2 Corinthians 3:11

Translation
King James Version
For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
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KJV (with Strong's)
For G1063 if G1487 that which is done away G2673 was glorious G1223 G1391, much G4183 more G3123 that which remaineth G3306 is glorious G1722 G1391.
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Complete Jewish Bible
For if there was glory in what faded away, how much more glory must there be in what lasts.
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Berean Standard Bible
For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures!
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American Standard Version
For if that which passeth away was with glory, much more that which remaineth is in glory.
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World English Bible Messianic
For if that which passes away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
For if that which should be abolished, was glorious, much more shall that which remaineth, be glorious.
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Young's Literal Translation
for if that which is being made useless is through glory, much more that which is remaining is in glory.
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See also
Hebrews 8:13Romans 5:20Romans 5:21Hebrews 7:21Hebrews 7:252 Corinthians 4:12 Corinthians 3:6
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In the KJVVerse 28,853 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Second Corinthians 3:11 encapsulates the apostle Paul's profound theological argument regarding the surpassing glory of the New Covenant in Christ compared to the Old Covenant of the Law. It asserts that if the Mosaic dispensation, which was temporary and destined to fade, possessed a measure of divine splendor, then the New Covenant, which is permanent and administered by the Holy Spirit, inherently possesses an infinitely greater and enduring glory, transforming believers from within.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Second Corinthians chapter 3 forms the heart of Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and, more broadly, the nature of the gospel itself. Paul contrasts the "ministration of death" (the Old Covenant, inscribed on stone tablets) with the "ministration of the Spirit" and "ministration of righteousness" (the New Covenant). He vividly recalls the radiant glory on Moses's face after receiving the Law, a glory so intense it required a veil. This physical, fading glory serves as a powerful analogy for the temporary and preparatory nature of the Old Covenant. Verse 11 then functions as a climactic summary statement, drawing the logical conclusion from the preceding verses (especially 2 Corinthians 3:7-10), asserting the qualitative and quantitative superiority of the New Covenant's glory.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Paul's Corinthian audience was diverse, including both Jewish and Gentile believers. Some within the church, possibly influenced by Judaizers, might have been tempted to revert to or emphasize adherence to the Mosaic Law, viewing it as a path to righteousness or a necessary complement to faith in Christ. Against this backdrop, Paul's argument about the Law's temporary nature and lesser glory was crucial. The Jewish people held the Law in immense reverence, seeing it as God's ultimate revelation and the source of their identity and righteousness. Paul, himself a former Pharisee, understood this deep veneration. His argument was not to diminish the Law's divine origin or purpose, but to reframe its role within God's progressive redemptive plan, showing that its glory, while real, was eclipsed by the greater, permanent glory of the New Covenant established through Christ.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the Superiority of the New Covenant, clearly articulating that the covenant established in Christ is not merely an improvement but a fundamentally different and more glorious dispensation than the Mosaic Law. Paul consistently champions this truth, as seen in his arguments in Galatians and Romans. Secondly, it highlights the distinction between Fading vs. Enduring Glory. The Old Covenant, with its external regulations and temporary sacrifices, had a glory that was designed to diminish, pointing to something greater. In contrast, the New Covenant, administered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, brings an ever-increasing and abiding glory that transforms believers from within, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18. Lastly, the verse emphasizes the Transition from Law to Spirit, marking a pivotal shift in God's redemptive economy from an external system of legalistic adherence to an internal, spiritual reality empowered by God's Spirit, leading to true righteousness and freedom.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • done away (Greek, katargéō', G2673): This verb, G2673, means "to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively." It carries the sense of abolishing, ceasing, making of no effect, or bringing to nought. In the context of the Old Covenant, it signifies that its purpose as a primary means of relating to God has been fulfilled and superseded, not that it was inherently evil or without divine origin. It was temporary and served its purpose, much like a scaffolding is removed once a building is complete.
  • glorious (Greek, dóxa', G1391): This noun, G1391, refers to "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)." It encompasses concepts of splendor, brightness, honor, praise, and renown. Paul's repeated use of dóxa throughout 2 Corinthians 3 emphasizes that both covenants possess divine splendor, but the dóxa of the New Covenant is of a far greater and permanent nature, surpassing the temporary brilliance of the Law.
  • remaineth (Greek, ménō', G3306): This verb, G3306, means "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)." It conveys the idea of abiding, continuing, dwelling, or enduring. Its use here highlights the permanence and eternal nature of the New Covenant, contrasting sharply with the temporary status of the Old. The New Covenant is not a fleeting dispensation but an everlasting reality established through Christ.

