King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:19 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:19 in the King James Version says “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea a... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 1:19 · KJV


Context

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.

20

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

21

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—Paul shifts from travel plans to gospel's core: Jesus Christ, ho huios tou theou (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, "the Son of God"), proclaimed kērychtheis (κηρυχθείς, "heralded") by Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy during the original mission (Acts 18).

Was not yea and nay, but in him was yea—perfect gegonen (γέγονεν, "has become and remains") emphasizes permanence. Christ doesn't oscillate; He IS 'Yes'—the fulfillment, affirmation, ratification of every divine promise.

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. Do I proclaim a Christ who is unequivocal 'Yes' to God's promises, or hedge with qualifications?
  2. How does Christ's consistency provide foundation for my integrity when others question my motives?
  3. What gospel truth must remain 'Yes'—no vacillating—regardless of cultural pressure?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
1 of 29

who

G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 29

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

3 of 29

who

G3588

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

θεοῦ4 of 29

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

υἱὸς5 of 29

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Ἰησοῦς6 of 29

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστὸς7 of 29

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

8 of 29

who

G3588

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

ἐν9 of 29

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν10 of 29

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

δι'11 of 29

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἡμῶν12 of 29

us

G2257

of (or from) us

κηρυχθείς13 of 29

was preached

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

δι'14 of 29

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἐμοῦ15 of 29

me

G1700

of me

καὶ16 of 29

and

G2532

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

Σιλουανοῦ17 of 29

Silvanus

G4610

"silvan"; silvanus, a christian

καὶ18 of 29

and

G2532

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

Τιμοθέου19 of 29

Timotheus

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

Οὔ20 of 29

nay

G3756

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

γέγονεν21 of 29

was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Ναὶ22 of 29

yea

G3483

yes

καὶ23 of 29

and

G2532

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

Οὔ24 of 29

nay

G3756

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

ἀλλὰ25 of 29

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

Ναὶ26 of 29

yea

G3483

yes

ἐν27 of 29

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ28 of 29

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γέγονεν29 of 29

was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


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 1:19 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 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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