὰν ἔχητε, τοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε?1

“If you are called upon to make decisions about daily life” or “If you must settle matters that are important in this life”

2416:4e791rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτοὺς ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, τούτους καθίζετε?1

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for how they are handling these cases. Possible meanings are that (1) “you should stop giving such cases to people who are outside the church.” or (2) “you could give such cases even to members of the church who are not well regarded by other believers.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2426:5b2vyπρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῖν1

“to your dishonor” or “to show how you have failed in this matter”

2436:5fue4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὕτως οὐκ ἔνι ἐν ὑμῖν οὐδεὶς σοφὸς, ὃς δυνήσεται διακρῖναι ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ?1

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You should be ashamed that you cannot find a wise believer to settle arguments between believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2446:5l1hdτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ1

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

2456:5h8svδιακρῖναι1

argument or disagreement

2466:6m7lsἀλλὰ ἀδελφὸς μετὰ ἀδελφοῦ κρίνεται, καὶ τοῦτο ἐπὶ ἀπίστων?1

“believers who have disputes with each other ask unbelieving judges to make decisions for them”

2476:7sv9jἤδη & ἥττημα & ἐστιν1

“is already a failure”

2486:7tn9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionδιὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀδικεῖσθε? διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀποστερεῖσθε?1

Paul continues to shame the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “It would be better to let others wrong you and cheat you than to take them to court.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2496:8kk7bἀδελφούς1

All believers in Christ are brothers and sisters of each other. “your own fellow believers”

2506:9h17lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι1

Paul emphasizes that they should already know this truth. Alternate translation: “You already know that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2516:9t1rtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκληρονομήσουσιν1

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2526:9vqx4Θεοῦ Βασιλείαν οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν1

God will not judge them as righteous at the judgment, and they will not enter eternal life.

2536:9h2narc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismμαλακοὶ, οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται1

Possible meanings are (1) this is a merism for all homosexual activity or (2) Paul is naming two different activities. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2546:9blc7μαλακοὶ, οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται1

Possible meanings are (1) men who allow other men to sleep with them or (2) men who allow men who pay them to sleep with them or (3) men who allow other men to sleep with them as part of a religious activity.

2556:9qja8ἀρσενοκοῖται1

men who sleep with other men

2566:10f7gpκλέπται1

people who steal from others

2576:10bgj9πλεονέκται1

people who are willing to use evil means to take others property

2586:11v5yqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπελούσασθε1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has cleansed you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2596:11u8klrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡγιάσθητε1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has set you apart for himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2606:11gnr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδικαιώθητε1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has made you right with him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2616:11s55xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

“Name” here is a metonym for the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2626:12sw2e0

Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that God wants them pure because Christ has bought them with his death. Their bodies are now Gods temple. He does so by saying what the Corinthians might say and then correcting them.

2636:12r4mxπάντα μοι ἔξεστιν1

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is answering what some Corinthians might be thinking, “Some say, I can do anything” or (2) Paul is actually saying what he thinks is true, “God allows me to do anything.”

2646:12q7dcἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει1

Paul is answering whoever says, “Everything is lawful for me.” Alternate translation: “but not everything is good for me”

2656:12c8vzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not allow these things to rule over me like a master” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2666:13jz55τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν; ὁ δὲ Θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει1

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is correcting what some Corinthians might be thinking, “food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” by answering that God will do away with both the stomach and food or (2) Paul actually agrees that “food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” but he is adding that God will do away with both of them.

2676:13jta4τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν; ὁ δὲ Θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει1

One possible meanings is that the speaker is speaking indirectly of the body and sex, but you should translate this literally as “stomach” and “food.”

2686:13uc1vκαταργήσει1

“destroy”

2696:14ev9lτὸν Κύριον ἤγειρεν1

“caused the Lord to live again”

2706:15gt2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν?1

The word translated as “members” refers to parts of a body. Our belonging to Christ is spoken of as if we were parts of his body. We belong to him so much that even our bodies belong to him. Paul uses this question to remind the people of something they should already know. Alternate translation: “You should know that your bodies belong to Christ” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2716:15f4vdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἄρας οὖν τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη? μὴ γένοιτο!1

Paul uses this question to emphasize how wrong it is for someone who belongs to Christ to go to a prostitute. Alternate translation: “I am part of Christ. I will not take my body and join myself to a prostitute!” or “We are parts of Christs body. We must not take our bodies and join ourselves to prostitutes!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2726:15kmt2μὴ γένοιτο1

“That should never happen!” or “We must never do that!”

2736:16seg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι & σῶμά ἐστιν?1

Paul begins to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing a truth that they already know. “I want to remind you that … her.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2746:16z54krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ, ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν1

This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when a man joins his body to the body of a prostitute, it is as if their bodies become one body” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2756:17c2tbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ & κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ, ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν1

This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the Lord joins his spirit to the spirit of a person, it is as if their spirits become one spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2766:18ex92rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorφεύγετε1

Paul speaks of a person rejecting sexual sin as if that person were running away from danger. Alternate translation: “Get away from” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2776:18sc9drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν πορνείαν. πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν & δὲ1

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is showing that sexual sin is especially bad because it is not only against others but against the sinners own body or (2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: “immorality! Some of you are saying, Every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but I say that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2786:18jr46ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος1

“evil deed that a person does”

2796:19qy5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι & ἀπὸ Θεοῦ? καὶ οὐκ ἐστὲ ἑαυτῶν1

Paul is continuing to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing what they already know. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you … God and that you are not your own.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2806:19bb35τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν1

the body of each individual Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit

2816:19d2mcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorναὸς τοῦ & Ἁγίου Πνεύματός1

A temple is dedicated to divine beings, and it is also where they dwell. In the same way, each Corinthian believers body is like a temple because the Holy Spirit is present within them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2826:20qv47rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠγοράσθητε γὰρ τιμῆς1

God paid for the freedom of the Corinthians from the slavery of sin. This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “God paid for your freedom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2836:20y7feδὴ1

“Because what I have just said is true”

2847:introa25m0

1 Corinthians 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul begins to answer a series of questions that the Corinthians may have asked him. The first question is about marriage. The second question is about a slave trying to become free, a Gentile becoming a Jew, or a Jew becoming a Gentile.

Special concepts in this chapter

Divorce

Paul says married Christians should not divorce. A Christian married to an unbeliever should not leave their husband or wife. If the unbelieving husband or wife leaves, this is not a sin. Paul advises that, because of the difficult times and being near to time that Jesus will return, it is acceptable to remain unmarried. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemisms

Paul uses many euphemisms to discreetly refer to sexual relations. This is often a sensitive topic. Many cultures do not wish to speak openly about these matters. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2857:1iue70

Paul gives the believers some specific instructions on marriage.

2867:1y4lxδὲ1

Paul is introducing a new topic in his teaching.

2877:1jq21ὧν ἐγράψατε1

The Corinthians had written a letter to Paul to ask for answers to certain questions.

2887:1erl5καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ, γυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι1

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is quoting what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: “you wrote, It is good for a man not to touch a woman.’” or (2) Paul is saying what he really thinks. Alternate translation: “my answer is that yes, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

2897:1ui5cκαλὸν1

“It is most helpful”

2907:1cm7yἀνθρώπῳ1

Possible meanings are (1) “a man” refers to a married man. Alternate translation: “a husband” or (2) “a man” refers to any man.

2917:1mx7wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismγυναικὸς μὴ ἅπτεσθαι1

Possible meanings are (1) “touch a woman” is a euphemism for having sexual relations. Alternate translation: “not to have sexual relations with his wife for a while” or (2) “touch a woman” is a metonym for marry. Alternate translation: “not to marry” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2927:2c3uqδιὰ δὲ1

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is responding to what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: “That is true, but because” or (2) Paul is saying what he really thinks.

2937:2fys4διὰ δὲ τὰς πορνείας, ἕκαστος1

“But because Satan tempts people to commit sexual sin, each” or “But we desire to commit sexual sin because of our sinful nature, so each”

2947:3mj8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismὀφειλὴν1

Both husbands and wives are obligated to regularly sleep with their spouses. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2957:3vhv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὁμοίως & καὶ ἡ γυνὴ τῷ ἀνδρί1

The words “should give” and “sexual rights” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “likewise the wife should give to her husband his sexual rights” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2967:5qq7urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismμὴ ἀποστερεῖτε ἀλλήλους1

The word “deprive” means to keep from someone something that the other person has the right to receive. “Do not refuse to have marital relations with your spouse” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2977:5uq6xἵνα σχολάσητε τῇ προσευχῇ1

in order to have a period of especially deep prayer

2987:5d3erσχολάσητε1

“commit yourselves”

2997:5s1yaπάλιν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ἦτε1

“sleep together again”

3007:5ii8nδιὰ τὴν ἀκρασίαν ὑμῶν1

“because after some days, your sexual desires will be harder to keep under control”

3017:6xe7rτοῦτο δὲ λέγω κατὰ συνγνώμην, οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγήν1

Possible meanings are Paul is telling the Corinthians that he is allowing them, but not commanding them, (1) to marry and sleep together or (2) to stop sleeping together for a time.

3027:7rbe7εἶναι ὡς καὶ ἐμαυτόν1

Either Paul had never married or his wife had died. It is unlikely that he had been through a divorce.

3037:7w9ldἀλλὰ ἕκαστος ἴδιον ἔχει χάρισμα ἐκ Θεοῦ; ὁ μὲν οὕτως, ὁ δὲ οὕτως1

“God enables people to do different things. He enables one person to do one thing and another person to do something different”

3047:8a58lτοῖς ἀγάμοις1

“this those who are not married”

3057:8fq46ταῖς χήραις1

“to women whose husband has died”

3067:8r27xκαλὸν1

See how you translated this in 1 Corinthians 7:1.

3077:9ty79πυροῦσθαι1

“to live with the constant desire to sleep with someone”

3087:10hc5pἀπὸ & μὴ χωρισθῆναι1

Pauls readers knew no difference between separating and divorcing. To stop living with someone was to end the marriage. Alternate translation: “should not divorce”

3097:11lxf7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῷ ἀνδρὶ καταλλαγήτω1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “she should make peace with her husband and return to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3107:11jd5wμὴ ἀφιέναι1

Pauls readers knew no difference between divorcing and simply separating. To do either was to end the marriage. Alternate translation: “should not separate from”

3117:12k9ydσυνευδοκεῖ1

willing or satisfied

3127:13mw6kἄνδρα1

This is the same Greek word as for “man.”

3137:14l84prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡγίασται γὰρ ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ ἄπιστος ἐν τῇ γυναικί1

Possible meanings are (1) “For God has set apart the unbelieving husband for himself because of his believing wife” or (2) “God treats the unbelieving husband as he would treat a son for the sake of his believing wife” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3147:14s3gwὁ ἀνὴρ & τῇ γυναικί1

These are the same Greek words as for “man” and “woman.”

