2 Corinthians 1:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} as God {G2316} is true {G4103},{G3754} our {G2257} word {G3056} toward {G4314} you {G5209} was {G1096} not {G3756} yea {G3483} and {G2532} nay {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As surely as God is trustworthy, we don’t say “Yes” when we mean “No.”

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 1:18, the Apostle Paul passionately defends the unwavering integrity and consistency of his message to the Corinthian believers. He asserts that his communication and intentions were as reliable and true as God Himself, directly refuting accusations of fickleness regarding his changed travel plans and affirming the steadfast nature of the gospel he proclaimed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's initial defense of his apostolic ministry and personal integrity, which dominates the opening chapters of [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense and Ministry"). Specifically, it follows Paul's explanation for his altered travel itinerary to Corinth, which had led to accusations of inconsistency and unreliability (see [2 Corinthians 1:15-17](/2_corinthians/1-15-17 "2 Corinthians 1:15-17 - Paul's Changed Plans")). Paul directly addresses these criticisms by invoking God's own truthfulness as the guarantee of his word, setting the stage for his profound theological declaration in [2 Corinthians 1:19-20](/2_corinthians/1-19-20 "2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Christ, the "Amen""). His defense here is not merely personal but is inextricably linked to the truthfulness of the gospel message itself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Greco-Roman world placed a high value on oratorical skill and the reliability of a speaker's word, especially in public discourse. In Corinth, a bustling port city known for its diverse philosophies and rhetorical schools, Paul's communication style and perceived changes in plans would have been scrutinized. Some within the Corinthian church, perhaps influenced by rival teachers or factions, were questioning Paul's authority and sincerity. For an apostle, whose authority was derived from God and whose message was the very word of God, any perceived inconsistency could undermine the legitimacy of his ministry and the gospel itself. Paul's appeal to God's truthfulness was a powerful rhetorical move, grounding his personal integrity in the ultimate divine standard.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 1:18](/2_corinthians/1-18 "2 Corinthians 1:18 - Paul's Unwavering Word") contributes significantly to several major themes in [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense and Ministry"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Apostolic Integrity and Authority**, as Paul defends his character and the consistency of his ministry against detractors. His unwavering word reflects his genuine commitment to the truth of Christ. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Unchanging Faithfulness and Truthfulness**, serving as the ultimate foundation for all reliability, human and divine. Paul's oath, "as God is true," anchors his defense in God's immutable character, a theme seen throughout Scripture (e.g., [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")). Thirdly, it reinforces the **Reliability and Certainty of the Gospel Message**. If Paul's word was "yea and nay," it would imply the gospel itself was unstable, which is anathema to Paul. The gospel, centered on Christ, is the ultimate "Yes" of God, as further elaborated in [2 Corinthians 1:19-20](/2_corinthians/1-19-20 "2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Christ, the "Amen"").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **true (Greek, _pistós'_):** From G4103, this word means objectively "trustworthy" or subjectively "trustful." In this context, applied to God, it emphasizes His inherent reliability, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to His word and promises. God is the ultimate standard of truth, incapable of falsehood or inconsistency.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, this term encompasses something said, a discourse, a message, or even the mental faculty of reasoning. Here, it refers to Paul's spoken communication, his promises, his teachings, and by extension, the entire gospel message he delivered to the Corinthians. It signifies the content and consistency of his apostolic proclamation.
* **was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, this verb means "to become" or "to come into being." When negated ("was not"), it indicates that Paul's word did not come into being as, or was not characterized by, "yea and nay." It signifies the absence of inconsistency or vacillation in his communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as God is true":** This phrase functions as a solemn oath or adjuration, a common practice in ancient rhetoric where a speaker invokes a higher power to guarantee the truthfulness of their statement. By swearing "as God is true," Paul places his personal integrity directly under the immutable character of God. He is essentially saying, "Just as surely as God is faithful and cannot lie, so is my word to you." This sets an incredibly high standard, linking his human word directly to divine veracity.
* **"our word toward you":** This refers to Paul's communication, promises, and apostolic teaching directed at the Corinthian church. It encompasses not just his travel plans, but the entirety of his gospel proclamation and his conduct among them. "Our word" likely includes Timothy and Silvanus, his co-workers mentioned earlier in the epistle, emphasizing a unified and consistent message from the apostolic team.
* **"was not yea and nay":** This is the core assertion of consistency. The Greek phrase "nai kai ou" (ναὶ καὶ οὔ) literally means "yes and no." It signifies vacillation, inconsistency, contradiction, or a lack of clear commitment. Paul emphatically denies that his message or promises were characterized by such ambiguity. His word was straightforward, unambiguous, and reliable, presenting a consistent "yes" without any accompanying "no" or wavering.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Adjuration** or **Oath**, where he invokes God's truthfulness as the guarantee of his own word ("But as God is true"). This device not only lends immense weight and credibility to his statement but also elevates the discussion from a mere personal defense to a theological declaration about the nature of truth itself. Furthermore, Paul uses **Antithesis** by contrasting "yea" (ναὶ) and "nay" (οὔ), highlighting the absolute consistency of his message against the perceived inconsistency he is being accused of. This creates a sharp, memorable image of unwavering truth. Finally, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "our word" stands for the entire apostolic message and the integrity of Paul's ministry. His personal communication is a direct reflection of the gospel he preaches, making his consistency paramount.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects the integrity of human communication, especially in ministry, to the very character of God. Paul's defense is not merely about his personal reputation but about the reliability of the gospel itself, which is founded on God's unchanging truth. If God is true, then His promises are always "yes," and those who represent Him must strive to reflect that same unwavering truthfulness. This theological bedrock ensures that believers can trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that His word is immutable and His promises will always be fulfilled in Christ. It underscores that divine truth is not subject to human caprice or inconsistency.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Hebrews 6:17-18](/hebrews/6-17-18 "Hebrews 6:17-18 - God's Unchangeable Purpose and Oath")
* [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Never Lies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in [2 Corinthians 1:18](/2_corinthians/1-18 "2 Corinthians 1:18 - Paul's Unwavering Word") serves as a powerful call to integrity and consistency for all believers. In a world often marked by shifting truths and broken promises, we are reminded that our "yes" should mean "yes," and our "no" should mean "no," reflecting the unwavering character of God Himself (as taught in [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your 'Yes' Be 'Yes'")). This verse challenges us to live lives that are congruent with the gospel we profess, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ through our faithfulness and reliability. It encourages us to build trust in our relationships, both within the church and in the broader world, by being people of our word. Ultimately, our consistency in speech and action becomes a testament to the unchanging truth of God, inviting others to encounter the steadfastness of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do my words or actions sometimes exhibit "yea and nay" inconsistency?**
* **How does my personal integrity (or lack thereof) impact my witness for Christ to others?**
* **How can reflecting on God's unchanging truthfulness strengthen my faith and commitment to living consistently?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my "yes" is truly "yes" and my "no" is truly "no"?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul's "word" being questioned by the Corinthians?**

