2 Corinthians 3:11 kjv
For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:11 nkjv
For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:11 niv
And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
2 Corinthians 3:11 esv
For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.
2 Corinthians 3:11 nlt
So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!
2 Corinthians 3 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exo 34:29-30 | Moses' face shone from seeing God, but faded. | Old Covenant fading glory |
| Exo 34:35 | People saw Moses' face shone. | Visible glory |
| Lev 9:23-24 | God's glory appeared to Israel. | Manifestations of God's glory |
| Num 7:89 | God spoke to Moses from between the cherubim. | Divine presence |
| Ps 105:44 | God gave His people the lands of the nations. | God's promises |
| Isa 4:2 | The branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious. | Messianic glory |
| Jer 31:31-34 | The New Covenant promises inward transformation. | New Covenant promise |
| Eze 36:26 | God will give a new heart and put His Spirit within them. | Spiritual transformation |
| Hag 2:7 | The desire of all nations shall come; the glory of this latter house... | Future glory |
| Mal 3:1-3 | The Lord will suddenly come to His temple, and who can endure...? | Coming of the Lord |
| Matt 5:17-18 | Jesus fulfilled the Law. | Fulfillment of the Law |
| Luke 24:44 | Jesus explained all things written about Him in the Law, Prophets... | Christ's fulfillment |
| John 1:14, 17 | The Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus... | Grace and Truth |
| Rom 7:6 | We are released from the law, when Christ died for us. | Freedom from the Law |
| Rom 8:2, 4 | The law of the Spirit of life in Christ set us free. | Life in the Spirit |
| 2 Cor 2:14-16 | Christ's triumph and the aroma of knowledge of Him. | Spiritual victory |
| 2 Cor 4:2, 6, 7 | Commending ourselves to God, shining the light of the knowledge... | Light of the Gospel |
| 2 Cor 4:17 | Our light affliction is working for us an eternal weight of glory. | Eternal glory |
| Gal 3:23-24 | The Law was our tutor to bring us to Christ. | Purpose of the Law |
| Eph 4:12 | Equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. | Ministry empowerment |
| Col 1:27 | Christ in you, the hope of glory. | Indwelling Christ |
| Heb 8:6, 13 | Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant. It is old when it is dated. | Better Covenant |
| Heb 9:15 | By His death, He is the mediator of the new covenant. | Mediator of the New Covenant |
| Heb 10:19-20 | We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. | Access through Christ |
| 1 Pet 1:10-12 | The prophets inquired about the salvation being revealed. | Depth of salvation |
| Rev 5:12 | Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom | Lamb's worthiness |
2 Corinthians 3 verses
2 Corinthians 3 11 Meaning
This verse emphasizes the surpassing and enduring glory of the New Covenant in Christ compared to the Old Covenant's glory, which was temporary and fading. The ministry of the New Covenant is characterized by righteousness and spiritual permanence.
2 Corinthians 3 11 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 3 discusses the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant. Paul contrasts the ministry of the Law with the ministry of the Spirit. He addresses criticisms from false apostles who were comparing his ministry negatively. Paul highlights that while the Old Covenant, administered through Moses, had a glory that was temporary and led to death, his ministry in the New Covenant brings life through the Spirit. This verse directly follows Paul's description of the enduring nature of the New Covenant's ministry, in contrast to the temporary nature of the Old Covenant's covenant signs.
2 Corinthians 3 11 Word Analysis
- eiV (eis): (preposition) - "to," "into." Indicates motion toward or a result. Here, it signifies the purpose or the result of the covenant that "should" be enduring.
- mestav (mestos): (adjective) - "full," "filled." Emphasizes abundance. The New Covenant ministry is characterized by fullness, not scarcity.
- einai (einai): (verb, infinitive) - "to be." The infinitive form used with "should" (mello - μέλλω) indicates what is intended or what ought to be the case.
- diegemav (diege¯matos): (noun, genitive case) - from "diegeomai," meaning "to recount," "to declare fully," "to set forth." In the context, it refers to the proclamation or ministration that is made known.
- dia (dia): (preposition) - "through," "by means of." Indicates agency or the channel.
- autou (autou): (pronoun, genitive case) - "of Him" (referring to Christ or God). The ministry is mediated through Him.
- ktlavmenovn (ktlamenon): (verb, participle passive accusative singular neuter) - from "ktonos" (ktoj), meaning "possession," "property," "inheritance." Often used in relation to acquiring something of value. The New Covenant itself is something that is acquired or brought into being through Christ's work.
- kerdvzomen (kerdouzomen): (verb, 1st person plural present indicative active) - "we gain," "we win," "we acquire profit." Refers to the spiritual profit or gain derived from this New Covenant ministration.
Word-group Analysis
- mestav einai diegemav autou ktlavmenon: "the ministration (or declaration) that is brought to completion through Him is intended to be full." This highlights the completeness and rich substance of the Gospel ministry in Christ, contrasting with any perceived incompleteness or lack in the Law's ministration. The word "diegemav" suggests a declaration or proclamation, which finds its full, unfading realization in the New Covenant's message. The use of "ktlavmenon" speaks to something acquired or brought into being through effort or sacrifice, which perfectly describes Christ's accomplishment.
2 Corinthians 3 11 Bonus Section
The concept of "gain" or "profit" (kerdos) is important here. In the context of spiritual ministry, the ultimate "gain" is not material wealth but the salvation and eternal life secured for believers through Christ. This gain is not earned by human effort but is a free gift received through faith in the New Covenant. The enduring glory of this covenant is that it permanently establishes believers in righteousness and secures their eternal inheritance, a truth echoed throughout scripture's message of God's faithfulness and provision.
2 Corinthians 3 11 Commentary
The verse states that the ministration that is brought about by Christ (the New Covenant) is meant to be complete and substantial ("mestav einai"). It's not a partial or temporary arrangement but something brought into existence ("ktlavmenon") through Christ, offering genuine gain ("kerdvzomen"). This emphasizes the finished work of Christ and the rich, eternal blessings His covenant brings. It assures believers that the Gospel ministry is a source of lasting spiritual wealth and fulfillment, standing in stark contrast to the fading glory of the Old Covenant.