14:8a

If: Here this word introduces an explanation of 14:7.

we live, we live to the Lord: Here the phrase to the Lord refers to benefiting the Lord. When we are alive, we do what the Lord tells us to do. This honors him. Here are other ways to translate these clauses:

while we are alive, we are living for the Lord (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
If we live, we honor the Lord (God’s Word)
-or-
when we live, we live for the sake of the Lord

Translate the word to in a similar way to how you translated it in 14:7.

14:8b

if we die, we die to the Lord: This refers to the end of our life on earth. The phrase to the Lord again refers to benefiting the Lord. When we die, this honors the Lord, because we die believing in him. Here are other ways to translate these clauses:

when we die, we die for the Lord (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
if we die, we honor the Lord (God’s Word)
-or-
when we die, we die for the sake of the Lord

If possible, translate the word to in a similar way to how you translated it in 14:8a.

14:8c

So whether: The Greek word here is usually translated as “therefore,” as the New American Standard Bible does.

we belong to the Lord: This clause indicates that we belong to the Lord Jesus. For example:

we are the Lord’s (English Standard Version)

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