Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
4:18-20 Because of his sending Timothy, some may have concluded that Paul lacked the courage to visit them himself, but in fact Paul was deeply engrossed in his work in Ephesus at this time (Acts 19:8-20; see study note on Acts 19:10). He would indeed visit them soon (see 1 Cor 16:5-9; Acts 19:21-22; 20:1-3; cp. 2 Cor 1:15–2:4) and would confront those who publicly opposed him and show that they were nothing more than big talkers. His life and words would demonstrate the reality of God’s power (see also 1 Cor 2:4).
Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
4:18-20 Because of his sending Timothy, some may have concluded that Paul lacked the courage to visit them himself, but in fact Paul was deeply engrossed in his work in Ephesus at this time (Acts 19:8-20; see study note on Acts 19:10). He would indeed visit them soon (see 1 Cor 16:5-9; Acts 19:21-22; 20:1-3; cp. 2 Cor 1:15–2:4) and would confront those who publicly opposed him and show that they were nothing more than big talkers. His life and words would demonstrate the reality of God’s power (see also 1 Cor 2:4).
Literal English (YLT)ⓘYoung's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose.Young's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose.
what do ye wish? with a rod shall I come unto you, or in love, with a spirit also of meekness?
Greek (New Testament)ⓘA Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.A Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.
τι θελετε εν ραβδω ελθω προς υμας η εν αγαπη πνευματι τε πραυτητος
King James VersionⓘKing James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
American Standard VersionⓘAmerican Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.American Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
World English BibleⓘWorld English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.World English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.
What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Bible in Basic EnglishⓘBible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.Bible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.
What is your desire? is my coming to be with punishment, or is it to be in love and a gentle spirit?