I must boast: in the best ancient manuscripts the words here are identical with what follows “If” in 11.30. However, some manuscripts have the conjunction sometimes rendered “but” in place of must, a difference of only one letter in Greek. Combined with the following words, this yields the translation found in King James Version, “it is not expedient for me doubtless to glory.” However, no modern version adopts this reading, and the editors of the UBS Greek New Testament give an “A” evaluation to the printed text.

There is nothing to be gained by it, that is, to be gained in terms of building up the Corinthian church. The passive to be gained may be rendered actively by saying “no one gains anything by it” or “no person benefits if I do so.”

I will go on …: the idea here seems to be “I will continue to boast…” by adding comments on visions and revelations to what has already been said. The Good News Translation rendering “Now I will talk…” seems to weaken this slightly.

Visions and revelations: the precise distinction, if any, which Paul intended between these two words is not clear. Nearly all interpreters consider these terms to be synonyms in this verse. Paul does not use the word vision elsewhere in his writings. And the only other New Testament writer to use it is (Luke 1.22 and 24.23). The word for revelations is found more frequently, notably at 1 Cor 1.7 and Rev 1.1. It is repeated in verse 7 of this chapter. The two terms may have to be translated by a single word or expression in some languages. But one African language has attempted to retain two separate items by using two verbal expressions: “matters that the Lord Jesus showed me as a dream and secrets he made known to me in my heart.”

Revelations of the Lord are “revelations granted by the Lord” (Revised English Bible) rather than revelations in which the Lord was seen. Good News Translation adds that the revelations were given to Paul (“given me”). The Lord, here and in verse 8, is most likely Christ and not God.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .