King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 3:11 Mean?

2 Corinthians 3:11 in the King James Version says “For if that which is done away was glorious , much more that which remaineth is glorious .” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 3:11 · King James Version

Context

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

13

And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

Read 2 Corinthians 3 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Paul presents his third contrast: the done away (Greek to katargoumenon, τὸ καταργούμενον, "being abolished" or "fading") versus that which remaineth (Greek to menon, τὸ μένον, "abiding" or "permanent"). The old covenant was never designed to be permanent; it was a temporary administration pointing forward to Christ (Galatians 3:19-25). The verb katargeō (καταργέω) appears six times in 2 Corinthians 3, emphasizing the old covenant's obsolescence now that Christ has come.

By contrast, the new covenant remaineth—the present participle menon (μένον) indicates continuous, permanent existence. This echoes Jesus' words that His words "shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35) and John's declaration that "he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (1 John 2:17). The new covenant will never be superseded because it rests on Christ's finished work and the Spirit's eternal presence. Its glory is permanent, not fading. The argument is again qal wahomer: if the temporary had glory, much more (Greek mallon, μᾶλλον) the permanent is glorious.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept that the Mosaic covenant would one day be "done away" was radical but biblically grounded. Jeremiah 31:31-32 explicitly contrasts the "new covenant" with the covenant God made with Israel at the Exodus, implying the old would become obsolete. Hebrews 8:13 makes this explicit: "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Paul's teaching aligned with Jesus' declaration that He came to "fulfill" (complete and bring to fruition) the law and prophets (Matthew 5:17).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that the new covenant is permanent—never to be replaced—give you security and confidence in your relationship with God?
  2. In what ways might you be clinging to temporary, "fading" religious practices or rules instead of embracing the permanent reality of life in the Spirit?
  3. What difference does it make to your daily life that the glory you possess in Christ will never fade or be taken away?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
εἰ1 of 12

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

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

τὸ3 of 12
G3588

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

καταργούμενον4 of 12

“that which is done away”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

διὰ5 of 12

“was glorious”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

δόξης6 of 12
G1391

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

πολλῷ7 of 12

“much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

μᾶλλον8 of 12

“more”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

τὸ9 of 12
G3588

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

μένον10 of 12

“that which remaineth”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἐν11 of 12

“is glorious”

G1722

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

δόξῃ12 of 12
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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 8:13Romans 5:20-21Hebrews 7:21-252 Corinthians 4:12 Corinthians 3:6-7Hebrews 12:25-29

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

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