Verse Breakdown

  • "For if that which is done away [was] glorious": This clause acknowledges the inherent glory of the Old Covenant. Paul does not deny that the Mosaic Law, given by God, possessed a divine splendor and served a glorious purpose in its time. The "that which is done away" (τὸ καταργούμενον, to katargoumenon) refers specifically to the Old Covenant, implying its temporary nature and its destined obsolescence in light of God's greater plan.
  • "much more that which remaineth [is] glorious": This is the emphatic conclusion and the core assertion of the verse. The phrase "much more" (πολλῷ μᾶλλον, pollō mallon) highlights a profound qualitative and quantitative superiority. "That which remaineth" (τὸ μένον, to menon) refers to the New Covenant, which is permanent, enduring, and eternally valid. The glory of this New Covenant, established through Christ and administered by the Spirit, is not merely greater in degree but in its very nature, leading to lasting transformation and righteousness.

Literary Devices

Paul masterfully employs Contrast in this verse, setting the Old Covenant against the New Covenant. This antithetical parallelism highlights the distinct characteristics and relative glories of each. The "done away" (temporary) is contrasted with the "remaineth" (permanent), and the implied lesser glory of the former is contrasted with the "much more" glory of the latter. This serves to underscore the theological superiority of the New Covenant. Furthermore, the entire argument of 2 Corinthians 3 relies on Analogy, particularly the analogy of Moses's veiled face. The fading glory on Moses's face serves as a powerful visual and conceptual metaphor for the fading and temporary nature of the Old Covenant itself, making the abstract theological point more tangible and impactful for his readers. The phrase "much more" also borders on Hyperbole, emphasizing the immense, almost inexpressible, magnitude of the New Covenant's glory.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Second Corinthians 3:11 is a cornerstone for understanding the progressive nature of God's revelation and redemptive plan. It articulates the theological truth that while the Old Covenant was divinely instituted and glorious in its time, it was always preparatory, designed to lead to and be superseded by the New Covenant in Christ. The glory of the Old Covenant was external, often associated with the Law's demands and the physical presence of God, but it ultimately brought condemnation because humanity could not perfectly fulfill its requirements. The New Covenant, however, is characterized by an internal, transforming glory, administered by the Holy Spirit, which brings righteousness, life, and freedom. This shift from external law to internal Spirit-empowerment is central to New Testament theology, emphasizing grace over works and relationship over mere ritual.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 3:11 offers profound assurance and a clear understanding of our standing before God. It liberates us from the burden of legalism, reminding us that our relationship with God is not based on our ability to perfectly adhere to a set of external rules, but on the enduring, transforming power of the New Covenant established through Christ. We live in a dispensation of "much more" glory, where the Holy Spirit indwells us, writes God's law on our hearts, and empowers us to live lives that genuinely reflect God's character. This understanding should cultivate deep confidence, joy, and freedom, motivating us to live out the greater glory we have received, not through striving, but through surrender to the Spirit's work within us. Our lives, transformed from glory to glory, become living testimonies to the permanent and superior nature of God's grace in Christ.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does understanding the "done away" nature of the Old Covenant free you from any lingering sense of legalism or performance-based righteousness?
  • In what practical ways can you live more fully in the "much more" glory of the New Covenant, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you from within?
  • How does the permanence of the New Covenant (that which "remaineth") offer you security and hope in your faith journey?
  • What aspects of the New Covenant's glory (e.g., righteousness, freedom, intimacy with God) are most meaningful to you, and how can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for them?

FAQ

What does Paul mean by "that which is done away"?

Answer: By "that which is done away" (Greek: to katargoumenon), Paul is referring to the Old Covenant, specifically the Mosaic Law. He means that its function as the primary means of God's interaction with humanity and as the path to righteousness has been brought to an end or rendered obsolete by the coming of Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant. It does not mean the Law was bad or evil, but that its purpose was temporary, serving as a guardian or tutor until Christ came (as explained in Galatians 3:24-25). Its glory, while real, was designed to fade in comparison to the greater, permanent glory of the New Covenant.

How is the New Covenant "much more glorious" than the Old Covenant?

Answer: The New Covenant is "much more glorious" in several profound ways. Firstly, its glory is permanent ("that which remaineth") unlike the Old Covenant's temporary nature. Secondly, it offers true righteousness through faith in Christ, whereas the Law, while revealing sin, could not provide the power to overcome it (Romans 8:3). Thirdly, it is a ministration of the Spirit, leading to internal transformation and life (2 Corinthians 3:6), rather than an external code that brought condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:9). Finally, its glory is transforming, enabling believers to progressively reflect Christ's image as they behold His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Second Corinthians 3:11 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is the very embodiment and mediator of the "much more glorious" New Covenant. He is the Lamb of God whose once-for-all sacrifice fulfills the temporary sacrificial system of the Old Covenant, making a way for true atonement and access to God (Hebrews 9:11-14). Unlike the Law, which was written on stone and brought condemnation, Christ inaugurated a covenant written on hearts by the Holy Spirit, leading to righteousness and life (Jeremiah 31:31-34 fulfilled in Hebrews 8:8-12). Jesus himself is the "glory of God" revealed in human flesh (John 1:14), and through His death and resurrection, He established a permanent covenant that "remaineth" forever, offering an enduring righteousness and an indwelling Spirit that transforms believers from glory to glory into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). He is the ultimate reality to which the Old Covenant pointed, and in Him, the true and lasting glory of God is fully revealed and made accessible to all who believe.

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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3 verses 6–11

Here the apostle makes a comparison between the Old Testament and the New, the law of Moses and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and values himself and his fellow-labourers by this, that they were able ministers of the New Testament, that God had made them so, Co2 3:6. This he does in answer to the accusations of false teachers, who magnify greatly the law of Moses.

I. He distinguishes between the letter and the spirit even of the New Testament, Co2 3:6. As able ministers of the New Testament, they were ministers not merely of the letter, to read the written word, or to preach the letter of the gospel only, but they were ministers of the Spirit also; the Spirit of God did accompany their ministrations. The letter killeth; this the letter of the law does, for that is the ministration of death; and if we rest only in the letter of the gospel we shall be never the better for so doing, for even that will be a savour of death unto death; but the Spirit of the gospel, going along with the ministry of the gospel, giveth life spiritual and life eternal.

II. He shows the difference between the Old Testament and the New, and the excellency of the gospel above the law. For, 1. The Old Testament dispensation was the ministration of death (Co2 3:7), whereas that of the New Testament is the ministration of life. The law discovered sin, and the wrath and curse of God. This showed us a God above us and a God against us; but the gospel discovers grace, and Emmanuel, God with us. Upon this account the gospel is more glorious than the law; and yet that had a glory in it, witness the shining of Moses's face (an indication thereof) when he came down from the mount with the tables in his hand, that reflected rays of brightness upon his countenance. 2. The law was the ministration of condemnation, for that condemned and cursed every one who continued not in all things written therein to do them; but the gospel is the ministration of righteousness: therein the righteousness of God by faith is revealed. This shows us that the just shall live by his faith. This reveals the grace and mercy of God through Jesus Christ, for obtaining the remission of sins and eternal life. The gospel therefore so much exceeds in glory that in a manner it eclipses the glory of the legal dispensation, Co2 3:10. As the shining of a burning lamp is lost, or not regarded, when the sun arises and goes forth in his strength; so there was no glory in the Old Testament, in comparison with that of the New. 3. The law is done away, but the gospel does and shall remain, Co2 3:11. Not only did the glory of Moses's face go away, but the glory of Moses's law is done away also; yea, the law of Moses itself is now abolished. That dispensation was only to continue for a time, and then to vanish away; whereas the gospel shall remain to the end of the world, and is always fresh and flourishing and remains glorious.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–11. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul does not deny that there was splendor in the law and on the face of Moses, but it did not endure because in his case it was a symbol and not a reality. The difference between the face of Moses and the glory of Christ is the same as the difference between the picture and the person whom it portrays.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 7 on 2 Corinthians
Next, he sets on foot yet another argument to prove the superiority also from a fresh ground. What then is this argument? That based upon duration, saying, "For if that which passeth away was with glory, much more that which remaineth is in glory." For the one ceased, but the other abideth continually.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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