2 Corinthians 1:17
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?
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 26
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
βουλεύομαι
I
G1011
βουλεύομαι
I
Strong's:
G1011
Word #:
3 of 26
to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἄρα
G686
ἄρα
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
6 of 26
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχρησάμην;
G5530
ἐχρησάμην;
Strong's:
G5530
Word #:
9 of 26
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
ἃ
When
G3739
ἃ
When
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
βουλεύομαι
I
G1011
βουλεύομαι
I
Strong's:
G1011
Word #:
12 of 26
to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 26
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σάρκα
to the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
to the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
14 of 26
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
βουλεύομαι
I
G1011
βουλεύομαι
I
Strong's:
G1011
Word #:
15 of 26
to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve
ᾖ
there should be
G5600
ᾖ
there should be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
17 of 26
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
παρ'
with
G3844
παρ'
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
18 of 26
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 5:37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.James 5:12But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.Jeremiah 23:32Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- When my plans change, do I defensively justify or humbly explain how God redirected me?
- How can I distinguish Spirit-led flexibility from 'according to flesh' people-pleasing?
- What accusations of inconsistency do I need to address directly rather than letting them fester?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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).