OET interlinear 2COR 2:17

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

γάρ

for

Here, the word For could introduce: (1) an explanation of the implied answer to the previous question, which is that Paul and his fellow workers are “sufficient” since God works through them. Alternate translation: But we are sufficient, because] (2) an explanation of why Paul and his fellow workers are like an aroma of life or death (See: [2:16). Alternate translation: [We are an aroma of life or death because]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / exclusive

ἐσμεν & λαλοῦμεν

˱we˲_are & ˱we˲_/are/_speaking

Here, just as in 2:14–15, 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 … we speak] (2) just Paul. Alternate translation: [I am … I speak]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / nominaladj

οἱ πολλοὶ

the many

Paul is using the adjective many as a noun in order to refer many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: [the many people]

Note 4 topic: translate-unknown

καπηλεύοντες

peddling

Here, the word peddling refers to the practice of selling goods that one has. The word implies that the person who is peddling is trying to make as much profit as they can, whether by honest or deceitful means. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to selling something for as much money as possible. Alternate translation: [trading in] or [selling off]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

τὸν λόγον

the word

Here, the word word represents what someone says in words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the words] or [the communication]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

the word ¬the ˱of˲_God

Here Paul uses the possessive form to describe the word that could be: (1) from God. Alternate translation: [the word from God] (2) about God. Alternate translation: [the word about God]

Note 7 topic: grammar-connect-logic-contrast

(Occurrence -1) ἀλλ’ ὡς

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: οὐ γάρ ἐσμεν ὡς οἱ πολλοὶ καπηλεύοντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀλλʼ ὡς ἐξ εἰλικρινείας ἀλλʼ ὡς ἐκ Θεοῦ κατέναντι Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ λαλοῦμεν)

Here Paul uses but as to introduce a contrast with the many who “peddle” God’s word. Paul repeats but as to continue and emphasize this contrast, not to contrast sincerity and from God. If the repetition of but as would be confusing, you could use but as once and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [but instead as … and even more as]

Note 8 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

ἐξ εἰλικρινείας

of sincerity

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sincerity, you could express the idea by using an adjective such as “sincere.” Alternate translation: [those who are sincere]

Note 9 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

ὡς ἐκ Θεοῦ

like as as of God

Here, the phrase as from God indicates that God sent Paul and his fellow workers to speak the gospel. The word as indicates how they speak. It does not mean that they are not really from God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [as those whom God has sent] or [as ones sent by God]

Note 10 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

λαλοῦμεν

˱we˲_/are/_speaking

Here, Paul implies that they are speaking the word of God that he already mentioned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make what they speak more explicit. Alternate translation: [we speak the word of God]

Note 11 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

κατέναντι Θεοῦ

in_front_of God

Here, the phrase in the presence of God could indicate that: (1) they speak as they do because they know that God sees or knows what they do. So, they speak in a way that pleases God. Alternate translation: [as God desires] or [with God watching] (2) they speak with God as a witness guaranteeing what they say. Alternate translation: [with God as witness] or [with God guaranteeing it]

Note 12 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἐν Χριστῷ

in Christ

Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in Christ, or united to Christ, explains how they speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that they speak as those who are united to Christ. Alternate translation: [as Christians] or [as those united to Christ]