2 Corinthians 3:11

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:11 is a pivotal verse in Paul's profound comparison between the Old Covenant (the Law) and the New Covenant (the ministration of the Spirit through Christ). It encapsulates the central argument that while the Mosaic Law possessed a certain glory, its purpose was temporary and ultimately superseded by the infinitely greater and permanent glory of the New Covenant.

Context

In 2 Corinthians chapter 3, Paul contrasts the "ministration of death" (the Law, written on stone tablets) with the "ministration of the Spirit" (the New Covenant). He refers to the fading glory that was on Moses's face after receiving the Law, which necessitated a veil. This physical fading glory serves as an analogy for the temporary nature and lesser glory of the Old Covenant. Verse 11 then draws the conclusion: if the temporary, fading covenant was glorious, how much more glorious is the permanent, enduring New Covenant.

Key Themes

  • Superiority of the New Covenant: The verse unequivocally declares the New Covenant to be superior. "That which is done away" refers to the Old Covenant, which served its purpose but was not meant to be permanent. "That which remaineth" is the New Covenant, established through Christ's sacrifice, which is eternal and brings true life and righteousness, unlike the Law which brought condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:9).
  • Enduring vs. Fading Glory: The core distinction is between a glory that diminishes and one that endures. The Old Covenant had a glory suitable for its time, but its ultimate purpose was to point to Christ and the New Covenant. The New Covenant, being eternal and administered by the Holy Spirit, possesses an ever-increasing and abiding glory that transforms believers.
  • Transition from Law to Spirit: This verse highlights the shift in God's redemptive plan from a system of external laws to an internal transformation by the indwelling Spirit. The glory of the New Covenant is not merely external splendor but an inward spiritual reality.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "glorious" and "glory" used throughout this chapter is doxa (δόξα). It encompasses concepts of splendor, brightness, honor, and renown. Paul's repeated use of this term emphasizes that both covenants possess divine splendor, but the doxa of the New Covenant is of a far greater and permanent nature, surpassing the temporary brilliance of the Law.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 3:11 offers profound encouragement and a clear understanding of our standing before God:

  • Confidence in Christ: We are not under a temporary covenant of law that brings condemnation, but under a permanent covenant of grace through Christ that brings righteousness and life. This should instill great confidence and freedom.
  • Living in Greater Glory: As recipients of the New Covenant, we are called to reflect its greater glory. Our lives, transformed by the Spirit, should demonstrate the enduring power and love of God. We are being transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.
  • Freedom from Legalism: The verse reminds us that Christian life is not about adhering to a strict set of external rules to earn God's favor, but about living in the Spirit who empowers us from within, leading to true obedience and spiritual growth.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 8:13 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Romans 5:21 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    (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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.