2 Corinthians 5:11-13
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
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2 Corinthians 5:11-13
New King James Version
11 Knowing, therefore, (A)the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
Be Reconciled to God
12 For (B)we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity (C)to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For (D)if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
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2 Corinthians 5:11-13
New International Version
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord,(A) we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.(B) 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again,(C) but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us,(D) so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,”(E) as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
2 Corinthians 5:11-13
New English Translation
The Message of Reconciliation
11 Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord,[a] we try to persuade[b] people,[c] but we are well known[d] to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too. 12 We are not trying to commend[e] ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us,[f] so that you may be able to answer those who take pride[g] in outward appearance[h] and not in what is in the heart. 13 For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
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- 2 Corinthians 5:11 tn Or “because we know what it means to fear the Lord.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 tn The present tense of πείθομεν (peithomen) has been translated as a conative present.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 tn Grk “men,” but ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is generic here since clearly both men and women are in view (Paul did not attempt to win only men to the gospel he preached).
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 tn Or “clearly evident.” BDAG 1048 s.v. φανερόω 2.b.β has “θεῷ πεφανερώμεθα we are well known to God 2 Cor 5:11a, cp. 11b; 11:6 v.l.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 tn The present tense of συνιστάνομεν (sunistanomen) has been translated as a conative present.
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 tn Or “to boast about us.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 tn Or “who boast.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 tn Or “in what is seen.”
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