2 Corinthians 1:20

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 1:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For how many soever be the promises of God, in him is the yea: wherefore also through him is the Amen, unto the glory of God through us.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For how many soever be the promises of God, in him is the yea: wherefore also through him is the Amen, unto the glory of God through us.
2 Corinthians 1:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20For how many soever be the promises of God, in him is the yea: wherefore also through him is the Amen, unto the glory of God through us.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, etc..] This is a reason or argument proving what is before said, that “in” Christ “was yea”, since “all the promises of God in him are yea”; and shows, that God has made many promises to his people: mention is here made of “promises”, and of “all” the promises; or, as the words may be rendered, “as many promises of God”. There are some which concern the temporal good of the saints; as that they shall not want any good thing; and though they shall be attended with afflictions, these shall work for their good, and they shall be supported under them. Others concern their spiritual good; some of which relate to God himself, that he will be their God,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Rather, How many soever be the promises of God, in Him is the "yea" ("faithfulness in His word": contrasted with the "yea and nay," Co2 1:19, that is, inconstancy as to one's word). and in him Amen--The oldest manuscripts read, "Wherefore through Him is the Amen"; that is, In Him is faithfulness ("yea") to His word, "wherefore through Him" is the immutable verification of it ("Amen"). As "yea" is His word, so "Amen" is His oath, which makes our assurance of the fulfilment doubly sure. Compare "two immutable things (namely, His word and His oath) in which it was impossible for God to lie" (Heb 6:18; Rev 3:14). The whole range of Old Testament and New Testament promises are secure in their…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For all the promises of God in him - All the promises which God has made through him. This is another reason why Paul felt himself bound to maintain a character of the strictest veracity. The reason was, that God always evinced that; and that since none of His promises failed, he felt himself sacredly bound to imitate Him, and to adhere to all His. The promises of God which are made through Christ, relate to the pardon of sin to the penitent; the sanctification of his people: support in temptation and trial; guidance in perplexity; peace in death, and eternal glory beyond the grave. All of these are made through a Redeemer, and none of these shall fail. Are yea - Shall all be certainly…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For all the promises of God are yea and amen in him - Are surely established in and through him. They are yea with respect to God promising; amen, with respect to men believing; yea, with respect to the apostles; amen, with respect to their hearers. 2 Corinthians 1:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:20 God has put a seal of approval, with a resounding “Yes!” on the Old Testament prophecies as they are fulfilled in Christ. Believers respond with “Amen,” meaning “confirmed and agreed.””
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“all: Gen 3:15, Gen 22:18, Gen 49:10; Psa 72:17; Isa 7:14, Isa 9:6, Isa 9:7; Luk 1:68-74; Joh 1:17, Joh 14:6; Act 3:25, Act 3:26, Act 13:32-39; Rom 6:23, Rom 15:8, Rom 15:9; Gal 3:16-18, Gal 3:22; Heb 6:12-19, Heb 7:6, Heb 9:10-15, Heb 11:13, Heb 11:39, Heb 11:40, Heb 13:8; Jo1 2:24, Jo1 2:25, Jo1 5:11 Amen: Isa 65:16 \*Heb: Joh 3:5 \*Gr: Rev 3:14 unto: Co2 4:6, Co2 4:15; Psa 102:16; Mat 6:13; Luk 2:14; Rom 11:36, Rom 15:7; Eph 1:6, Eph 1:12-14; Eph 2:7, Eph 3:8-10; Col 1:27; Th2 1:10; Pe1 1:12; Rev 7:12 2 Corinthians 1:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification