2 Corinthians 3:11

KJV

For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For if there was glory in what faded away, how much more glory must there be in what lasts.

Berean Standard Bible

For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures!

American Standard Version

For if that which passeth away was with glory, much more that which remaineth is in glory.

Commentary

### 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](/2_corinthians/3-7 "2 Corinthians 3:7 - The Fading Glory of 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](/2_corinthians/3-7-10 "2 Corinthians 3:7-10 - Comparison of Old and New Covenant Glories")), 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](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Law and Promise") and [Romans](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"). 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](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed from Glory to Glory"). 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'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant and the Spirit") 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.

* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A More Excellent Ministry")
* [Romans 8:2-4](/romans/8-2-4 "Romans 8:2-4 - The Law of the Spirit of Life")
* [Galatians 3:23-25](/galatians/3-23-25 "Galatians 3:23-25 - The Law as a Guardian")

### 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](/galatians/3-24-25 "Galatians 3:24-25 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")). 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](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - What the Law Could Not Do")). Thirdly, it is a **ministration of the Spirit**, leading to internal transformation and life ([2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life")), rather than an external code that brought condemnation ([2 Corinthians 3:9](/2_corinthians/3-9 "2 Corinthians 3:9 - Ministration of Condemnation vs. Righteousness")). Finally, its glory is **transforming**, enabling believers to progressively reflect Christ's image as they behold His glory ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed from Glory to Glory")).

### 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](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). 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](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy") fulfilled in [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8-12 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant")). Jesus himself is the "glory of God" revealed in human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), 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](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")). 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.

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

Hebrews 8:13

In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.

Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hebrews 7:21

(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

2 Corinthians 4:1

¶ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 Corinthians 3:6

¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.