2 Corinthians 3:10

Verse

Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it.

American Standard Version (1901)

For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.

Bible in Basic English

For the glory of the first no longer seems to be glory, because of the greater glory of that which comes after.

Douay-Rheims 1899

For even that which was glorious in this part was not glorified, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

Free Bible Version

For the old that was once glorious has no glory at all in comparison with the incredible glory of the new.

Geneva Bible 1599

For euen that which was glorified, was not glorified in this point, that is, as touching the exceeding glorie.

King James (Authorized) Version

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

Translation for Translators

The truth is that, although the work of teaching the people to obey God’s laws was once important, it is not as important now, because the work of teaching people that God will forgive them and enable them to live to please him is far more important.

Unlocked Literal Bible

For indeed, that which was once made glorious is no longer glorious in this respect, because of the glory that exceeds it.

Noah Webster Bible

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

World English Bible

For most certainly that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasses.

Young's Literal Translation

for also even that which hath been glorious, hath not been glorious — in this respect, because of the superior glory;

Context

The Glory of the New Covenant

⁹For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!¹⁰Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it.¹¹For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures!

Sermons

St. Paul's New Words for Superabounding Grace.

Daniel Steele

On the Priesthood - Part 3

St. John Chrysostom

Summary

This verse highlights the glory and superiority of the new covenant in Christ compared to the old covenant given through Moses. It emphasizes that the glory of the new covenant far surpasses the glory of the old covenant, which was fading away. Believers are encouraged to embrace the freedom, righteousness, and transformation brought by the new covenant in Christ, which is permanent and life-giving. The verse underscores the importance of understanding the fulfillment and completion found in Jesus, leading to a more intimate and vibrant relationship with God.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

For even that which was made glorious - The law, which was exhibited for a time in great glory and splendor, partly when it was given, and partly by the splendor of God in the tabernacle and first temple; but all this ceased and was done away; was intended to give place to the Gospel; and has actually given place to that system; so that now, in no part of the world is that law performed, even by the people who are attached to it and reject the Gospel. The glory that excelleth - The Gospel dispensation, giving supereminent displays of the justice, holiness, goodness, mercy, and majesty of God.

John Gill Bible Commentary

For if that which is done away,.... Here another difference is pointed out, which subsists between the law and the Gospel, and proves that the one is more excellent and glorious than the other. The law is "that which is done away"; not merely the ceremonial law, or the judicial law, but the whole ministry of Moses, and particularly the law of the Decalogue: for the better understanding of this, distinguish between the matter and ministry of it; the ministry of it by Moses is done away, the matter of it so far as of a moral nature abides: distinguish between the law, as in the hands of Moses and of Christ; as in the hands of Moses it is broken to pieces and abolished, as in the hands of Christ, as King in his church, it remains: distinguish between precepts and precepts; some are mixed, being partly moral, and partly ceremonial, as the fourth and fifth commands, and others are not; what is ceremonial, or purely related to the Jews whilst in their civil policy, and in the land of Canaan, is done away; but what is purely moral, is, as to the matter of it, still obliging: distinguish between the law as a covenant of works, and as a rule of walk and conversation; as a covenant of works it is done away, as a rule of walk and conversation it still continues: distinguish between persons and persons; to them that are redeemed from it, it is done away; to them that are under it, it remains; and lastly, distinguish between a right and a wrong use of it; as to any use of it to justify us before God, by our obedience to it, it is done away; but as it may be of use to convince sinners of sin, and to direct saints in a course of righteousness, so it abides. The Gospel is "that which remaineth"; which denotes the continued efficacy, the incorruptibleness, the inexpugnableness, and duration of it; notwithstanding all the opposition of men and devils to it, still its blessings, promises, doctrines, ordinances, and effects continue; it remains in the Scriptures, in the church, in the hearts of believers, and in the world too, until all the elect of God are gathered in: now as things that remain are much more glorious than those which are done away, so the Gospel must be much more glorious than the law. Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 4

2 Corinthians 3:10

The Glory of the New Covenant

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it.

American Standard Version (1901)

For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.

Bible in Basic English

For the glory of the first no longer seems to be glory, because of the greater glory of that which comes after.

Douay-Rheims 1899

For even that which was glorious in this part was not glorified, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

Free Bible Version

For the old that was once glorious has no glory at all in comparison with the incredible glory of the new.

Geneva Bible 1599

For euen that which was glorified, was not glorified in this point, that is, as touching the exceeding glorie.

King James (Authorized) Version

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

Translation for Translators

Unlocked Literal Bible

For indeed, that which was once made glorious is no longer glorious in this respect, because of the glory that exceeds it.

Noah Webster Bible

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

World English Bible

For most certainly that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasses.

Young's Literal Translation

for also even that which hath been glorious, hath not been glorious — in this respect, because of the superior glory;

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:10

Verse

Context

The Glory of the New Covenant

Sermons

Summary

Commentary

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:10

The Glory of the New Covenant

St. Paul's New Words for Superabounding Grace.

On the Priesthood - Part 3

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary