2 Corinthians 3:8
What does 2 Corinthians 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 3:8 means
If the old covenant, which brought death, came with glory, then the ministry of the Spirit must abound in glory all the more. The Spirit’s work is not external inscription but internal transformation. His glory is seen in giving life, awakening faith, and shaping hearts into Christ’s likeness. