OET interlinear 2 COR 1:15

1:15a

This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “and.” Some English versions, such as the NET, translate it that way. The BSB has not translated this conjunction, and some other versions, such as the NIV and ESV, also do not translate it. In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this conjunction either. Connect 1:15a to 1:14b in a way that is natural in your language.

Confident of this: The Greek phrase is literally “in this confidence” (NASB) or “with this confidence” (NET). The word Confident refers to a strong belief about something. Paul had no doubt that the believers in Corinth accepted him, respected him, and had a good relationship with him (1:12–14). Other ways to translate this clause are:

Confident of that

I was sure of that, and so

Certain of those things

this: Here this word refers to the mutual respect Paul expected between himself and the believers in Corinth (1:14) and more generally to the good relationship between them (1:12).Thrall (p. 136), Harris (p. 192), Barrett (p. 74), and Kistemaker (p. 57). In some languages, “that” would indicate the correct connection. See the examples above. Other languages will need to say more explicitly what this refers to. For example:

that talk

you looked well upon me

you will be boasting about me

1:15b

I planned to visit you first: There are several ways to interpret how the word first is used:

1. The word applies to the word visit. Paul had planned to visit them before going elsewhere. For example:

   I had planned to visit you first of all (CEV) (BSB, RSV, NIV, NJB, CEV, NET, REB, ESV, NCV)

2. The word applies to the word planned. He first planned to visit them but then changed his plans. For example:

   I made plans at first to visit you (GNT) (GNT, NASB, NABRE, GW)

3. The word means “before.” He planned to visit them before this time. For example:

   I was minded to come unto you before (KJV) (KJV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).Harris (p. 192) says that the word “first” anticipates “again” in 1:16. He translates this text as “I was intending to visit you first.” Other ways to translate this clause following interpretation (1) are:

I had been meaning to come to you first (NJB)

I had intended to come first of all to you (REB)

I planned to visit you first before the other churches

planned: The Greek probably indicates that he did not do what he had planned. Other ways to translate this word are:

had intended (REB)

previously planned

1:15c

you might receive a double blessing: The Greek clause is literally “you might have a second favor.” There are several ways to interpret it:

1. Do not interpret it. Translate without saying what “a second favor” applies to. For example:

   you might be blessed twice (GNT) (BSB, NIV, GNT, NABRE, NCV)

2. The clause refers to two visits. The visit while going to Macedonia is the first benefit (1:16a) and the visit while returning from Macedonia is the second benefit (1:16b). For example:

   I wanted to give you a double blessing by visiting you twice (NLT) (RSV, NJB, NASB, NLT, CEV, REB)

3. The clause refers to a second visit. Paul planned a second long visit (1 Corinthians 16:6), which would be a second benefit. Like his first long visit (Acts 18:11), they would again receive the benefit of an extended amount of teaching. For example:

   you might have a second experience of grace (ESV) (ESV, KJV, GW, NET)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).Thrall (p. 128) translates this text as “you might have a second benefit.” She says this benefit could be both “divine grace” and “a personal kindness” from Paul (p. 138). But some languages must explain what the second favor is. If that is true in your language, you may want to follow interpretation (2).

blessing: The Greek word here is often translated “grace.” Here it refers to a favor or benefit to someone. Other ways to translate this word are:

favor (NRSV)

benefit (KJV)

experience of grace (ESV)