2 Corinthians 3:10 kjv
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
2 Corinthians 3:10 nkjv
For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.
2 Corinthians 3:10 niv
For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory.
2 Corinthians 3:10 esv
Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it.
2 Corinthians 3:10 nlt
In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way.
2 Corinthians 3 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 3:9 | "...ministry that condemns..." | Condemnation by Law |
| 2 Cor 3:11 | "...what will greatly exceed its glory." | Greater glory of New Covenant |
| Rom 3:20 | "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight..." | Law's inability to justify |
| Rom 6:23 | "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life..." | Righteousness leading to life |
| Gal 3:21 | "Was the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not!" | Law's role, not fulfillment |
| Gal 3:24 | "So then the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ..." | Law as a guide |
| Heb 8:6 | "But as it is, he has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent..." | Superiority of Christ's ministry |
| Heb 8:8-10 | "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant..." | New Covenant promise |
| 1 John 1:9 | "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins..." | Forgiveness through confession |
| Eph 2:8-9 | "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." | Salvation by grace |
| Phil 3:9 | "...and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ..." | Righteousness through faith |
| Acts 1:5 | "for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." | Baptism of the Spirit |
| John 1:17 | "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." | Grace and truth in Christ |
| Rom 8:2 | "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." | Freedom in the Spirit |
| Heb 12:24 | "...and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that proclaims good things rather than that of Abel." | Blood of the New Covenant |
| Col 1:14 | "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." | Forgiveness in Him |
| Isa 53:11 | "Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities." | Servant making righteous |
| Jer 31:33 | "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts..." | Law written on hearts |
| Ps 40:8 | "I love to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." | Law within the heart |
| Ex 34:29-30 | "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face was radiant because of his speaking with the LORD. When Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him." | Radiance of Moses' face |
2 Corinthians 3 verses
2 Corinthians 3 10 Meaning
The glory of God's previous covenant is overshadowed by the superior glory of the New Covenant in Christ. This distinction is profound, emphasizing the transformation and greater privilege believers now have through the Spirit. The "ministry that brings righteousness" offers a fullness that the Law, while holy, could not fully impart.
2 Corinthians 3 10 Context
This verse is part of Paul's argument in 2 Corinthians 3, defending his apostolic ministry. He contrasts the Old Covenant (mediated by Moses, symbolized by the fading glory on his face) with the New Covenant in Christ. Paul asserts that the New Covenant ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is far superior and enduring, offering freedom and righteousness. The immediate context highlights the difference between the ministration of condemnation (the Law) and the ministration of righteousness (the Gospel), which surpasses the Old Covenant in glory.
2 Corinthians 3 10 Word Analysis
Καὶ (kai): "and." A conjunctive particle linking ideas, showing connection or continuation.
γὰρ (gar): "for," "because." Indicates a reason or explanation for the preceding statement.
ἡ μὲν (hē men): "indeed," "on the one hand." Introduces the first part of a comparative structure.
διακονία (diakonia): "ministry," "service." Refers to the active work of serving, particularly in a spiritual or religious context.
τῆς κατ Adikias (tēs kat’ adikias): "of condemnation," "of injustice," "of sin." Refers to that which leads to or results in judgment and condemnation.
ὑπερβάλλουσα (hyperballousa): "exceeding," "surpassing," "transcendent." Emphasizes a quality or degree far beyond the norm or previous measure.
ἐν δόξῃ (en doxē): "in glory." Signifies "with glory" or "characterized by glory." Doxa refers to splendor, majesty, or radiance.
ἡ δὲ (hē de): "but," "on the other hand." Introduces the second part of the comparative structure.
τῆς δικαιοσύνης (tēs dikaiosynēs): "of righteousness." Refers to the state of being just, upright, or in right standing with God.
διακονία (diakonia): "ministry," "service." The same word used for the Old Covenant's ministry, but now applied to the New.
ὑπερβάλλει (hyperballei): "exceeds," "surpasses." The active form of the verb indicating the present and ongoing superiority.
τῇ δόξῃ (tē doxē): "in glory," "by the glory." Using the dative case, further emphasizes the glory associated with this ministry.
Comparison of Ministries: The verse explicitly contrasts two "ministries" (diakonia), framing the core argument.
Glory's Intensity: The repeated use of "glory" (doxa) underscores the visible, palpable splendor associated with both covenants, but points to a significantly greater level in the New.
Transcendence: The term "exceeding" (hyperballousa, hyperballei) is crucial, highlighting not just a difference but a radical superiority of the New Covenant's glory and essence.
Source of Glory: The juxtaposition implies that the greater glory of the New Covenant stems from its connection to "righteousness" (dikaiosynēs) through Christ.
2 Corinthians 3 10 Bonus Section
The Greek word translated as "condemnation" in this context (adikias) is related to sin and injustice. Paul's point is that while the Law itself was holy, its function was to reveal sin and its consequence—condemnation. In contrast, the New Covenant’s ministry brings righteousness. This is the righteousness of God (Rom 3:22, Phil 3:9), gifted to believers. The contrast in glory isn't merely aesthetic; it reflects the fundamental difference between a system that reveals inability and a system that secures actual standing before God. The radiant glory of Moses was outward and fading; the glory of the New Covenant is inward, transformative, and eternal, residing within the believer by the Spirit. This reflects God's unfolding plan, moving from external law to internal transformation.
2 Corinthians 3 10 Commentary
The Old Covenant, represented by the Law given through Moses, had a measure of glory. This glory was so evident that Moses’ face radiated after communing with God. However, this glory was temporary and ultimately highlighted humanity's inability to keep the Law, leading to condemnation. The New Covenant, mediated by Jesus Christ and enacted through the Holy Spirit, brings a ministry of righteousness. This righteousness is not achieved by human effort but is imputed by God through faith in Christ. Consequently, the glory of this New Covenant ministry is vastly superior and enduring, transforming believers inwardly rather than merely adorning them outwardly. It is the glory of forgiveness, reconciliation, and life in God’s presence.