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ParallelVerse GEN EXO LEV NUM DEU JOB JOS JDG RUTH 1 SAM 2 SAM PSA AMOS HOS 1 KI 2 KI 1 CHR 2 CHR PROV ECC SNG JOEL MIC ISA ZEP HAB JER LAM YNA (JNA) NAH OBA DAN EZE EZRA EST NEH HAG ZEC MAL LAO GES LES ESG DNG 2 PS TOB JDT WIS SIR BAR LJE PAZ SUS BEL MAN 1 MAC 2 MAC 3 MAC 4 MAC YHN (JHN) MARK MAT LUKE ACTs YAC (JAM) GAL 1 TH 2 TH 1 COR 2 COR ROM COL PHM EPH PHP 1 TIM TIT 1 PET 2 PET 2 TIM HEB YUD (JUD) 1 YHN (1 JHN) 2 YHN (2 JHN) 3 YHN (3 JHN) REV
2 Cor Intro C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13
2 Cor 10 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7 V8 V9 V10 V11 V12 V13 V14 V15 V16 V17 V18
Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.
Text critical issues=minor/spelling Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)
OET (OET-RV) Now I myself, Paul, am indeed humble when I’m with you all, but when I’m absent I’m bolder. I implore you all by the humility and gentleness of the messiah![]()
OET-LV And myself I, Paulos, am_exhorting you_all by the gentleness and gentleness of_the chosen_one/messiah, who concerning appearance indeed am_humble among you_all, but being_absent I_am_having_confidence toward you_all.
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SR-GNT Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ, Παῦλος, παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ ˚Χριστοῦ, ὃς κατὰ πρόσωπον μὲν ταπεινὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀπὼν δὲ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς. ‡
(Autos de egō, Paulos, parakalō humas dia taʸs prautaʸtos kai epieikeias tou ˚Ⱪristou, hos kata prosōpon men tapeinos en humin, apōn de tharrō eis humas.)
Key: khaki:verbs, light-green:nominative/subject, orange:accusative/object, pink:genitive/possessor, cyan:dative/indirect object.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).
ULT Now I, Paul, myself—who am meek when face to face among you, but being absent, am bold toward you—appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.
UST Now I will speak about myself, Paul. I am humbly and reasonably urging you to do what is right, just like the Messiah was humble and reasonable. Some people say that when I was with you in person, I was gentle with you, but now, when I am away, I am forceful with you.
BSB Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who [am] humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
MSB Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who [am] humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
BLB Now I, Paul, myself exhort you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who indeed as to appearance am humble among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
AICNT But I myself, Paul, urge you by the gentleness and forbearance of Christ, who in presence am humble among you, but being absent am bold toward you;
OEB Now, I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of the Christ – I who, ‘in your presence, am humble in my bearing towards you, but, when absent, am bold in my language to you’ –
WEBBE Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly amongst you, but being absent am bold towards you.
WMBB Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Messiah, I who in your presence am lowly amongst you, but being absent am bold towards you.
NET Now I, Paul, appeal to you personally by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (I who am meek when present among you, but am full of courage toward you when away!) –
LSV And I, Paul, myself, call on you—through the meekness and gentleness of the Christ—who in presence [am] indeed humble among you, and being absent, have courage toward you,
FBV This is me Paul, personally appealing to you through Christ's kindness and gentleness, the one who is “shy” when I have to face you but who is “bold” when I'm not there.[fn]
10:1 Paul seems to be dealing with an accusation some have made against him.
TCNT Now I, Paul, myself appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when with you face to face, but bold toward you when absent!
T4T Now I myself, Paul, appeal to you in a gentle and humble way, like Christ would. Certain people among you have falsely accused me by saying, “When Paul is with you, he is humble and speaks gently to you, but when he is away from you, in the letters he writes to you he threatens to punish you.” Those people claim that I do not have authority over you as an apostle.
LEB Now I, Paul, appeal to you myself by the humility and gentleness of Christ, who ⌊when I am present in person⌋[fn] am humble among you, but when I[fn] am absent am bold toward you—
10:1 Literally “to the face”
10:1 *Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“am absent”) which is understood as temporal
BBE Now I, Paul, myself make request to you by the quiet and gentle behaviour of Christ, I who am poor in spirit when with you, but who say what is in my mind to you without fear when I am away from you:
Moff I appeal to you myself by the gentleness and consideration of Christ — the Paul who is "humble enough to your face when he is with you, but outspoken enough when he gets away from you."
Wymth But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and self-forgetfulness of Christ—I who when among you have not an imposing personal presence, but when absent am fearlessly outspoken in dealing with you.
ASV Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
DRA Now I Paul myself beseech you, by the mildness and modesty of Christ, who in presence indeed am lowly among you, but being absent, am bold toward you.
