Here translates the Greek word “behold” (so King James Version, Reina-Valera revisada, Nouvelle version Segond révisée). This single Greek word is used to emphasize the importance of what Paul is about to say. Revised Standard Version does not completely capture the force of the Greek, and Good News Translation does not even attempt to translate this Greek word. Many languages will have some way of emphasizing or drawing attention to the importance of what is about to be said.

The words for the third time I am ready to come to you do not mean that twice before Paul was ready to come and did not come, as the Good News Translation translation also seems to suggest. Rather, Paul has already gone twice before to Corinth, and now he is ready to make a third trip (see also 13.1 and comments). Revised English Bible says “I am now getting ready to pay you a third visit.” In some languages it may even be necessary to use two separate sentences and say something like “I have already been with you twice. Now I am ready to come to you a third time.”

And I will not be a burden: Paul did not accept financial help from the Corinthian Christians during his past visits, and he will continue to refuse material help from them (see 11.9 and 12.13). Some languages may require the addition of the word “still,” as in Contemporary English Version, which says “But I still won’t make a burden of myself.” And the idea of being a burden may have to be translated more explicitly as “I do not intend to cripple you with expenses” (Knox). In some cases the conjunction “but” may fit better to introduce this clause, since it may be expected that Paul would require some hospitality.

For I seek not what is yours but you: the words what is yours refer to the Corinthian Christians’ money (so Good News Translation, Revised English Bible). What Paul is saying is that he does not want the things that belong to the people in Corinth, but he wants them. However, in many languages it will be awkward or possibly misleading to translate literally either “I want … you” or “I seek … you.” One language finds it necessary to translate “I am coming to help you; I am not trying to get your money.”

For children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children: the implicit point of comparison is that Paul is the spiritual parent to the Corinthian “children” (see 1 Cor 4.15). The verb translated lay up gives the idea of setting something aside for future use (see Matt 6.19). It has been translated “make provision for” (Revised English Bible) and “save up for” (New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Anchor Bible, and Contemporary English Version).

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 .