2 Corinthians 3:6

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} also {G2532} hath made {G2427} us {G2248} able {G2427} ministers {G1249} of the new {G2537} testament {G1242}; not {G3756} of the letter {G1121}, but {G235} of the spirit {G4151}: for {G1063} the letter {G1121} killeth {G615}, but {G1161} the spirit {G4151} giveth life {G2227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He has even made us competent to be workers serving a New Covenant, the essence of which is not a written text but the Spirit. For the written text brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

Berean Standard Bible

And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

American Standard Version

who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 3:6 stands as a profound declaration of the Apostle Paul's understanding of the New Covenant ministry, asserting that God Himself has qualified him and his fellow workers as ministers of this new dispensation. Paul sharply contrasts the Old Covenant, characterized by the written Law ("the letter"), with the New Covenant, empowered by the Holy Spirit ("the spirit"), highlighting the former's inability to impart life and its role in revealing sin, leading to death, while the latter brings spiritual life and righteousness. This verse encapsulates the core distinction between a legalistic approach to faith and a life-giving relationship with God through the Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and the nature of the New Covenant, which he elaborates upon in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The Superiority of the New Covenant"). Paul begins the chapter by dismissing the need for letters of recommendation, instead pointing to the Corinthian believers themselves as his "letter," written by the Spirit on human hearts ([2 Corinthians 3:1-3](/2_corinthians/3-1-3 "2 Corinthians 3:1-3 - You Are Our Letter")). He then humbly attributes his competence for ministry not to himself but to God ([2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Competence is from God")), immediately preceding the pivotal statement of [2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life"). The subsequent verses ([2 Corinthians 3:7-11](/2_corinthians/3-7-11 "2 Corinthians 3:7-11 - The Greater Glory of the New Covenant")) expand on the surpassing glory of the New Covenant ministry compared to the Old, particularly in its ability to bring righteousness and life through the Spirit, contrasted with the fading glory and condemnation associated with the Law.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was marked by challenges from false apostles and critics who questioned his authority and methods. These opponents often emphasized adherence to Mosaic Law and Jewish traditions, perhaps even advocating for a return to elements of the Old Covenant. Paul's discourse in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The Ministry of the New Covenant") directly addresses these challenges by articulating the profound superiority of the New Covenant. The "letter" refers to the Mosaic Law, written on stone tablets ([Exodus 34:29](/exodus/34-29 "Exodus 34:29 - Moses' Face Shines")), which, while holy, could not impart life or enable obedience due to human sinfulness. The concept of a "new covenant" was rooted in Old Testament prophecy, particularly [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy"), where God promised to write His law not on stone but on the hearts of His people, a promise fulfilled through the Holy Spirit. This theological debate was crucial for the early church, distinguishing Christianity from Judaism and establishing the basis for Gentile inclusion without requiring adherence to the full Mosaic code.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. A primary theme is **Divine Qualification for Ministry**, emphasizing that true effectiveness in service stems not from human ability or self-promotion but from God's direct enablement and calling. This undergirds Paul's defense of his own apostleship. Another crucial theme is the **Superiority of the New Covenant**, which is presented as a fulfillment and transcendence of the Old Covenant. Unlike the Law, which revealed sin and condemned, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice and empowered by the Spirit, offers forgiveness, righteousness, and internal transformation. This leads to the central theme of the **Contrast Between "Letter" and "Spirit"**: the "letter" (Mosaic Law) is portrayed as bringing condemnation and spiritual death because it exposes humanity's inability to perfectly obey, while the "spirit" (Holy Spirit) brings life, enabling believers to live righteously and experience a vibrant relationship with God. This distinction highlights the **Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit**, who writes God's law on the heart ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "The Law Written on Our Hearts")) and empowers believers to walk in newness of life ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Walking According to the Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **able (Greek, _hikanóō'_):** From the root `hikanos`, meaning "sufficient" or "competent." This verb means "to enable" or "to qualify." Paul uses it here to emphasize that God is the one who makes ministers competent for the New Covenant, not their own inherent abilities or human training. This highlights divine initiative and empowerment in ministry.
* **testament (Greek, _diathḗkē'_):** Properly translated as "covenant," this term signifies a solemn, binding agreement or disposition, particularly one initiated by a superior party (God) with a subordinate party (humanity). In this context, it refers to the "new covenant" established through Christ, distinct from the "old covenant" (Mosaic Law).
* **letter (Greek, _grámma'_):** Refers to a "writing," specifically the written code or the Mosaic Law. Paul uses it to denote the external, legalistic aspect of the Old Covenant, which, without the Spirit, merely reveals sin and condemns, rather than imparting life or power for obedience.
* **killeth (Greek, _apokteínō'_):** To "kill outright" or "destroy." In this context, it means to bring about spiritual death or condemnation. The Law, by exposing sin and demanding perfect obedience without providing the power to achieve it, leads to a state of spiritual death and separation from God.
* **giveth life (Greek, _zōopoiéō'_):** To "make alive," "revitalize," or "quicken." This verb describes the Holy Spirit's power to impart spiritual vitality, regeneration, and the ability to live righteously. It signifies the Spirit's role in bringing about a living, dynamic relationship with God, transforming individuals from spiritual death to life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament":** This clause establishes the divine source of Paul's and his co-workers' competence. It is God ("Who also") who has actively "made" or "qualified" them to serve as "ministers" (servants) of the "new testament" (new covenant). This immediately grounds their authority and effectiveness in God's sovereign enablement, not human merit or self-appointment.
* **"not of the letter, but of the spirit":** This is the core contrast of the verse. Paul clarifies the nature of this new ministry. It is "not of the letter," meaning it does not derive its power or essence from the written code of the Mosaic Law. Instead, it is "of the spirit," indicating that its source, power, and character are from the Holy Spirit. This sets up the fundamental distinction between external legalism and internal spiritual transformation.
* **"for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life":** This final clause explains the profound consequences of each approach. The "letter" (the Law, when applied without the Spirit) "killeth" because it exposes sin and condemns humanity, revealing their inability to meet God's perfect standards, thus leading to spiritual death. Conversely, "the spirit" (the Holy Spirit) "giveth life," meaning the Spirit regenerates, empowers, and enables believers to live righteously, bringing them into a vibrant, life-giving relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in [2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life") to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, a rhetorical device that juxtaposes contrasting ideas. The stark opposition between "the letter" and "the spirit," and their respective outcomes ("killeth" vs. "giveth life"), creates a dramatic and memorable distinction. This antithesis is further reinforced by **Personification**, as "the letter" is described as actively "killing" and "the spirit" as actively "giving life," imbuing these abstract concepts with agency. There is also a strong element of **Metonymy**, where "the letter" stands in for the entire Mosaic Law or Old Covenant, and "the spirit" represents the Holy Spirit and the New Covenant. This allows Paul to concisely refer to complex theological systems. Finally, the verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, memorable truth about the nature of God's covenants and the source of true spiritual vitality, making it easily quotable and impactful for theological instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life") is a cornerstone of New Testament theology, articulating the fundamental shift from the Old Covenant of Law to the New Covenant of Grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It underscores that salvation and righteous living are not achieved through human effort to keep external rules, but through an internal transformation wrought by God's Spirit. This verse highlights God's sovereign initiative in qualifying His servants and providing the means for genuine spiritual life, moving beyond mere outward conformity to inward renewal. It emphasizes that the Law's purpose was to expose sin and lead humanity to Christ, not to provide life in itself. The Spirit, however, writes God's law on the heart, enabling true obedience and a living relationship with God.

