OET interlinear 2 COR 1:8

1:8a

1:8 begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “for” or “because.” In this context it introduces an explanation of some of Paul’s suffering (1:5a,7b). For example:

For (RSV)

In some languages it is more natural to omit the conjunction and allow the context to indicate the connection. The BSB has not translated this conjunction.

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers: Here the term of address, brothers, comes after Paul begins saying something to the Corinthians. In some languages it is more natural to have the term of address first. For example:

Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed

We do not want you to be unaware: This clause indicates that Paul wanted the believers to know about his hardships. Other ways to translate this clause are:

we do not want you to be ignorant (RSV)

we want you to know (NCV)

brothers: Here the word brothers refers to fellow believers. The Greek word refers to both men and women here. Other ways to translate this word are:

Brothers and sisters (NCV)

siblings in our^(incl) faith

fellow believers

1:8b

hardships: This is the same Greek word that the BSB translates as “troubles” in 1:4a–b and the Greek verb form translated “afflicted” in 1:6a. Other ways to translate this word are:

difficulties

adversity

the suffering we experienced (GW)

province: The BSB adds the word province to indicate that the name “Asia” refers to the Roman province called “Asia.” The word province refers to a large region. The Romans conquered a number of small countries and grouped them into the province of Asia.

Asia: The province of Asia included most of the land in what is now western Turkey. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer to the modern-day region of the world that includes China and India. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain in a footnote. For example:

At that time, the name “Asia” referred to a province that included most of the land in what is now southwestern Turkey.

1:8c

We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure: The Greek word that the BSB translates as far refers to an excess of something. Here it indicates an excessive amount of pressure. The difficulties were worse than anything Paul and the others could stand against by their own power or abilities. For example:

we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength (NASB)

The burden of it was far too heavy for us to bear (REB)

we were completely overwhelmed, the burden was more than we could bear (JBP)

We were under a burden: The Greek clause is literally “we were burdened excessively” (as in the NASB). The difficulties they had were figuratively like carrying a great weight. Paul and the other evangelists often faced much persecution and opposition (as in Acts 19:23–41). Translate in a way that includes such things as persecution and opposition. Other ways to translate this clause are:

The burdens laid upon us were so great (GNT)

We were crushed and overwhelmed (NLT)

Our sufferings were so horrible (CEV)

1:8d

we despaired even of life: The Greek phrase is literally “to despair us even to live.” These difficulties were so great that Paul and the others thought that the difficulties might cause their death. Other ways to translate this clause are:

we despaired of life itself (RSV)

we gave up all hope even of surviving (NJB)

we thought we would never live through it (NLT)

we did not think we could continue to live