3157:14w5y9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡγίασται ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄπιστος ἐν τῷ ἀδελφῷ1

Possible meanings are (1) “God has set apart the unbelieving wife for himself because of her husband who believes” or (2) “God treats the unbelieving wife as he would treat a daughter for the sake of her husband who believes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3167:14i1x4τῷ ἀδελφῷ1

the believing man or husband

3177:14fmu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἅγιά ἐστιν1

Possible meanings are (1) “God has set them apart for himself” or (2) “God treats them as he would treat his own children” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3187:15jef4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐ δεδούλωται ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις1

Here “brother” and “sister” refers to a Christian husband or wife. Here “not bound to their vows” is a metaphor that mean the person is not obligated to do what they vowed to do. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “In such cases, God does not require the believing spouse to continue to obey the marriage vow” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3197:16l559rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youοἶδας, γύναι & τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις & οἶδας, ἄνερ & τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

3207:16h5tdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί & οἶδας, γύναι, εἰ τὸν ἄνδρα σώσεις1

Paul uses a question to cause women to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving husband.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3217:16dbz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί οἶδας, ἄνερ, εἰ τὴν γυναῖκα σώσεις1

Paul uses a question to cause men to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving wife.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3227:17ya76ἑκάστῳ1

“each believer”

3237:17iid2οὕτως ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις πάσαις διατάσσομαι1

Paul was teaching believers in all the churches to act in this manner.

3247:18unc4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπεριτετμημένος τις ἐκλήθη?1

Paul was addressing the circumcised ones (the Jews). Alternate translation: “To the circumcised ones, when God called you to believe, you had already been circumcised” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3257:18fqv6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ κέκληταί τις?1

Paul was now addressing the uncircumcised ones. Alternate translation: “To the uncircumcised ones, when God called you to believe, you were not circumcised” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3267:20yy8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive0

Here the words “us” and “we” refer to all Christians and include Pauls audience. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

3277:20hsz1ἐν τῇ κλήσει & μενέτω1

Here “calling” refers to the work or social position in which you were involved. Alternate translation: “live and work as you did”

3287:21ag5arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youἐκλήθης & σοι & δύνασαι1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of “you” and the command “be” here are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

3297:21nli9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionδοῦλος ἐκλήθης? μή σοι μελέτω1

This can be stated as a statement. Alternate translation: “To those who were slaves when God called you to believe, I say this: do not be concerned” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3307:22l6vqἀπελεύθερος Κυρίου1

This freeman is forgiven by God and therefore free from Satan and sin.

3317:23m53prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτιμῆς ἠγοράσθητε1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Christ bought you by dying for you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3327:24qu1lἀδελφοί1

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

3337:24c83erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκλήθη1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when God called us to believe in him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3347:25f71aπερὶ δὲ τῶν παρθένων, ἐπιταγὴν Κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω1

Paul knows no teaching of Jesus that speaks about this situation. Alternate translation: “The Lord has not commanded me to say anything to people who have never married”

3357:25vaa4γνώμην & δίδωμι1

“I tell you what I think”

3367:25qqz7ὡς ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ Κυρίου, πιστὸς εἶναι1

“because, by the Lords mercy, I am trustworthy”

3377:27a77xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you0

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if he were speaking to each person, so all these instances of “you” and the command “do not seek” here are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

3387:27k9tdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionδέδεσαι γυναικί? μὴ ζήτει1

Paul uses this question to introduce a possible condition. The question can be translated as a phrase with “if.” Alternate translation: “If you are married, do not” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3397:27x2lkμὴ ζήτει λύσιν1

“Do not try to divorce her” or “Do try to separate from her”

3407:27d79cμὴ ζήτει & γυναῖκα1

“do not try to get married”

3417:28whf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγὼ & ὑμῶν φείδομαι1

The word “this” refers to the kinds of worldly trouble that married people might have. Alternate translation: “I want to help you not to have worldly trouble” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3427:29r594ὁ καιρὸς συνεσταλμένος ἐστίν1

“There is little time” or “Time is almost gone”

3437:30vm8kοἱ κλαίοντες1

cry or grieve with tears

3447:31t41vοἱ χρώμενοι τὸν κόσμον1

“those who deal every day with unbelievers”

3457:31jl2rὡς μὴ καταχρώμενοι1

“should show by their actions that they have their hope in God”

3467:32t4abrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀμερίμνους1

“Free” here is an idiom which means the ability to live without constantly thinking about.” Alternate translation: “without needing to worry” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3477:32d4zdμεριμνᾷ1

“focused on”

3487:34ug6nμεριμνᾷ1

“he is trying to please God and please his wife at the same time”

3497:35rp3wβρόχον1

restriction

3507:35ffx4εὐπάρεδρον1

“can concentrate on”

3517:36jn8jἀσχημονεῖν ἐπὶ1

“not being kind to” or “not honoring”

3527:36crb8τὴν παρθένον αὐτοῦ1

Possible meanings are (1) “the woman whom he promised to marry” or (2) “his virgin daughter.”

3537:36wdj5γαμείτωσαν1

Possible meanings are (1) “He should marry his fiancée” or (2) “He should let his daughter get married.”

3547:37nm99rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὃς δὲ ἕστηκεν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἑδραῖος1

Here “standing firm” is a metaphor for deciding something with certainty. Here “heart” is metonym for a persons mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “But if he has decided firmly in his own mind” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3557:39d413rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγυνὴ δέδεται ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς1

Here “bound” is a metaphor for a close relationship between people in which they support each other emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Here it means the union of marriage. Alternate translation: “A woman is married to her husband” or “A woman is united with her husband” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3567:39ms7zἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ1

“until he dies”

3577:39y6rzᾧ θέλει1

“anyone she wants”

3587:39rr2dἐν Κυρίῳ1

“if the new husband is a believer”

3597:40hwz4τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην1

“my understanding of Gods word”

3607:40hd7fμακαριωτέρα1

more contented, more joyful

3617:40pse4οὕτως μείνῃ1

“remains unmarried”

3628:introc8l60

1 Corinthians 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In Chapters 8-10, Paul answers the question: “Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?”

Special concepts in this chapter

Meat sacrificed to idols

Paul answers this question by saying that idols are gods that do not really exist. Therefore nothing is wrong with the meat. Christians are free to eat it. However, someone who does not understand this may see a Christian eating it. They may then be encouraged to eat the meat as an act of worship to the idol.

3638:1jf6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive0

“We” means Paul and, though specifically writing to the Corinthian believers, includes all believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

3648:1nzt40

Paul reminds the believers that though idols have no power, believers must be careful not to affect the weaker believers who might think they care about the idols. He tells believers to be careful with the liberty believers have in Christ.

3658:1cep1περὶ δὲ1

Paul uses this phrase to move on to the next question the Corinthians had asked him.

3668:1g5t3τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων1

Gentile worshipers would offer grain, fish, fowl, or meat, to their gods. The priest would burn a portion of it on the altar. Paul is speaking of the portion the priest would give back for the worshiper to eat or sell in the market.

3678:1ri3src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ1

“Knowledge puffs people up.” Here “puffs up” is a metaphor for making someone proud. The abstract noun “knowledge” can be expressed with the verb “know.” Alternate translation: “Knowledge makes people proud” or “People who think that they know a lot become proud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3688:1yw8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ δὲ ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ1

The abstract noun “love” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “but when we love people, we build them up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

3698:1an8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ1

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. Alternate translation: “love strengthens people” or “when we love people, we strengthen them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3708:2qbh9δοκεῖ ἐγνωκέναι τι1

“believes he knows everything about something”

3718:3etd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὗτος ἔγνωσται ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows that person” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3728:4v4gxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive0

“We” and “us” here refer to all believers and include Pauls audience. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

3738:4y3eerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἴδαμεν ὅτι οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ, καὶ ὅτι οὐδεὶς Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς1

Paul is probably quoting phrases that some Corinthians used. Being “nothing” represents having no power. Alternate translation: “We all know, as you yourselves like to say, that an idol in this world has no power and that there is no God but one” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3748:5sl8jλεγόμενοι θεοὶ1

“things that people call gods”

3758:5l7ibθεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κύριοι πολλοί1

Paul does not believe that many gods and many lords exist, but he recognizes that the pagans believe they do.

3768:6y6hqἀλλ’ ἡμῖν εἷς Θεὸς1

“Yet we know that there is only one God”

3778:7th5p0

Paul is speaking here of “weak” brothers, people who cannot separate food sacrificed to idols from the worship of those idols. If a Christian eats food that has been sacrificed to an idol, weak brothers might think that God will allow them to worship the idol by eating the food. Even if the eater has not worshiped the idol and is simply eating the food, he has still corrupted his weak brothers conscience.

3788:7v7ltπᾶσιν & τινὲς1

“all people … some people who are now Christians”

3798:7ba7eμολύνεται1

ruined or harmed

3808:8ii4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationβρῶμα & ἡμᾶς οὐ παραστήσει τῷ Θεῷ1

Paul speaks of food as though it were a person who could make God welcome us. Alternate translation: “food does not give us favor with God” or “the food we eat does not make God pleased with us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

3818:8x91vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν, ὑστερούμεθα; οὔτε ἐὰν φάγωμεν, περισσεύομεν1

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Some people might think that if we do not eat some things, God will love us less. But they are wrong. Those who think that God will love us more if we do eat those things are also wrong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

3828:9f3dsτοῖς ἀσθενέσιν1

believers not strong in their faith

3838:10usg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youἴδῃ τὸν ἔχοντα1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so these words are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

3848:10i6ejἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ1

what he understands to be right and wrong

3858:10x5paοἰκοδομηθήσεται, εἰς & ἐσθίειν1

“encouraged to eat”

3868:11ez6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youτῇ σῇ γνώσει1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “your” here is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

3878:11g5tnἀπόλλυται & ὁ ἀσθενῶν1

The brother or sister who is not strong in his or her faith will sin or lose his or her faith.

3888:13i8tbδιόπερ1

“Because what I have just said is true”

3898:13vf92rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει1

“Food” here is a metonym for the person eating the food. Alternate translation: “if I cause by eating” or “if I, because of what I eat, cause” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3909:introz8d40

1 Corinthians 09 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul defends himself in this chapter. Some people claimed that he was trying to gain financially from the church.

Special concepts in this chapter

Earning money from the church

People accused Paul of just wanting money from the church. Paul answered that he rightfully could get money from the church. The Old Testament taught that those who worked should get their living from their work. He and Barnabas purposefully never used this right and earned their own living.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors teach complex truths. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Contextualization

This passage is important because Paul “contextualizes” ministering the gospel to different audiences. This means that Paul makes himself and the gospel understandable without his actions hindering the gospel being received. The translator should take extra care to preserve aspects of this “contextualization” if possible. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]])

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize various points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

3919:1fu7x0

Paul explains how he uses the liberty he has in Christ.

3929:1mdm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ εἰμὶ ἐλεύθερος1

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of the rights he has. Alternate translation: “I am a free person.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3939:1dbp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος1

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is and the rights he has. Alternate translation: “I am an apostle.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3949:1re1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ Ἰησοῦν τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν ἑόρακα1

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is. Alternate translation: “I have seen Jesus our Lord.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3959:1zd7erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐ τὸ ἔργον μου ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ1

Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of their relationship to him. Alternate translation: “You believe in Christ because I have worked the way the Lord wants me to.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3969:2j6qzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ & σφραγίς μου τῆς ἀποστολῆς, ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Κυρίῳ1

“Proof” here is a metonym for the evidence needed to prove something. Alternate translation: “you are evidence I can use to prove that the Lord has chosen me to be an apostle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3979:3b17xἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία & ἐμὲ & αὕτη:1

Possible meanings are (1) the words that follow are Pauls defense or (2) the words in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 are Pauls defense. Alternate translation: “This is my defense … me.”

