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2 Corinthians 3:11

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 3:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For if that which passeth away [was] with glory, much more that which remaineth [is] in glory.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For if that which passeth away [was] with glory, much more that which remaineth [is] in glory.
2 Corinthians 3:11 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8how shall not rather the ministration of the spirit be with glory?
9For if the ministration of condemnation hath glory, much rather doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
10For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.
11For if that which passeth away [was] with glory, much more that which remaineth [is] in glory.
12Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,
13and [are] not as Moses, [who] put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look stedfastly on the end of that which was passing away:
14but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed [to them] that it is done away in Christ.
← 2 Corinthians 3:102 Corinthians 3:12 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For if that which is done away, etc..] 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…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“was glorious--literally, "was with glory"; or "marked by glory." that which remaineth--abideth (Rev 14:6). Not "the ministry," but the Spirit, and His accompaniments, life and righteousness. is glorious--literally, "is in glory." The Greek "with" or "by" is appropriately applied to that of which the glory was transient. "In" to that of which the glory is permanent. The contrast of the Old and New Testaments proves that Paul's chief opponents at Corinth were Judaizers.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For if that which is done away ... - The splendor that attended the giving of the Law; the bright shining of the face of Moses; and the ritual institutions of his religion. It was to be done away. It was never designed to be permanent. Everything in it had a transient existence, and was so designed. Yet it was attended, Paul admits, with much that was magnificent, and splendid. He had, in the previous verses, stated several important differences between the Law and the gospel. He here states another. The Law he calls τὸ καταργόυμενον to katargoumenon the thing which was to be made to cease; to be put an end to; to be done away with; to be abolished. It had no permanency; and it was…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That which remaineth - That dispensation which remains to the end of the world; that spirit and life which remain for ever. 2 Corinthians 3:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“if: Co2 3:7; Rom 5:20, Rom 5:21; Heb 7:21-25, Heb 8:13, Heb 12:25-29 much: Co2 3:6, Co2 4:1 2 Corinthians 3:12”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Corinthians 3 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification