OET interlinear 2 COR 5:4

5:4a

So: The Greek phrase is literally “for also.” The words “For also” indicate that Paul explained further about what he wrote in 5:2. Other ways to translate this Greek phrase are:

For indeed (NASB)

…indeed (REB)

Some languages can allow the context to imply the connection and do not need to translate these Greek words.

while we are in this tent: This clause continues the metaphor of the earthly body being like a tent. Paul explained why he groaned and felt burdened in 5:4b–c.

5:4b

we groan under our burdens: There are several ways to interpret the phrase our burdens:

1. This phrase refers to all difficulties while living on earth, including the difficulties Paul experienced because he was a believer and an apostle. For example:

   we groan under our burden (NRSV) (BSB, NIV, NJB, NRSV, NASB, NABRE, CEV, NET, NCV, ESV, KJV)

2. This phrase refers only to other people causing difficulties for Paul and his coworkers because they were believers and apostles. For example:

   We groan…we are oppressed (REB) (GNT, REB)

3. This phrase refers to worries. For example:

   we sigh with anxiety (RSV) (RSV, GW)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because Paul has talked about more kinds of difficulties than oppression or anxiety in this book.For example: 4:16b. Thrall (p. 380) says that this phrase may refer in part to Paul’s suffering as an apostle.

Other ways to translate this phrase following interpretation (1) are:

we groan, being burdened (NASB)

we groan, and we experience many difficulties/troubles

under our burdens: In Greek this clause is passive and is literally “being burdened.” Many things, including disease, injuries, and enemies of God cause trouble. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

many things burden us

various things cause us trouble

5:4c

because we do not wish to be unclothed: The metaphor of the body being like clothing continues from the previous verses. This phrase refers to the process of removing the earthly body. Paul was saying that it is not (negatively) that he wants to leave this life, but that (positively) he wants to enter into the heavenly life. For example:

it is not that we want to get rid of our earthly body, but that we want to have the heavenly one put on over us (GNT)

Other ways to translate this are:

not that we want to be stripped of our covering (NJB)

because we do not want to have the old body stripped off (REB)

For we do not want to be left without any covering

Translate the metaphor in a similar way as you did in the previous verses. For example:

• Translate literally. Another example is:

  for we do not desire to be unclothed

• Translate it as a simile. For example:

  because we do not want to be like someone who is naked

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

  because we do not want to be unclothed, namely without a body

  because we do not want to die and be without that earthly body like a naked person

• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:

  because we do not want to be without that body

  because we do not want to die and be without that body

to be unclothed: This clause is passive. Death will cause the person to leave the body. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

for death to unclothe us

to die and leave the earthly tent

5:4d

but clothed: The words “we wish to be” are implied here from 5:4c. In some languages it is more natural to include the implied words. For example:

but we wish to be clothed…

clothed: These words continue the metaphor from the previous verses. Translate this in the same way as you translated it in 5:2. In some languages it is necessary to say with what Paul wanted to be clothed. For example:

but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling (NIV)

but we do want to put on the eternal house (GW)

The Greek does not have a word or phrase describing with what Paul wanted to be clothed, and many English versions do not have one either. However, it is clearly implied from 5:2b, and so a descriptive word or phrase can be supplied. Express the meaning in a way that is natural in your language.

5:4e

so that: This connecting phrase introduces the purpose for being “clothed” with our heavenly dwelling. Another way to translate this phrase is:

in order that

our mortality may be swallowed up by life: The metaphor of swallowed up refers to eternal life completely replacing the mortality or condition of earthly life. Other ways to translate this clause are:

this mortal being/existence will be swallowed by life

what is mortal will be transformed by life (GNT)

This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

eternal life may/will swallow this mortal being/existence

God will transform what is mortal into what has eternal life

In some languages translating the metaphor literally is not natural. The GNT example and the last example above translate the meaning of the metaphor. Other ways to translate this metaphor are:

our mortality may be absorbed into life immortal (REB)

this body that dies will be fully covered with life (NCV)

this mortal life will be completely taken over by eternal life as if swallowed up

life will fill the new existence completely and the earthly mortal life is gone

our mortality: This phrase indicates that the earthly bodies will die. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

these bodies that will die (CEV)

the body which is subject to death

life: Here this word refers to eternal life. It implies that the heavenly body will rule a believer’s existence in heaven.