Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:10

What does 2 Corinthians 3:10 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 3:10 means

Paul explains that, by comparison, the old covenant’s glory appears as no glory in the face of the new covenant’s overwhelming splendor. He does not deny the old’s original radiance, but he speaks “in this respect”—relative to the surpassing glory of the new. Like stars that fade before the sunrise, the earlier glory is eclipsed when a greater light appears. The effect is to magnify God’s present work in Christ and by the Spirit without despising what came before. The fulfillment does not diminish the promise; it completes it and reveals its true brightness by contrast to what was preparatory and provisional.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the glory of the first no longer seems to be glory, because of the greater glory of that which comes after.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for also even that which hath been glorious, hath not been glorious--in this respect, because of the superior glory;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For even that which was glorious in this part was not glorified by reason of the glory that excelleth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For also that [which was] glorified is not glorified in this respect, on account of the surpassing glory.

Context

Building on the condemnation-versus-righteousness contrast, verse 10 explains the dynamic of surpassing glory: the new so excels that the former is outshone. This prepares for verse 11’s final statement about permanence—passing versus remaining. With the glory contrast settled, Paul will pivot to its practical consequence: confident, unveiled proclamation (v. 12) and an explanation of Israel’s ongoing veiling apart from Christ (vv. 13–15), leading to the freedom and transformation of the Spirit (vv. 16–18).

v.9For if the ministration of condemnation hath glory, much rather doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

v.10This passage

v.11For if that which passeth away was with glory, much more that which remaineth is in glory.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Job 25:5

    Behold, even the moon hath no brightness, And the stars are not pure in his sight:

  • Haggai 2:3

    Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing?

  • Revelation 22:5

    And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 21:23

    And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb.

  • Acts 26:13

    at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them that journeyed with me.

  • Philippians 3:7

    Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

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