The Greek has the particle de (King James Version “Now”) to indicate that a new theme is being introduced. Revised Standard Version and other modern translations omit it.

The Greek verb translated commend is not used by Paul outside of this chapter, except in a quotation from Psa 117.1, in Rom 15.11, about praising the Lord. This verb “praise” (also New International Version) does not necessarily suggest worship. Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, Translator’s New Testament, and Moffatt translate it commend in the present verse. Other translations expand or restructure it; for example, “You have done well” Jerusalem Bible; “I congratulate you” New Jerusalem Bible; “I must give you credit” Phillips; “This is greatly to your credit” Barclay; “I congratulate you” Bible en français courant.

Remember here does not refer to “thinking about” or “fondly remembering,” but rather refers to a remembering of Paul’s way of life and teaching. It would be legitimate in many languages to expand this clause: “you always remember what I did and taught.”

The word translated maintain sometimes means “possess,” as in 7.30 and 2 Cor 6.10, but here it has the meaning of holding on or sticking closely to Paul’s teaching (compare 15.2). It is possible, then, to translate this as “stick close to the things that I have taught you,” or in some languages, “follow the things….”

The words translated traditions (Good News Bible‘s “teachings”) and delivered (Good News Bible‘s “handed on”) are related to one another in Greek. The word traditions refers to a body of information or teaching that has been received from people of the past and delivered or “passed on” to others in the present. Paul is using this word in the present context to talk about Christian teaching that he received from others and has passed on to the Corinthians. It is difficult to know whether he is thinking here of basic Christian teachings, as in verse 23 and in 15.1, 3, or of specific “customs” concerning the covering of women’s heads.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• I congratulate you because you always remember my actions and teaching, and you follow the Christian teachings that I received from others and have passed on to you.

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 .