2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

For {G1063} all {G3745} the promises {G1860} of God {G2316} in {G1722} him {G846} are yea {G3483}, and {G2532} in {G1722} him {G846} Amen {G281}, unto {G4314} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316} by {G1223} us {G2257}.

For however many promises God has made, they all find their “Yes” in connection with him; that is why it is through him that we say the “Amen” when we give glory to God.

For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.

For how many soever be the promises of God, in him is the yea: wherefore also through him is the Amen, unto the glory of God through us.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV)

2 Corinthians 1:20 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, central to the Apostle Paul's defense of his own integrity and the reliability of the Christian message. This verse encapsulates the certainty of divine promises, anchoring them firmly in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse arises from Paul's explanation to the Corinthian church regarding a change in his travel plans. Some in Corinth had accused him of being fickle or unreliable (2 Corinthians 1:17). Paul counters this by asserting that his "yes" is indeed "yes," just as God's promises are absolutely dependable. He shifts from defending his personal consistency to proclaiming the ultimate consistency of God Himself, revealed perfectly in Christ. This theological statement undergirds the reliability of the gospel message he preached.

Key Themes

  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The verse emphasizes that God is utterly trustworthy. His promises are not conditional on human performance or subject to change, but are firm and certain.
  • Christ as the Guarantor of Promises: Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate fulfillment and affirmation of all God's promises. In Him, every divine pledge finds its "yes" and "Amen." He is the living embodiment of God's covenant faithfulness.
  • Divine Assurance for Believers: For those who trust in Christ, this verse offers immense confidence. It means that every promise found in God's Word—from salvation and forgiveness to eternal life and the promise of His presence—is secured in Jesus.
  • Glory to God: The ultimate purpose of this divine certainty is the glory of God. When believers experience the fulfillment of God's promises through Christ, it naturally leads to worship and praise, magnifying His name.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "yea" and "Amen" are crucial here:

  • "Yea" (Greek: Nai, ναί): This simply means "yes" or "certainly." It signifies affirmation and agreement. All God's promises are affirmed as true and certain in Christ.
  • "Amen" (Greek: Amen, ἀμήν): This is a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "so be it," "truly," or "it is firm/certain." It conveys absolute certainty, confirmation, and ratification. In Christ, God's promises are not just affirmed but are sealed and made absolutely secure. Interestingly, in Revelation 3:14, Jesus Himself is called "the Amen," reinforcing His role as the ultimate guarantor of truth and fulfillment.

Related Scriptures

This verse resonates with many other scriptures that speak of God's faithfulness and the centrality of Christ:

  • Hebrews 10:23 states, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised."
  • Romans 15:8 highlights that "Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers."
  • The promises made to Abraham, foundational to God's covenant, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ, as discussed in Galatians 3:16.

Practical Application

For the believer today, 2 Corinthians 1:20 offers immense encouragement and a solid foundation for faith.

  • Confidence in God's Word: We can approach every promise in the Bible with absolute certainty that God will fulfill it. Our hope is not based on our own merit or strength, but on God's unchanging character and Christ's perfect work.
  • Basis for Prayer: This verse empowers our prayers, knowing that when we pray according to God's will and promises, we are praying in line with what is "yea" and "Amen" in Christ.
  • Living for God's Glory: Our lives become a testament to God's faithfulness. As we experience the fulfillment of His promises, our response of praise and obedience brings glory to Him. This should inspire a life of worship and confident expectation, knowing that God is true to His word.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 2:24 (20 votes)

    Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

  • 1 John 2:25 (20 votes)

    And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.

  • Hebrews 13:8 (15 votes)

    Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

  • Galatians 3:22 (14 votes)

    But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

  • Ephesians 1:6 (13 votes)

    To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

  • Ephesians 1:12 (12 votes)

    That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

  • Ephesians 1:14 (12 votes)

    Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.