The Meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:11 Explained

2 Corinthians 3:11

KJV: For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

YLT: for if that which is being made useless is through glory, much more that which is remaining is in glory.

Darby: For if that annulled was introduced with glory, much rather that which abides subsists in glory.

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

Discover 2 Corinthians 3:11

CONTEXT: What is the Context of 2 Corinthians 3:11?

MEANING: What does 2 Corinthians 3:11 Mean?

WORDS: What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 3:11 mean?

RELATIONS: What do the major concepts mean in 2 Corinthians 3:11?

What is the context of 2 Corinthians 3:11?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does 2 Corinthians 3:11 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Paul"s seventh and last contrast is between the temporary character of the Old Covenant and the permanent character of the New. The New will remain (cf. Hebrews 13:20). The Old has passed away (cf. Romans 10:4; Galatians 5:1; Hebrews 7:12). Paul compared the fading glory on Moses" face with the fading glory of the Old Covenant. ^[1]

The New Covenant went into effect and replaced the Old Covenant when Jesus Christ died. Some of its benefits began to bless all people immediately ( 2 Corinthians 3:6-11; cf. Hebrews 10:1-18). However other of its benefits, specifically those on Israel, will not take effect until God resumes dealing with Israel as a nation ( Jeremiah 31:31-34). This will happen when Jesus Christ returns to the earth and restores Israel as her Messiah.

Summary of Contrasts between the Old and New Covenants1.economy(old)new 2 Corinthians 3:62.typeletterspirit 2 Corinthians 3:63.results manwarddeathlife 2 Corinthians 3:64.vehiclestoneSpirit 2 Corinthians 3:75.results Godwardsome glorygreater glory 2 Corinthians 3:7-8; 2 Corinthians 3:106.purposecondemnationrighteousness 2 Corinthians 3:97.durationtemporarypermanent 2 Corinthians 3:11

"The thrust of these covenantal contrasts is that the New Covenant provides divine enablement and has replaced the Old Covenant. In this way Paul firmly established the superiority of his apostolic ministry over that of his Judaizing opponents." ^[2]

Paul was not saying the Old Covenant involved laws but the New Covenant does not. Both covenants include both laws and grace, though there were more laws in the Old Covenant and there is more grace in the New. His purpose was to contrast the spirit, emphasis, and primary characteristics of each covenant.

"In 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 Paul makes the comparison between what is ministered through Moses and what is ministered through Christ. That which Moses ministered is called a ministration of death and it is specifically said to have been written and engraved in stones. The only part of the Mosaic Law which was written in stones was the Ten Commandments-that category which some designate as the moral part of the law. Thus, this passage says that the Ten Commandments are a ministration of death; and furthermore, the same passage declares in no uncertain terms that they are done away ( 2 Corinthians 3:11). Language could not be clearer, and yet there are fewer truths of which it is harder to convince people." ^[3]

The best explanation for the Christian"s relationship to the Ten Commandments that I have found is as follows. God has terminated the whole Mosaic code, of which the Ten Commandments were a part, as a code. We are now under a new code (covenant), the "law of Christ" ( 1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2), which contains nine of the Ten Commandments. ^[4]

Context Summary

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 - The Veil Upon The Heart

By a quick turn of thought, Paul passes from the idea of the fleshly tablets of the heart, where God writes His new name, to the Law graven on the ancient tables of stone, and to the Lawgiver, stern and veiled. He argues that if the glory which shone on the face of Moses was so beautiful, surely that of the gospel must be transcendently so. The one is transient, the other abiding; the one is reflected, the other direct.

Not only was Moses veiled, but the hearts of the Jews were covered with a thick covering of prejudice. They did not understand the inner significance of the Levitical Code; and when the Law was read, they listened to it without spiritual insight. Directly men turn to Christ, they see the inner meaning of Scripture. What liberty becomes ours when we live in Christ! We are free to love, to serve, to know, and to be. Note 2 Corinthians 3:18! We may gaze on the unveiled face of God in Christ. The more we look the more we resemble. The more we endeavor to reflect Him, in doing what He desires, the more certainly and inevitably we become like Him. Only remember that in all things we are deeply indebted to the gracious influence of the Spirit. He produces the Christ-life in us. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 3

¹ Lest their false teachers should charge him with vain glory,
² he shows the faith of the Corinthians to be a sufficient commendation of his ministry
⁶ Whereupon entering a comparison between the ministers of the law and of the gospel,
¹² he proves that his ministry is so far the more excellent,
¹⁷ as the gospel of life and liberty is more glorious than the law of condemnation

Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 3:11

Passeth away [καταργουμενον]
In process of disappearing before the gospel of Christ. [source]

Remaineth [μενον]
The new ministry is permanent. This claim may be recommended to those who clamour for a new religion. Christianity is still alive and is not dying. Note also εν δοχηι en doxēi in glory, in contrast with δια δοχης dia doxēs with glory. Boldness (παρρησιαι parrēsiāi). Instrumental case after χρωμετα chrōmetha Old word, πανρησισπαρρησις panrēsiŝparrēsis telling it all, absolute unreservedness. Surely Paul has kept nothing back here, no mental reservations, in this triumphant claim of superiority. [source]

Boldness [παρρησιαι]
Instrumental case after χρωμετα chrōmetha Old word, πανρησισπαρρησις panrēsiŝparrēsis telling it all, absolute unreservedness. Surely Paul has kept nothing back here, no mental reservations, in this triumphant claim of superiority. [source]

That which is done away [τὸ καταργούμενον]
Lit., which is being done away; in course of abolition through the preaching of the Gospel. Both the A.V., and Rev. passeth fail to bring, out the idea of process. [source]

Was glorious [διὰ δόξης]
Lit., through glory. Rev., with glory. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 3:11

2 Corinthians 3:13 Of that which is abolished [τοῦ καταργουμένου]
See 2 Corinthians 3:11. The temporarily glorified ministration of Moses. The end of this, which the veil prevented the Israelites from seeing, was the disappearance of the glory - the type of the termination of Moses' ministry. Paul's comparison is between the ministry of Moses, interrupted by intervals of concealment, and the gospel ministry, which is marked by frank and full proclamation. “The opposition is twofold: 1. Between the veiled and the unveiled ministry, as regards the mere fact of concealment in the one case, and openness in the other. 2. Between the ministry which was suspended by the veiling that its end might not be seen, and that which proceeds 'from glory to glory,' having no termination” (Alford). The face of Moses needed a continually renewed illumination: in the face of Christ the glory abides forever. [source]

2 Corinthians 3:14 Of the old covenant [tēs palaias diathēkēs)]
The Old Testament. Palaios (ancient) in contrast to της παλαιας διατηκης kainos (fresh, 2 Corinthians 3:6). See note on Matthew 13:52. The same veil (Παλαιος to auto kalumma). Not that identical veil, but one that has the same effect, that blinds their eyes to the light in Christ. This is the tragedy of modern Judaism. Unlifted Present passive participle of το αυτο καλυμμα anakaluptō old verb, to draw back the veil, to unveil. Is done away (μη ανακαλυπτομενον katargeitai). Same verb as in 2 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Corinthians 3:11. [source]

2 Corinthians 3:14 Unlifted [καινος]
Present passive participle of το αυτο καλυμμα anakaluptō old verb, to draw back the veil, to unveil. Is done away (μη ανακαλυπτομενον katargeitai). Same verb as in 2 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Corinthians 3:11. [source]

2 Corinthians 3:14 Is done away [μη ανακαλυπτομενον]
Same verb as in 2 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Corinthians 3:11. [source]

1 Timothy 3:16 Was received up into glory [ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ]
Better, received or taken up in glory. Ἁναλαμβάνειν is the formal term to describe the ascension of Christ (see Acts 1:2, Acts 1:22), and the reference is most probably to that event. Comp. lxx, 2 Kings 2:11, of Elijah, and Matthew href="/desk/?q=mt+16:27&sr=1">Matthew 16:27; Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:31; Luke 12:27; 1 Corinthians 15:43; 2 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Corinthians 3:8, 2 Corinthians 3:11.Additional Note on 1 Timothy 3:16Christ's existence before his incarnation was purely spiritual ( ἐν πνεύματι ). He was in the form of God (Philemon 2:6): He was the effulgence of God's glory and the express image of his substance (Hebrews 1:3), and God is spirit (John 4:24). From this condition he came into manifestation in the flesh ( ἐν σαρκί ). He became man and entered into human conditions (Philemon 2:7, Philemon 2:8). Under these human conditions the attributes of his essential spiritual personality were veiled. He did not appear to men what he really was. He was not recognised by them as he who “was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1, John 1:2); as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15); as one with God (John 10:30; John 14:9); as he who had all power in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18); who was “before all things and by whom all things consist” (Colossians 1:17); who was “the king of the ages” (1 Timothy 1:17). On the contrary, he was regarded as an impostor, a usurper, and a blasphemer. He was hated, persecuted, and finally murdered. He was poor, tempted, and tried, a man of sorrows. -DIVIDER-

