2 Corinthians 3:10

2 Corinthians 3:10 KJV is a pivotal verse in Paul's defense of his ministry and his profound theological comparison between the Old Covenant (the Law) and the New Covenant (the Spirit). This verse highlights the unparalleled and enduring glory of the New Covenant in Christ, making the former, though once glorious, appear to have "no glory" in comparison to the excelling splendor of the latter.

Context

In 2 Corinthians chapter 3, Paul is contrasting the two major dispensations of God's dealings with humanity: the Old Covenant, represented by the Mosaic Law, and the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ. He refers to the Old Covenant as the "ministry of death, written and engraven in stones" (2 Corinthians 3:7), which brought condemnation. Its glory was evident in the shining face of Moses after he descended from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:29). However, this glory was fading, and Moses put a veil over his face to obscure its diminishing brilliance. Paul then introduces the New Covenant as the "ministry of the Spirit" and the "ministry of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 3:8-9), which brings life and transformation, operating through the Holy Spirit and leading to true freedom.

Key Themes

• The Superiority of the New Covenant: The primary message of 2 Corinthians 3:10 is that the New Covenant in Christ far surpasses the Old Covenant. While the Law had its own divine glory and purpose in revealing sin and God's holiness, its brilliance is overshadowed by the greater, more permanent glory of the gospel of Christ.
• Relative Glory: The verse doesn't negate the glory of the Old Covenant entirely but rather states that in comparison to the "glory that excelleth," the former appears to have no glory. It's like comparing the light of a candle to the brilliance of the sun; both are lights, but one's intensity makes the other seem insignificant.
• Enduring vs. Fading Glory: Paul emphasizes that the glory of the Old Covenant was temporary and fading (2 Corinthians 3:7, 13), whereas the glory of the New Covenant is permanent and ever-increasing, leading to transformation "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "glory" used repeatedly in this chapter is doxa (δόξα), which signifies divine splendor, honor, renown, and excellence. Paul's repeated use of this term highlights the profound contrast he is drawing. The phrase "that excelleth" comes from the Greek diapherousa (διαφέρουσα), meaning "differing, excelling, surpassing." This emphasizes not just a difference in degree but a qualitative superiority of the New Covenant's glory, which is infused with the life-giving Spirit and brings righteousness.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 3:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible privilege of living under the New Covenant of grace. We are called to:

• Live in the Spirit's Freedom: Unlike the Old Covenant which brought condemnation through the Law, the New Covenant brings freedom and righteousness through the Spirit. We are not bound by external rules but transformed from within by God's grace.
• Appreciate Christ's Work: This verse underscores the immense value and surpassing glory of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection, establishing a covenant that offers true life and lasting change.
• Embrace Transformation: The greater glory of the New Covenant is not just an abstract concept but a dynamic power that transforms us. We are called to live with unveiled faces, reflecting the glory of the Lord and being changed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

This verse encourages us to continually fix our gaze on the surpassing glory of Christ and the life He offers through the New Covenant, recognizing its incomparable nature.