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 13:10)

Following are a number of back-translations of 1 Corinthians 13:10:

  • Uma: “But when the time comes God makes-complete everything, we will no longer need those aforementioned abilities that are not complete/enough.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “But when God’s ordinances are fulfilled, those incomplete expertises will be gone.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “But when God causes us to understand that which is good enough, then that which is not yet good enough will be removed.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “But when that-which/the-one-who has no lack/faults arrives, then these abilities will cease-to-exist.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “But this is the truth, when the completion of all this arrives, what is like not yet complete will be removed.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “But there will come the day when all of us will know well about the word. In those days then, it will not be necessary that there be persons who will teach the word to their fellow believers.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)
  • Chichewa (interconfessional translation, 1999): “but when the perfect shall appear, | the insufficient will come to an end.” (Source: Wendland 1998, p. 161)

Translation commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:10

For marks the beginning of a new stage in Paul’s thought. This will be expanded in verse 10, illustrated in verse 11 and verse 12a, and explained in more literal language in 12b, from “Now I know.”

Imperfect is the phrase that in 12.27 was rendered “individually.” The contrast is not between a whole community and its individual members, but between the wholeness or perfection of love, and the partial or imperfect nature of other gifts. Paul seems to be contrasting “imperfection” here with the “perfection” that will be established when he meets God face to face.

A possible translation model for this verse is:
• “For our gift of knowledge and the ability to proclaim God’s message are incomplete; but when that which is complete and perfect comes, then that which is imperfect will no longer be needed.”

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 .