2 COR 5:11 Parallel Verse View

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Text critical issues=small word differences Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

Key: khaki:verbs, 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 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. But we are clearly known by God, and I hope also to be clearly known in your consciences.

UST So then, because we experience what it means to fear the Lord Jesus, we convince others to fear him also. God knows that we are trustworthy, and I want you also to know that we are trustworthy.

BLB Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. And we have been made manifest to God, and I hope to have been made manifest in your consciences also.

AICNT Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope also to be made manifest in your consciences.

OEB ¶ Therefore, because we know the fear inspired by the Lord, it is true that we are trying to win people over, but our motives are plain to God; and I hope that in your inmost hearts they are plain to you also.

2DT Covenant gospel agents
Therefore, knowing awe before the Lord, we persuade humans. We have become apparent before God. I also hope to become apparent before your moral faculties.

WEBBE Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God, and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.

LSV having known, therefore, the fear of the LORD, we persuade men, and we are revealed to God, and I also hope to have been revealed in your consciences;

FBV Knowing how we are in awe of the Lord, we try to convince others. It's clear to God what we are, and I hope that it's clear to your minds too.

TCNT Therefore, because we know what it is to fear the Lord, we persuade others. What we are is known to God, and I hope that it is known in your consciences as well.

T4T It makes me fearful to think that some day I will stand before the Lord for him to judge me. So I do everything that I can to convince people that they should believe (OR, that I teach sincerely) God’s message. God knows very well how I conduct my life and what I teach, and I really believe that you know it, too.

LEB ¶ Therefore, because we[fn] know the fear of the Lord, we are attempting to persuade people, but we are revealed to God, and I hope to be revealed in your consciences.

5:11 *Here “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“know”) which is understood as causal

BBE Having in mind, then, the fear of the Lord, we put these things before men, but God sees our hearts; and it is my hope that we may seem right in your eyes.

Moff If I "appeal to the interests of men," then, it is with the fear of the Lord before my mind. What I am is plain to God without disguise, plain also, I trust, to your own conscience.

Wymth Therefore, because we realize how greatly the Lord is to be feared, we are endeavouring to win men over, and God recognizes what our motives are, and I hope that you, in your hearts, recognize them too.

ASV Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

DRA Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we use persuasion to men; but to God we are manifest. And I trust also that in your consciences we are manifest.

YLT having known, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, and to God we are manifested, and I hope also in your consciences to have been manifested;

Drby Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men, but have been manifested to [fn]God, and I hope also that we have been manifested in your consciences.

5.11 Elohim

RV Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

SLT Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; and we are made manifest to God; and I hope also to have been made manifest to your consciences.

Wbstr Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest to God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

KJB-1769 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

KJB-1611 Knowing therefore the terrour of the Lord, we perswade men; but we are made manifest vnto God, & I trust also, are made manifest in your consciences.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above, apart from punctuation)

Bshps Seing then that we knowe the feare of the Lorde, we fare fayre with men: For we are knowen well enough vnto God. I trust also that we are knowen in your consciences.
(Seing then that we know the fear of the Lord, we fare fair with men: For we are known well enough unto God. I trust also that we are known in your consciences.)

Gnva Knowing therefore that terrour of the Lord, we persuade men, and we are made manifest vnto God, and I trust also that we are made manifest in your consciences.
(Knowing therefore that terror of the Lord, we persuade men, and we are made manifest unto God, and I trust also that we are made manifest in your consciences. )

Cvdl Seynge then that we knowe, how that the LORDE is to be feared, we fare fayre with men, but we are knowne well ynough vnto God: I trust also, that we are knowne in youre consciences.
(Seeing then that we know, how that the LORD is to be feared, we fare fair with men, but we are known well enough unto God: I trust also, that we are known in your(pl) consciences.)

TNT Seynge then that we knowe how the lorde is to be feared we fare fayre with men. For we are knowen wel ynough vnto God. I trust also that we are knowen in youre consciences.
(Seeing then that we know how the lord is to be feared we fare fair with men. For we are known well enough unto God. I trust also that we are known in your(pl) consciences. )

Wycl Therfor we witynge the drede of the Lord, councelen men, for to God we ben opyn; and Y hope, that we ben opyn also in youre consciencis.
(Therefore we witing the dread of the Lord, councelen men, for to God we been opyn; and I hope, that we been open also in your(pl) consciencis.)

Luth Dieweil wir denn wissen, daß der HErr zu fürchten ist, fahren wir schön mit den Leuten; aber GOtt sind wir offenbar. Ich hoffe aber, daß wir auch in eurem Gewissen offenbar sind.
(Dieweil we/us because/than realise, that the/of_the LORD to/for fear(v) is, drive/ride/run we/us beautiful with the people; but God are we/us apparently. I hope(v) but, that we/us also in yours(pl) conscience apparently are.)

