2 Corinthians 3:7

KJV

But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} the ministration {G1248} of death {G2288}, written {G1722}{G1121} and engraven {G1795} in {G1722} stones {G3037}, was {G1096} glorious {G1722}{G1391}, so {G5620} that the children {G5207} of Israel {G2474} could {G1410} not {G3361} stedfastly behold {G816} the face {G1519}{G4383} of Moses {G3475} for {G1223} the glory {G1391} of his {G846} countenance {G4383}; which {G3588} glory was to be done away {G2673}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now if that which worked death, by means of a written text engraved on stone tablets, came with glory — such glory that the people of Isra’el could not stand to look at Moshe’s face because of its brightness, even though that brightness was already fading away —

Berean Standard Bible

Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory,

American Standard Version

But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which glory was passing away:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 3:7 introduces a profound theological comparison, highlighting the undeniable, albeit temporary, glory of the Old Covenant, specifically the Law given through Moses. Paul describes this Law as a "ministration of death" that was nonetheless so glorious that the Israelites could not steadily gaze upon Moses' face, which shone with divine radiance after his encounter with God on Mount Sinai. This verse sets the stage for Paul's subsequent argument concerning the surpassing and permanent glory of the New Covenant in Christ, emphasizing that the Old Covenant's splendor, despite its divine origin, was destined to fade away in comparison to the greater revelation to come.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and, more broadly, his exposition on the nature of the New Covenant. In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul expresses his confidence in Christ as he ministers the gospel, contrasting his ministry with those who peddle God's word for profit. Chapter 3 opens with Paul rejecting the need for "letters of commendation," asserting that the Corinthian believers themselves are his letter, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. This immediately transitions into a direct comparison between the Old Covenant ("ministration of the letter") and the New Covenant ("ministration of the Spirit"). Verse 7 specifically recalls the historical event of Moses descending Mount Sinai, setting up the contrast with the New Covenant's greater glory, which Paul will elaborate on in the verses that follow, particularly in [2 Corinthians 3:8-11](/2_corinthians/3-8-11 "The Greater Glory of the New Covenant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this verse is the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 19-34](/exodus/19-34 "The Giving of the Law and the Covenant at Sinai"). After receiving the Ten Commandments and spending forty days with God, Moses' face radiated with divine glory, a phenomenon so intense that the Israelites were afraid to approach him, necessitating that Moses wear a veil ([Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Moses' Shining Face and the Veil")). For the Jewish people, the Law (Torah) was the central pillar of their identity, a divine gift that set them apart and revealed God's will. The glory associated with Moses' face was a tangible sign of God's presence and the Law's divine origin, emphasizing its profound significance and the awe it inspired.
* **Key Themes:** Several major themes converge in this verse. Firstly, the **Glory of the Old Covenant** is explicitly affirmed. Paul acknowledges that the Mosaic Law, despite its limitations, possessed a genuine and awe-inspiring glory, evidenced by the radiant face of Moses. This underscores its divine origin and the seriousness with which God revealed His will to Israel. Secondly, the theme of the **Temporary Nature of the Law's Glory** is crucial. The phrase "which glory was to be done away" signals that this glory, though real, was not ultimate or eternal. It served a specific, limited purpose within God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing a greater and enduring glory to come. Thirdly, the Law is paradoxically termed the **"Ministration of Death."** This theme highlights the Law's function not as a means to life, but as a revealer of sin and a bringer of condemnation. While holy and good, the Law exposes humanity's inability to perfectly obey God's commands, thus leading to spiritual death rather than life. It illuminates sin but cannot provide the remedy, as seen in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "The Law Brings Knowledge of Sin"). This sets the stage for the superior "ministration of the Spirit" and "ministration of righteousness" in the New Covenant, which truly brings life and transformation, as Paul will explain in [2 Corinthians 3:8-9](/2_corinthians/3-8-9 "The Superiority of the New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ministration (Greek, _diakonía'_):** From G1248, this term denotes "attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate)." In this context, it refers to the "service" or "dispensation" of the Law, emphasizing its role as a divine administration or system through which God dealt with humanity. It highlights the active function of the Law.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** From G2288, this word refers to "death (literally or figuratively)." Here, it is used figuratively to describe the spiritual consequence of the Law. While the Law itself is holy, it brings about spiritual death because it reveals sin and condemns those who fail to perfectly keep its demands, without providing the power to obey or a means of atonement.
* **done away (Greek, _katargéō'_):** From G2673, meaning "to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:--abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void." This crucial term signifies that the glory of the Old Covenant was not destroyed, but rather made ineffective, superseded, or brought to an end in terms of its primary function, making way for something superior and permanent. It implies a fading or a cessation of its ultimate authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if the ministration of death,"**: Paul begins with a strong adversative "But if," setting up a contrast. The "ministration of death" refers to the Mosaic Law, particularly the Ten Commandments. It is called a "ministration of death" not because the Law itself is evil, but because it reveals sin and condemns humanity, leading to spiritual death due to an inability to perfectly fulfill its demands. It exposes humanity's fallen state without providing the power for transformation.
* **"written [and] engraven in stones,"**: This phrase explicitly identifies the "ministration of death" with the Ten Commandments, which were literally inscribed on stone tablets by the finger of God ([Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "God writes the Commandments on stone tablets")). This detail emphasizes the divine origin and unalterable nature of the Law, given directly by God.
* **"was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance;"**: Paul acknowledges the undeniable glory associated with this Old Covenant. The glory was so intense and awe-inspiring that the Israelites were unable to look directly at Moses' face, which shone with divine radiance after his encounter with God on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 34:29-30](/exodus/34-29-30 "Moses' face shines")). This physical manifestation of glory underscored the Law's divine origin and the immense power of God's presence.
* **"which [glory] was to be done away:"**: This is the pivotal clause, introducing the temporary nature of the Old Covenant's glory. The term "done away" (Greek: _katargéō_) implies that this glory was not permanent or ultimate. It was designed to fade, to be superseded, or to become ineffective in light of a greater revelation. This foreshadows the coming of the New Covenant, whose glory is enduring and superior.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to construct his argument. **Contrast** is the overarching device, as he sets up the Old Covenant (the "ministration of death") against the New Covenant (which he will describe as the "ministration of the Spirit" and "righteousness" in subsequent verses). This contrast highlights the inherent limitations of the Law despite its divine glory. **Symbolism** is evident in the "stones" representing the rigid, external nature of the Law, and Moses' "countenance" symbolizing the reflected glory of God that was temporary and veiled. The shining face of Moses is a powerful **Metonymy** for the glory of the Old Covenant itself. Furthermore, the phrase "could not stedfastly behold" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming and awe-inspiring nature of that glory, serving to magnify the point before revealing its transient nature. The entire verse functions as a **Prolepsis**, anticipating and laying the groundwork for the more profound revelation of the New Covenant's superior and enduring glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational to understanding Paul's theology of the covenants. It establishes that even a divine revelation like the Mosaic Law, which possessed undeniable glory and was given directly by God, was inherently temporary and insufficient for bringing life. The Law's primary function was to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through obedience, thus serving as a "ministration of death." This temporary nature of the Law's glory underscores God's progressive revelation and His ultimate plan for redemption through a new and living covenant. The fading glory of Moses' face serves as a powerful metaphor for the Law's transient nature, preparing the way for the permanent and infinitely greater glory of the New Covenant, which is mediated not by stone tablets but by the indwelling Spirit of God. This transition reveals God's heart for a deeper, internal transformation rather than external adherence to a code.

