For: the transition word may be important in the receptor language. The content of this verse is tied closely to the previous verse, showing the continuation of Paul’s argument.

The first half of this verse probably reflects a criticism made of Paul by his opponents in Corinth. Paul is not claiming that he himself is unsure whether or not he is insane. Rather he is repeating the criticism that has been made of him and is refuting it. Similarly, in the second half of the verse, the word if does not mean that Paul had doubts about whether or not he was really sane. Contemporary English Version exposes the fact that Paul is reflecting the thinking of his readers by translating “If we seem to be out of our minds….” One African translation has rendered this as a separate sentence: “Indeed, they say that we are crazy people.”

The contrast between beside ourselves (compare Mark 3.21) and in our right mind may be expressed in a variety of ways in different languages. Some examples from English versions are: “mad … sane” (Translator’s New Testament); “out of our mind … in our right mind” (New International Version); “unreasonable … reasonable” (New Jerusalem Bible). Certain languages may use very different kinds of idiomatic expressions to contrast these two mental states.

It is for God: this should not be translated in such a way as to give the impression that Paul’s madness would somehow benefit God. The idea seems rather to be that if he were mad, it would be a matter between him and God. Moffatt says “Well, that is between myself and God,” while Contemporary English Version says “it is between God and us.” Revised English Bible translates “If these are mad words, take them as addressed to God; if sound sense, as addressed to you.” Knox earlier handled this passage in much the same way.

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 .