2 Corinthians 3 10

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 verses

2 Corinthians 3 10 Meaning

The verse articulates the qualitative and quantitative superiority of the New Covenant ministry over the Old. It declares that the glory inherent in the Mosaic Law and its administration, while genuinely significant and awe-inspiring in its time, is completely overshadowed and rendered negligible when compared to the far surpassing and permanent glory of the ministry of the Spirit and righteousness, established through Christ. The former’s splendor effectively diminishes to nothing in comparison, not that it lacked glory in isolation, but that the New Covenant's glory excels to such an extraordinary degree.

2 Corinthians 3 10 Context

Chapter 3 of 2 Corinthians is a pivotal exposition where Paul vigorously defends his apostolic ministry by contrasting it with those of his detractors in Corinth, particularly by delineating the stark differences between the Old Covenant (Law) and the New Covenant (Spirit). Beginning in verse 7, Paul directly refers to Exodus 34, describing the dazzling but transient glory that shone on Moses' face after receiving the tablets of the Law, calling it the "ministry of death" or "ministry of condemnation." This temporary glory required a veil. Against this backdrop, Paul then champions the New Covenant as the "ministry of the Spirit" and the "ministry of righteousness," which far exceeds the former in its lasting splendor. Verse 10 directly follows this argument, emphasizing that the Old Covenant's glory, magnificent as it was, essentially pales into non-existence when juxtaposed with the infinitely greater, enduring, and transformative glory of the New Covenant in Christ. It sets the stage for the New Covenant's unveiled and progressively transformative glory for believers described in verse 18.

2 Corinthians 3 10 Word analysis

• For even that which was made glorious:

  • that which was made glorious (τὸ δεδοξασμένον - to dedoxasmenon): This refers specifically to the Old Covenant and the Mosaic dispensation, particularly the glory of Moses' face as described in Ex 34:29-35. The Greek term implies something that received glory, or was glorified, emphasizing a reflected or bestowed glory rather than an intrinsic one. It was truly splendid, commanded respect, and demonstrated God's presence, yet it was not the ultimate or original source of glory.

• had no glory:

  • had no glory (οὐ δεδοξασται - ou dedoxastai): The literal Greek translates to "has not been glorified" or "has not been shown glory." This phrase, coupled with the preceding and following clauses, highlights a qualitative and comparative nullification of glory. It's not that the Old Covenant utterly lacked any glory inherently, but rather its glory becomes effectively non-existent or unnoticeable when placed beside the supreme, enduring glory of the New Covenant. It's a statement of radical qualitative diminishment.

• in this respect:

  • in this respect (ἐν τούτῳ - en toutō): This phrase clarifies that the "no glory" is not an absolute judgment against the Old Covenant's original value or purpose, but a comparative assessment. It signifies "in comparison to" or "with regard to this standard" – the standard being the surpassing glory of the New Covenant.

• by reason of the glory that excelleth:

  • by reason of (ἕνεκεν - heneken): "because of," "on account of." It identifies the cause for the Old Covenant's glory being deemed "no glory."
  • the glory that excelleth (τῆς ὑπερεχούσης δόξης - tēs hyperechousēs doxēs): This refers to the glory of the New Covenant, a ministry of the Spirit and righteousness (as stated in 2 Cor 3:8-9). Hyperecho (ὑπερέχω) means "to have preeminence," "to excel," "to surpass." This glory is of a fundamentally higher order, superior in its source, nature, effect, and permanence. It is the full radiance of Christ's glory revealed in believers through the Spirit, a glory that doesn't fade but increases.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "that which was made glorious" vs. "the glory that excelleth": This is the core antithetical parallelism of the verse. One describes a past, temporary, and reflective glory (Old Covenant); the other describes an active, surpassing, and permanent glory (New Covenant). The contrast underscores the progression from types and shadows to the full reality, from temporary ordinances to enduring spiritual transformation.
  • "had no glory in this respect, by reason of": This phrasing strongly conveys a relative diminishing. The Old Covenant's glory, magnificent in its time and context, is rendered obsolete and insignificant not by its own failure but by the sheer, overwhelming superiority of the New Covenant's manifestation of God's glory. It is akin to a small lamp whose light, while visible in darkness, entirely vanishes in the brilliant light of the sun.

2 Corinthians 3 10 Bonus section

The concept of "no glory" here is one of relative nullification rather than absolute negation. It highlights that certain things, though good and glorious in their own right and for their intended season, lose their preeminence when a far superior reality emerges. This aligns with Paul's own testimony in Phil 3:7-8, where he considered his former achievements and privileges, glorious by human standards, as "rubbish" (skubala) compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. The Old Covenant ministry prepared the way, showing humanity its need for righteousness. But in its place came a covenant whose glory wasn't just externally impressive but inwardly transformative, moving from merely outward shining to inner renewal by the Spirit. This progression was always God's ultimate intention, demonstrating His faithfulness in both covenants, yet revealing a higher and more permanent means of experiencing His full glory through Christ.

2 Corinthians 3 10 Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:10 powerfully asserts the absolute preeminence of the New Covenant over the Old. Paul’s argument is not to demean the Old Covenant in itself, which was a divine revelation glorious for its purpose, time, and mediator. However, when juxtaposed with the surpassing glory of Christ's work, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the resulting righteousness of the New Covenant, the former's brilliance utterly recedes. Its temporary nature, foreshadowed by Moses’ fading radiance and veil, is fully realized and transcended by the permanent and transformative glory available through Christ, which believers experience with unveiled faces, reflecting and being changed by His glory. This verse clarifies that the New Covenant is not merely an improvement but a vastly superior, all-eclipsing manifestation of God’s redemptive power and grace. It implies that true, unveiled encounter with God’s ultimate glory is only found in Christ.