OET interlinear 2 COR 10:1

10:1a

Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul: The Greek words are literally “Now I myself Paul appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” Paul emphasized referring to himself here. For example:

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (RSV)

Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ: Both mildness and gentleness are of Christ. Jesus showed both mildness and gentleness when he lived on earth. Paul lived according to the example that Jesus showed.

mildness: This word refers to a person being considerate of others, not putting himself first and not wanting to argue. Another example is:

humble (CEV)

gentleness: The Greek word that the BSB translates as gentleness refers to a person being patient when others do not do as he wishes. Such a person shows mercy to them and does not retaliate. Another example is:

forbearance (NJB)

Christ: The word Christ is a title for Jesus. The word Christ literally means “the anointed one.” Translate the word Christ here as you did in 1:1.

appeal: This word refers to asking people to do as you say they should do. It does not mean “command.” Other ways to translate this word are:

entreat (RSV)

urge (NJB)

Paul did not say here what he was asking the Corinthians to do. But in 10:2 he implied that they should live according to their faith so he would not have to be bold and discipline those who sinned. He also said in 10:6 that he would punish every act of disobedience once their obedience was complete. So he was urging them to obey what he had said that they should do.

10:1b

who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away: The word who indicates that Paul described himself in 10:1b. In some languages using the word “who” may indicate a different meaning or person. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

I am timid when face to face with you, but bold when away.

am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away: Opponents of Paul accused him of being humble when face to face but bold when writing his letters to the believers in Corinth, as in 10:10. There are two ways to interpret these words:

1. Translate in a way that indicates that Paul spoke of that accusation here. One way to do this is to put the words humble and bold in quote marks. For example:

   who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away (NIV)

Another way to do this is to translate the words in such a way as to show that someone else had spoken those words and that Paul did not agree with the accusation. For example:

am said to be meek and mild when I am with you, but harsh with you when I am away (GNT) (RSV, NIV, GNT, NASB, NLT, CEV, NET, REB, ESV, NCV)The RSV, NASB, ESV, and NET use an exclamation point at the end of this text. That probably indicates that this statement is ironic. That would imply that this text is an accusation of Paul’s enemies in Corinth.

1. Translate in a way that implies that Paul referred to himself as having these attitudes. For example:

   is so humble when he is facing you but full of boldness at a distance (NJB) (BSB, NJB, NABRE, GW, KJV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because Paul explained that accusation in 10:10.Harris (p. 664) translates the text as “who face to face with you am ‘timid’ but when absent am ‘bold’.” Martin (p. 297) translates the text as “who am ‘timid’ when face to face with you, but when I am away, I am ‘haughty’ over you.” Thrall (p. 603) says, “Paul reproduces their criticism.” Other ways to translate this following interpretation (1) are:

whom some call timid when I am face to face with you but bold when away

even though some of you say I am bold in my letters but timid in person (NLT96)

Some people say that I am easy on you when I am with you and bold when I am away (NCV)

humble: Following interpretation (1) in the previous note in 10:1b, this word would have the meaning of “timid” (as in the NIV). This would refer to lacking confidence or being afraid to speak an opinion that is different from others. It might also refer to thinking of everyone else as being of a higher status.Following interpretation (2) in the previous note in 10:1b, this word would have the meaning of “humble” (as in the BSB). That would be a positive quality. For example:

a coward (CEV)

bold: Following interpretation (1) in the previous note in 10:1b, this word would have a negative meaning, such as “outspoken” (as in JBP). It would refer to speaking an opinion without proper concern for the feelings and opinions of others.Following interpretation (2) in the first note in 10:1b, this word would have a positive meaning, such as “brave” (CEV) or “courageous” (REB).