2 corinthians 3:11 - For if that which passes away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

Generated Verse: 2 corinthians 3:11

What does "2 corinthians 3:11" mean?


This verse, 2 Corinthians 3:11, is part of a larger argument Paul is making in 2 Corinthians chapter 3 comparing the Old Covenant (represented by the Law of Moses) with the New Covenant (established through Jesus Christ). To understand the verse, we need to break it down:

"That which passes away": This refers to the Old Covenant, the Mosaic Law, specifically the Law written on tablets of stone (mentioned earlier in the chapter). Paul argues that this covenant, while glorious in its time (demonstrating God's holiness and justice), was temporary and had a limited purpose. It was meant to reveal sin and point people to their need for a savior. It was "passing away" because it was being replaced by the New Covenant. The glory of the Old Covenant is described earlier in the chapter, referring to the radiance on Moses' face after receiving the Law (Exodus 34). This radiance was fading, symbolizing the temporary nature of the Old Covenant's glory.

"Was with glory": This acknowledges that the Old Covenant did have a certain glory. It was divinely ordained, demonstrated God's power, and served a purpose in God's plan. However, this glory was limited and fading.

"Much more that which remains": This refers to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. This covenant is not based on the Law but on grace and faith. It offers forgiveness of sins and empowers believers through the Holy Spirit. This covenant "remains" because it is eternal and its effects are permanent.

"Is in glory": This emphasizes that the New Covenant possesses a far greater and more enduring glory than the Old Covenant. The glory of the New Covenant is seen in:
The forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The transformation of believers into the image of Christ.
The promise of eternal life.

In summary, the verse means:

If the Old Covenant, which was temporary and fading, was accompanied by a certain degree of glory (as seen in the giving of the Law and the radiance on Moses' face), then the New Covenant, which is permanent and eternal, must be accompanied by a far greater and more lasting glory.

The core idea Paul is conveying is the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant. He's highlighting the transition from a system based on rules and external obedience to one based on grace, faith, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant is not just a slightly better version of the old; it's a completely different and vastly superior agreement with God.