-DIVIDER-

The justification or vindication of what he really was did not therefore come out of the fleshly sphere. He was not justified in the flesh. It came out of the sphere of his spiritual being. Glimpses of this pneumatic life ( ἐν πνεύματι ) flashed out during his life in the flesh. By his exalted and spotless character, by his works of love and power, by his words of authority, in his baptism and transfiguration, he was vindicated as being what he essentially was and what he openly claimed to be. These justifications were revelations, expressions, and witnesses of his original, essential spiritual and divine quality; of the native glory which he had with the Father before the world was. It was the Spirit that publicly indorsed him (John 1:32, John 1:33): the words which he spake were spirit and life (John 6:63): he cast out demons in the Spirit of God (Matthew 12:28): his whole earthly manifestation was in demonstration of the Spirit. These various demonstrations decisively justified his claims in the eyes of many. His disciples confessed him as the Christ of God (Luke 9:20) some of the people said “this is the Christ” (John 7:41): others suspected that he was such (John 4:29). Whether or not men acknowledged his claims, they felt the power of his unique personality. They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority (Matthew 7:28, Matthew 7:29). -DIVIDER-

-DIVIDER-

Then followed the more decisive vindication in his resurrection from the dead. Here the work of the Spirit is distinctly recognised by Paul, Romans 1:4. See also Romans 8:11. In the period between his resurrection and ascension his pneumatic life came into clearer manifestation, and added to the vindication furnished in his life and resurrection. He seemed to live on the border-line between the natural and the spiritual world, and the powers of the spiritual world were continually crossing the line and revealing themselves in him. -DIVIDER-

-DIVIDER-

In the apostolic preaching, the appeal to the vindication of Christ by the Spirit is clear and unequivocal. The spiritual nourishment of believers is “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Philemon 1:19): the Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of Christ” (Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6): Paul identifies Christ personally with the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17); and in Romans 8:9, Romans 8:10, “Spirit of God,” “Spirit of Christ,” and “Christ” are used as convertible terms. The indwelling of the Spirit of Christ is the test and vindication of belonging to Christ (Romans 8:9). Thus, though put to death in the flesh, in the Spirit Christ is vindicated as the Son of God, the Christ of God, the manifestation of God. -DIVIDER-

-DIVIDER-

[source]

Hebrews 9:11 Through a greater and more perfect tabernacle [διὰ]
The preposition is instrumental. Comp. Hebrews 9:12. Const. with ἀρχιερεὺς highpriest, and as qualifying it. “A high priest with a greater and more perfect tabernacle.” It has been shown that the new high priest must have a sanctuary and an offering (Hebrews 8:2-8). Accordingly, as the Levitical priests were attached to (were priests with ) an inferior tabernacle, so Christ appears with a greater and more perfect tabernacle. For this use of διὰ see Romans 2:27; Romans 14:20; 2 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 3:11. Note the article with tabernacle, his greater, etc. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 3:11 mean?

If for that which is fading away [was] through glory much more [is] that remaining in glory

εἰ γὰρ τὸ καταργούμενον διὰ δόξης πολλῷ μᾶλλον τὸ μένον ἐν δόξῃ

τὸ	that which
Parse: Article, Nominative Neuter Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc.
καταργούμενον	is fading away
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Neuter Singular Root: καταργέω Sense: to render idle, unemployed, inactivate, inoperative.
διὰ	[was] through
Parse: Preposition Root: διά Sense: through.
δόξης	glory
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: δόξα Sense: opinion, judgment, view.
πολλῷ	much
Parse: Adjective, Dative Neuter Singular Root: πολύς Sense: many, much, large.
μᾶλλον	more [is]
Parse: Adverb Root: μᾶλλον Sense: more, to a greater degree, rather.
τὸ	that
Parse: Article, Nominative Neuter Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc.
μένον	remaining
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Neuter Singular Root: μένω Sense: to remain, abide.
δόξῃ	glory
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular Root: δόξα Sense: opinion, judgment, view.

What are the major concepts related to 2 Corinthians 3:11?

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Similar Scriptures for 2 Corinthians 3:11

		Romans 5:20-21 [3]
		Hebrews 8:13 [2]
		Hebrews 7:21-25 [2]
		2 Corinthians 4:1 [2]
		2 Corinthians 3:6-7 [2]
		Hebrews 12:25-29 [2]