What does 2 Corinthians 3:10 mean?

9 3 minutes read

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 2 Corinthians 3:10

Explanation

2 Corinthians 3:10 speaks to the contrast between the Old Covenant, as given through Moses, and the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ. The “that which was made glorious” in this context refers to the Old Covenant and the glory that came with it, particularly the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, which was indeed a glorious event in Israelite history. However, the glory of the Old Covenant is overshadowed (“had no glory in this respect”) when compared to the surpassing glory of the New Covenant (“by reason of the glory that excelleth”). In simpler terms, the splendor of the first covenant is made to seem lesser because the new covenant is so much more glorious, and the focus is on the superiority of the ministry brought forth in Christ.

Historical Context

When the Apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, he was addressing the early Christian community in Corinth, a diverse city in ancient Greece. The historical context involves Jewish traditions, the Law of Moses, and the transformation brought about by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul sought to explain the changes that the New Covenant entailed, contrasting it with what the people were historically familiar with – the rules and ceremonies from the Old Testament – and emphasizing the transformative glory of the new era in Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the concept of progressive revelation, which suggests that God has revealed Himself and His plan for humanity in various ways throughout history, each with increasing glory. It touches upon the idea that the Mosaic Law had a divine purpose and glory for its time but served as a precursor to the greater glory of the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. This covenant is characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a personal relationship with God, and being justified by faith rather than by adherence to the Law.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, 2 Corinthians 3:10 serves as an encouragement for believers to view their faith through the lens of the New Covenant. This means living in the freedom and transformation that comes from the Spirit, rather than adhering strictly to the letter of law or tradition. It challenges individuals to focus on the inner transformation of the heart rather than external compliance, and to share this vibrant, living hope with others.

Cross-References

Hebrews 8:13 – “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.”
Hebrews 9:11-12 – “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
Galatians 3:24 – “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words such as “doxa” (δόξα – “glory”) and “hyperballeein” (ὑπερβάλλειν – “exceeds” or “surpasses”) are used. The term “doxa” carries connotations of opinion, judgment, and splendor. It was commonly used to describe the manifestation of God’s presence and His divine nature. In this verse, “hyperballeein” suggests that the New Covenant exceeds in greatness or glory compared to that of the Old Covenant.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse could be compared to the transformation of religious understanding seen in other cultures as well, where new systems or reforms often eclipse previous practices and interpretations. For instance, in Buddhism, the shift from Theravada to Mahayana reflects a new understanding that surpasses the previous one. Throughout religious history, reforms and new movements claim to offer a clearer, more direct, or more powerful experience of the divine that supersedes the old.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it deals with spiritual concepts of glory and covenant that are outside the purview of scientific inquiry. However, the idea of a surpassing glory or truth might be metaphorically aligned with the scientific method where new theories can supplant old ones when they provide a better explanation of phenomena.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide diverse insights into this verse:

John Calvin highlights that the old glory was temporary and faded away, while the new glory remains perpetual in Christ.
The Pulpit Commentary considers that Paul is not speaking derogatorily about the Law of Moses, but rather pointing out its relative inferiority to the greater glory found in Christ.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary elaborates that the purpose of the law was to be an indicator of sin and to lead people to Christ who is the end of the law for righteousness to all that believe.