Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:12

What does 2 Corinthians 3:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 3:12 means

Because the new covenant’s glory is sure and enduring, Paul and his coworkers speak with great boldness. Their message does not need to be shaded or veiled. Hope fuels courage. The gospel’s clarity, power, and permanence free ministers to be open and plain, trusting the Spirit to work. This boldness is not harshness; it is confident transparency that points to Christ. The contrast with Moses is deliberate: where the old covenant called for a covering, the new invites unveiled proclamation. Such candor is appropriate because God has acted decisively in Christ, and the Spirit is applying that work in a way that will not fade.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Having then such a hope, we keep nothing back,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Having, then, such hope, we use much freedom of speech,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Having therefore such hope, we use much confidence.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Having therefore such hope, we use much boldness:

Context

Having argued that the new covenant’s glory surpasses and remains (vv. 7–11), Paul draws a practical conclusion in verse 12: bold speech. This statement anticipates the veil imagery in verse 13, where Moses’ veiling is contrasted with apostolic openness. The following verses (14–16) will address the continued veiling of hearts apart from Christ and the remedy of turning to the Lord, culminating in the liberty and transformation described in verses 17–18.

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

v.12This passage

v.13andarenot as Moses, whoput a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look stedfastly on the end of that which was passing away:

Cross references

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

  • Acts 4:13

    Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

  • 1 Timothy 3:13

    For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  • Ephesians 6:19

    and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

  • John 10:24

    The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly.

  • Colossians 4:4

    that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

  • Acts 4:29

    And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,

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