2 Corinthians 1:11-13
New English Translation
11 as you also join in helping us by prayer, so that many people may give thanks to God[a] on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the help of many.
Paul Defends His Changed Plans
12 For our reason for confidence[b] is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with pure motives[c] and sincerity which are from God[d]—not by human wisdom[e] but by the grace of God—we conducted ourselves in the world, and all the more[f] toward you. 13 For we do not write you anything other than what[g] you can read and also understand. But I hope that you will understand completely[h]
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- 2 Corinthians 1:11 tn Grk “so that thanks may be given by many.” The words “to God” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. The passive construction has been converted to an active one for clarity, in keeping with contemporary English style.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 tn Or “for boasting.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 tc Two viable variants exist at this place in the text: ἁγιότητι (hagiotēti, “holiness”) vs. ἁπλότητι (haplotēti, “pure motives”). A confusion of letters could well have produced the variant (TCGNT 507): In majuscule script the words would have been written agiothti and aplothti. This, however, does not explain which reading created the other. Overall ἁπλότητι, though largely a Western-Byzantine reading (א2 D F G M lat sy), is better suited to the context; it is also a Pauline word while ἁγιότης (hagiotēs) is not. It also best explains the rise of the other variants, πραότητι (praotēti, “gentleness”) and σπλάγχνοις (splanchnois, “compassion”). On the other hand, the external evidence in favor of ἁγιότητι is extremely strong (P46 א* A B C K P Ψ 0121 0243 33 81 1739 1881 al co). This diversity of mss provides excellent evidence for authenticity, but because of the internal evidence listed above, ἁπλότητι is to be preferred, albeit only slightly.tn Or “sincerity.” The two terms translated “pure motives” (ἁπλότης, haplotēs) and “sincerity” (εἰλικρίνεια, eilikrineia) are close synonyms.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 tn Grk “pure motives and sincerity of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 tn Or “not by worldly wisdom.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 tn Or “and especially.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:13 tn Grk “than the things.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:13 tn Grk “to the end,” a Greek idiom for “fully,” “totally,” “completely.”
2 Corinthians 1:11-13
King James Version
11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
13 For we write none other things unto you, that what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
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2 Corinthians 1:11-13
New King James Version
11 you also (A)helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on [a]our behalf (B)for the gift granted to us through many.
Paul’s Sincerity
12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in [b]simplicity and (C)godly sincerity, (D)not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end
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- 2 Corinthians 1:11 M your behalf
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 The opposite of duplicity
2 Corinthians 1:11-13
New International Version
11 as you help us by your prayers.(A) Then many will give thanks(B) on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Paul’s Change of Plans
12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience(C) testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity[a](D) and godly sincerity.(E) We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom(F) but on God’s grace. 13 For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that,
Footnotes
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 Many manuscripts holiness
2 Corinthians 1:11-13
English Standard Version
11 (A)You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf (B)for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
Paul's Change of Plans
12 For our boast is this, (C)the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity[a] and (D)godly sincerity, (E)not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. 13 For we are not writing to you anything other than what you read and understand and I hope you will fully understand—
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- 2 Corinthians 1:12 Some manuscripts holiness
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