The translation the man is misleading. The meaning is rather “the person.” Though the Greek uses masculine pronouns, Paul no doubt includes both women and men. To avoid giving the impression in English that only men are referred to, New Revised Standard Version uses the plural pronouns “those” and “themselves.”

Is accepted: the Greek does not state who accepts the person whom the Lord commends. Does Paul mean “The Lord does not approve of the person who commends himself” or “Other human beings do not accept the person who commends himself”? Either interpretation is possible, though perhaps divine approval fits better in the context. In those languages where the use of a passive verb is impossible in this context, one should probably translate “that the Lord accepts” rather than “that other people accept.”

The whole structure of this verse may be changed as in Good News Translation for some languages. Another possible alternative is “For the person who praises himself does not really have praise [or, honor]. The one whom the Lord approves, that is the one who has true praise.”

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 .