3989:4mr4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν1

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We have the absolute right to receive food and drink from the churches.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3999:4p4vqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἔχομεν1

Here “we” refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

4009:5s9k8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν ἀδελφὴν, γυναῖκα περιάγειν, ὡς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπόστολοι, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ τοῦ Κυρίου, καὶ Κηφᾶς?1

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “If we have believing wives, we have a right to take them with us just as the other apostles take them, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4019:6wx1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ μόνος ἐγὼ καὶ Βαρναβᾶς, οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν μὴ ἐργάζεσθαι?1

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You seem to think that the only people you think need to work to earn money are Barnabas and me.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4029:7f3qfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς στρατεύεται ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ποτέ?1

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that no soldier has to buy his own supplies.” or “We all know that every soldier receives his supplies from the government.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4039:7zh5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς φυτεύει ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐσθίει?1

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that the one who plants a vineyard will always eat its fruit.” or “We all know that no one expects someone who plants a vineyard not to eat its fruits.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4049:7r1ihrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ τίς ποιμαίνει ποίμνην, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ γάλακτος τῆς ποίμνης, οὐκ ἐσθίει?1

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: “We all know that those who tend flocks get their drink from the flocks.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4059:8jld4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον, ταῦτα λαλῶ1

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You seem to think that I am saying these things based on merely human authority.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4069:8vy1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα οὐ λέγει?1

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “You act as if you do not know that this is what is written in the law.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4079:9h2d3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youοὐ φιμώσεις1

Moses was speaking to the Israelites as if they were one person, so this command is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

4089:9sxk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ τῶν βοῶν μέλει τῷ Θεῷ?1

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that it is not the oxen that God cares most about.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4099:10x84trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ δι’ ἡμᾶς πάντως λέγει?1

Paul asks a question to emphasize the statement he is making. Alternate translation: “Instead, God was certainly speaking about us.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4109:10f8f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveδι’ ἡμᾶς1

Here “us” refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

4119:11g1whrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμέγα εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῶν τὰ σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν?1

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Alternate translation: “you should know without me telling you that it is not too much for us to receive material support from you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4129:12lld4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveεἰ ἄλλοι τῆς ὑμῶν ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν, οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς?1

Paul asks a question so that the Corinthians will think of what he is saying without him having to say it. Here “we” refers to Paul and Barnabas. Alternate translation: “Others exercised … you, so you know without me telling you that we have this right even more.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4139:12v333εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς & ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν1

Paul and the Corinthians both know that others exercised the right. “Since others exercised this right”

4149:12nr6uἄλλοι1

other workers of the gospel

4159:12q7vjτῆς & ἐξουσίας1

the right to have the believers at Corinth provide for the living expenses of those who told them the good news

4169:12vt6tμή τινα ἐνκοπὴν δῶμεν1

“be a burden to” or “stop the spread of”

4179:13slf9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ τὰ ἱερὰ ἐργαζόμενοι, τὰ ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ ἐσθίουσιν1

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4189:13wwj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοἱ τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ παρεδρεύοντες, τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ συνμερίζονται?1

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “I want to remind you that those who serve at the altar get some of the foods and meat that people offer on the altar.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4199:14rj38rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ζῆν1

The words “the gospel” here are a metonym for (1) the people to whom they tell the gospel, “receive their food and other things they need from those to whom they teach the good news,” or (2) the result of working to tell the gospel, “receive their food and other things they need because they work to tell the good news.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4209:15fs7aτούτων1

“these things that I deserve”

4219:15sy42rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἵνα οὕτως γένηται ἐν ἐμοί1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so you will do something for me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4229:15fd69τὸ καύχημά μου & κενώσει1

“take away this opportunity I have to boast”

4239:16ecw2ἀνάγκη & μοι ἐπίκειται1

“I must preach the gospel”

4249:16l7asοὐαὶ & μοί ἐστιν, ἐὰν1

“may I suffer misfortune if”

4259:17x6s9εἰ & ἑκὼν τοῦτο πράσσω1

“if I preach willingly” or “if I preach because I want to”

4269:17t8pmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisεἰ δὲ ἄκων1

The words “I do this” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “But if I do this unwillingly” or “But if I do this even though I do not want to” or “But if I do this because I was forced to do it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

4279:17xa5prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἰκονομίαν πεπίστευμαι1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I must do this work that God trusted me to complete” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4289:18lg51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς οὖν μού ἐστιν ὁ μισθός?1

Paul is preparing them for the new information he is going to give them. Alternate translation: “This is my reward.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4299:18ia5xἵνα εὐαγγελιζόμενος ἀδάπανον, θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον1

“My reward for preaching is that I can preach without receiving payment”

4309:18dln7θήσω τὸ εὐαγγέλιον1

“preach the gospel”

4319:18fn7iεἰς τὸ μὴ καταχρήσασθαι τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ1

“so not ask people to support me as I travel and preach”

4329:19s48lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐλεύθερος & ὢν ἐκ πάντων1

“Free from all” here is an idiom meaning the ability to live without thinking of what one must do for others. Alternate translation: “I am able to live without serving others” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4339:19mms9τοὺς πλείονας κερδήσω1

“persuade others to believe” or “help others trust in Christ”

4349:20hh8tἐγενόμην & ὡς Ἰουδαῖος1

“I acted like a Jew” or “I practiced Jewish customs”

4359:20s9tuὡς ὑπὸ νόμον1

“I became like one committed to following the demands of the Jewish leadership, accepting their understanding of the Jewish scriptures”

4369:21qtu7ἀνόμοις1

“who do not obey the laws of Moses”

4379:24vn1d0

Paul explains that he uses the liberty he has in Christ to discipline himself.

4389:24urh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι οἱ ἐν σταδίῳ τρέχοντες, πάντες μὲν τρέχουσιν, εἷς δὲ λαμβάνει τὸ βραβεῖον?1

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: “Let me remind you that although all runners run the race, only one runner receives the prize.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4399:24mq1drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτρέχουσιν1

Paul compares living the Christian life and working for God to running a race and being an athlete. As in a race, the Christian life and work require strict discipline on the part of the runner, and, as in a race, the Christian has a specific goal. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4409:24mh8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὕτως τρέχετε, ἵνα καταλάβητε1

Paul is speaking of the reward God will give his faithful people as if it were a prize given for an athletic contest. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4419:25bfe4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorφθαρτὸν στέφανον & ἄφθαρτον1

A wreath is a bunch of leaves twisted together. Wreaths were given as prizes to athletes who won games and races. Paul speaks of eternal life as if it were a wreath that would never dry up. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4429:26k64nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐγὼ & οὕτως τρέχω, ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως; οὕτως πυκτεύω, ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων1

Here “running” and “boxing” are both metaphors for living the Christian life and serving God. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I know very well why I am running, and I know what I am doing when I box” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

4439:27blb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμή & αὐτὸς ἀδόκιμος γένωμαι1

This passive sentence can be rephrased to an active form. The judge of a race or competition is a metaphor for God. Alternate translation: “the judge will not disqualify me” or “God will not say that I have failed to obey the rules” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

44410:introabcd0

1 Corinthians 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 8-10 together answer the question: “Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?”

In this chapter, Paul uses the exodus to warn people not to sin. Then, he returns to discussing meat offered to idols. He uses the Lords Supper as an example. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Exodus

Paul uses the experiences of Israel leaving Egypt and roaming the desert as a warning to the believers. Although the Israelites all followed Moses, they all died on the way. None of them reached the Promised Land. Some worshiped an idol, some tested God, and some grumbled. Paul warns Christians not to sin. We can resist temptation because God provides a way of escape. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]])

Eating meat sacrificed to idol

Paul discusses meat offered to idols. Christians are allowed to eat, but it may hurt others. So when buying meat or eating with a friend, do not ask if it has been offered to idols. But if someone tells you it has been offered to idols, dont eat it for the sake of that person. Do not offend anyone. Seek to save them instead. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

44510:1r66h0

Paul reminds them of the example of their ancient Jewish fathers experiences with immorality and idolatry.

44610:1g34frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveοἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν1

Paul is referring to the time of Moses in the book of Exodus when Israel fled through the Red Sea as the Egyptian army pursued them. The word “our” refers to himself and the Corinthians and is inclusive. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

44710:1v4c6διὰ τῆς θαλάσσης διῆλθον1

This sea is known by two names, the Red Sea and the Sea of Reeds.

44810:1z5s9διὰ & διῆλθον1

“walked through” or “traveled through”

44910:2f7cqπάντες εἰς τὸν Μωϋσῆν ἐβαπτίσαντο1

“All followed and were committed to Moses”

45010:2y72iἐν τῇ νεφέλῃ1

by the cloud that represented the presence of God and led the Israelites during the day

45110:4xut2τὸ αὐτὸ πνευματικὸν ἔπιον πόμα & πνευματικῆς & πέτρας1

“drank the same water that God supernaturally brought out of the rock … supernatural rock”

45210:4whj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ & πέτρα ἦν ὁ Χριστός1

The “rock” was a literal, physical rock, so it would be best to translate this literally. If your language cannot say that a rock “was” a persons name, treat the word “rock” as a metonym for the power of Christ that worked through the rock. Alternate translation: “it was Christ who worked through that rock” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

45310:5lh93rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesοὐκ & ηὐδόκησεν1

“displeased” or “angry” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

45410:5tnu4τοῖς πλείοσιν αὐτῶν1

the Israelite fathers

45510:5w673κατεστρώθησαν1

“God scattered their dead bodies around” or “God killed them and scattered their bodies”

45610:5b96gἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ1

the desert land between Egypt and Israel through which the Israelites wandered for 40 years

45710:7nzt9εἰδωλολάτραι1

people who worship idols

45810:7n175ἐκάθισεν & φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν1

“sat down to eat a meal”

45910:7ukp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismπαίζειν1

Paul is quoting the Jewish scriptures. His readers would have understood from this one word that the people were worshiping an idol by singing and dancing and engaging in sexual activities, not simply enjoying innocent fun. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

46010:8vw5gἔπεσαν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες1

“God killed 23,000 people in one day”

46110:9l5h4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑπὸ τῶν ὄφεων ἀπώλλυντο1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “did. As a result, snakes destroyed them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

46210:10nye7γογγύζετε1

complaining

46310:10i3q3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπώλοντο ὑπὸ τοῦ ὀλοθρευτοῦ1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “did. As a result, an angel of death destroyed them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

46410:11u1mpταῦτα & συνέβαινεν ἐκείνοις1

“God punished our ancestors”

46510:11wmp1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveτυπικῶς1

Here “us” refers to all believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

46610:11j3z1τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων1

“the last days”

46710:12df2pμὴ πέσῃ1

does not sin or reject God

46810:13a8vjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesπειρασμὸς ὑμᾶς οὐκ εἴληφεν, εἰ μὴ ἀνθρώπινος1

This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “The temptations that affect you are temptations that all people experience” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

46910:13hc7qὃς οὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι ὑπὲρ ὃ δύνασθε1

“He will only allow you to be tempted in ways that you are strong enough to resist”

47010:13a72trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will not allow anyone to tempt you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

47110:14dab40

Paul continues to remind them to be pure and to stay away from idolatry and immorality as he talks about communion, which represents the blood and body of Christ.

47210:14n5tbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorφεύγετε ἀπὸ τῆς εἰδωλολατρίας1

Paul is speaking of the practice of worshiping idols as if it were a physical thing like a dangerous animal. Alternate translation: “do all you can to get away from worshiping idols” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

47310:16gi4src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ ποτήριον τῆς εὐλογίας1

Paul is speaking of Gods blessing as though it were the wine in the cup used in the ritual of the Lords Supper. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

47410:16tv8eὃ εὐλογοῦμεν1

“for which we thank God”

47510:16y5uvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ κοινωνία ἐστὶν τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ?1

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know, that the cup of wine that we share represents us sharing in the blood of Christ. Alternate translation: “we share in the blood of Christ.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

47610:16ngf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτὸν ἄρτον ὃν κλῶμεν, οὐχὶ κοινωνία τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐστιν?1

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know. Alternate translation: “We share in the body of Christ when we share bread.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

47710:16n77uκοινωνία1

“taking part in” or “equally participating with others in”

47810:17g954ἄρτος1

a single unit of baked bread that is sliced or broken into pieces before it is eaten

47910:18q9ngrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ οἱ ἐσθίοντες τὰς θυσίας, κοινωνοὶ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου εἰσίν1

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. Alternate translation: “those who eat the sacrifices share in the activities and the blessings of the altar” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

48010:19ix5qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί οὖν φημι?1

Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. Alternate translation: “Let me review what I am saying.” or “This is what I mean.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

48110:19hy95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ ὅτι εἴδωλόν τὶ ἐστιν?1

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not saying that an idol is something real.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

48210:19j8djrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionὅτι εἰδωλόθυτόν τὶ ἐστιν1

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer the question in their minds so he does not have to tell them. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not saying that food sacrificed to an idol is not important.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

48310:21dy2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοὐ δύνασθε ποτήριον Κυρίου πίνειν, καὶ ποτήριον δαιμονίων1

Paul speaks of a person drinking from the same cup as the demon as evidence that that person is a friend of the demon. Alternate translation: “It is impossible for you to be true friends with both the Lord and demons” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

48410:21qwk7οὐ δύνασθε τραπέζης Κυρίου μετέχειν, καὶ τραπέζης δαιμονίων1

“It is impossible for you to be truly one with the Lords people and also with demons”

48510:22l8ikἢ παραζηλοῦμεν τὸν Κύριον1

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this question in their minds. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that it is not right to make the Lord jealous.”

48610:22h9fhπαραζηλοῦμεν1

to anger or irritate

48710:22zv17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ ἰσχυρότεροι αὐτοῦ ἐσμεν?1

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this question in their minds. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that we are not stronger than God.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

48810:23ped10

Paul again reminds them of the law of liberty and doing everything for the benefit of others.

48910:23tu2mπάντα ἔξεστιν1

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is answering what some Corinthians might be thinking, “Some say, I can do anything” or (2) Paul is actually saying what he thinks is true, “God allows me to do anything.” This should be translated as in 1 Corinthians 6:12.

49010:23jm4kοὐ πάντα συμφέρει1

“some things are not beneficial”

49110:23ex6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐ πάντα οἰκοδομεῖ1

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “not everything strengthens people” or “some things do not strengthen people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

49210:27g31yὑμῖν & μηδὲν ἀνακρίνοντες διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν1

“you. God wants you to eat the food with a clear conscience”

49310:28q3ztrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youἐὰν δέ τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ & μὴ ἐσθίετε & τὸν μηνύσαντα1

Some translations put this verse, continuing to “and not yours” in the next verse, in parentheses because (1) the forms of “you” and “eat” here are singular, but Paul uses the plural form immediately before and after this sentence, and (2) the words “For why should my freedom be judged by anothers conscience?” in the next verse seem to build on “eat whatever is set before you without asking questions of conscience” (1 Corinthians 10:27) rather than “the conscience of the other man.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

49410:28qi77rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youὑμῖν εἴπῃ & μὴ ἐσθίετε & τὸν μηνύσαντα1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” and the command “do not eat” here are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

49510:29v1d9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youσυνείδησιν δὲ λέγω, οὐχὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ1

Some translations put these words, along with the words in the verse before this one, in parentheses because (1) the form of “yours” here is singular, but Paul uses the plural form immediately before and after this sentence, and (2) the words “For why should my freedom be judged by anothers conscience?” in this verse seem to build on “eat whatever is set before you without asking questions of conscience” (1 Corinthians 10:27) rather than “the conscience of the other man.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

49610:29s1wkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youοὐχὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “yours” here is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

49710:29k8xrἵνα τί γὰρ & συνειδήσεως?1

Possible meanings for this question, along with the question in the next verse, are (1) the word “for” refers back to 1 Corinthians 10:27. Alternate translation: “I am not to ask questions of conscience, so why … conscience?” or (2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: “As some of you might be thinking, For why … conscience?’”

49810:29d4q1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἵνα τί & ἡ ἐλευθερία μου κρίνεται ὑπὸ ἄλλης συνειδήσεως?1

The speaker wants the hearer to answer the question in his mind. Alternate translation: “You should know without me telling you that no one should be able to say I am doing wrong just because that person has ideas about right and wrong that are different from mine.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

49910:30dv5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionεἰ ἐγὼ χάριτι μετέχω, τί βλασφημοῦμαι ὑπὲρ οὗ ἐγὼ εὐχαριστῶ?1

The speaker wants the hearer to answer the question in his mind. Alternate translation: “I partake of the meal with gratitude, so no one should insult me for that for which I gave thanks.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

50010:30x2v5εἰ ἐγὼ & μετέχω1

If Paul is not quoting what some Corinthians might be thinking, the “I” represents those who eat meat with thankfulness. “If a person partakes” or “When a person eats”

50110:30n89tχάριτι1

“and thank God for it” or “and thank the person who gave it to me for it”

50210:32ag47ἀπρόσκοποι καὶ Ἰουδαίοις γίνεσθε, καὶ Ἕλλησιν1

“Do not displease Jews or Greeks” or “Do not make Jews or Greeks angry”

50310:33kj14πάντα & ἀρέσκω1

“make all people glad”

50410:33b4jvμὴ ζητῶν τὸ ἐμαυτοῦ σύμφορον1

“I do not do things I desire for myself”

50510:33hd2zτῶν πολλῶν1

as many people as possible

50611:introabce0

1 Corinthians 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the beginning of a new section of the letter (Chapters 11-14). Paul now talks about proper church services. In this chapter, he deals with two different problems: women in the church services (verses 1-16) and the Lords Supper (verses 17-34).

Special concepts in this chapter

Proper conduct in a church service

Disorderly women

Pauls instructions here are debated among scholars. There may have been women who were abusing their Christian freedom and causing disorder in the church by going against established cultural customs. The disorder that their actions created would have caused him to be concerned.

The Lords Supper

There were problems in how the Corinthians were handling the Lords Supper. They did not act in a unified manner. During the feast celebrated along with the Lords Supper, some of them ate their own food without sharing. Some of them got drunk while the poor people remained hungry. Paul taught that the believers dishonored Christs death if they participated in the Lords Supper while they were sinning or while they were in broken relationships with each other. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/reconcile]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the people for their unwillingness to follow the rules for worship he has suggested. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

The head

Paul uses “head” as a metonym for authority in verse 3 and also to refer to a persons actual head in verse 4 and following. Since they are so close together, it is likely that Paul intentionally used “head” in this way. This would show that the ideas in these verses were connected. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

50711:1h5fg0

After reminding them to follow him the way he follows Christ, Paul gives some specific instructs in how women and men are to live as believers.

50811:2qsk9πάντα μου μέμνησθε1

“you think of me at all times” or “you always try act as I would want you to act” The Corinthians had not forgotten who Paul was or what he had taught them.

50911:3k5umθέλω δὲ1

Possible meanings are (1) “Because of this, I want” or (2) “However, I want.”

51011:3hbt7ἡ κεφαλὴ & ἐστιν1

has authority over

51111:3en95κεφαλὴ & γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ1

Possible meanings are (1) “men are to have authority over women” or (2) “the husband is to have authority over the wife”

51211:4uuv2κατὰ κεφαλῆς ἔχων1

“and does so after placing a cloth or veil over his head”

51311:4lit3καταισχύνει τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ1

Possible meanings are (1) “brings disgrace on himself” or (2) “brings disgrace on Christ, who is his head.”

51411:5b7kuγυνὴ προσευχομένη & καταισχύνει τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτῆς1

Possible meanings are (1) “woman who prays … brings disgrace on herself” or (2) “wife who prays … brings disgrace on her husband.”

51511:5k5ylἀκατακαλύπτῳ τῇ κεφαλῇ1

That is, without the cloth that was worn on the top of the head and that covered the hair and shoulders.

51611:5e1pzτῇ ἐξυρημένῃ1

as if she had removed all the hair on her head with a razor

51711:6s4r5εἰ & αἰσχρὸν γυναικὶ1

It was a mark of disgrace or humiliation for a woman to have her hair shaved off or cut short.

51811:6i624κατακαλύπτεται1

place on her head the cloth that was worn on the top of the head and that covered the hair and shoulders

51911:7aa4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are (1) “must not cover his head” or (2) “does not need to cover his head” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

52011:7t5jnδόξα ἀνδρός1

Just as man reflects Gods greatness, the woman reflects the mans character.

52111:8s5nsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἀνὴρ ἐκ γυναικός, ἀλλὰ γυνὴ ἐξ ἀνδρός.1

God made the woman by taking a bone from the man and making the woman from that bone. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not make the man from the woman. Instead, he made the woman from the man” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

52211:9w8jmγὰρ οὐκ & διὰ τὸν ἄνδρα1

These words and all of 1 Corinthians 11:8 could be put in parentheses so that the reader can see that the word “this” in “this is why … the angels” clearly refers back to the words “the woman is the glory of the man” in 1 Corinthians 11:7.

52311:10wh4cἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς1

Possible meanings are (1) “to symbolize that she has man as her head” or (2) “to symbolize that she has the authority to pray or prophesy.”

52411:11pir4πλὴν & ἐν Κυρίῳ1

“While what I have just said is all true, the most important thing is this: in the Lord”

52511:11h9t4ἐν Κυρίῳ1

Possible meanings are (1) “among Christians, who belong to the Lord” or (2) “in the world as created by God.”

52611:11hqy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὔτε γυνὴ χωρὶς ἀνδρὸς, οὔτε ἀνὴρ χωρὶς γυναικὸς ἐν Κυρίῳ1

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “the woman depends on the man, and the man depends on the woman” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

52711:12i8quτὰ & πάντα ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

“God created everything”

52811:13eex3ἐν ὑμῖν αὐτοῖς κρίνατε1

“Judge this issue according to the local customs and church practices you know”

52911:13hp13rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπρέπον ἐστὶν γυναῖκα ἀκατακάλυπτον, τῷ Θεῷ προσεύχεσθαι?1

Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. This can be stated in active form. “To honor God, a woman should pray to God with a covering on her head.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

53011:14v5b5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς & αὐτῷ ἐστιν;1

Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. Alternate translation: “Nature itself even teaches you … for him.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

53111:14gyw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationοὐδὲ ἡ φύσις αὐτὴ διδάσκει ὑμᾶς & αὐτῷ ἐστιν;1

He is speaking of the way people in society normally act as if it were a person who teaches. Alternate translation: “You know just from looking at the way people normally act … for him.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

53211:15s7ysrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὅτι ἡ κόμη & δέδοται αὐτῇ1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For God created woman with hair” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

53311:17id4f0

As Paul talks about communion, the Lords supper, he reminds them to have right attitudes as well as unity. He reminds them that if they fail in those things when taking communion, they will become sick and die, as has already happened to some of them.

53411:17vt5aτοῦτο δὲ παραγγέλλων, οὐκ ἐπαινῶ, ὅτι1

Another possible meaning is “as I give you these instructions, there is something for which I cannot praise you: when”

53511:17t2smτοῦτο & παραγγέλλων1

“the instructions I am about to talk about”

53611:17ry4kσυνέρχεσθε1

“gather together” or “meet”

53711:17du1aοὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖσσον, ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ ἧσσον1

“you do not help each other; instead, you harm each other”

53811:18iu3qἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ1

“as believers.” Paul is not talking about being inside a building.

53911:18l9vxσχίσματα ἐν ὑμῖν ὑπάρχειν1

“you divide yourselves into opposing groups”

54011:19s9syrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyδεῖ γὰρ καὶ αἱρέσεις ἐν ὑμῖν εἶναι1

Possible meanings (1) The word “must” indicates that this situation is likely to happen. Alternate translation: “For there will probably be factions among you” or (2) Paul was using irony to shame them for having factions. Alternate translation: “For you seem to think that there must be factions among you” or “For you seem to think that you must divide yourselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

54111:19kcr7αἱρέσεις1

opposing groups of people

54211:19vfv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyἵνα καὶ οἱ δόκιμοι φανεροὶ γένωνται ἐν ὑμῖν1

Possible meanings are (1) “so that people will know the most highly regarded believers among you” or (2) “so that people can display this approval to the others among you.” Paul may have been using irony, saying the opposite of what he wanted the Corinthians to understand, to shame them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

54311:19j7dbδόκιμοι1

Possible meanings are (1) “whom God approves” or (2) “whom you, the church, approve.”

54411:20x9h5συνερχομένων1

“gather together”

54511:20dse7οὐκ ἔστιν Κυριακὸν δεῖπνον φαγεῖν1

“you may believe you are eating the Lords Supper, but you do not treat it with respect”

54611:22zl1hἐσθίειν καὶ πίνειν1

“in which to gather for a meal”

54711:22d2cmκαταφρονεῖτε1

hate or treat with dishonor and disrespect

54811:22w476καταισχύνετε1

embarrass or cause to feel shame

54911:22nz88rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί εἴπω ὑμῖν? ἐπαινέσω ὑμᾶς ἐν τούτῳ?1

Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: “I can say nothing good about this. I cannot praise you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

55011:23av31ἐγὼ γὰρ παρέλαβον ἀπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου, ὃ καὶ παρέδωκα ὑμῖν, ὅτι ὁ Κύριος1

“For it was from the Lord that I heard what I told you, and it was this: the Lord”

55111:23c197rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ᾗ παρεδίδετο1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “on the night that Judas Iscariot betrayed him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

55211:24e19dἔκλασεν1

“he pulled pieces from it”

55311:24f6hnτοῦτό μού ἐστιν τὸ σῶμα1

“The bread I am holding is my body”

55411:25gr2kτὸ ποτήριον1

It is best to translate this literally. The Corinthians knew which cup he took, so it is not simply “a cup” or “some cup” or “any cup.” Possible meanings are that it was (1) the cup of wine that one would expect him to use or (2) the third or fourth of the four cups of wine that the Jews drank at the Passover meal.

55511:25z54eτοῦτο ποιεῖτε, ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε1

“Drink from this cup, and as often as you drink from it”

55611:26sj1lτὸν θάνατον τοῦ Κυρίου καταγγέλλετε1

teach about the crucifixion and resurrection

55711:26m89frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ1

Where Jesus comes to can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “until Jesus comes back to the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

55811:27as6yἂν ἐσθίῃ τὸν ἄρτον ἢ πίνῃ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ Κυρίου1

“eats the bread of the Lord or drinks the cup of the Lord”

55911:28nhx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδοκιμαζέτω1

Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how “test the quality” is translated in 1 Corinthians 3:13. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

56011:29gqd2μὴ διακρίνων τὸ σῶμα1

Possible meanings are (1) “and does not recognize that the church is the body of the Lord” or (2) “and does not consider that he is handling the Lords body.”

56111:30kbi6ἀσθενεῖς καὶ ἄρρωστοι1

These words mean almost the same thing and can be combined, as in UST.

56211:30vx5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismκοιμῶνται ἱκανοί1

“Sleep” here is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “and some of you have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]).

56311:30bh6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἱκανοί1

If this would sound like Paul is talking to those who have died, you may need to make explicit that he is not. Alternate translation: “some of the members of your group” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

56411:31j6mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδιεκρίνομεν1

Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 11:28. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

56511:31egl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἂν ἐκρινόμεθα1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not judge us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

56611:32ruq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκρινόμενοι & ὑπὸ Κυρίου, παιδευόμεθα, ἵνα μὴ & κατακριθῶμεν1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord judges us, he disciplines us, so that he will not condemn us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

56711:33maa7συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν1

gather to eat a meal together before celebrating the Lords Supper

56811:33nky5ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε1

“allow the others to arrive before beginning the meal”

56911:34v2uhἐν οἴκῳ ἐσθιέτω1

“let him eat before attending this gathering”

57011:34x1l8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyμὴ εἰς κρίμα1

“it will not be an occasion for God to discipline you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

57112:introabcf0

1 Corinthians 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

This chapter begins a new section. Chapters 12-14 discuss spiritual gifts within the church.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Church, the body of Christ

This is an important metaphor in Scripture. The Church has many different parts. Each part has different functions. They combine to make one church. All of the different parts are necessary. Each part is to be concerned for all the other parts, even those that seem less important. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“No one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.”

In reading the Old Testament, the Jews would have substituted the word “Lord” for the word “Yahweh.” This sentence probably means that no one can say that Jesus is Yahweh, God in the flesh, without the Holy Spirits influence drawing them to accept this truth. If this statement is translated poorly, it can have unintended theological consequences.

57212:1da2e0

Paul lets them know that God has given special gifts to believers. These gifts are to help the body of believers.

57312:1i3k7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν1

This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “I want you to know” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

57412:2hbt8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἦτε, πρὸς τὰ εἴδωλα τὰ ἄφωνα ὡς ἂν ἤγεσθε, ἀπαγόμενοι1

Here “led astray” is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. Being led astray to idols represents being wrongly persuaded to worship idols. The phrases “were led astray” and “you were led by them” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you were persuaded in some way to worship idols who cannot speak” or “you believed lies somehow and so you worshiped idols who cannot speak” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

57512:3zg4jοὐδεὶς ἐν Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λαλῶν, λέγει1

Possible meanings are (1) “no Christian who has the Spirit of God in him can say” or (2) “no one who is prophesying by the power of the Spirit of God can say.”

57612:3jak6ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς1

“God will punish Jesus” or “God will make Jesus suffer”

57712:6eth3ὁ ἐνεργῶν τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν1

“causes everyone to have them”

57812:7x7mvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἑκάστῳ & δίδοται1

This can be stated in active form. God is the one who does the giving (1 Corinthians 12:6). Alternate translation: “God gives to each one” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

57912:8c9akrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveᾧ μὲν & διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος δίδοται λόγος1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “by means of the Spirit God gives to one person the word” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

58012:8us1kλόγος1

“the message”

58112:8gi53διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος1

God gives the gifts through the work of the Spirit.

58212:8a872σοφίας & γνώσεως1

The difference between these two words is not as important here as the fact that God gives them both by the same Spirit.

58312:8p2pmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysλόγος σοφίας1

Paul is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “wise words” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

58412:8a9prrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysλόγος γνώσεως1

Paul is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “words that show knowldge” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

58512:8pe8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδίδοται1

This can be stated in active form. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8. Alternate translation: “God gives” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

58612:9d7qgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἄλλῳ & χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων ἐν τῷ ἑνὶ Πνεύματι1

The words “are given” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit are given” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

58712:10x572rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἄλλῳ προφητεία1

The phrase “is given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another prophecy is given by the same Spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

58812:10v7xyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν1

The phrase “are given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another various kinds of tongues are given by the same Spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

58912:10skl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyγένη γλωσσῶν1

Here “tongues” represents languages. Alternate translation: “the ability to speak different languages” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

59012:10j8qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἄλλῳ & ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν1

The phrase “is given by the same Spirit” is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “to another the interpretation of tongues is given by the same Spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

59112:10c14yἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν1

This is the ability to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying. Alternate translation: “the ability to interpret what is said in other languages”

59212:11z383τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα1

God gives the gifts through the work of the one and only Holy Spirit. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8.

59312:12j3xl0

Paul continues to talk of the variety of gifts God gives believers, God gives different gifts to different believers, but Paul wants them to know that all believers are made into one body, which is called the body of Christ. For this reason believers should have unity.

59412:13g8ukrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγὰρ ἐν ἑνὶ Πνεύματι ἡμεῖς πάντες & ἐβαπτίσθημεν1

Possible meanings are (1) the Holy Spirit is the one who baptizes us, “For one Spirit baptized us” or (2) that the Spirit, like the water of baptism, is the medium through which we are baptized into the body, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

59512:13r9hmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἴτε & δοῦλοι, εἴτε ἐλεύθεροι1

“Bound” here is a metonym for “slaves.” Alternate translation: “whether slave-people or free-people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

59612:13r5kwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπάντες ἓν Πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave all of us the same Spirit, and we share the Spirit as people might share a drink” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

59712:17rsl6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionποῦ ἡ ἀκοή? & ποῦ ἡ ὄσφρησις?1

This can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “you could not hear anything … you could not smell anything” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

59812:19zw6kτὰ & ἓν μέλος1

The word “member” is a general word for the parts of the body, like the head, arm, or knee. Alternate translation: “the same part of the body”

59912:19y4vgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionποῦ τὸ σῶμα?1

This can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “there would be no body” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

60012:21u9r9χρείαν σου οὐκ ἔχω1

“I do not need you”

60112:23rrs6ἀτιμότερα1

“less important”

60212:23id5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismτὰ ἀσχήμονα ἡμῶν1

This probably refers to the private parts of the body, which people keep covered. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

60312:25z4kkμὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι, ἀλλὰ1

“the body may be unified, and”

60412:26da97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδοξάζεται μέλος1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone gives honor to one member” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

60512:27z2ctὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε1

Here the word “now” is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

60612:28ll3sπρῶτον ἀποστόλους1

Possible meanings are (1) “the first gift I will mention is apostles” or (2) “the most important gift is apostles.”

