King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:17 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:17 in the King James Version says “When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When 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?”

2 Corinthians 1:17 · KJV

Context

15

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; benefit: or, grace

16

And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.

17

When 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?

18

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

19

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

Read 2 Corinthians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? (μήτι τῇ ἐλαφρίᾳ ἐχρησάμην;)—elaphria (ἐλαφρίᾳ, "lightness/fickleness") connotes frivolous instability. Rhetorical question expects "No!"

Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?—kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα, "according to flesh") means worldly, self-serving motives. Doubled yea yea...nay nay depicts double-minded contradiction—like the double-tongued person (Sirach 5:9, 28:13).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. When my plans change, do I defensively justify or humbly explain how God redirected me?
  2. How can I distinguish Spirit-led flexibility from 'according to flesh' people-pleasing?
  3. What accusations of inconsistency do I need to address directly rather than letting them fester?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
τοῦτο1 of 26

“thus”

G5124

that thing

οὖν2 of 26

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

βουλεύομαι3 of 26

“I”

G1011

to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve

μή4 of 26
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τι5 of 26
G5100

some or any person or object

ἄρα6 of 26
G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

τῇ7 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐλαφρίᾳ8 of 26

“lightness”

G1644

levity (figuratively), i.e., fickleness

ἐχρησάμην;9 of 26
G5530

to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

ἢ10 of 26

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἃ11 of 26

“When”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

βουλεύομαι12 of 26

“I”

G1011

to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve

κατὰ13 of 26

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σάρκα14 of 26

“to the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

βουλεύομαι15 of 26

“I”

G1011

to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve

ἵνα16 of 26

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ᾖ17 of 26

“there should be”

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

παρ'18 of 26

“with”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἐμοὶ19 of 26

“me”

G1698

to me

τὸ20 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ναὶ21 of 26

“yea”

G3483

yes

ναὶ22 of 26

“yea”

G3483

yes

καὶ23 of 26

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ24 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὔ;25 of 26

“nay”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οὔ;26 of 26

“nay”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:37James 5:122 Corinthians 10:2-32 Corinthians 1:18-20John 8:15Jeremiah 23:32

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 1 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes