OET interlinear 2COR 2:14

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases

δὲ

but

Here, the word But introduces a new section. Paul will not speak again about Titus and his travel plans until 7:5. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section or topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “But now,”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / exclamations

τῷ & Θεῷ χάρις

¬the & ˱to˲_God thankfulness_‹be›

Here, the phrase thanks be to God is an exclamatory phrase that communicates Paul’s thankfulness. Use an exclamation form that is natural in your language for communicating thanks. Alternate translation: “we thank God” or “we give glory to God”

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / exclusive

ἡμᾶς & ἡμῶν

us & us

Here, the word us does not include the Corinthians. It could refer to: (1) Paul and those who proclaim the gospel with him. Alternate translation: “us who preach … us” (2) just Paul. Alternate translation: “me … me”

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

τῷ πάντοτε θριαμβεύοντι ἡμᾶς

¬the ˱to˲_the_‹one› always triumphing us

Here Paul speaks as if God were a leader who had won a victory and set up a parade or triumphal procession to celebrate. In this parade, Paul and his fellow workers could be either or both of the following: (1) prisoners who have been conquered and who are put in the parade to illustrate the victory. This is the normal meaning of the word in other places. Alternate translation: “always parading us as his captives” or “always showing that he leads us” (2) soldiers who helped win the victory and who are celebrating. This is not the normal meaning of the word, but it is possible and fits the context well. Alternate translation: “always having us participate in his triumphal parade” or “always helping us to conquer”

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ

in the Messiah

Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in Christ, or united to Christ, explains why or how they are involved in the triumphal procession. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that union with Christ is the reason or the means for participating in the procession. Alternate translation: “because of our union with Christ” or “by means of our union with Christ”

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / exmetaphor

τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ, φανεροῦντι δι’ ἡμῶν ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

the aroma ˱of˲_the knowledge ˱of˲_him revealing through us in every place

Here Paul speaks as if the knowledge of him were an aroma, a smell or odor. In this case, the context implies that this is a pleasing or good smell. He speaks in this way to indicate that everyone hears and reacts to the message about Christ, just like everyone smells and reacts to a strong odor. Also, just like a smell fills a whole room, so the good news fills every place on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea by using a simile or plain language. Consider using a form that you can continue to use in the following two verses, in which Paul continues the aroma metaphor. Alternate translation: “making known through us and in every place the knowledge of him, which is like an good smell” or “powerfully revealing through us the knowledge of him, which is spreading into every place”

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

τὴν ὀσμὴν τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ

the aroma ˱of˲_the knowledge ˱of˲_him

Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe an aroma that is knowledge. In other words, the possessive indicates what the aroma stands for. Then, Paul indicates that this knowledge is about him, meaning Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “the aroma, which is knowledge about him” or “the aroma, that is, knowing him”

Note 8 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

τῆς γνώσεως αὐτοῦ

˱of˲_the knowledge ˱of˲_him

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “know.” Alternate translation: “that is knowing him”

Note 9 topic: writing-pronouns

αὐτοῦ

˱of˲_him

Here, the word him could refer to: (1) God generally. Alternate translation: “of God” (2) Christ specifically. Alternate translation: “of Christ”

Note 10 topic: figures-of-speech / hyperbole

ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ

in in every place

Here Paul speaks as if God used him and his fellow workers to make God known in every place. The Corinthians would have understood him to mean that God uses them to make God known in many places, or in every place that they visit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea clearer. Alternate translation: “in every place we go” or “throughout the world”