King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 3:10 Mean?

2 Corinthians 3:10 in the King James Version says “For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 3:10 · KJV

Context

8

How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

9

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

10

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

11

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

12

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: plainness: or, boldness

Read 2 Corinthians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. Paul employs comparative negation: the old covenant's glory was real, but when compared to the new covenant's glory that excelleth (Greek tēs hyperbalousēs doxēs, τῆς ὑπερβαλλούσης δόξης, literally "the surpassing glory"), it had no glory in this respect (Greek ou dedoxastai en toutō tō merei, οὐ δεδόξασται ἐν τούτῳ τῷ μέρει). This is hyperbolic comparison: the lesser glory pales to insignificance beside the greater.

The Greek verb hyperballō (ὑπερβάλλω) means "to surpass," "exceed," or "transcend"—the same root Paul uses of God's "exceeding" grace (2 Corinthians 9:14) and "exceeding" greatness of power (Ephesians 1:19). The new covenant glory doesn't merely surpass the old by degree but by kind—it is glory of another order entirely. Like the stars that appear to have no light when the sun rises, the Sinaitic glory dims to nothing beside Christ's glory revealed in the gospel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's rhetoric here would shock Jewish readers who revered the Sinai event as the defining moment of Israel's identity. The giving of the law, accompanied by thunder, lightning, fire, and God's audible voice (Exodus 19-20), represented the pinnacle of divine revelation—until Christ. Paul does not deny the old covenant's glory but relativizes it in light of Christ's coming. Hebrews 1:1-3 makes the same point: God's past speaking through prophets (including Moses) is superseded by His speaking through His Son.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "glories" in your life—accomplishments, experiences, or blessings—pale into insignificance beside knowing Christ?
  2. How does Paul's emphasis on the "surpassing glory" of the new covenant shape your understanding of the Old Testament's purpose?
  3. In what ways can you more fully appreciate and experience the "glory that excelleth" available through the Spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“even”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οὐδὲ3 of 14

“had no”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

δεδοξασμένον4 of 14

“glory”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τὸ5 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δεδοξασμένον6 of 14

“glory”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

ἐν7 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τούτῳ8 of 14

“this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

τῷ9 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μέρει10 of 14

“respect”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

ἕνεκεν11 of 14

“by reason”

G1752

on account of

τῆς12 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπερβαλλούσης13 of 14

“that excelleth”

G5235

to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e., (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent)

δόξης14 of 14

“of the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 3:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 1:17Haggai 2:7-9Philippians 3:7-8Acts 26:13Revelation 21:23-24Job 25:5

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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