2 Corinthians 3 9

2 Corinthians 3:9 kjv

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:9 nkjv

For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:9 niv

If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!

2 Corinthians 3:9 esv

For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:9 nlt

If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God!

2 Corinthians 3 verses

2 Corinthians 3 9 Meaning

2 Corinthians 3:9 declares the surpassing superiority of the New Covenant of righteousness over the Old Covenant of condemnation. Paul argues that if the ministry associated with the Mosaic Law, which revealed sin and pronounced judgment, held a measure of divine glory, then the ministry of the New Covenant, which bestows God's righteousness through Christ, possesses an overwhelmingly greater and more profound glory. This verse culminates a series of contrasts highlighting the greater effectiveness, eternality, and life-giving power of the New Covenant enabled by the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3 9 Context

This verse is an integral part of Paul's sustained argument in 2 Corinthians 3, where he defends his apostolic ministry and contrasts the Old Covenant of Law with the New Covenant of the Spirit. Chapter 3 begins with Paul addressing criticisms regarding his credentials, arguing that the transformed lives of the Corinthians themselves are his letter of recommendation, "written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts" (v. 3). This immediately sets up the distinction between the Law written on stone and the Spirit-written New Covenant.

Paul directly links the "ministry of death" (v. 7), the "ministry of condemnation" (v. 9), and the Old Covenant of the Law, given through Moses. He recalls the visible, though fading, glory on Moses' face after receiving the Law (Exo 34), acknowledging that this "ministry" had a glory. However, he then posits an a fortiori (how much more) argument: if a covenant that reveals sin and pronounces condemnation (resulting in death for transgressors) had such glory, then the New Covenant—which is characterized as the "ministry of the Spirit" (v. 8) and the "ministry of righteousness" (v. 9)—must far exceed it in glory because it brings life, pardon, and genuine transformation. Historically, Paul's message likely faced opposition from Judaizers who championed the Mosaic Law and undermined the sufficiency of Christ's work for righteousness.

2 Corinthians 3 9 Word analysis

• For (γάρ, gar): A conjunction connecting this verse logically to the preceding comparison (v. 7-8). It signifies an explanation or a continuation of the argument, presenting the reason or outcome of the prior statements.
• if (εἰ, ei): Introduces a conditional clause, not implying doubt but functioning as a logical premise. "If this is true, then consider how much more that other thing is true."
• the ministry (ἡ διακονία, hē diakonia): "Ministry" (from diakonos, "servant") here refers to the dispensation, administration, or service related to a specific covenant. It denotes the act of service and its associated authority and effect.
• of condemnation (τῆς κατακρίσεως, tēs katakriseōs): "Condemnation" is from katakrima or katakrisis, meaning a sentence or verdict of guilt, disapproval, or damnation. This points to the Old Covenant's primary function to expose sin, highlight the impossibility of meeting God's perfect standard, and therefore bring judgment. Its glory was tied to revealing God's holy standard but ultimately sealed humanity's guilt.
• had glory (δόξαν, doxan): "Glory" refers to visible splendor, radiance, renown, or inherent excellence. In this context, it recalls the awe-inspiring manifestation of God's presence associated with the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai and reflected on Moses' face. Its "glory" was real but fleeting.
• how much more (πολλῷ μᾶλλον, pollō mallon): A rhetorical intensifier demonstrating a vast qualitative and quantitative superiority. It highlights the vast disparity and triumph of the New Covenant.
• does...exceed it (περισσεύει, perisseuei): "Exceeds," "abounds," or "surpasses." This verb denotes an overflowing, being more than enough, or superior in abundance and quality. The ministry of righteousness doesn't just match the Old Covenant's glory; it overflows beyond it.
• the ministry (ἡ διακονία, hē diakonia): Again, referring to the administration or dispensation.
• of righteousness (τῆς δικαιοσύνης, tēs dikaiosynēs): "Righteousness" (from dikaiosynē) refers to God's attribute of perfect justice, His moral character, and, critically here, the status of being declared righteous before God. The New Covenant is called this because it freely provides imputed righteousness to those who believe in Christ, rather than demanding a righteousness that cannot be perfectly met by human effort.
• in glory (ἐν δόξῃ, en doxē): Re-emphasizes that the superior characteristic of this ministry is its "glory." This glory is not fleeting but abiding and transforming, rooted in Christ and mediated by the Spirit.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For if the ministry of condemnation had glory": This phrase acknowledges the inherent majesty and divine origin of the Law, despite its outcome of condemnation. The Old Covenant had a significant, divinely ordained purpose and a glory that was visibly manifested, captivating and awe-inspiring, as described with Moses' radiating face. It was from God, holy and just (Rom 7:12).
• "how much more does the ministry of righteousness exceed it in glory!": This declares the overwhelming triumph of the New Covenant. The gospel, as the "ministry of righteousness," not only meets the glory of the Law but infinitely surpasses it. Its glory stems from its capacity to make sinners truly righteous before God through Christ, granting them access to God's presence, transforming their hearts by the Spirit, and offering eternal life, rather than condemning them for their inability to keep the Law.

2 Corinthians 3 9 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on "glory" (doxa) throughout 2 Corinthians 3 is significant. In this context, it evolves from an external, transient splendor (Moses' face) to an internal, spiritual reality. While the Old Covenant's glory was seen on a face and could be covered, the New Covenant's glory is revealed in Christ (2 Cor 4:6) and transforms believers, leading them from "one degree of glory to another" (2 Cor 3:18) as they behold Him. The glory of the Old Covenant faded; the glory of the New Covenant increases in those who experience it, demonstrating the ultimate victory of God's grace and life over sin and death. This distinction underscores that the New Covenant is not merely an improved version of the Old but a radically superior covenant fulfilling God's ultimate redemptive plan.

2 Corinthians 3 9 Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:9 is a pinnacle statement in Paul's defense of the New Covenant's preeminence. It functions as a powerful crescendo following his contrasts of letter/Spirit, death/life, and fading/abiding glory. Paul unequivocally states that the Old Covenant, the "ministry of condemnation," did possess a certain "glory"—the majestic revelation of God's holiness and His standards, evidenced by Moses' radiant face after encountering God. However, this glory, while real, was intrinsically tied to a message that highlighted humanity's sin and incapacity, thus bringing a verdict of guilt and a pathway to death (spiritual separation from God).

The striking "how much more" is not a mere incremental increase but points to an exponential superiority. The "ministry of righteousness," embodied in the New Covenant through Christ, doesn't just have glory; it exceeds in glory. Its glory is rooted in God's astounding grace to impute righteousness to unworthy sinners, to transform hearts, and to offer life instead of death. This is an abiding glory, not a fading one, because it rests on the finished work of Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. While the Law revealed humanity's need for righteousness, the Gospel provides it, offering complete reconciliation with God and true spiritual renewal. The inherent worth of the Old Covenant lay in its revelation of God's perfect demands, making clear the necessity for a Savior; the far greater worth of the New Covenant lies in providing that Savior and, through Him, the very righteousness required by God.