60712:28unh1ἀντιλήμψεις1

“those who provide help to other believers”

60812:28l6p1κυβερνήσεις1

“those who govern the church”

60912:28w726κυβερνήσεις1

an individual who can speak in one or more foreign languages without having studied that language

61012:29aq64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ πάντες ἀπόστολοι? μὴ πάντες προφῆται? μὴ πάντες διδάσκαλοι? μὴ πάντες δυνάμεις?1

Paul is reminding his readers of what they already know. Alternate translation: “Only some of them are apostles. Only some of them are prophets. Only some of them are teachers. Only some of them do powerful deeds.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

61112:30p919rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ πάντες χαρίσματα ἔχουσιν ἰαμάτων?1

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them have gifts of healing.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

61212:30q8htrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ πάντες γλώσσαις λαλοῦσιν?1

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them speak with tongues.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

61312:30d3k8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ πάντες διερμηνεύουσιν?1

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Not all of them interpret tongues.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

61412:30ab9eδιερμηνεύουσιν1

This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

61512:31vb1mζηλοῦτε & τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ μείζονα1

Possible meanings are (1) “You must eagerly seek from God the gifts that best help the church.” or (2) “You are eagerly looking for gifts that you think are greater because you think they are more exciting to have.”

61613:introabcg0

1 Corinthians 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul seems to interrupt his teaching about spiritual gifts. However, this chapter probably serves a larger function in his teaching.

Special concepts in this chapter

Love

Love is the most important characteristic of the believer. This chapter fully describes love. Paul tells why love is more important than the gifts of the Spirit. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/love]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Paul uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He uses these metaphors to instruct the Corinthians, especially on difficult topics. Readers often need spiritual discernment to understand these teachings. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

61713:1n8lm0

Having just talked about the gifts that God gave to believers, Paul emphasizes what is more important.

61813:1cm2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleταῖς γλώσσαις & τῶν ἀγγέλων1

Possible meanings are (1) Paul is exaggerating for the sake of effect and does not believe that people speak the language that angels use or (2) Paul thinks that some who speak in tongues actually speak the language that angels use. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

61913:1k2gkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγέγονα χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον1

I have become like instruments that make loud, annoying sounds (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

62013:1krt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownχαλκὸς1

a large, thin, round metal plate that is hit with a padded stick to make a loud sound (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

62113:1qbx6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον1

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

62213:3ar2qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπαραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου1

The phrase “to be burned” can be made active. Alternate translation: “I allow those who persecute me to burn me to death” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

62313:4m671rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ & οὐ φυσιοῦται1

Here Paul speaks about love as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

62413:5cp6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification0

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

62513:5xt3vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐ παροξύνεται1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to make it angry quickly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

62613:6wl5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification0

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

62713:6tpz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ χαίρει ἐπὶ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, συνχαίρει δὲ τῇ ἀληθείᾳ1

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “It rejoices only in righteousness and truth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

62813:7vf6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification0

Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

62913:12bn3hβλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι’ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι1

Mirrors in Pauls day were made of polished metal rather than glass and provided a dim, vague reflection.

63013:12w2euβλέπομεν & ἄρτι1

Possible meanings are (1) “now we see Christ” or (2) “now we see God.”

63113:12xx1grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον1

“but then we will see Christ face to face” This means that we will be physically present with Christ. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

63213:12qp7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἐπιγνώσομαι1

The word “Christ” is understood. Alternate translation: “I will know Christ fully” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

63313:12i28wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην1

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “just as Christ has known me fully” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

63413:13nt1yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπίστις, ἐλπίς, ἀγάπη1

These abstract nouns can be expressed in phrases with verbs. Alternate translation: “we must trust the Lord, be confident that he will do what he has promised, and love him and others” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

63514:introabch0

1 Corinthians 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul returns to discussing spiritual gifts.

Some translations set what is quoted from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the words of verse 21.

Special concepts in this chapter

Tongues

Scholars disagree on the exact meaning of the gift of tongues. Paul describes the gift of tongues as a sign for unbelievers. It does not serve the whole church, unless someone interprets what is spoken. It is very important that the church uses this gift properly.

Prophecy

Scholars disagree on the exact meaning of prophecy as a spiritual gift. Paul says prophets can build up the entire church. He describes prophecy as a gift for believers. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

63614:1vl570

Paul wants them to know that though teaching is more important because it instructs people, it must be done with love.

63714:1x938rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personδιώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην1

Paul speaks of love as if it were a person. “Follow after love” or “Work hard to love people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

63814:1ki3lμᾶλλον & ἵνα προφητεύητε1

“and work especially hard to be able to prophesy”

63914:3r1nxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἰκοδομὴν1

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “to strengthen them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

64014:4b2mgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἰκοδομεῖ1

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “strengthens people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

64114:5z5myrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheμείζων δὲ ὁ προφητεύων1

Paul is emphasizing that the gift of prophecy is greater than the gift of speaking in tongues. Alternate translation: “The one who prophesies has a greater gift” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

64214:5g9k1διερμηνεύῃ1

This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

64314:6l71krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί ὑμᾶς ὠφελήσω1

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not benefit you.” or “I will not have done anything that helps you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

64414:7t3rbδιαστολὴν τοῖς φθόγγοις μὴ δῷ1

This refers to sounds of different pitch that make up the melody, not to the difference between a flute sound and a harp sound.

64514:7hq2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς γνωσθήσεται τὸ αὐλούμενον1

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: “no one will know what tune the flute or harp is playing.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

64614:8z6jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς παρασκευάσεται εἰς πόλεμον?1

Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: “no one would know when it is time to prepare for battle.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

64714:10im7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐδὲν ἄφωνον1

This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “they all have meaning” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

64814:12x4v6πνευμάτων1

“being able to do things that show that the Spirit controls you”

64914:12j1h7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπρὸς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ζητεῖτε ἵνα περισσεύητε1

Paul speaks of the church as if it were a house that one could build and of the work of building the church as if it were something one could harvest. Alternate translation: “to succeed greatly in making Gods people more able to serve God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

65014:13j87gδιερμηνεύῃ1

This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

65114:14kjh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & νοῦς μου ἄκαρπός ἐστιν1

The mind not understanding what is being prayed and, therefore, receiving no benefit from the prayer is spoken of as if the “mind is unfruitful.” Alternate translation: “I do not understand it in my mind” or “my mind does not benefit from the prayer, because I do not understand the words I am saying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

65214:15vm6prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί & ἐστιν1

Paul is introducing his conclusion. Alternate translation: “This is what I will do.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

65314:15r11fπροσεύξομαι τῷ Πνεύματι & προσεύξομαι & τῷ νοΐ & ψαλῶ τῷ Πνεύματι & ψαλῶ & τῷ νοΐ1

Prayers and songs must be in a language that the people present can understand.

65414:15fi2fτῷ νοΐ1

“with words that I understand”

65514:16niu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youεὐλογῇς & τῇ σῇ εὐχαριστίᾳ & λέγεις1

Though “you” is singular here, Paul is addressing everyone who prays only in the spirit, but not with the mind. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

65614:16r4w5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς ἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν & οὐκ οἶδεν?1

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “the outsider will never be able to say Amen … saying.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

65714:16j3e3τοῦ ἰδιώτου1

Possible meanings are (1) “another person” or (2) “people who are new to your group.”

65814:16ev63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἐρεῖ, τὸ ἀμήν1

“be able to agree” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

65914:17a7wrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youσὺ μὲν & εὐχαριστεῖς1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

66014:17w25krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἕτερος οὐκ οἰκοδομεῖται1

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated “builds up” in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Alternate translation: “the other person is not strengthened” or “what you say does not strengthen any outsider who might hear you” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

66114:19cbw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersἢ μυρίους λόγους ἐν γλώσσῃ1

Paul was not counting words, but used exaggeration to emphasize that a few understandable words are far more valuable than even a great number of words in a language that people cannot understand. Alternate translation: “10,000 words” or “a great many words” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

66214:20luu40

Paul tells them that speaking in different languages was told ahead of time by the prophet Isaiah many years before this speaking in other languages happened at the start of Christs church.

66314:20mh5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ παιδία γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν1

Here “children” is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate translation: “do not think like children” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

66414:21jx6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν τῷ νόμῳ γέγραπται1

This can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: “The prophet wrote these words in the law:” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

66514:21l9xzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐν ἑτερογλώσσοις καὶ ἐν χείλεσιν ἑτέρων1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

66614:22bp4j0

Paul gives specific instructions on an orderly way to use gifts in the church.

66714:22qj5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν, ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἀπίστοις1

This can be expressed positively and combined with the other positive statement. Alternate translation: “only for believers” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

66814:23hj3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ ἐροῦσιν ὅτι μαίνεσθε?1

This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “they would say that you are insane.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

66914:24xxy5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐλέγχεται ὑπὸ πάντων, ἀνακρίνεται ὑπὸ πάντων1

Paul says basically the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate translation: “he would realize that he is guilty of sin because he hears what you are saying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

67014:25ma47rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ φανερὰ γίνεται1

Here “heart” is a metonym for a persons thoughts. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God would reveal to him the secrets of his heart” or “He would recognize his own private inner thoughts” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

67114:25w31wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπεσὼν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον, προσκυνήσει τῷ Θεῷ1

“Fall on his face” here is an idiom, meaning to bow down. Alternate translation: “He would bow down and worship God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

67214:26bv9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐστιν, ἀδελφοί?1

Paul uses a question to introduce the next part of his message. Alternate translation: “Because everything I have just told you is true, this is what you need to do, my fellow believers.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

67314:26xzz2ἑρμηνίαν1

This means a telling of what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how “interpret” is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

67414:27wc1zκαὶ ἀνὰ μέρος1

“and they should speak one after another” or “and they should speak one at a time”

67514:27zh9zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδιερμηνευέτω1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “interpret what they said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

67614:27ari2διερμηνευέτω1

This means to tell what someone has said in a language to others who do not understand that language. See how “interpret” is translated in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

67714:29a9izπροφῆται & δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν1

Possible meanings are (1) only two or three prophets speak at any one meeting or (2) only two or three prophets take turns speaking at any one time.

67814:29m5l8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπροφῆται δὲ δύο ἢ τρεῖς λαλείτωσαν1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to what they say” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

67914:30sl1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐὰν & ἄλλῳ ἀποκαλυφθῇ1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if God gives someone insight” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

68014:31xr69καθ’ ἕνα & προφητεύειν1

Only one person should prophesy at a time.

68114:31nrq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπάντες & παρακαλῶνται1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you may encourage all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

68214:33my65οὐ & ἐστιν ἀκαταστασίας ὁ Θεὸς1

God does not create confusing situations by making people all speak at the same time.

68314:34gjv2σιγάτωσαν1

Possible meanings are (1) stop speaking, (2) stop speaking when someone is prophesying, or (3) be absolutely silent during the church service.