* [Romans 7:6](/romans/7-6 "Romans 7:6 - Released from the Law")
* [Galatians 5:18](/galatians/5-18 "Galatians 5:18 - Led by the Spirit")
* [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit Gives Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life") serves as a vital reminder of where true spiritual life and effective ministry originate. It calls us away from any form of legalism—whether it be relying on external rules, religious rituals, or human achievements for our righteousness—and directs us toward a dynamic, Spirit-empowered walk with God. Our competence for serving God, in any capacity, is not self-derived but divinely bestowed. This should cultivate humility and a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and wisdom. Living "of the spirit" means embracing the freedom and power that come from Christ's finished work, allowing the Spirit to transform our hearts, renew our minds, and enable us to live out God's will not out of obligation, but out of a loving, Spirit-filled relationship. It challenges us to examine whether our faith is merely an adherence to a "letter" or a vibrant, life-giving connection to the "Spirit."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently relying on "the letter" (rules, performance, external appearances) rather than "the spirit" (internal transformation, grace, Spirit-led living)?**
* **How does understanding that God "hath made us able ministers" impact my view of my own abilities and my dependence on Him in service?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for life, guidance, and power in my daily walk and ministry?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "the letter" and "the spirit" in this verse?**

Answer: In [2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life"), "the letter" refers primarily to the Mosaic Law, the written code of God's commands given to Israel. While holy and good, the Law, by itself, reveals sin and condemns because humanity cannot perfectly fulfill its demands. It exposes our spiritual inability, leading to a kind of spiritual "death." "The spirit," in contrast, refers to the Holy Spirit, who is the life-giving agent of the New Covenant. The Spirit empowers believers to live righteously, writes God's law on their hearts ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")), and brings spiritual life, regeneration, and the ability to obey God from a transformed heart, rather than mere external compulsion.

**How does "the letter killeth" if the Law is holy and good?**

Answer: Paul affirms that the Law is indeed holy, just, and good ([Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy")). However, its goodness does not mean it can impart life or justify. The Law "kills" in the sense that it reveals the depth of human sin and inability to perfectly obey God's commands. By exposing sin, it brings condemnation and the just penalty of spiritual death ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - By the Law is the Knowledge of Sin")). It doesn't provide the power to overcome sin, thus leading to a state of spiritual death for those who rely on their own efforts to fulfill it. It acts as a mirror, showing our spiritual sickness, but not providing the cure.

**What does it mean to be an "able minister of the new testament"?**

Answer: To be an "able minister of the new testament" (or new covenant) means to be qualified and empowered by God to serve in a ministry that is characterized by the Holy Spirit, grace, and life in Christ, rather than by the strictures of the Mosaic Law. This ministry proclaims the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus, where God's law is written on hearts by the Spirit, leading to true righteousness and a transformed life. It's a ministry focused on reconciliation ([2 Corinthians 5:18](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")), spiritual transformation, and the life-giving power of the Spirit, as opposed to a ministry of condemnation under the old legal code.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the mediator and embodiment of the New Covenant. He is the one "who also hath made us able ministers" because it is through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that the "new testament" (new covenant) was inaugurated. The "letter" of the Law, which "killeth," pointed to humanity's need for a Savior, demonstrating that no one could achieve righteousness by their own efforts. Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) and bore its curse on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), thereby releasing believers from its condemnation. The "spirit" that "giveth life" is the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send after His ascension ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). It is through the Spirit, poured out by Christ, that believers are regenerated, indwelt, and empowered to live out the righteousness that the Law demanded but could not enable. Thus, Jesus is the bridge from the condemning letter to the life-giving Spirit, making possible a ministry of grace and true spiritual vitality that perfectly reflects His own saving work.

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

John 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

Romans 7:6

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter.

Jeremiah 31:31

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Hebrews 8:6

¶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.