YLT And I, Paul, myself, do call upon you — through the meekness and gentleness of the Christ — who in presence, indeed [am] humble among you, and being absent, have courage toward you,
Drby But I myself, Paul, entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of the Christ, who, as to appearance, [when present] [am] mean among you, but absent am bold towards you;
RV Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
SLT And I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and equity of Christ, who, in face truly low with you, but at a distance bold towards you:
Wbstr Now I Paul myself beseech you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold towards you:
KJB-1769 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
(Now I Paul myself beseech/implore you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: )
KJB-1611 ¶ Now I Paul my selfe beseech you, by the meekenes and gentlenesse of Christ, who [fn]in presence am base among you, but being absent, am bold toward you:
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above, apart from punctuation and footnotes)
10:1 Or, in outward appearance.
Bshps I Paul my selfe beseche you by the mekenesse & gentlenesse of Christ, whiche when I am present among you, am lowlye: but am bolde towarde you beyng absent.
(I Paul myself beseech/implore you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, which when I am present among you, am lowlye: but am bold toward you being absent.)
Gnva Nowe I Paul my selfe beseech you by the meekenes, and gentlenes of Christ, which when I am present among you am base, but am bolde toward you being absent:
(Now I Paul myself beseech/implore you by the meekness, and gentlenes of Christ, which when I am present among you am base, but am bold toward you being absent: )
Cvdl I Paul my selfe beseke you by the mekenesse and softnesse off Christ, which when I am present amonge you, am of small reputacion, but am bolde towarde you beynge absent.
(I Paul myself beseke you by the meekness and softness off Christ, which when I am present among you, am of small reputation, but am bold toward you being absent.)
TNT I Paule my silfe beseche you by the mekenes and softnes of Christ which when I am present amonge you am of no reputacion but am bolde towarde you beinge absent.
(I Paule myself beseech/implore you by the meekness and softnes of Christ which when I am present among you am of no reputation but am bold toward you being absent. )
Wycl And Y my silf Poul biseche you, bi the myldenesse and softnesse of Crist, which in the face am meke among you, and Y absent triste in you.
(And I myself Poul beseech/implore you, by the mildness and softness of Christ, which in the face am meek among you, and I absent triste in you.)
Luth Ich aber, Paulus, ermahne euch durch die Sanftmütigkeit und Lindigkeit Christi, der ich gegenwärtig unter euch gering bin, im Abwesen aber bin ich türstig gegen euch.
(I but, Paulus, admonish/rebuke you through the Sanftmütigkeit and Lindigkeit Christi, the/of_the I currently under you small/little am, in_the Abwesen but am I türstig to/against you.)
ClVg Ipse autem ego Paulus obsecro vos per mansuetudinem et modestiam Christi, qui in facie quidem humilis sum inter vos, absens autem confido in vos.[fn]
(Exactly_that however I Paulus I_beg you(pl) through gentlenessm and modestiam Christi, who/which in/into/on face indeed humble I_am between you(pl), absens however confido in/into/on you(pl). )
10.1 Ipse autem ego Paulus. Incipit agere de incorrectis qui pseudo sequebantur, et Apostolum ferocem putabant, quasi diceret: Correctos ad eleemosynas invito: Paulus vere humilis, non superbus ipse qui alios ad eleemosynas moneo, idem vobis qui illis, obsecro, dico, etc.
10.1 Exactly_that however I Paulus. It_begins to_act from/about incorrectis who/which pseudo they_followed, and Apostolum ferocem they_thought, as_if would_say: Correctos to eleemosynas invito: Paulus really/truly humble, not/no proud exactly_that/himself who/which others to eleemosynas moneo, the_same to_you(pl) who/which to_them, I_beg, I_mean/say, etc.
UGNT αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ, Παῦλος, παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς κατὰ πρόσωπον μὲν ταπεινὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀπὼν δὲ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς.
(autos de egō, Paulos, parakalō humas dia taʸs prautaʸtos kai epieikeias tou Ⱪristou, hos kata prosōpon men tapeinos en humin, apōn de tharrō eis humas.)
SBL-GNT Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς κατὰ πρόσωπον μὲν ταπεινὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀπὼν δὲ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς·
(Autos de egō Paulos parakalō humas dia taʸs prautaʸtos kai epieikeias tou Ⱪristou, hos kata prosōpon men tapeinos en humin, apōn de tharrō eis humas;)
RP-GNT Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διὰ τῆς πρᾳότητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ χριστοῦ, ὃς κατὰ πρόσωπον μὲν ταπεινὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀπὼν δὲ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς·
(Autos de egō Paulos parakalō humas dia taʸs praotaʸtos kai epieikeias tou ⱪristou, hos kata prosōpon men tapeinos en humin, apōn de tharrō eis humas;)
TC-GNT Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διὰ τῆς [fn]πρᾳότητος καὶ [fn]ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς κατὰ πρόσωπον μὲν ταπεινὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀπὼν δὲ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς·
(Autos de egō Paulos parakalō humas dia taʸs praotaʸtos kai epieikeias tou Ⱪristou, hos kata prosōpon men tapeinos en humin, apōn de tharrō eis humas; )
Key for above GNTs: yellow:punctuation differs, red:words differ (from our SR-GNT base).
