uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

γὰρ

for

Connecting Statement:

Here, For introduces an explanation of the last part of 1:17. In this verse, then, Paul explains further why he does not use wise speech. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this connection with words that introduce an explanation, and you could briefly restate what Paul is explaining. Alternate translation: [I speak in this way because]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

ὁ λόγος & ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ

the word & ¬which ˱of˲_the cross

Here Paul uses the possessive form to speak about a word or a teaching that is about the cross. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this form by clarifying that the cross is the content of the word. Alternate translation: [the word about the cross]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

τοῦ σταυροῦ

˱of˲_the cross

Here, the word cross stands for the event in which Jesus died on the cross. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include Jesus’ death in your translation. Alternate translation: [of Jesus’s death on the cross]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

μωρία ἐστίν

foolishness ˱it˲_is

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind foolishness, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “foolish.” Alternate translation: [seems foolish]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

τοῖς & ἀπολλυμένοις

˱to˲_the_‹ones› & perishing

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form here to focus on the ones perishing rather than focusing on the person who makes them “perish.” If you must state who does the action, Paul could imply that: (1) they cause or experience the action. Alternate translation: [to those who will experience destruction] (2) God does the action. Alternate translation: [to those whom God will destroy]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

τοῖς δὲ σῳζομένοις ἡμῖν

˱to˲_the_‹ones› ˱to˲_the_‹ones› on_the_other_hand /being/_saved ˱to˲_us

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive form here to focus on the ones being saved rather than the person doing the “saving.” If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “God” does it. Alternate translation: [but to us whom God is saving]

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / distinguish

τοῖς δὲ σῳζομένοις ἡμῖν

˱to˲_the_‹ones› ˱to˲_the_‹ones› on_the_other_hand /being/_saved ˱to˲_us

The description the ones being saved distinguishes us from everyone else. It is not just adding information. Use a form in your language that shows that this is a distinguishing phrase. Alternate translation: [but to us, that is, the ones who are being saved]

Note 8 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν

/the/_power ˱of˲_God ˱it˲_is

Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe power that comes from God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this form by clarifying that God is the source of the power. Alternate translation: [power from God] or [God working in power]