Answer: Paul's "word" was being questioned primarily because he had announced plans to visit Corinth, then changed his itinerary, leading some to accuse him of being fickle or unreliable. This change in plans, detailed in [2 Corinthians 1:15-17](/2_corinthians/1-15-17 "2 Corinthians 1:15-17 - Paul's Changed Travel Plans"), became a point of contention and was used by his detractors to undermine his apostolic authority and integrity among the Corinthian believers.

**What does "yea and nay" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "yea and nay" (Greek: "nai kai ou") signifies inconsistency, vacillation, or holding contradictory positions simultaneously. Paul's emphatic declaration that his word "was not yea and nay" means that his message, his promises, and his overall conduct were consistent, unambiguous, and entirely trustworthy, without any hidden agendas or shifting positions. It implies a steadfastness that mirrors God's own character.

**How does Paul connect his personal integrity to God's character in this verse?**

Answer: Paul makes a direct and profound connection by swearing an oath: "But as God is true." This invocation of God's truthfulness means that just as God is inherently faithful and incapable of lying, so too was Paul's word to them. He grounds his personal reliability in the ultimate, unchanging standard of divine veracity, implying that if his word were inconsistent, it would somehow undermine the very nature of the God he served and the gospel he preached. This sets the stage for the revelation that God's promises are always "Yes" in Christ, as seen in [2 Corinthians 1:19-20](/2_corinthians/1-19-20 "2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Christ, the "Amen"").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 1:18](/2_corinthians/1-18 "2 Corinthians 1:18 - Paul's Unwavering Word") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's unwavering "Yes." Paul's defense of his own consistency serves to highlight the even greater, perfect consistency of God's promises, which are all "Amen" in Christ (as he explicitly states in [2 Corinthians 1:19-20](/2_corinthians/1-19-20 "2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Christ, the "Amen"")). Jesus is not "yea and nay"; He is the faithful and true witness, the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). All of God's redemptive purposes and covenant promises find their definitive affirmation and fulfillment in Him. Christ's life, death, and resurrection are God's ultimate and unchangeable "Yes" to humanity's salvation, demonstrating that God is utterly trustworthy and His plan for redemption is steadfast. He is the truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the one in whom all divine promises are eternally secured, making Him the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 1:9

God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Revelation 3:14

¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Revelation 3:7

¶ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

John 7:28

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

2 Corinthians 11:31

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

John 8:26

I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.