Abstract

In 2004 a new interconfessional Dutch translation of the entire Bible appeared. In this article, the new translation of 2 Cor 12:1-13 is compared with the last edition of the well-known Catholic Willibrord translation from 1995. Then, the translation of this passage is compared with a very literal rendering and a detailed evaluation follows. Serious critical remarks bear upon its translation of verses 9, 10, and 12. The third part of the study analyzes Paul’s rhetorical strategy with his paradoxical language of verses 9-10. The paradox of strength in weakness functions within his lengthy apology. In Paul weakness and strength coexist; his strength is not completely hidden; his strength is not only that of God or Christ : Paul himself is strong in Christ.