OET interlinear 1COR 9:26

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / exmetaphor

ἐγὼ & οὕτως τρέχω, ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως; οὕτως πυκτεύω, ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων

I & thus /am/_running as not uncertainly thus ˱I˲_/am/_boxing as not /the/_air beating

Here Paul uses two different athletic metaphors, the first from footraces and the second from boxing. Both metaphors emphasize how Paul remains focused on his goal. As a runner, he has a purpose, which is to reach the finish line as quickly as possible. As a boxer, he does not box the air but rather focuses on striking his opponent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express these figures of speech by stating the ideas plainly or by using analogies. Alternate translation: [I focus on the goal, much like a runner focuses on the finish line and a boxer focuses on striking the opponent]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / infostructure

οὕτως & ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως; οὕτως & ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων

thus & as not uncertainly thus & as not /the/_air beating

In both halves of this verse, Paul introduces how he “runs” or “fights” with the word thus, and then he explains more clearly how he “runs” or “fights.” If your readers would find this confusing, you could introduce how Paul “runs” or “fights” more naturally. Alternate translation: [not as without purpose … not as boxing the air] or [as one who is not without purpose … as one who is not boxing the air]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / litotes

ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως

as not uncertainly

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. Alternate translation: [as with purpose]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων

as not as not /the/_air beating

Here Paul refers to a boxer who hits the air instead of the opponent. This kind of boxer does not succeed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express boxing the air with a phrase that refers to a boxer who often misses his punches. Alternate translation: [not as missing my punches]