2 Corinthians 5

prepared
The word “prepared” translates the Greek verb κατεργάζομαι (katergazomai) here. This verb is usually rendered in this translation as “working out,” but “prepared” is an apt fit here because contextually, the idea is that God has worked believers out for this, which indeed is the notion of preparation.

have been made manifest
The translation “have been made manifest” properly reflects the perfect tense of the Greek verb (φανερόω; phaneroō), which appears twice here. This communicates something that has already been completed in the past but still has bearing in the present. Paul explains here that inasmuch as they have been laid open to God’s full view for the examination of their deeds and motives, Paul hopes this would likewise be the case before the Corinthians. He hopes that his argumentation regarding true apostleship and pure motives would be received as legitimate before them as it is even before God.

or if
The translation “if…or if” reflects the construction in Greek created by the repetition of the Greek word εἴτε (eite; “if”). When used twice in the same argument, this has the idea of weighing or comparing options, thus “or” is added the second time to communicate this comparison, rather than using a semicolon or period which would imply a separate statement. Here, Paul is picturing his stalwart stand for the truth from two perspectives. If some would claim that he is out of his mind, or “over the top,” so to speak, it is only because he is passionate to rightly represent God. On the other hand, Paul also demonstrated great patience, gentleness, and soberness (“of right mind”) with the Corinthians as he taught the truth to them. His bold stand for the truth was both a passionate defense of the gospel and a caring ministry to the people of God.

would
The subjunctive mood in Greek can be translated with English words like “might,” “could,” “should,” or “would,” as this mood usually communicates something potential or hypothetical. The specific nuance depends on context, and here, “would live” was chosen over “might live” to better communicate the intent in the Greek text here. The idea is posed from the perspective of Christ’s reasoning for why He died. He died, not so that believers “might” life for Him (mere potential) but so that they “would” (certain purpose). Because this is the express purpose Christ’s death was meant to accomplish, Christians should be motivated to live not for themselves but for Him. While this is not always the perfect practice of believers who are still in the flesh, it is certainly the intent in light of Christ’s death.

creation
“New creation” is a better translation than “new creature” for καινὴ κτίσις (kainē ktisis) here. While not bad in its time, in modern vernacular, “creature” usually represents an animal or insect. The translation as “new creation” brings out the proper emphasis that a believer in Christ is someone who has been recreated into an entirely new person. God has affected total transformation unto new life so that those in Christ are fully reconciled to Him and live for Him.

pleading
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 certainly the latter, as there is no higher authority than God. This communicates the deep and earnest desire of God Himself that sinners be reconciled to Him, and Paul sees it as his duty to represent this desire to unbelievers by begging them earnestly to repent and believe the gospel to be reconciled to God.