68414:36h8lprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐξῆλθεν, ἢ εἰς ὑμᾶς μόνους κατήντησεν?1

Paul emphasizes that the Corinthians are not the only ones who understand what God wants Christians to do. Alternate translation: “The word of God did not come from you in Corinth; you are not the only people who understand Gods will.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

68514:36mj6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ1

“Word of God” here is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “Gods message” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

68614:37ab6uἐπιγινωσκέτω1

A true prophet or truly spiritual person will accept Pauls writings as coming from the Lord.

68714:38l68arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀγνοείτω1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you should not recognize him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

68814:39jvr7τὸ λαλεῖν μὴ κωλύετε γλώσσαις1

Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues at a church gathering is permissible and acceptable.

68914:40d7iaπάντα δὲ εὐσχημόνως καὶ κατὰ τάξιν γινέσθω1

Paul is stressing that church gatherings should be held in an orderly manner. Alternate translation: “But do all things properly and in order” or “But do everything in an orderly, appropriate way”

69015:introabci0

1 Corinthians 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Resurrection

This chapter includes a very important teaching about the resurrection of Jesus. The Greek people did not believe that a person could live after they died. Paul defends the resurrection of Jesus. He teaches why it is important to all believers. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/resurrection]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Resurrection

Paul presents the resurrection as the ultimate proof that Jesus is God. Christ is the first of many who God will raise to life. The resurrection is central to the gospel. Few doctrines are as important as this one. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/other/raise]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Paul uses many different figures of speech in this chapter. He uses them to express difficult theological teachings in a way that people can understand.

69115:1gc6n0

Paul reminds them that it is the gospel that saves them and he tells them again what the gospel is. Then he gives them a short history lesson, which ends with what will yet happen.

69215:1la9vγνωρίζω & ὑμῖ1

“help you remember”

69315:1xv53rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν ᾧ & ἑστήκατε1

Paul is speaking of the Corinthians as if they were a house and the gospel as if it were the foundation on which the house was standing. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

69415:2xh29rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσῴζεσθε1

This can be stated in active form. “God will save you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

69515:2le2kτίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν1

“the message I preached to you”

69615:3sp4pἐν πρώτοις1

Possible meanings are (1) as the most important of many things or (2) as the first in time .

69715:3azw6ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν1

“to pay for our sins” or “so that God could forgive our sins”

69815:3inj2κατὰ τὰς Γραφάς1

Paul is referring to the writings of the Old Testament.

69915:4wa7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐτάφη1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they buried him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

70015:4n7c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγήγερται1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God raised him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

70115:4d6ewἐγήγερται1

“was caused to live again”

70215:5rhd30

If you need for verse 5 to be a complete sentence, end 1 Corinthians 15:4 with a comma so that verse 5 completes the sentence begun in 1 Corinthians 15:3.

70315:5q3nbὤφθη1

“showed himself to”

70415:6l7vcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersπεντακοσίοις1

500 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

70515:6q8blrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismτινὲς & ἐκοιμήθησαν1

“Sleep” here is a common euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “some have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

70615:8n9c6ἔσχατον & πάντων1

“Finally, after he had appeared to the others”

70715:8vg7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῷ ἐκτρώματι1

This is an idiom by which Paul may mean that he became a Christian much later than the other apostles. Or perhaps he means that, unlike the other apostles, he did not witness Jesus three-year-long ministry. Alternate translation: “someone who missed the experiences of the others” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

70815:10xiq6χάριτι & Θεοῦ, εἰμι ὅ εἰμι1

Gods grace or kindness has made Paul as he is now.

70915:10n45hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ, οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη1

Paul is emphasizing through litotes that God worked through Paul. Alternate translation: “because he was kind to me, I was able to do much good work” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

71015:10xh95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ σὺν ἐμοί1

Paul speaks of the work he was able to do because God was kind to him as if that grace were actually doing the work. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are (1) this is literally true, and God actually did the work and kindly used Paul as a tool or (2) Paul is using a metaphor and saying that God was kind to let Paul do the work and to make Pauls work have good results. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

71115:12ub2prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς λέγουσιν ἐν ὑμῖν τινες, ὅτι ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν?1

Paul is using this question to begin a new topic. Alternate translation: “you should not be saying that there is no resurrection of the dead!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

71215:12jbi8ἐγήγερται1

made alive again

71315:13cn2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoεἰ & ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν, οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται1

Paul is using a hypothetical case to argue that there is a resurrection of the dead. He knows that Christ has been raised and so infers that there is a resurrection. To say that there is no resurrection is to say that Christ has not been raised, but this is false because Paul has seen the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:8). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

71415:13mi12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται1

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has not even raised Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

71515:15gi990

Paul wants them assured that Christ rose from the dead.

71615:15ctn5εὑρισκόμεθα & ψευδομάρτυρες τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is arguing that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then they are bearing false witness or lying about Christs coming alive again.

71715:15aq5src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεὑρισκόμεθα1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone will realize that we are” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

71815:17v6vzματαία ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν, ἔτι ἐστὲ ἐν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν1

Their faith is based on Christ having risen from the dead, so if that did not happen, their faith will do them no good.

71915:19d9nqπάντων ἀνθρώπων1

“of everyone, including believers and non-believers”

72015:19ts7uἐλεεινότεροι πάντων ἀνθρώπων ἐσμέν1

“people should feel sorry for us more than they do for anyone else”

72115:20cxp9νυνὶ & Χριστὸς1

“as it is, Christ” or “this is the truth: Christ”

72215:20zw31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀπαρχὴ1

Here “firstfruits” is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “who is like the first part of the harvest” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

72315:20n6clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveΧριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἀπαρχὴ τῶν κεκοιμημένων1

“Raised” here is an idiom for “caused to live again.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has raised Christ, who is the firstfruits of those who died” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

72415:21uca8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδι’ ἀνθρώπου θάνατος1

The abstract noun “death” can be expressed with the verb “die.” Alternate translation. “people die because of what one man did” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

72515:21gf8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκαὶ δι’ ἀνθρώπου ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν1

The abstract noun “resurrection” can be expressed with the verb “raise.” Alternate translation: “people are raised from the dead because of another man” or “people will become alive again because of what one man did” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

72615:23p4g9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀπαρχὴ1

Here “firstfruits” is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “who is like the first part of the harvest” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

72715:24u2980

Here the words “he” and “his” refer to Christ.

72815:24uwh3καταργήσῃ πᾶσαν ἀρχὴν, καὶ πᾶσαν ἐξουσίαν, καὶ δύναμιν1

“he will stop those people who rule, who have authority, and who have power from doing what they are doing”

72915:25t8mkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἄχρι οὗ θῇ πάντας τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ1

Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated. Alternate translation: “until God has completely destroyed all of Christs enemies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

73015:26x49hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἔσχατος ἐχθρὸς καταργεῖται ὁ θάνατος1

Paul speaks of death here as if it were a person whom God will kill. Alternate translation: “The final enemy that God will destroy is death itself” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

73115:27df59rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπάντα & ὑπέταξεν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ1

Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated. See how “put … under his feet” is translated in 1 Corinthians 15:25. Alternate translation: “God has completely destroyed all of Christs enemies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

73215:28xm8urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑποταγῇ αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα1

This can stated as active. Alternate translation: “God has made all things subject to Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73315:28a1cdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτὸς ὁ Υἱὸς, ὑποταγήσεται1

This can stated as active. Alternate translation: “the Son himself will become subject” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73415:28ksj4αὐτὸς ὁ Υἱὸς1

In the previous verses he was referred to as “Christ.” Alternate translation: “Christ, that is, the Son himself”

73515:28im2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς1

This is an important title that describes the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

73615:29a4d4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἐπεὶ τί ποιήσουσιν, οἱ βαπτιζόμενοι ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν?1

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Otherwise it would be useless for Christians to receive baptism for the dead.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73715:29lw86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoεἰ ὅλως νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται, τί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν?1

Paul uses a hypothetical situation to argue that the dead are raised. To say that the dead are not raised is to say that people should not be baptized for the dead. But some people, probably some members of the church in Corinth, are baptized for the dead, so he infers those people are baptized for the dead because they believe that the dead are raised. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

73815:29jdc9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveνεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται1

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God does not raise the dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73915:29t3ycοὐκ ἐγείρονται1

“are not caused to live again”

74015:29s7kxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν1

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there would be no reason for them to have people baptize them on behalf of dead people.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

74115:30h4rarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί καὶ ἡμεῖς κινδυνεύομεν πᾶσαν ὥραν1

Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. The reason he and others were in danger is that some people were angry that they taught that Jesus will raise people from death. Alternate translation: “If people will not rise from the dead, we gain nothing by being in danger every hour for teaching that people will rise.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

74215:31i7d7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleκαθ’ ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω1

This exaggeration means he was in danger of dying. He knew that some people wanted to kill him because they did not like what he was teaching. Alternate translation: “Every day I am in danger of dying” or “Every day I risk my life!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

74315:31d51tνὴ τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν1

Paul uses this statement as evidence that he faces death every day. Alternate translation: “You can know that this is true, because you know about my boasting in you” or “You can know that this is true, because you know about how much I boast in you”

74415:31znl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν, ἀδελφοί, ἣν ἔχω ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν1

Paul boasted in them because of what Christ Jesus had done for them. Alternate translation: “my boasting in you, which I do because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done for you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

74515:31p3ymτὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν1

“the way I tell other people how good you are”

74615:32q6mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionεἰ & ἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ & τί μοι τὸ ὄφελος & οὐκ ἐγείρονται1

Paul wants the Corinthians to understand without him having to tell them. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “I gained nothing … by fighting with beasts at Ephesus … not raised.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

74715:32lm3vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐθηριομάχησα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ1

Paul is referring to something that he actually did. Possible meanings are (1) Paul was speaking figuratively about his arguments with learned pagans or other conflicts with people who wanted to kill him or (2) he was actually put into the arena to fight against dangerous animals. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

74815:32c36aφάγωμεν καὶ πίωμεν, αὔριον γὰρ ἀποθνῄσκομεν1

Paul concludes that if there is no further life after death, it is better for us to enjoy this life as we can, for tomorrow our life will end without any further hope.

74915:33q7ucφθείρουσιν ἤθη χρηστὰ ὁμιλίαι κακαί1

If you live with bad people, you will act like them. Paul is quoting a common saying.

75015:34gr3vἐκνήψατε1

“You must think seriously about this”

75115:35w4hk0

Paul gives some specifics about how the resurrection of the believers bodies will take place. He gives a picture of natural and spiritual bodies and compares the first man Adam with the last Adam, Christ.

75215:35hw4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἀλλ’ ἐρεῖ τις, πῶς ἐγείρονται οἱ νεκροί? ποίῳ δὲ σώματι ἔρχονται?1

Possible meanings are (1) The person is asking sincerely or (2) the person is using the question to mock the idea of a resurrection. Alternate translation: “But some will say that they cannot imagine how God will raise the dead, and what kind of body God would give them in the resurrection.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

75315:35ty4tἐρεῖ τις1

“someone will ask”

75415:35e5lvποίῳ & σώματι ἔρχονται1

That is, will it be a physical body or a spiritual body? What shape will the body have? What will the body be made of? Translate using the most general question that someone who wants to know the answers to these questions would ask.