ClVg Scientes ergo timorem Domini, hominibus suademus, Deo autem manifesti sumus. Spero autem et in conscientiis vestris manifestos nos esse.[fn]
(Scientes therefore fear Master, to_humans suademus, to_God however manifesti we_are. Spero however and in/into/on conthey_will_knowiis yours manifestos us to_be. )

5.11 Deo autem manifesti sumus, quia hoc prædicamus quod jubet Deus.

5.11 to_God however manifesti we_are, because this beforedicamus that commands God.

UGNT εἰδότες οὖν τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου, ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν, Θεῷ δὲ πεφανερώμεθα; ἐλπίζω δὲ καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι.
(eidotes oun ton fobon tou Kuriou, anthrōpous peithomen, Theōi de pefanerōmetha; elpizō de kai en tais suneidaʸsesin humōn pefanerōsthai.)

SBL-GNT Εἰδότες οὖν τὸν φόβον τοῦ κυρίου ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν, θεῷ δὲ πεφανερώμεθα· ἐλπίζω δὲ καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι.
(Eidotes oun ton fobon tou kuriou anthrōpous peithomen, theōi de pefanerōmetha; elpizō de kai en tais suneidaʸsesin humōn pefanerōsthai.)

RP-GNT Εἰδότες οὖν τὸν φόβον τοῦ κυρίου ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν, θεῷ δὲ πεφανερώμεθα· ἐλπίζω δὲ καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι.
(Eidotes oun ton fobon tou kuriou anthrōpous peithomen, theōi de pefanerōmetha; elpizō de kai en tais suneidaʸsesin humōn pefanerōsthai.)

TC-GNT Εἰδότες οὖν τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν, Θεῷ δὲ πεφανερώμεθα· ἐλπίζω δὲ καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι.
(Eidotes oun ton fobon tou Kuriou anthrōpous peithomen, Theōi de pefanerōmetha; elpizō de kai en tais suneidaʸsesin humōn pefanerōsthai. )

Key for above GNTs: yellow:punctuation differs (from our SR-GNT base).

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 5:11–6:2: Allow God to reconcile with you

In this section, Paul explained the goal that he and his coworkers had (5:11a–b). He also said that God knew and approved of what they did (5:11c). He wrote that their accomplishments should cause the believers in Corinth to be proud of them (5:12). The basis for 5:13 may be that the false teachers had accused Paul of being crazy. Sometimes obeying God requires doing things which do not make sense to people who do not know God. Paul also explained the basis for his ministry (5:14–15).

He explained the new way believers should think of each other (5:16–17). He explained the basis for that new way of thinking (5:18–19). He told them that apostles are like ambassadors for Christ, and he urged people to be reconciled to God (5:20). He explained the basis for believers becoming righteous (5:21). He urged believers to follow God completely (6:1–2).

Other examples of headings for this section are:

The Ministry of Reconciliation (NIV)

Paul explained the basis for his ministry

Friendship with God through Christ (GNT)

God wants all people to reconcile with him

5:11a–b

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men: The first part, we know what it means to fear the Lord, is the basis or reason for persuading people. For example:

We know what it means to fear the Lord, and so we try to persuade others (GNT)

men: Here the word men is general and refers to both men and women. Here is another way to translate this:

people (NCV)

5:11a

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord,

¶ So then, always having/experiencing the fear of the Lord,
¶ Therefore, we^(excl) always revere the Lord God in great awe,

Therefore, since we know: The Greek conjunction that the BSB translates literally as Therefore indicates that 5:11 is the result of what Paul said in the preceding verses. Here is another way to translate this:

Therefore, knowing (NASB)

we know: Here the word know refers to having the attitude of fearing the Lord. The word does not refer to only knowing about something. The word also does not refer to only knowing the meaning of the words. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

we have/experience

always in mind (NJB)

what it means to fear the Lord: This Greek phrase is literally “the fear of the Lord” (as in the RSV). Here the word fear refers to:

knowing that God rules all things, including each person’s life;
knowing that one day God will judge each person;
awe that God is holy and all powerful;
reverence and honor to God.

The word fear does not imply that God is cruel, mean, or arbitrary.

In some languages a literal translation would not have the meaning as above. If that is true in your language, translate “the fear of the Lord” a way that indicates all or most of the above meaning. For example:

reverence and awe to the Lord

to respect the Lord (CEV)

the Lord: This phrase probably refers to God here.

