What does it mean that God’s promises are “yes” and “amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20)?

God’s promises are “yes” and “amen” is a statement drawn from 2 Corinthians 1:20. Here is that verse in three different translations:

To appreciate the weight and meaning of the apostle Paul’s words, it is essential to understand the circumstances in which he wrote them.

The church in Corinth was grappling with many challenges, including internal division, questions about Paul’s authority, and confusion regarding God’s will. Paul wrote this second letter at a time when his travel plans had changed. His delayed arrival in Corinth caused some to doubt his reliability and, by extension, the reliability of the gospel he preached. In this context, Paul asserts, “But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:18–20, NKJV).

Paul wanted to assure the Corinthians that his character and his message contained no duplicity. He was not vacillating between “yes” and “no.” The charges against Paul must have been grave because he pronounced an oath before God to authenticate his truthfulness, trustworthiness, and integrity: “As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver” (2 Corinthians 1:18, NLT). Paul backed up this oath by stating that his message was rooted in “Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” who “does not waver between ‘Yes’ and ‘No’” (2 Corinthians 1:19, NLT). There was no uncertainty in Jesus Christ or Paul’s message about Him.

Finally, Paul affirmed the unchanging nature of God’s promises in a world of shifting circumstances: “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ (which means ‘Yes’) ascends to God for his glory” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NLT). Paul reminded the Corinthians that, since ancient times, God has made numerous promises of deliverance, provision, blessing, forgiveness, and ultimately, salvation through the Messiah (see also Romans 1:2; 15:8–9; Hebrews 10:23). Down through the ages, God’s promises have been accumulating, much like treasures stored for the day of fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Paul taught that God’s promises are “yes” in Jesus Christ, meaning Christ is the fulfillment or embodiment of God’s faithfulness and His Word. Paul’s statement is sweeping—not just some but all the promises of God are fulfilled in Jesus. Every word spoken by God in Scripture finds affirmation in Christ. The Bible is His story. When God promised redemption, healing, restoration, and hope, He was pointing forward to Jesus, the Messiah. In Him, the answer to every promise is an unqualified “yes.” He is the guarantee that God’s Word will never fail, and that what God has spoken will come to pass (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 24:35).

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). Every prophecy concerning redemption, grace, and reconciliation is realized in Jesus (see Luke 4:16–21; 24:27, 44–47; Acts 3:18; 13:32–33; Matthew 1:22–23).

The word translated as “yes” in 2 Corinthians 1:20 (nai in Greek) is a strong affirmative meaning “yes, truth, certainly, even so.” God’s “yes” reflects His resolute and positive commitment to His Word. Unlike human beings who may change their minds, rearrange plans, or break promises, God is faithful. His Word stands firm and secure forever (see Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:89).

Amēn, a term of Hebrew origin, is often spoken at the close of prayers. It is a word of agreement, confirmation, and approval, meaning “so shall it be, surely, truly.” In the second part of 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul states, “That is why it is through [Christ] that we utter our Amen to God for his glory” (ESV). Because Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises, we who believe in Him respond in faith and agreement. When we say “amen,” we express our trust in God’s faithfulness and our confidence that what God has said is true and will be accomplished. Our “amen” is for God’s glory. When we acknowledge the fulfillment of His promises, our faith gives Him honor. Our trust becomes a testimony of His goodness.

Second Corinthians 1:20 is an invitation to rest in the assurance of God’s faithfulness. To say, “God’s promises are ‘yes’ and ‘amen,’” is to declare that, in Jesus, we find the fulfillment of every good thing God has spoken. In Christ, there is no uncertainty (see Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17); every promise God has made resounds with a “yes.” And our corresponding “amen” is an echo of trust and worship.