* [Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Moses' Shining Face and the Veil")
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "The Law brings knowledge of sin")
* [Galatians 3:24-25](/galatians/3-24-25 "The Law as a Tutor Leading to Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Corinthians 3:7 serves as a vital reminder of the profound shift from the Old Covenant to the New. It helps us appreciate the surpassing glory of our current reality in Christ, where we are not under a "ministration of death" but under a "ministration of the Spirit" that brings life and righteousness. This verse encourages us to move beyond a legalistic approach to faith, where salvation and sanctification are sought through adherence to rules, and instead embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Our hope and righteousness are not found in perfect human performance, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ and the empowering presence of the Spirit within us. This freedom from condemnation allows us to live with unveiled faces, reflecting the glory of the Lord, and being transformed from one degree of glory to another ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "Transformed by the Spirit into Glory")). It calls us to live in the full reality of the New Covenant, characterized by grace, inner transformation, and an intimate relationship with God, rather than a focus on external regulations that ultimately reveal our inability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "ministration of death" help me appreciate the "ministration of the Spirit" in my daily life?**
* **In what ways might I still be tempted to live under the "glory that was to be done away" instead of the enduring glory of Christ?**
* **What does it mean for me to live with an "unveiled face" in the New Covenant, reflecting the glory of the Lord?**

### FAQ

**Why is the Law, which is from God, called the "ministration of death"?**

Answer: The Law is called the "ministration of death" not because it is inherently evil or flawed, but because of humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill its righteous demands. The Law, being holy and just, reveals the depth of human sin and condemns those who fail to keep it ([Romans 7:7-13](/romans/7-7-13 "The Law and Sin")). It points out sin but provides no power to overcome it or a means of atonement, thus leading to spiritual death and separation from God. In this sense, its function was to highlight humanity's desperate need for a savior, rather than to provide salvation itself. It functions as a mirror, showing us our spiritual blemishes, but not as a cleansing agent.

**If the Old Covenant was glorious, why was its glory "to be done away"?**

Answer: The glory of the Old Covenant was "to be done away" because it was a preparatory and temporary revelation, designed to lead to something greater and permanent. The term "done away" (Greek: _katargéō_) implies being superseded or rendered ineffective in its primary function, not destroyed. The Old Covenant's glory was external and reflected, like Moses' face, which eventually faded ([Exodus 34:33-35](/exodus/34-33-35 "Moses Veils His Face")). It pointed to a future reality. The New Covenant, established through Christ, brings an internal, indwelling glory through the Holy Spirit that is permanent and transformative. The fading glory of the Old Covenant highlights the surpassing and enduring glory of the New, which provides true righteousness and life, as explained in [2 Corinthians 3:10-11](/2_corinthians/3-10-11 "The Surpassing Glory of the New Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 3:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of the New Covenant and the very essence of God's enduring glory. The temporary and fading glory of the Old Covenant, though divinely given, served as a shadow pointing to the substance found in Christ. While Moses' face reflected a glory that was "to be done away," Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). He did not merely reflect glory; He *is* glory. The Law, as a "ministration of death," revealed sin and condemned humanity, but Christ came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus provided the righteousness that the Law demanded but could not impart. He initiated the New Covenant, a "ministration of the Spirit" ([2 Corinthians 3:8](/2_corinthians/3-8 "The Ministration of the Spirit")) that writes God's law on human hearts, empowering believers to live in true righteousness and freedom through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant Prophecy"); [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Thus, the glory that was to be done away gives way to the eternal, life-giving glory of Christ, in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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 Corinthians 3:9

For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:11

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

1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Romans 10:4

For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Exodus 31:18

And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

2 Corinthians 3:3

[Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

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.