build up

The Greek that is translated as “building up” in many English versions is translated in Chol with a term that specifically indicates to make others better (here and elsewhere, in their faith in Christ). (Source: Robert Bascom)

In Huehuetla Tepehua it is translated as “have more confidence in Christ,” in Chicahuaxtla Triqui as “cause that their hearts grow strong with reference to the way of God,” in Yatzachi Zapotec as “to become stronger in their faith,” and in Central Tarahumara as “so that they can believe better yet.” (Source: Waterhouse / Parrott in Notes on Translation October 1967, p. 1ff.)

complete verse (1 Corinthians 14:3)

Following are a number of back-translations of 1 Corinthians 14:3:

  • Uma: “But the person who speaks God’s words, he speaks to mankind. His words strengthen others’ hearts, fire-up others’ hearts, comfort others.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “But the person who speaks God’s word, he speaks to his companions, therefore their trust is caused to become strong and their livers are encouraged and they are comforted.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And if there is a person who interprets what God has caused him to understand, it’s his companions that he is speaking to and this is really helpful because their faith is strengthened, and they are given advice, and their ability to endure hardship is increased.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “But the one through-whom-God -speaks, it is his fellow people with whom he is conversing, so he can strengthen their faith and advise/admonish them and help them to brave hardship.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “But that ability of having-put-into-one’s-mind what God is making known, of course it’s people he is speaking to, as to strengthen their believing/obeying, and make their mind/inner-being happy.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “But concerning the person God puts into his mind the word to speak to the people, that one speaks to the people in order to strengthen their faith. The people are encouraged by the word they hear and their hearts are comforted.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

he who, whoever

The Greek that is typically translated with a generic expressions such as “he who,” “whoever,” or “if anyone” in English is translated with the plural form (“they”) in Daga. “A literal translation of these conveys the idea that one specific unnamed individual is being discussed. Thus, for instance, in John 5:24 ‘he who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life’ meant in Daga that there was one fortunate individual to whom it applied.”

See also love your neighbor as yourself.

Translation commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:3

The meaning of this verse contrasts with the meaning of verse 2, as the words On the other hand show.

Men again includes women. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has “others,” and Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente has “the community.” They are probably anticipating “church” in verse 4.

There is some overlap in meaning between the terms translated upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation. The word for upbuilding is used in this chapter in the sense of “building up the church” as in verse 12. The word translated encouragement includes the idea of support and “strengthening” (New International Version). The word for consolation is not used elsewhere in the New Testament. However, a related noun in Phil 2.1 is translated “comforts” by Good News Bible, and a related verb in 1 Thes 5.14 is rendered “encourage” in Revised Standard Version. If there is any significant distinction between these three terms, it is that upbuilding refers more to the strengthening of the church; encouragement means more generally help and support; and consolation means the fostering of good spirit among the Christian community. New Jerusalem Bible and Revised English Bible translate these nouns by verbal expressions; Revised English Bible “his words have power to build; they stimulate and encourage.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:3

14:3a But he who prophesies speaks to men

But someone who prophesies is speaking to people
-or-
But those who declare God’s word, speak to people

14:3b for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

to strengthen them, to encourage them, and to comfort them.
-or-
to build them up ⌊in their faith⌋, to give them confidence, and to reassure them.

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