2 Corinthians 1:18 kjv

But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

2 Corinthians 1:18 nkjv

But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.

2 Corinthians 1:18 niv

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No."

2 Corinthians 1:18 esv

As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No.

2 Corinthians 1:18 nlt

As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between "Yes" and "No."

2 Corinthians 1 verses

2 Corinthians 1 18 Meaning

Second Corinthians 1:18 asserts Paul's unwavering commitment to the truth of his message and character, grounded in the unchangeable faithfulness of God. It directly addresses a potential accusation of fickleness regarding his changed travel plans to Corinth. Paul states that his "word"—encompassing both his apostolic message and his promises—was not characterized by inconsistency or double-speak ("Yes and No"), reflecting the absolute reliability of the God whom he serves.

2 Corinthians 1 18 Context

Paul's second letter to the Corinthians addresses a complex relationship marked by various issues, including accusations against his integrity and apostolic authority. Prior to this letter, Paul had changed his travel plans to Corinth. He initially intended to visit Corinth, then go to Macedonia, and then return to Corinth before heading to Judea (1 Cor 16:5-7, cf. 2 Cor 1:15-16). However, he later decided to go to Macedonia first and visit Corinth only once, or to delay his visit to avoid a painful confrontation (2 Cor 1:23; 2:1-4). This change of plans led some in Corinth to accuse Paul of being indecisive, unreliable, or even deceitful, potentially casting doubt on the consistency and truthfulness of his preaching and the gospel message itself. In 2 Corinthians 1:18-20, Paul defends himself by grounding his own integrity in the ultimate faithfulness of God, specifically as revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the unchanging "Yes" of God's promises. The immediate context for this verse is Paul's explanation and defense of his altered itinerary, refuting the perception that he was fickle or spoke out of wavering motives, directly paralleling his message with God's own unwavering faithfulness. Culturally, there was an emphasis on rhetoric and persuasive speech, sometimes at the expense of truth, and Paul contrasts his ministry with such practices.

2 Corinthians 1 18 Word analysis

• But as God is faithful (ἀλλὰ πιστὸς ὁ θεός - alla pistos ho theos):

  • But (ἀλλὰ - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast or rebuttal. Paul is responding to an unspoken charge or perception.
  • as (ὣς - hos): Functions like "as surely as" or "just as." It establishes a direct comparison or basis for a solemn affirmation.
  • God (ὁ θεός - ho theos): Refers to the Almighty, the Creator and Sustainer. His character is the absolute standard for truth and reliability. This is a foundational biblical truth, consistently revealed throughout the Old and New Testaments.
  • is faithful (πιστὸς - pistos): This Greek term means trustworthy, reliable, dependable, steadfast, true to one's word. When applied to God, it highlights His unchanging nature and His unwavering commitment to His promises and covenant. It serves as a solemn oath or assurance. For Paul, aligning his veracity with God's faithfulness is the strongest possible defense.

• our word to you (ὁ λόγος ἡμῶν ὁ πρὸς ὑμᾶς - ho logos hēmōn ho pros hymas):

  • our word (ὁ λόγος ἡμῶν - ho logos hēmōn): "Word" (λόγος - logos) here refers broadly to Paul's message, teaching, proclamation of the gospel, and promises—including his proposed travel plans which were essentially promises of a visit. It implies not just utterance but also the intent and character behind it. "Our" (ἡμῶν - hēmōn) refers to Paul and his companions, Silas and Timothy, who also participated in the Corinthian ministry (2 Cor 1:19).
  • to you (ὁ πρὸς ὑμᾶς - ho pros hymas): Specifically directed at the Corinthians, who were the recipients of the ministry and the source of the accusations or doubts.

• was not Yes and No (οὐκ ἔστιν Ναί καὶ Οὔ - ouk estin Nai kai Ou):

  • was not (οὐκ ἔστιν - ouk estin): A categorical negation, indicating that such a condition or quality did not exist in his message or conduct. The present tense "is not" emphasizes its abiding character.
  • Yes (Ναί - Nai): The Greek word for "yes" or "truly."
  • and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction joining the two polar opposites.
  • No (Οὔ - Ou): The Greek word for "no."
  • This phrase represents contradiction, inconsistency, vacillation, or duplicity. It implies saying one thing and doing another, or saying two contradictory things at different times. Paul strongly asserts that his communication and ministry were marked by straightforward truth, not double-speak or shifting positions. This is a direct refutation of the charge of fickleness.

2 Corinthians 1 18 Bonus section

The underlying polemic in 2 Corinthians 1:18 is against the prevailing Hellenistic culture that valued rhetorical skill over absolute truth. Sophists and rhetoricians were admired for their ability to argue any position, even contradictory ones, if it served their purpose or persuaded an audience. Paul, however, vehemently distinguishes his apostolic ministry from such practices. He does not operate with human cleverness or deceit, but with divine power and transparent truth (cf. 2 Cor 4:2). His commitment to "Yes and No" being clear, rather than ambiguous, signifies his allegiance to the Spirit's anointing, which ensures the gospel's authenticity. This commitment to truthfulness extends beyond verbal consistency; it speaks to the very reliability and dependability of the gospel message itself, a message anchored in the unchanging nature of God, unlike fluctuating human plans or intentions. While his plans for travel might have adjusted according to divine guidance or pastoral necessity, the integrity of his person and the veracity of his Gospel message remained absolutely steadfast, echoing God's own unyielding faithfulness.

2 Corinthians 1 18 Commentary

Paul, having been accused of indecision or lack of integrity due to a change in his travel plans, passionately defends himself by drawing upon the unassailable character of God. He invokes God's faithfulness as the absolute guarantee for his own. His statement, "as God is faithful," functions as a solemn, profound oath, making God's very nature the foundation for his integrity. Paul asserts that his "word"—the message he preached to them, which was the very Gospel itself, as well as his promises and intentions—was utterly consistent and free from duplicity. It was not "Yes and No," meaning it lacked the instability, contradiction, or dishonesty that some had perhaps perceived.

This verse lays the groundwork for the profound theological truth in the verses immediately following (2 Cor 1:19-20), where Paul asserts that Christ Jesus is the embodiment of God's unwavering "Yes." Just as God Himself cannot be inconsistent or unreliable, so Paul's message, which originates from and is rooted in this faithful God and His Christ, must also be true, dependable, and consistent. The apostles were not peddlers of human rhetoric designed to please or deceive, but servants committed to the one, constant, unchanging truth of God revealed in Christ. Therefore, any perceived inconsistency in Paul's itinerary should not be conflated with inconsistency in his core message or character, both of which derived their reliability from God's faithfulness.

Practical usage examples:

1. A reminder that true Christian witness requires integrity and consistency, not just in preaching, but also in personal conduct.
2. An encouragement for believers to trust in God's faithfulness, especially when circumstances seem to change or promises appear delayed.
3. A call for leaders and speakers to ensure their "Yes" means "Yes" and their "No" means "No," reflecting Christ-like honesty.