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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} even {G2532} that which was made glorious {G1392} had no {G3761} glory {G1392} in {G1722} this {G5129} respect {G3313}, by reason {G1752} of the glory {G1391} that excelleth {G5235}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In fact, by comparison with this greater glory, what was made glorious before has no glory now.

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it.

American Standard Version

For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Paul articulates a profound theological truth regarding the Old and New Covenants, asserting that the former, despite its inherent divine glory, pales into insignificance when compared to the surpassing and enduring glory of the latter. This verse encapsulates the radical superiority of the New Covenant in Christ, which operates by the Spirit and brings righteousness, effectively eclipsing the temporary, fading splendor of the Mosaic Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the heart of Paul's extended argument in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The Superiority of the New Covenant"), where he contrasts the Old Covenant (the Law) with the New Covenant (the Spirit). Beginning in [2 Corinthians 3:7](/2_corinthians/3-7 "2 Corinthians 3:7 - The Fading Glory of the Law"), Paul describes the Old Covenant as a "ministry of death" inscribed on stone, whose glory, though real and awe-inspiring, was temporary and fading, as evidenced by Moses' veiled face after encountering God on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' Shining Face")). In stark contrast, Paul introduces the New Covenant as the "ministry of the Spirit" and the "ministry of righteousness" in [2 Corinthians 3:8-9](/2_corinthians/3-8-9 "2 Corinthians 3:8-9 - The Ministry of the Spirit and Righteousness"), which brings life, freedom, and an enduring glory. Verse 10 serves as the culminating statement of this comparison, emphasizing the qualitative and quantitative preeminence of the New Covenant's glory over that of the Old.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Corinthians addresses a community grappling with internal divisions, external pressures, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Within this context, some in Corinth, possibly influenced by Judaizers, may have been tempted to revert to or emphasize aspects of the Old Covenant Law. Paul's robust defense of his ministry is intertwined with a profound theological exposition of the New Covenant, which he champions as superior to the Old. For Jewish converts, the Mosaic Law and the Sinai covenant were foundational to their identity and relationship with God. Paul's argument, therefore, was not to negate the divine origin or purpose of the Law, but to demonstrate its preparatory and temporary nature in light of the ultimate revelation and fulfillment found in Christ. He redefines "glory" not merely as outward radiance, but as the transformative power of God's presence, now fully accessible through the Spirit in the New Covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The Ministry of the New Covenant") and, specifically, [2 Corinthians 3:10](/2_corinthians/3-10 "2 Corinthians 3:10 - The Excelling Glory") is the **Superiority of the New Covenant**. Paul unequivocally declares that the covenant established through Christ, mediated by the Spirit, far surpasses the Mosaic Law in its glory, efficacy, and permanence. This leads to the theme of **Fading vs. Enduring Glory**, where the temporary, veiled glory of the Old Covenant ([2 Corinthians 3:7](/2_corinthians/3-7 "2 Corinthians 3:7 - The Fading Glory")) is contrasted with the permanent, unveiled, and ever-increasing glory of the New ([2 Corinthians 3:11](/2_corinthians/3-11 "2 Corinthians 3:11 - The Enduring Glory")). Furthermore, the passage highlights the **Ministry of the Spirit vs. the Law**, portraying the Law as a "ministry of condemnation" and death, while the Spirit brings righteousness, life, and freedom ([2 Corinthians 3:6-9](/2_corinthians/3-6-9 "2 Corinthians 3:6-9 - The Spirit Gives Life")). Ultimately, this greater glory leads to **Transformation**, as believers, with unveiled faces, reflect the Lord's glory and are "being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" by the Spirit ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed by the Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glorious (Greek, _doxázō'_):** This verb, derived from _dóxa_ (glory), means "to render (or esteem) glorious," "to glorify," or "to magnify." In [2 Corinthians 3:10](/2_corinthians/3-10 "2 Corinthians 3:10 - The Excelling Glory"), it refers to the Old Covenant, which was indeed "made glorious" or "had glory" in its divine institution and the visible manifestation of God's presence, as seen on Moses' face.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** This noun signifies divine splendor, honor, renown, and excellence. Paul uses it extensively in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The Superiority of the New Covenant") to describe both the Old and New Covenants. In this verse, the repetition of "glory" emphasizes the comparative nature of his argument: the glory of the Old Covenant is so overshadowed by the "glory that excelleth" that it appears to have "no glory" by comparison.
* **excelleth (Greek, _hyperbállō'_):** From _hyper_ (over, beyond) and _bállō_ (to throw), this verb literally means "to throw beyond the usual mark" or "to surpass." Used as a participle here, it describes the New Covenant's glory as "surpassing," "exceeding," or "supereminent." It denotes not merely a greater degree of glory but a qualitative difference, indicating an unparalleled and incomparable superiority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For even that which was made glorious":** This clause refers to the Old Covenant, specifically the Mosaic Law delivered at Sinai. Paul acknowledges that this covenant possessed a genuine, divinely ordained glory. It was "made glorious" by God's own presence and power, as evidenced by the radiant face of Moses and the awe-inspiring phenomena at Mount Sinai. Its purpose was glorious in revealing God's holiness and righteousness.
* **"had no glory in this respect":** This is a statement of comparative nullity. Paul is not denying that the Old Covenant had any glory at all, but rather asserting that its glory is rendered insignificant or "as nothing" when viewed in comparison to the New Covenant. The phrase "in this respect" (_en toutō tō merei_) emphasizes the specific point of comparison: its relative brilliance when juxtaposed with something far greater. It's akin to saying a candle has no light in the presence of the sun.
* **"by reason of the glory that excelleth":** This final clause provides the reason for the Old Covenant's diminished glory. The New Covenant, established through Christ and administered by the Spirit, possesses a glory that "excelleth," or surpasses, in every conceivable way. This excelling glory is permanent, life-giving, transformative, and brings true righteousness, making the temporary and condemning glory of the Law seem utterly eclipsed.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in [2 Corinthians 3:10](/2_corinthians/3-10 "2 Corinthians 3:10 - The Excelling Glory") to underscore his theological point. The most prominent is **Contrast**, where he sets the Old Covenant's glory against the New Covenant's excelling glory. This is not just a difference in degree but a fundamental qualitative distinction, highlighting the New Covenant's unparalleled superiority. He also uses **Hyperbole** when stating that the "glorious" Old Covenant "had no glory." This is an exaggeration for emphasis, not a literal denial of the Old Covenant's inherent glory, but a rhetorical strategy to magnify the surpassing brilliance of the New. The concept of "glory" itself functions as a **Metaphor** for the divine presence, power, and revelation associated with each covenant. The fading light of Moses' face serves as a visual metaphor for the temporary nature of the Old Covenant, while the unveiled faces of believers reflecting Christ's glory symbolize the enduring and transformative power of the New.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 3:10](/2_corinthians/3-10 "2 Corinthians 3:10 - The Excelling Glory") stands as a cornerstone in Pauline theology regarding the progressive nature of God's revelation and the definitive superiority of the New Covenant. It underscores that while the Law was a divine and glorious institution, serving a crucial purpose in revealing sin and leading humanity to Christ, it was never God's final or most complete expression of His saving work. The "glory that excelleth" is the glory of God revealed in Christ, mediated by the Holy Spirit, which brings not condemnation but righteousness, not temporary external obedience but internal transformation. This passage affirms that the New Covenant is not merely an improvement upon the Old, but a qualitatively different and infinitely more glorious reality, fulfilling the promises of God in a way the Law could not.

* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A More Excellent Ministry")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy")
* [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 3:10](/2_corinthians/3-10 "2 Corinthians 3:10 - The Excelling Glory") serves as a profound reminder of the immense grace and privilege we experience as believers living under the New Covenant. It liberates us from the burden of striving to earn righteousness through adherence to external laws, inviting us instead to embrace the transformative power of the Spirit. Understanding this "excelling glory" should cultivate deep gratitude for Christ's finished work, which has ushered in an era of direct access to God, inner transformation, and true freedom. Our lives are to be lived not in the fading shadows of a past dispensation, but in the ever-increasing brilliance of God's glory revealed in Christ, allowing the Spirit to continually conform us to His image. This truth empowers us to live with confidence, joy, and an unveiled understanding of God's lavish love and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the surpassing glory of the New Covenant impact my daily walk and my perception of God's grace?**
* **Am I living in the freedom and transformative power of the Spirit, or am I inadvertently operating under a legalistic mindset that diminishes the "excelling glory" of Christ's work?**
* **In what practical ways can I more fully embrace and reflect the unveiled glory of the Lord in my life, as a testament to the New Covenant's power?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean the Old Testament is irrelevant or without value?**

Answer: No, [2 Corinthians 3:10](/2_corinthians/3-10 "2 Corinthians 3:10 - The Excelling Glory") does not render the Old Testament irrelevant or without value. Paul explicitly states that the Old Covenant "was made glorious," acknowledging its divine origin and purpose. Its glory, however, was temporary and preparatory. The Old Testament remains God's inspired Word, essential for understanding His character, His redemptive plan, and the foundation upon which the New Covenant is built. It reveals humanity's need for a Savior and foreshadows Christ. Paul's point is one of comparison and fulfillment: the New Covenant's glory so far surpasses the Old that, in comparison, the Old's glory seems to diminish, much like the stars fade in the presence of the sun. The Old Testament serves as a tutor to bring us to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor")), whose coming inaugurated the "glory that excelleth."

**What is the "glory that excelleth" that Paul refers to?**

Answer: The "glory that excelleth" refers to the unparalleled and enduring glory of the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ. This glory is superior to the Old Covenant's glory in several key ways: it is permanent, not fading ([2 Corinthians 3:11](/2_corinthians/3-11 "2 Corinthians 3:11 - The Enduring Glory")); it is a ministry of righteousness, not condemnation ([2 Corinthians 3:9](/2_corinthians/3-9 "2 Corinthians 3:9 - The Ministry of Righteousness")); it operates through the life-giving Spirit, not merely engraved laws ([2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life")); and it brings true freedom and transformation, allowing believers to behold and reflect the Lord's glory with unveiled faces ([2 Corinthians 3:17-18](/2_corinthians/3-17-18 "2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - Freedom and Transformation in the Spirit")). Ultimately, this excelling glory is the glory of God Himself, fully revealed and powerfully at work in the hearts of believers through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 3:10](/2_corinthians/3-10 "2 Corinthians 3:10 - The Excelling Glory") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "glory that excelleth." While Moses reflected a fading glory from his encounter with God, Christ is the eternal Son, the exact imprint of God's nature, in whom the fullness of God's glory dwells bodily ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is not merely a mediator of a covenant, but the Mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A More Excellent Ministry")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, making possible the "ministry of righteousness" and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which the Law could not achieve. The glory that excelleth is the glory of God's saving grace manifested in Christ, illuminating the hearts of believers with the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God")). Thus, the surpassing glory of the New Covenant is inextricably linked to the surpassing glory of Christ Himself, who is the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 1:17

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Haggai 2:7

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

Haggai 2:9

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Revelation 21:23

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.

Revelation 21:24

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.