2 Corinthians 1

on our behalf
The phrase “on our behalf” in this verse (2x) consistently translates the Greek construction ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν (hyper hēmōn). At the beginning of this verse, many translations have something like “help/ing us by prayer” or “help/ing us by your prayers” and do not have the phrase “on our behalf.” This is because they take ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν (hyper hēmōn) as indicating the object of the “helping.” However, it is more likely that the object of the helping (“us”) is implied by the συν- (syn-) prefix on the verb συνυπουργούντων (synypourgountōn; “joining in helping”) and that ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν (hyper hēmōn) is meant to refer to the prayers. Thus, the translation here is “your prayers on our behalf” (ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τῇ δεήσει; hyper hēmōn deēsei). It is through the Corinthians’ prayers that they are helping Paul and his ministry companions. This emphasizes the real and powerful support provided through specific prayers on behalf of those who work in ministry.

gracious gift
“Gracious gift” translates χάρισμα (charisma). Words with the χάρις (charis) root have the concept of “grace” at their core, and thus the translation here is “gracious gift” rather than simply “gift.” Such a translation is vital because grace is a major theme in 2 Corinthians. In this letter, Paul greatly emphasizes grace within the New Covenant and brings this theme to a climax in in 2 Corinthians 12 with God’s famous words to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (12:9). Thus, this verse continues a theology of grace in 2 Corinthians, begun in verse 2 with the familiar greeting, “Grace to you.” Here, Paul highlights the great thankfulness expressed for the gracious gift brought through the prayers of the Corinthians and other supporters.

boasting
While some translations have something like “confidence,” “proud confidence,” or “rejoicing” here, the underlying Greek word is the common New Testament term for “boasting” (καύχησις; kauchēsis). A consistent and literal translation of this term provides the reader a clearer window into the original text and the ability to recogize the same term anywhere it appears. Boasting must always be in God and never in human qualities, and here, Paul testifies to God’s grace in granting him and his partners in the gospel a clean conscience, holiness and godly sincerity, and exemplary conduct.

grace
The word χάρις (charis) here is consistently translated as “grace” in 2 Corinthians (excepting three occurrences where it is an expression of thankfulness: 2:14; 8:16; 9:15). Consistent translation of this word, especially in this epistle, is important because God’s grace is a major theme throughout 2 Corinthians (cf. the discussion on v. 11 above). The consistent translation here helps readers to begin to make these connections as the word occurs again and again throughout the letter. Here, Paul expresses how he intended to visit the Corinthians, as that would be a manifestation of God’s grace toward them.

was I vacillating…
This question employs the Greek negative particle μήτι (mēti), which, according to normal Greek usage, sets an expectation for a negative answer. This is why some translations structure the question, “I was not…was I?” However, to avoid adding words with do not appear in the Greek, the rhetorical question is simply translated with a familiar English structure. This way, nothing external is added to the text and the negative answer remains expected. Thus, the implied answer here is an emphatic “no,” as Paul explains that in his change of plans to come to them, he is not flippantly going back on his word, but rather submissively sensitive to the providence of God whose divine plan is better and whose ever-faithful promise in Christ is “Yes and amen” to God’s glory (vv. 18–20).

the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts
The phrase “the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts” closely follows the original Greek word order here: τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ πνεύματος ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν (ton arrabōna tou pneumatos en tais kardiais hēmōn). Structuring the sentence the same way in English as it is in Greek (wherever grammatically acceptable) gives the reader the clearest window to the Greek text. The pledge of the Spirit is similar to a down payment. Thus, the gift of the Spirit in believers’ hearts is the guarantee of their salvation.