King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 3:6 Mean?

2 Corinthians 3:6 in the King James Version says “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth,... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. giveth life: or, quickeneth

2 Corinthians 3:6 · KJV


Context

4

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

6

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. giveth life: or, quickeneth

7

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious , so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

8

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. This verse contains one of Paul's most quoted—and misunderstood—statements. God has made (hikanōsen, ἱκάνωσεν, "qualified" or "made sufficient") Paul and his colleagues ministers of the new testament (Greek diakonous kainēs diathēkēs, διακόνους καινῆς διαθήκης). The term diathēkē means "covenant," not merely "testament"—Paul refers to the promised new covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-34.

The contrast not of the letter, but of the spirit does not mean literal vs. figurative interpretation. Gramma (γράμμα, "letter") refers to the Mosaic law written on stone; pneuma (πνεῦμα, "Spirit") refers to the Holy Spirit who writes God's law on hearts. The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life describes two covenantal functions: the old covenant law, though holy and good (Romans 7:12), exposes sin and pronounces death on transgressors; the new covenant Spirit transforms hearts and imparts resurrection life. Paul is not denigrating Scripture but contrasting covenantal administrations—external law vs. internal Spirit, condemnation vs. life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The "new covenant" concept comes from Jeremiah 31:31-34, written circa 600 BC, promising a future day when God would internalize His law and forgive sins permanently. This prophecy shaped Jewish messianic expectations. At the Last Supper, Jesus declared the new covenant inaugurated in His blood (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25). Paul now applies this to his Gentile ministry: the new covenant is not limited to ethnic Israel but includes all who believe. The contrast between "letter" (written code) and "Spirit" (divine person) defines two eras of redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding "the letter" as the old covenant law (not Bible literalism) change your reading of this verse?
  2. In what ways might you be trying to live under "the letter"—external rules and self-effort—rather than "the Spirit"?
  3. How have you personally experienced the life-giving power of the Spirit's internal work versus the condemning power of external law?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὃς1 of 19

Who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ2 of 19

also

G2532

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

ἱκάνωσεν3 of 19

able

G2427

to enable, i.e., qualify

ἡμᾶς4 of 19

us

G2248

us

διακόνους5 of 19

ministers

G1249

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

καινῆς6 of 19

of the new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

διαθήκης7 of 19

testament

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

οὐ8 of 19

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γράμμα9 of 19

of the letter

G1121

a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning

ἀλλὰ10 of 19

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πνεῦμα11 of 19

of the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸ12 of 19
G3588

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

γὰρ13 of 19

for

G1063

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

γράμμα14 of 19

of the letter

G1121

a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning

ἀποκτείνει,15 of 19

killeth

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

τὸ16 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ17 of 19

but

G1161

but, and, etc

πνεῦμα18 of 19

of the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ζῳοποιεῖ19 of 19

giveth life

G2227

to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively)


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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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