2 Corinthians 10

plead
The Greek term παρακαλέω (parakaleō) is consistently translated as “plead” to maintain distinction from the stronger Greek term ὀρκίζω (horkizō), which is used in oaths and rendered as “implore” (cf. the discussion on Mark 5:7). The use of this word, on one hand, is often directed toward one seen as having greater power, authority, or ability than the one pleading, and on the other demonstrates the desperation or desire of the pleader that the outcome be accomplished. Here, it is the latter, as Paul pleads with the Corinthians that he would not need to employ bold apostolic authority to confront them.

humble
While some translations have “meek when face-to-face…,” the word “humble” here preserves consistency for the Greek term ταπεινός (tapeinos) throughout the New Testament. Such consistency in translation helps the reader to recognize the same term anywhere it appears.

face-to-face
The question might be raised as to why the expression, “face to face” is used without hyphens in 1 Corinthians 13:12 but with hyphens here. The difference is intentional, as the Greek wording behind each is distinct. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, the Greek spells out the expression fully: πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον (prosōpon pros prosōpon). Here, the wording differs slightly but conveys the same meaning: κατὰ πρόσωπον (kata prosōpon). Thus, the translation reflects the distinct Greek wording, even in details like the difference between “face to face” and “face-to-face,” to provide the reader with the clearest possible window to the original text.

courageous
The Greek word θαρρέω (tharreō) and its cognates are consistently translated with the English word “courage” in 2 Corinthians (cf. 5:6, 8; 7:16; 10:2). This consistency is especially important between 7:16 (“encourage”) and here (“courageous”), because the word play Paul employs here highlights a double irony. He had affirmed that he was indeed “encouraged” because of the Corinthians, even though they had accused him (as he references here) that he was only “courageous” toward them when absent. The consistent gloss with “courage” makes this easier to see in English.

courageously
Refer to the discussion on verse 1 above.

consider
The Greek verb λογίζομαι (logizomai) appears twice in this verse and is rendered in other translations with various word pairings (e.g, “propose…regard”; “count…suspect”; “plan…think”). Here, it is translated as “consider” both times to allow the reader to see that the same word is used twice. In 2 Corinthians, λογίζομαι (logizomai) is consistently translated as either “consider” (cf. 3:5; 10:7, 11; 11:5; 12:6) or “count” (5:19) so that the reader may easily recognize the term anywhere it appears. Here, Paul employs the word twice to demonstrate that his “considering” is a response to the “considering” of those who accuse him and his ministry companions. His strategy is motivated by and formed around the false teachers’ misconception.

tearing down
“Tearing down” translates the Greek term καθαίρεσις (kathairesis). By rendering this term consistently, this translation brings out a wordplay with its other occurrence in 13:10, where Paul explains that the authority the Lord gave him over the Corinthians was for building up, not tearing down. Thus, Paul will not do to the Corinthians what he is planning to do with the false teachers here. These weapons are not for tearing down those within the church but for tearing down any conflicting ideology, theology, or philosophy that would be in opposition to God.

weak
“Weak” provides a more literal translation of ἀσθενής (asthenēs) than something like “unimpressive,” which while conveying the sense does not best represent the word itself. Ἀσθενής (asthenēs) speaks primarily of frailty, sickness, or lack of strength or vigor, and is an appropriate antonym for “strong” (ἰσχυρός; ischyros) earlier in the verse. Because of the persuasiveness and opposition of false teachers, when the Corinthians saw Paul in person, they saw his humble and gentle demeanor toward them as weakness or inability in contrast to those with bold personalities and powerful rhetoric.

classify
The word “classify” translates the Greek ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō), which describes judging something so as to place it in a particular class or category. This is a minor translation update from simply using the word “class” as a verb. In modern usage, “to classify” simply reads better than “to class,” and sometimes, small updates effectively bring the English reader even closer to the original text. Here, Paul and his ministry companions do not classify themselves with those who commend themselves, but rather seek approval from God Himself (cf. v. 18), comparing themselves to His requirement rather than to other people.

area of influence
The phrase “area of influence” translates the single Greek word κανών (kanōn), which literally indicates a measuring rod or ruler to mark the boundary of a particular realm or region (from which the term “canon” [e.g., of Scripture] also comes). Thus, figuratively here it represents a demarcated area which God has apportioned for Paul and his companions to work within and influence. Paul explains here that he will not presume to go outside the bounds God has appointed for his ministry, but the Corinthians are within his divinely designated area of influence (as he is an apostle to the Gentiles; cf. Rom. 1:5; 11:13; 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11), and so it is completely legitimate for him to exercise apostolic authority over them as he faithfully ministers to them. It is not overly boastful or “out of bounds” to do so.

having the hope…to be enlarged
This verse is difficult to translate because of the many interluding words and phrases within certain constructions. Here, one of the central ideas is that of Paul and his ministry companions “having the hope…to be enlarged” by the Corinthians, communicated in Greek with a participle and a complimentary infinitve (ἐλπίδα δὲ ἔχοντες…μεγαλυνθῆναι; elpida de echontes…megalynthēnai). The phrase, “that as your faith grows” interrupts this construction as Paul interjects a thought. This overall structure is aptly brought from Greek into English with “having” rendering the participle and “to be enlarged” properly rendering the infinitive. The interluding phrase is set off with dashes to highilght how it interrupts the otherwise straightfoward idea, “having the hope to be enlarged.” Paul’s somewhat halting and cumbersome Greek, and the appropriately reflective translation here, more vividly carry over Paul’s passionate argumentation. He interrupts himself to emphasize that the Corinthians themselves (“your faith”; “by you”) are his first concern, not the ability to boast in accomplishments and a widespread area of influence like the false teachers.

area of influence
Refer to the discussion on verse 13 above.

area of influence
Refer to the discussion on verse 13 above.

the one
The designation “the one who” (2x in this verse) translates the Greek article ὁ (ho) more precisely than something like “he who.” Distinct from the masculine personal pronoun ἀυτός (autos), this is less specific and simply indicates whoever is performing the action of the verb, regardless of gender. Thus, “the one” is a more precise translation than “he” in this case. Paul is arguing a principle here that self-commendation is not a reliable evidence of trustworthiness. Rather, the one whom the Lord commends is truly approved.