2 Corinthians 1:17
What does 2 Corinthians 1:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 1:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 1:17 means
Anticipating criticism, Paul asks whether his change of mind shows fickleness, or whether he makes plans by fleshly calculation that says both “yes” and “no.” He rejects the idea that his decisions are driven by self-serving impulses or indecisive double-talk. The question exposes the charge: that Paul cannot be trusted. He is preparing to answer by appealing to God’s character and to the gospel. Christian integrity means decisions are made under God, not merely by convenience. Changes may occur, but not because truth is negotiable. Paul wants them to evaluate his conduct by spiritual principles, not by worldly standards of success or simplistic consistency.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When I therefore was thus minded, did I show fickleness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the yea yea and the nay nay?
KJV
King James Version · 1611When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When I therefore was thus minded, did I show fickleness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the yea yea and the nay nay?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If then I had such a purpose, did I seem to be changing suddenly? or am I guided in my purposes by the flesh, saying, Yes, today, and, No, tomorrow?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862This, therefore, counselling, did I then use the lightness; or the things that I counsel, according to the flesh do I counsel, that it may be with me Yes, yes, and No, no?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whereas then I was thus minded, did I use lightness? Or, the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that there should be with me, It is, and It is not?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Having therefore this purpose, did I then use lightness? Or what I purpose, do I purpose according to flesh, that there should be with me yea yea, and nay nay?
Context
Having shared his original itinerary, Paul names the suspicion: that shifting plans equal unreliability. This verse raises the issue so the next verses can answer it positively. He will tie the trustworthiness of his word to the faithfulness of God, especially as revealed in Jesus Christ, in whom there is no “yes and no.” This theological grounding reframes the debate from personal preference to divine consistency, then applies it to the credibility of the apostolic message and ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12
For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:18
because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us.
- James 5:12
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by the heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; that ye fall not under judgment.
- Matthew 5:37
But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one.
- Judges 9:4
And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him.
- 2 Corinthians 1:18
But as God is faithful, our word toward you is not yea and nay.
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