OET interlinear 1COR 12:25

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / litotes

μὴ & σχίσμα & ἀλλὰ

not & division & but

Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that means the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. If you do, you will need to express the contrast between the two halves of this verse as a connection. Alternate translation: [complete unity … and that]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι

not ˱there˲_may_be division in the body

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind division, you can express the idea by using a verb such as “divide” or “split.” Alternate translation: [the body may not divide itself] or [the body may not become divided]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / personification

ὑπὲρ ἀλλήλων μεριμνῶσι τὰ μέλη

for one_another /may_be/_caring_for the members

Here Paul speaks as if the members of a body could care for another. He speaks in this way because he wants the Corinthians to think of themselves as members of the body of Christ, and so the members of a human body are an example for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this figure of speech with an analogy or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [the members should work together like they care for one another] or [the members should work with each other]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

τὸ αὐτὸ

the same

Here, the same means that the members are “caring” for each body part the same way they care for all the others. In other words, the body parts make no distinctions about honor or dignity. Instead, they treat each other the same. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the samewith a comparable phrase that emphasizes equality or similarity. Alternate translation: [equally] or [without distinctions]