OET interlinear 2 COR 8:19

8:19a

More than that: This phrase indicates that Paul had more to say about the unnamed brother. Other ways to translate this are:

and not only that (RSV)

And besides that (GNT)

this brother was chosen by the churches: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

the churches elected him (GW)

8:19b

with the offering: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as with the offering is literally “with this grace.” It indicates that the churches chose the unnamed believer with this gift of money in mind. They wanted him to help Paul to collect the gift properly, take it safely to Jerusalem, and share the money fairly with the poor believers.

Many English versions add a verb to help explain what the unnamed believer would do. For example:

as we carry the offering (NIV)

as we take the offering (NLT)

help in this beneficent work (REB)

to help us in regards to this gift of money

In other languages it is more natural to follow the Greek and, like the BSB, not use a verb. For example:

in this work of generosity (NJB)

in regards to this gift of money

offering: The Greek word here is literally “grace.” Here it refers to the results of grace, which in this case are a gift. This gift of money to the poor believers in Jerusalem will help them to buy the things they need. Other ways to translate this word are:

act of grace (ESV)

gift of money (NCV)

8:19c

we administer: This clause tells the reader more about the offering. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Paul was thinking of other offerings and that he and his coworkers administered only this one. If that is true in your language, translate this clause in a way that tells more about the offering. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

We administer it

administer: This verb refers to organizing a project and making it happen. Paul and the others were helping the believers collect the money. Paul and the others would also take it to Jerusalem. Other ways to translate this word are:

doing this service (NCV)

take proper care of

watch over

being leaders over this work

to honor the Lord Himself: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as honor the Lord is literally “the glory of the Lord.” This Greek phrase indicates that the purpose of administering the gift properly was to honor God. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

for the sake of the Lord’s glory (GNT)

that glorifies the Lord (NLT)

that will bring praise to the Lord (CEV)

Lord: The word Lord probably refers to God here. In some languages it is more natural to include “God” in this phrase. For example:

Lord God

The Greek word that the BSB translates as Lord means “the one in authority over (something)” or “master.” See how you translated this word in 1:2 or 8:5.

8:19d

to show our eagerness to help: The Greek words are literally “for the purpose of our eagerness.”The Greek preposition pros occurs before the phrase “honor the Lord himself.” Here it means “for the purpose of.” The preposition connects to the phrase “our eagerness” as well. The brother would be able to tell the believers in Corinth that Paul and his coworkers eagerly administered the gift. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

for the purpose of telling you about our eagerness for this task

shows that we are doing it willingly (GW)

show our own eagerness to serve (REB)

to show that we really want to help (NCV)