10:1–13:13 In this section, Paul defends his ministry as an apostle.
• These chapters pose several problems arising from a distinct change of tone and style. Chapters 1–9 are full of joy stemming from the reconciliation of sinners with God and of the Corinthians with Paul. Yet from this point on, Paul is on the defensive. These chapters are full of harsh words, bitter recriminations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The remarkable break at 10:1 has inspired a number of explanations: (1) These chapters might be a separate letter, perhaps the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3-4; 7:8-9). (2) It might be that, while the majority of the church members were obedient to the appeal for reconciliation, there was still a rebellious minority to whom Paul addressed these four chapters. (3) More likely, a new situation had arisen since Titus first brought back his glowing report of restored harmony (7:5-16). In this scenario, some anti-Paul missionaries had arrived in Corinth and launched a virulent campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13-15). They claimed that Paul was no real apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to come to Corinth with the gospel message since it was territory that belonged to them (10:15-16). They brought an alien message (11:4) and exercised a domineering spirit. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13-15). Paul, concerned upon hearing of this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and engages in a form of writing that is distasteful to him (11:1, 16-17; 12:1) by boasting of his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is real and powerful, yet it is conditioned and controlled by the love exhibited by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4-10).
10:1-6 Paul states his own clear intentions and sincerity by defending himself against the suspicion that he is acting from human motives.
In this section, Paul asked the believers in Corinth to live in obedience to their faith, or he might have to rebuke or discipline some (10:1–2). He explained how a believer fights against those who oppose God (10:3–4) and how to rebuke them as well as correct a disobedient believer (10:5–6).
He told them to understand their situation, including Paul’s authority (10:7–8). He explained that he was forceful in his letters, and that he would be forceful in person if he had to be (10:9–11).
He told them that people who commend themselves are not wise (10:12). He explained that he boasted only in proper ways. One of those ways was boasting about the faith of people whom he had helped become believers, which included those in Corinth (10:13–15a). He told them that he hoped to preach the gospel in more regions (10:15b–16a). He explained further about proper things to boast about (10:16b–17). Lastly, he told them that God approves of people according to what God himself says in favor of them and not what a person boasts about himself (10:18).
Other examples of headings for this section are:
Paul’s reply to accusations of weakness (NJB)
Paul Describes Himself (NASB)
Paul responded to some who had criticized him
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul,
¶ Now I, Paul, urgently/strongly ask you(plur) something in the manner of the humbleness and forbearance of Christ.
¶ I myself, Paul, urge you here. I speak as Christ would, meekly and gently.
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul: The Greek words are literally “Now I myself Paul appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” Paul emphasized referring to himself here. For example:
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (RSV)
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ: Both mildness and gentleness are of Christ. Jesus showed both mildness and gentleness when he lived on earth. Paul lived according to the example that Jesus showed.
mildness: This word refers to a person being considerate of others, not putting himself first and not wanting to argue. Another example is:
humble (CEV)
gentleness: The Greek word that the BSB translates as gentleness refers to a person being patient when others do not do as he wishes. Such a person shows mercy to them and does not retaliate. Another example is:
forbearance (NJB)
Christ: The word Christ is a title for Jesus. The word Christ literally means “the anointed one.” Translate the word Christ here as you did in 1:1.
appeal: This word refers to asking people to do as you say they should do. It does not mean “command.” Other ways to translate this word are:
entreat (RSV)
urge (NJB)
Paul did not say here what he was asking the Corinthians to do. But in 10:2 he implied that they should live according to their faith so he would not have to be bold and discipline those who sinned. He also said in 10:6 that he would punish every act of disobedience once their obedience was complete. So he was urging them to obey what he had said that they should do.
who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
Some call me cowardly when I am face to face with you but bold when I am away.
Certain people claim I am timid before you and outspoken when I am away from you and write to you.
who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away: The word who indicates that Paul described himself in 10:1b. In some languages using the word “who” may indicate a different meaning or person. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:
I am timid when face to face with you, but bold when away.
am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away: Opponents of Paul accused him of being humble when face to face but bold when writing his letters to the believers in Corinth, as in 10:10. There are two ways to interpret these words:
Translate in a way that indicates that Paul spoke of that accusation here. One way to do this is to put the words humble and bold in quote marks. For example:
who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away (NIV)
Another way to do this is to translate the words in such a way as to show that someone else had spoken those words and that Paul did not agree with the accusation. For example:
am said to be meek and mild when I am with you, but harsh with you when I am away (GNT) (RSV, NIV, GNT, NASB, NLT, CEV, NET, REB, ESV, NCV)The RSV, NASB, ESV, and NET use an exclamation point at the end of this text. That probably indicates that this statement is ironic. That would imply that this text is an accusation of Paul’s enemies in Corinth.
Translate in a way that implies that Paul referred to himself as having these attitudes. For example:
is so humble when he is facing you but full of boldness at a distance (NJB) (BSB, NJB, NABRE, GW, KJV)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because Paul explained that accusation in 10:10.Harris (p. 664) translates the text as “who face to face with you am ‘timid’ but when absent am ‘bold’.” Martin (p. 297) translates the text as “who am ‘timid’ when face to face with you, but when I am away, I am ‘haughty’ over you.” Thrall (p. 603) says, “Paul reproduces their criticism.” Other ways to translate this following interpretation (1) are:
whom some call timid when I am face to face with you but bold when away
even though some of you say I am bold in my letters but timid in person (NLT96)
Some people say that I am easy on you when I am with you and bold when I am away (NCV)
humble: Following interpretation (1) in the previous note in 10:1b, this word would have the meaning of “timid” (as in the NIV). This would refer to lacking confidence or being afraid to speak an opinion that is different from others. It might also refer to thinking of everyone else as being of a higher status.Following interpretation (2) in the previous note in 10:1b, this word would have the meaning of “humble” (as in the BSB). That would be a positive quality. For example:
a coward (CEV)
bold: Following interpretation (1) in the previous note in 10:1b, this word would have a negative meaning, such as “outspoken” (as in JBP). It would refer to speaking an opinion without proper concern for the feelings and opinions of others.Following interpretation (2) in the first note in 10:1b, this word would have a positive meaning, such as “brave” (CEV) or “courageous” (REB).
Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases
αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ, Παῦλος
(Some words not found in SR-GNT: αὐτός Δέ ἐγώ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διά τῆς πραΰτητος καί ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅς κατά πρόσωπον μέν ταπεινός ἐν ὑμῖν ἀπών δέ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς)
Here, the word Now introduces a new topic, which Paul introduces with several strong words. This new topic concerns Paul himself and his ministry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces a new topic and focuses on Paul himself. Alternate translation: [As for me, Paul, I] or [Concerning me, Paul, I]
Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / irony
ὃς κατὰ πρόσωπον μὲν ταπεινὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀπὼν δὲ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς
(Some words not found in SR-GNT: αὐτός Δέ ἐγώ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διά τῆς πραΰτητος καί ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅς κατά πρόσωπον μέν ταπεινός ἐν ὑμῖν ἀπών δέ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς)
Here Paul describes himself with words that the Corinthians or his enemies use. He does not mean that he thinks these words are actually true about himself, but he repeats them to respond to what others are saying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that these are words that other people have said about Paul. Alternate translation: [who appears to be meek when face to face among you, but being absent, appears to be bold toward you]
Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom
κατὰ πρόσωπον
(Some words not found in SR-GNT: αὐτός Δέ ἐγώ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διά τῆς πραΰτητος καί ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅς κατά πρόσωπον μέν ταπεινός ἐν ὑμῖν ἀπών δέ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς)
Here, the phrase face to face refers to being with someone physically or in person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: [when physically present] or [when bodily]
Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / doublet
τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας
the gentleness (Some words not found in SR-GNT: αὐτός Δέ ἐγώ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διά τῆς πραΰτητος καί ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅς κατά πρόσωπον μέν ταπεινός ἐν ὑμῖν ἀπών δέ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς)
The terms meekness and gentleness mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [the gentleness] or [the humility]
Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns
διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ
(Some words not found in SR-GNT: αὐτός Δέ ἐγώ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διά τῆς πραΰτητος καί ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅς κατά πρόσωπον μέν ταπεινός ἐν ὑμῖν ἀπών δέ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς)
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of meekness and gentleness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [by how meek and gentle Christ was] or [by how meekly and gently Christ acted]
Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / possession
διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ
(Some words not found in SR-GNT: αὐτός Δέ ἐγώ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διά τῆς πραΰτητος καί ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅς κατά πρόσωπον μέν ταπεινός ἐν ὑμῖν ἀπών δέ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς)
Here, Paul is using the possessive form to identify the meekness and gentleness that characterized Christ. He could mean that: (1) he is appealing to them with the same meekness and gentleness that Christ showed. Alternate translation: [in the meek and gentle manner that Christ had] (2) he wants them to consider the meekness and gentleness that Christ had when they listen to his appeal. Alternate translation: [asking that you think about the meekness and gentleness that Christ had]