75515:36ha84rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youἄφρων! σὺ ὃ σπείρεις1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so both instances of “you” here are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

75615:36jnf9ἄφρων! σὺ1

“You do not know about this at all”

75715:36q2zdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὃ σπείρεις, οὐ ζῳοποιεῖται, ἐὰν μὴ ἀποθάνῃ1

A seed will not grow unless it is first buried underground. In the same way, a person has to die before God can resurrect him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

75815:37pw6vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὃ σπείρεις, οὐ τὸ σῶμα τὸ γενησόμενον1

Paul uses the metaphor of the seed again to say that God will resurrect the dead body of the believer, but that body will not appear as it was. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

75915:37h6zirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youὃ σπείρεις1

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

76015:38dmx1ὁ & Θεὸς δίδωσιν αὐτῷ σῶμα, καθὼς ἠθέλησεν1

“God will decide what kind of body it will have”

76115:39qi8yσὰρξ1

In the context of animals, “flesh” may be translated as “body,” “skin,” or “meat.”

76215:40d9k2σώματα ἐπουράνια1

Possible meanings are (1) the sun, moon, stars, and other visible lights in the sky or (2) heavenly beings, such as angels and other supernatural beings.

76315:40k9pgσώματα ἐπίγεια1

This refers to humans.

76415:40qg3pἑτέρα μὲν ἡ τῶν ἐπουρανίων δόξα, ἑτέρα δὲ ἡ τῶν ἐπιγείων1

“the glory that heavenly bodies have is different from the glory of human bodies”

76515:40j1kbδόξα1

Here “glory” refers to the relative brightness to the human eye of objects in the sky.

76615:42s12trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσπείρεται & ἐγείρεται1

The writer speaks of a persons body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a persons body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “What goes into the ground … what comes out of the ground” or “What people bury … what God raises” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

76715:42ay76ἐγείρεται1

“is caused to live again”

76815:42rw3kἐν φθορᾷ & ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ1

“can rot … cannot rot”

76915:43h4u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσπείρεται & ἐγείρεται1

The writer speaks of a persons body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a persons body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground … it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it … God raises it” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

77015:44u856rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσπείρεται & ἐγείρεται1

The writer speaks of a persons body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a persons body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It goes into the ground … it comes out of the ground” or “People bury it … God raises it” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

77115:46fc51ἀλλ’ οὐ πρῶτον τὸ πνευματικὸν, ἀλλὰ τὸ ψυχικόν, ἔπειτα τὸ πνευματικόν1

“The natural being came first. The spiritual being is from God and came later.”

77215:46nd64ψυχικόν1

created by earthly processes, not yet connected to God

77315:47m2pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ πρῶτος ἄνθρωπος ἐκ γῆς, χοϊκός1

God made the first man, Adam, from the dust of the earth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

77415:47zmx6χοϊκός1

dirt

77515:48r9beὁ ἐπουράνιος1

Jesus Christ

77615:48s9pnοἱ & ἐπουράνιοι1

“those who belong to God”

77715:49mq8zἐφορέσαμεν τὴν εἰκόνα & φορέσωμεν καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα1

“have been just like … will also be just like”

77815:50jub20

Paul wants them to realize that some believers will not die physically but will still get a resurrected body through Christs victory.

77915:50mwy3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismσὰρξ καὶ αἷμα Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ κληρονομῆσαι οὐ δύναται, οὐδὲ ἡ φθορὰ, τὴν ἀφθαρσίαν κληρονομεῖ1

Possible meanings are (1) the two sentences mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “human beings who will surely die cannot inherit the permanent kingdom of God” or (2) the second sentence finishes the thought begun by the first. Alternate translation: “weak human beings cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither do those who will certainly die inherit a kingdom that will last forever” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

78015:50nz7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσὰρξ καὶ αἷμα1

Those who inhabit a body that is doomed to die. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

78115:50e4gdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκληρονομῆσαι1

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

78215:50b9hcἡ φθορὰ, τὴν ἀφθαρσίαν1

“can rot … cannot rot.” See how these words are translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.

78315:51k5dwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπάντες & ἀλλαγησόμεθα1

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “God will change us all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

78415:52p8f8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀλλαγησόμεθα1

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will change us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

78515:52r4ixἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ1

It will happen as fast as it takes for a person to blink his or her eye.

78615:52h668ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι1

“when the last trumpet sounds”

78715:52l66qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ νεκροὶ ἐγερθήσονται1

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise the dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

78815:52ymk9ἐγερθήσονται1

“caused to live again”

78915:52bmx2ἄφθαρτοι1

“in a form that cannot rot.” See how a similar phrase is translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.

79015:53nua2τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο & ἀφθαρσίαν1

“this body that can rot … cannot rot.” See how similar phrases are translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.

79115:53iyd2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδεῖ & ἐνδύσασθαι1

Paul is speaking of God making our bodies so they will never die again as if God were putting new clothes on us. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

79215:54qq5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationὅταν & τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀφθαρσίαν1

Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming imperishable is spoken of as if being imperishable was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this perishable body has become imperishable” or “when this body that can rot can no longer rot” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

79315:54j9zsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationτὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσηται ἀθανασίαν1

Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming immortal is spoken of as if being immortal was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: “when this mortal body has become immortal” or “when this body that can die can no longer die” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

79415:55c9zwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ νῖκος? ποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ κέντρον?1

Paul speaks as if death were a person, and he uses this question to mock the power of death, which Christ has defeated. Alternate translation: “Death has no victory. Death has no sting.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

79515:55gg3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youσου & σου1

These are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

79615:56iyd3τὸ & κέντρον τοῦ θανάτου ἡ ἁμαρτία1

It is through sin that we are destined to face death, that is to die.

79715:56pf4eἡ & δύναμις τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ νόμος1

Gods law that was passed down by Moses defines sin and shows us how we sin before God.

79815:57ztj6τῷ διδόντι ἡμῖν τὸ νῖκος1

“has defeated death for us”

79915:58k4c40

Paul wants believers, while they work for the Lord, to remember the changed, resurrected bodies that God is going to give them.

80015:58j1plrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἑδραῖοι γίνεσθε, ἀμετακίνητοι1

Paul speaks of someone who lets nothing stop him from carrying out his decisions as if he could not be physically moved. Alternate translation: “be determined” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

80115:58zn8frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπερισσεύοντες ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ τοῦ Κυρίου πάντοτε1

Paul speaks of efforts made in working for the Lord as if they were objects that a person could acquire more of. Alternate translation: “Always work for the Lord faithfully” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

80216:introabcj0

1 Corinthians 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul briefly covers many topics in this chapter. It was common in the ancient Near East for the last part of letters to have personal greetings.

Special concepts in this chapter

Preparation for his coming

Paul gave practical instructions to help prepare the Corinthian church for his visit. He told them to start collecting money every Sunday for the believers in Jerusalem. He hoped to come and spend the winter with them. He told them to help Timothy when he came. He had hoped Apollos would go to them, but Apollos did not think it was the right time. Paul also told them to obey Stephanus. Finally, he sent his greetings to everyone.

80316:1zh6u0

In his closing notes, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers to collect money for the needy believers in Jerusalem. He reminds them that Timothy will come to them before he goes to Paul.

80416:1yer5εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους1

Paul was collecting money from his churches for the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem and Judea.

80516:1kh6hὥσπερ διέταξα1

“as I gave specific instructions”

80616:2h8n9θησαυρίζων1

Possible meanings are: (1) “keep it at home” or (2) “leave it with the church”

80716:2wc3wἵνα μὴ ὅταν ἔλθω, τότε λογεῖαι γίνωνται1

“so that you will not have to collect more money while I am with you”

80816:3yj6cοὓς ἐὰν δοκιμάσητε1

Paul is telling the church to choose some of their own people to take their offering to Jerusalem. “whomever you choose” or “the people you appoint”

80916:3j612δι’ ἐπιστολῶν & πέμψω1

Possible meanings are (1) “I will send with letters that I will write” or (2) “I will send with letters that you will write.”

81016:6w94kὑμεῖς με προπέμψητε, οὗ ἐὰν πορεύωμαι1

This means they might give Paul money or other things he needs so that he and his ministry team could continue to travel.

81116:7xr88οὐ θέλω & ὑμᾶς ἄρτι & ἰδεῖν1

Paul is stating that he wants to visit for a long time later, not just for a short time soon.

81216:8qkw9τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς1

Paul would stay in Ephesus until this festival, which came in May or June, 50 days after Passover. He would then travel through Macedonia, and later try to arrive in Corinth before winter started in November.

81316:9fyj3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθύρα & ἀνέῳγεν μεγάλη1

Paul speaks of the opportunity God has given him to win people to the gospel as if it were a door that God had opened so he could walk through it. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

81416:10p6vbβλέπετε ἵνα ἀφόβως γένηται πρὸς ὑμᾶς1

“see that he has no cause to fear being with you”

81516:11f4mwμή τις & αὐτὸν ἐξουθενήσῃ1

Because Timothy was much younger than Paul, sometimes he was not shown the respect he deserved as a minister of the gospel.

81616:12is6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἈπολλῶ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ1

Here the word “our” refers to Paul and his readers, so it is inclusive. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

81716:13p2larc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismγρηγορεῖτε, στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἀνδρίζεσθε, κραταιοῦσθε1

Paul is describing what he wants the Corinthians to do as if he was giving four commands to soldiers in war. These four commands mean almost the same thing and are used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

81816:13ng8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγρηγορεῖτε1

Paul speaks of people being aware of what is happening as if they were guards keeping watch over a city or vineyard. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “Be careful whom you trust” or “Watch out for danger” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

81916:13uys8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorστήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει1

Paul speaks of people continuing to believe in Christ according to his teaching as if they were soldiers refusing to retreat when the enemy attacks. Possible meanings are (1) “keep strongly believing what we have taught you” or (2) “keep strongly trusting in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

82016:13a3fsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀνδρίζεσθε1

In the society in which Paul and his audience lived, men usually provided for families by doing the heavy work and fighting against invaders. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “be responsible” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

82116:14rij5πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω1

“Everything you do should show people that you love them”

82216:15fy4e0

Paul begins to close his letter and sends greetings from other churches, as well as from Prisca, Aquila, and Paul himself.

82316:15asp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ1

Stephanas was one of the first believers in the church at Corinth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

82416:15na2prc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈχαΐας1

This is the name of a province in Greece. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

82516:17iju8Στεφανᾶ, καὶ Φορτουνάτου, καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ1

These men were either some of the first Corinthian believers or church elders who were co-workers with Paul.

82616:17e79zrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΣτεφανᾶ, καὶ Φορτουνάτου, καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ1

These are mens names. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

82716:17an3eτὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν1

“They made up for the fact that you were not here.”

82816:18f3kgἀνέπαυσαν γὰρ τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα1

Paul is saying he was encouraged by their visit.

82916:21izu6ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ, Παύλου1

Paul was making it clear that the instructions in this letter are from him, even though one of his co-laborers wrote what Paul was saying in the rest of the letter. Paul wrote this last part with his own hand.

83016:22c1kxἤτω ἀνάθεμα1

“may God curse him.” See how “accursed” was translated in 1 Corinthians 12:3.