uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

διώκετε

/be/_pursuing

Connecting Statement:

Here Paul speaks as if he wants the Corinthians to run after and try to capture love. He speaks in this way because he wants them to act in love as persistently as someone who “pursues” someone or something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this figure of speech with a comparable metaphor or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “Consistently act in” or “Seek after”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

τὴν ἀγάπην

¬the love

Connecting Statement:

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind love, you can express the idea by using a verb such as “love.” Paul implies that the object of love is other people. Alternate translation: “loving others”

Note 3 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases

ζηλοῦτε δὲ

/be/_being_zealous and

Connecting Statement:

Here, but introduces the next topic that Paul wishes to speak about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express but and think that Paul is contrasting Pursue love and be zealous for spiritual gifts with another word that introduces a new topic, or you could start a new sentence here. If you use the second alternate translation, you may need to add a period before it. Alternate translation: “and be zealous for” or “Be zealous for”

Note 4 topic: translate-unknown

ζηλοῦτε

/be/_being_zealous

Here, to be zealous for something means that one vigorously seeks after it or strongly desires it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express be zealous for with a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “set your heart on” or “seek after”

μᾶλλον

more

Here, especially could mean: (1) that prophecy is the best gift to be zealous for. Alternate translation: “above all” (2) that prophecy is better than spiritual gifts. Alternate translation: “more than that,”