Commentary

What does 2 Corinthians 3:10 mean?

“For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.” — 2 Corinthians 3:10

Commentary Devotional Prayer

The Bible verse 2 Corinthians 3:10 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth." This verse is found within the context of the apostle Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth. In this passage, Paul is discussing the concept of glory and the surpassing glory of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant.

To fully understand and appreciate the meaning of this verse, it is important to consider the broader context of Paul's letter to the Corinthians. In the preceding verses, Paul contrasts the ministry of the Old Covenant, which was characterized by the law and resulted in condemnation, with the ministry of the New Covenant, which is characterized by the Spirit and results in righteousness and life. Paul emphasizes that the Old Covenant, given through Moses, was glorious in its own right, but it pales in comparison to the surpassing glory of the New Covenant established through Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, Paul uses the imagery of Moses veiling his face after encountering the glory of God on Mount Sinai to illustrate the temporary nature of the Old Covenant and the fading glory associated with it. He asserts that the glory of the Old Covenant was temporary and was ultimately superseded by the permanent and surpassing glory of the New Covenant.

With this understanding, 2 Corinthians 3:10 serves as a continuation of Paul's argument regarding the superiority of the New Covenant. The verse emphasizes that even the glory of the Old Covenant, which was considered glorious in its time, is overshadowed by the surpassing glory of the New Covenant. The phrase "that which was made glorious" refers to the Old Covenant and its associated institutions, while "the glory that excelleth" refers to the glory of the New Covenant in Christ.

One of the key themes of this verse is the concept of the surpassing glory of the New Covenant. The imagery used by Paul serves to highlight the contrast between the temporary and fading nature of the Old Covenant and the permanent and surpassing nature of the New Covenant. The verse communicates the idea that the glory of the Old Covenant, represented by the law and its institutions, is ultimately eclipsed by the far greater glory of the New Covenant, characterized by the redemptive work of Christ.

Furthermore, the verse also alludes to the idea of progression and fulfillment in God's plan of redemption. The Old Covenant served as a crucial stage in God's redemptive plan, but it was ultimately fulfilled and surpassed by the New Covenant, which brought about the ultimate expression of God's glory through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

In addition to its theological significance, 2 Corinthians 3:10 also carries symbolic and metaphorical meaning. The contrast between the fading glory of the Old Covenant and the surpassing glory of the New Covenant can be seen as a reflection of the contrast between the temporary nature of the material world and the eternal nature of the spiritual realm. The verse serves as a reminder that the temporal and earthly things, including religious institutions and rituals, are ultimately surpassed by the eternal and spiritual realities revealed in the New Covenant.

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 3:10 from the King James Version conveys the central theme of the surpassing glory of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant. It emphasizes the temporary and fading nature of the Old Covenant in contrast to the permanent and surpassing nature of the New Covenant in Christ. The verse serves as a reminder of the fulfillment and progression in God's redemptive plan, as well as the contrast between the temporal and eternal realities. It stands as a powerful declaration of the superiority of the New Covenant and the ultimate glory found in Christ.