2 Corinthians 1:17

17 But when I would this thing, whether I used unsteadfastness, either those things that I think, I think after the flesh, that at me be, it is and it is not? [+Forsooth when I would this thing, whether I used lightness, either unsteadfastness, or those things that I think, I think after the flesh, that there be at me, is and not, or, yea and nay?]

2 Corinthians 1:17 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 1:17

When I was therefore thus minded, did I use lightness?
&c.] When I had thus determined to come to you, and had signified the same by writing, or messengers, did I use lightness in my resolutions and promises? did I act rashly, unadvisedly, and without consideration? did I promise certainly that I would come, without annexing any condition to it? did I not say, I would come to you shortly, if the Lord will? see ( 1 Corinthians 4:19 ) .

Or the things that I purpose, do l purpose according to the flesh?
do I consult myself? my own interest and advantage? do I seek the gratification of any carnal affection, as covetousness, ambition, or vain glory? &c. what sinister end could have been obtained, if I had come as I purposed, or is answered by my not coming? or when I have purposed anything, have I resolved upon it in my own strength? have I thought it lay in my own power to effect it?

that with me there should be yea, yea, and nay, nay?
as if I could make my "yea" continue "yea", and my "nay, nay?" when all actions are weighed by God, and all events are at his dispose; man appoints, and God disappoints; and who can help these things? or thus, has there appeared such contradictions in my words, and such inconstancy in my conduct, that my "yeas" are "nays", and my "nays yeas?" that I say one thing at one time, and another at another time, or both in the same breath? that I should say one thing, and mean another, on purpose to deceive, and change my mind and conduct without any reason?

2 Corinthians 1:17 In-Context

15 And in this trusting I would first come to you, that ye should have the second grace,

16 and pass by you into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia come to you, and of you be led into Judaea.

17 But when I would this thing, whether I used unsteadfastness, either those things that I think, I think after the flesh, that at me be, it is and it is not? [+Forsooth when I would this thing, whether I used lightness, either unsteadfastness, or those things that I think, I think after the flesh, that there be at me, is and not, or, yea and nay?]

18 But God is true, for our word that was at you, is and is not, is not therein, but is is in it. [+Forsooth God is true, for our word that was at you, there is not in it, yea and nay/there is not in it, is and nay, but is, that is truth, is in it.]

19 For why Jesus Christ, the Son of God, which is preached among you by us, by me, and Silvanus, and Timothy, there was not in him, is and is not, but is was in him [+there was not in him, is and nay, but in him was is /there was not in him, yea and nay, but yea in him was].