Example: Comparison of English translations for 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

v. 7 

NRSV "we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it might be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God..."

TEV " we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God..."

NJB "we hold this treasure in pots of earthenware, so that the immensity of the power is God's..."

NRSV & TEV have added phrases which have no foundation in the Greek text, and which indicate that Paul's purpose for a "clay pot" ministry was didactic:  so that others would see the truth about God's power. The Greek text indicates instead that the issue is the source of the power: does it come from God, or from somewhere else? We will return to this issue under "History and Society". Note that all three of these translations also treat the genitive tou~ qeou~ as a genitive of possession, rather than a genitive of source as I have argued under "Translation" notes.

(Click here to view in sample paper)

v. 8

NRSV "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed..."

REB "We are hard pressed, but never cornered"

NIV "We are hard pressed on every side"

TEV "We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair".

The NRSV and NIV treat the phrase as a dative of manner, despite the clear temporal phrases which follow it in vv. 10-11 (see Translation notes). TEV simply seems reluctant to sound as bold as Paul, and so it waters down Paul’s striking language here. Paul is not simply describing specific events that may happen in a multitude of ways and places, but is describing the constant character of his ministry as a whole. This will lead to further reflections under "History & Society."

Back to exegetical instructions