5:11b

we try to persuade men.

we^(excl) exhort/urge people to believe.
and so help people to accept the truth.

we try to persuade men: The Greek words do not say what Paul was trying to persuade men to believe. There are several ways to translate the Greek:

Paul was trying to persuade people to believe in Jesus. 5:11b connects to 5:11a, and 5:11a would imply his responsibility to preach about Jesus. For example:
encourage everyone to turn to him (CEV) (CEV)
Paul was trying to persuade people that he was sincere and his ministry was proper. 5:11b connects to 5:11c–d, and 5:11c–d would imply his concern about what the believers in Corinth were thinking about him. For example:
we try to help people accept the truth about us (NCV) (NCV)

The BSB and many other English versions translate literally and do not say what or who is believed in. A literal translation in some languages would imply interpretation (1).Thrall (p. 400), Harris (p. 411), Martin (p. 117), Kistemaker (p. 173), Barrett (p. 161), Furnish (p. 305), and Hughes (on TW), in their translations, do not add what thing Paul was persuading people about. But Harris (p. 413) says that Paul was trying to convince the people “of the truth of the gospel.” If that is true in your language, you may want to translate literally. But if a literal translation would imply interpretation (2), you should translate according to interpretation (1).

Some languages must say what Paul was trying to persuade the people to believe. If that is true in your language, follow interpretation (1), since 5:11b is closely connected to 5:11a in the Greek.

try to persuade men: The Greek word that the BSB translates as try to persuade refers to talking to people with the intent to convince them of something. The Greek word does not imply that everyone is convinced. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

exhort/urge people to believe

try to help people accept the truth (NCV)

The Greek phrase indicates an ongoing action. For example:

are persuading people

are trying to persuade people

men: Here the word men is general and refers to both men and women. Here is another way to translate this:

others (GNT)

5:11c

What we are is clear to God,

We are well known to God,
God knows what we truly are,

This sentence begins with a Greek conjunction that probably introduces a new part of the same theme from 5:11a–b. In English, such a connection is often indicated with a new sentence with no conjunction. For example:

God himself knows… (CEV)

What we are is clear to God: This clause indicates that God knew all things about Paul and the other evangelists. There was nothing about them that was hidden from God. Other ways to translate this clause are:

we ourselves are well known to God (NRSV)

God knows us completely (GNT)

God sees us for what we are (NJB)

God knows what we truly are

5:11d

and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.

and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. (NRSV)
and I expect that you also know in your^(plur) hearts what we truly are.

I hope it is clear to your conscience as well: Here the word hope probably means “expect but possibly with some doubt.” It indicates that Paul desired that the believers would clearly understand his own life and ministry and that of the others. But he was perhaps a bit worried that the false teachers would deceive them into thinking that he was not a true apostle. So he hoped it was plain to them. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I hope that we are also well known to your consciences (NRSV)

I hope that in your hearts you truly know us as well

I expect that you see us for what we are in your consciences

conscience: The Greek word that the BSB translates as conscience refers to the memories of past deeds. Paul expected the believers to use their conscience and honestly evaluate his life and ministry and decide he had done nothing wrong. Other ways to translate this word are:

inner being

convictions of the mind

See how you translated this word in 1:12 or 4:2.

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

οὖν

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: εἰδότες Οὖν τόν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν Θεῷ Δέ πεφανερώμεθα ἐλπίζω δέ καί ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι)

Here, the word Therefore introduces a conclusion or inference from what Paul has said in [5:10](../05/10.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion or inference. Alternate translation: [Because of that] or [So]

Note 2 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

εἰδότες

˓having˒_known

Here, the word knowing introduces a reason for why Paul and those with him persuade men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this relationship more explicit. Alternate translation: [since we know]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου

Here Paul uses the possessive form to identify fear that is directed toward the Lord. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the fear that is directed to the Lord] or [the fear that we experience for the Lord]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of fear, you could express the idea by using a verb such as “fear.” Alternate translation: [how we fear the Lord] or [what it is to fear the Lord]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν

people ˱we˲_˓are˒_persuading

Here Paul could be implying that he “persuades” people: (1) to know the fear of the Lord as he and those with him do. Alternate translation: [we persuade men also to know the fear of the Lord] (2) to realize that he and those with him are people who know the fear of the Lord and are thus trustworthy. Alternate translation: [we persuade men that we are those who fear the Lord] or [we persuade men that we are trustworthy] (3) to accept the gospel. Alternate translation: [we persuade men to believe the gospel]

Note 6 topic: grammar-connect-logic-contrast

δὲ

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with how they persuade men. In contrast with that, they do not need to persuade God, since they are already clearly known by him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes this relationship clear. Alternate translation: [On the other hand,]

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

Θεῷ & πεφανερώμεθα & πεφανερῶσθαι

˱to˲_God & ˱we˲_˓have_been˒_revealed & ˓to_have˒_revealed

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [God knows us clearly … that you know us clearly]

Note 8 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

πεφανερώμεθα & ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι

˱we˲_˓have_been˒_revealed & in the consciences ˱of˲_you_all ˓to_have˒_revealed

Here Paul does not state what it is about them that is clearly known. He implies that God knows that Paul and his coworkers are faithful to God and preach the good news properly. Paul wants the Corinthians to recognize this also. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [we are clearly known to be faithful … to be clearly known in your consciences as faithful] or [we are clearly known to preach the truth … to be clearly known in your consciences as one preaching the truth]