2 Corinthians 1:18
But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
as God
G2316
θεὸς
as God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὅτι
G3754
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
word
G3056
λόγος
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 16
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
toward
G4314
πρὸς
toward
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἐγένετο
was
G1096
ἐγένετο
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
13 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.Revelation 3:7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;Revelation 3:14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
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
- Can I stake my word on 'as God is faithful'—does my reliability flow from His character?
- How do I respond when people misinterpret changed circumstances as changed character?
- What message must remain consistent regardless of pressure to compromise?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay (πιστὸς δὲ ὁ θεός)—pistos ho theos (πιστὸς ὁ θεός, "God is faithful/true") is oath formula invoking divine character as guarantee. Paul swears by God's reliability to certify his own.
Aorist egeneto (ἐγένετο, "became/was") shows Paul's message has never been contradictory yes-and-no. Logic: because God is unchanging truth, those representing Him speak consistent truth. Paul's reliability flows from God's faithfulness.