OET interlinear 2COR 2:15

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases

ὅτι

because

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of what Paul said in the previous verse about “the aroma” (2:14). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces further explanation. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Here is what I mean:”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / exclusive

ἐσμὲν

˱we˲_are

Here, just as in 2:14, the word we does not include the Corinthians. It could refer to: (1) Paul and those who proclaim the gospel with him. Alternate translation: “we who preach are” (2) just Paul. Alternate translation: “I am”

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / exmetaphor

Χριστοῦ εὐωδία ἐσμὲν τῷ Θεῷ

˱of˲_Christ /a/_sweet_fragrance ˱we˲_are ¬the ˱to˲_God

Here Paul continues to speak about fragrance and good smells (See: 2:14). He identifies himself and his fellow workers as a fragrance that comes from Christ and which goes toward God. By speaking in this way, he shows that we are those who represent or declare who Christ is in the presence of God. Just like everyone smells a good smell and knows where it comes from, so everyone notices Paul and his fellow workers and realizes that they represent Christ before God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile or express the idea in plain language. Make sure that your translation fits with the previous and the following verses. Alternate translation: “we are like a good odor that spreads from Christ before God” or “we represent Christ before God”

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

Χριστοῦ εὐωδία

˱of˲_Christ /a/_sweet_fragrance

Here Paul uses the possessive form to indicate that the fragrance could: (1) come or spread from Christ. Alternate translation: “a fragrance from Christ” (2) be presented or offered by Christ. Alternate translation: “a fragrance that Christ presents” or “a fragrance that Christ offers”

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

τοῖς σῳζομένοις

the_‹ones› /being/_saved

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. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that God does it. Alternate translation: “the ones whom God is saving”

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / extrainfo

τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις

the_‹ones› the_‹ones› perishing

Christians disagree over whether God causes people to “perish” or whether people cause themselves to “perish.” The word that Paul uses here intentionally does not include the person who causes the perishing. If possible, your translation also should avoid stating who causes the “perishing.” Alternate translation: “the ones on the path to destruction” or “the ones who are not being saved”