6:14a

But as for me, may I never: Paul began verse 6:14 with a phrase that emphatically contrasted his actions with the actions of the false teachers. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

But may I never (NET Bible)
-or-
But far be it from me (English Standard Version)
-or-
But it’s unthinkable for me

boast: The word boast is the same word as in 6:13c.

6:14b

except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: This clause means that Paul will only boast about Christ’s death on the cross to save us. This refers to the complete gospel message of Christ’s death as the means of justification.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

about anything except ?the death of? our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross ?for salvation?
-or-

?I will only boast about? our Lord Jesus Christ ?dying on? the cross ?for us? .
-or-

?The death of? our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross ?to save us? is the only thing ?I will boast about? .

To many people, the cross was something to be ashamed of. But to Paul, it was something to be proud of.

our Lord Jesus Christ: In this phrase, the words Lord and Christ are titles for Jesus. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this clearer. For example:

our Lord the Christ Jesus
-or-
Jesus our Lord and Christ
-or-
our Lord Jesus. He is the Christ/Messiah

6:14c

through which: This phrase means “by means of the cross” or “because of the cross.” As in 6:14b, the phrase “the cross” represents Christ’s death on the cross.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

By his cross (God’s Word)
-or-
by means of his cross (Good News Translation)
-or-
Because of his cross (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Because of his death on the cross

the world: The phrase the world refers to values that exclude God. It also refers to everyone and everything that oppose God.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

values of the world
-or-
influences of the world
-or-
what people of the world value
-or-
the evil things that people in the world do

has been crucified to me: In this context, the word crucified is a figure of speech. It refers to “dying” to the world or “no longer being influenced by” the world. Paul used it to show clearly the separation between himself and the world. The world no longer had influence or power over him. He no longer valued or wanted the things that the world wants.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

is dead to me
-or-
my interest in this world died (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
the world is dead as far as I am concerned (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
I no longer value/want the things of the world

6:14d

and I to the world: The complete form of this phrase is “and I have been crucified to the world.” This continues the figure of speech. It means “I am like a dead person to the world.” In other words, the world does not value or want what is important to Paul.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

and the world’s interest in me is also…dead (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
and I am dead as far as the world is concerned (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the world no longer values/wants what I value/want.

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