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2 Corinthians 3:12

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 3:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,
2 Corinthians 3:12 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
15But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart.
← 2 Corinthians 3:112 Corinthians 3:13 →
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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
“Seeing then that we have such hope, etc..] Having this confidence, and being fully persuaded that God has made us able and sufficient ministers of the Gospel, has called and qualified us for such service; and since we have such a ministry committed to us, which so much exceeds in glory the ministry of Moses, a ministry not of death and condemnation, but of the Spirit and of righteousness; not which is abolished and done away, but which does and will remain, in spite of all the opposition of hell and earth: we use great plainness of speech; plain and intelligible words, not ambiguous ones: or “boldness”; we are not afraid of men nor devils; we are not terrified by menaces, stripes,…”
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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
“such hope--of the future glory, which shall result from the ministration of the Gospel (Co2 3:8-9). plainness of speech--openness; without reserve (Co2 2:17; Co2 4:2).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Seeing then that we have such hope - Hope properly is a compound emotion, made up of a desire for an object, and an expectation of obtaining it. If there is no desire for it; or if the object is not pleasant and agreeable, there is no hope, though there may be expectation - as in the expectation of the pestilence, of famine, or sickness, or death. If there is no expectation of it, but a strong desire, there is no hope, as in cases where there is a strong desire of wealth, or fame, or pleasure; or where a man is condemned for murder, and has a strong desire but no prospect of pardon; or where a man is shipwrecked, and has a strong desire, but no expectation of again seeing his family and…”
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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
“Having therefore this hope - Being fully persuaded of this. 2 Corinthians 3:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:12-15 The old covenant, represented by Moses’ veil, led to fear and did not remove spiritual blindness.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“we use: Co2 4:2, Co2 4:3, Co2 4:13; Joh 10:24, Joh 16:25, Joh 16:29; Co1 14:19; Col 4:4 plainness: or, boldness, Co2 7:4, Co2 10:1; Act 4:13, Act 4:29-31, Act 9:27, Act 9:29, Act 14:3; Eph 6:19, Eph 6:20; Phi 1:20; Th1 2:2; Ti1 3:13 2 Corinthians 3:13”
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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