UTN uW Translation Notes:

2 Corinthians 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

3. Interrupted travel plans (1:15–2:13) * The interruption and the reason for it (1:15–2:4) * The person who caused grief (2:5–11) * Travel to Troas and Macedonia (2:12–13)4. Paul’s ministry (2:14–7:4) * The fragrance of Christ (2:14–17)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The previous letter

In 2:3–4, 9, Paul refers to a letter that he had already written and sent to the Corinthians. While a few scholars think this letter is 1 Corinthians, most likely we do not have this previous letter. Paul acknowledges that this previous letter might have “grieved” them, but he wants them to know that he wrote the letter because of his love for them. In your translation, make sure that these verses refer to a letter that Paul previously wrote, not to 2 Corinthians.

“Grieving” others

Paul refers to “sorrow,” “grief,” and “grieving” others multiple times in 2:1–8. These words refer to how people who are close friends can “grieve” or hurt each other by what they say and do. These words do not refer to physically hurting someone. Rather, they refer to hurting someone emotionally. Paul acknowledges that his letter might have “grieved” them, and he also indicates that one of the Corinthians has “grieved” fellow believers. Consider a natural way to refer to one person hurting or injuring another person inside.

The person who caused grief

In 2:5–11, Paul refers to a person who has caused grief. Almost certainly, he has one specific person in mind. Paul is not clear about what this person did to cause the grief. He or she may have committed a sexual sin or stolen money from the church or opposed Paul’s authority. Whatever the person did, Paul chooses not to be specific about the person or what he or she did. Perhaps this is because he wants the Corinthians to forgive and show love to this person now that he or she has been properly disciplined by the church. In your translation, use general words for both the person and what the person did.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Aroma and fragrance

In 2:14–16, Paul identifies himself and those who serve with him as an “aroma” or “fragrance.” Paul could be thinking in general of smells and odors, or he could be referring to the smell from incense and sacrifices offered during a “triumphal procession” (See: 2:14), or he could be referring to the smell from sacrifices offered at the temple. Whatever exact smells Paul has in mind, he is clear that he and his fellow workers are a smell that comes from Christ, and people react to it very differently: some think it is the smell of death, while others think it is the smell of life. Paul speaks in this way because smells spread throughout a whole area, and people have to react to them. Just as smells spread, he and his fellow workers spread the gospel throughout the world, and people have to respond to it. Further, just as some people like a smell and others hate it, so some people believe the gospel and receive life from God, while others reject the gospel and perish. If possible, preserve the “aroma” and “fragrance” language. If necessary, you could use a simile to express the idea. (See: figs-metaphor)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Paul’s use of pronouns

In 2:1–13, Paul consistently uses the first person singular to refer to himself and the second person plural to refer to the Corinthians. The only exception is in 2:11, where Paul uses “we” to refer to himself and the Corinthians. However, in 2:14–17, Paul uses “we” to refer to himself and those preaching the gospel with him. In these verses, “we” does not include the Corinthians. It is unclear exactly whom Paul includes in “we”: it could be just he and Titus, or he and the group that works with him, or he and everyone else who preaches the gospel. Consider natural ways to represent these changes in reference throughout the chapter. (See: figs-exclusive)

Paul’s travel

In 2:12–13, Paul describes some of his travels. Troas is a city on the west coast of what is now Turkey. Since Troas was a port city, most likely Paul sailed from there to Macedonia, which is the northern part of what is now Greece. Since Corinth is in southern Greece, Paul was not too far away from the Corinthians. Paul continues the description of what happened in Macedonia in 7:5–7. Consider what information your readers need to know to understand Paul’s travels, and include what is necessary in your translation or in a footnote. (See: troas and macedonia)