OET interlinear 1 COR 12:22

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: translate-unknown

ἀσθενέστερα

weaker

Here, weaker refers to physical frailty or lack of strength. It is unclear which body parts he might have considered to be weaker. Use a similar general word that identifies frailty or weakness. Alternate translation: [frailer] or [less strong]

Note 2 topic: translate-unknown

ἀναγκαῖά

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἀλλά πολλῷ μᾶλλον τά δοκοῦντα μέλη τοῦ σώματος ἀσθενέστερα ὑπάρχειν ἀναγκαῖα ἐστίν)

Here, essential identifies the weaker bodies parts as required for the body to function properly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express essential with a word or phrase that identifies the body parts as “necessary” or “required.” Alternate translation: [required] or [indispensable]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

πολλῷ μᾶλλον & ἀσθενέστερα ὑπάρχειν, ἀναγκαῖά ἐστιν

˱by˲_much rather & weaker ˓to_be˒_being (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἀλλά πολλῷ μᾶλλον τά δοκοῦντα μέλη τοῦ σώματος ἀσθενέστερα ὑπάρχειν ἀναγκαῖα ἐστίν)

Here Paul seems to be stating a general principle that the weaker a body part is, the more it ends up being essential for the body. He implies a comparison with other body parts, which are “stronger” but “less essential.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this general principle or what Paul is comparing more explicitly. Alternate translation: [to be weaker than other members are actually that much more essential than those other members]