The word translated Well (Good News Bible‘s “That is why”) introduces a conclusion that is based on a previous statement.

I is emphasized, not in contrast with anyone else, but to show that Paul is about to apply to himself the illustrations used in verses 24-25.

In some languages it will be good to render I do not run aimlessly as a positive statement, “I run straight for the finish line,” as Good News Bible has done.

The second half of the verse introduces a new sport, boxing. Inexperienced boxers were said to “beat the air.” Good News Bible‘s restructuring, “does not waste his punches,” is a good modern English equivalent of the Greek. Translators need to use an expression that boxers in their own cultures employ.

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 .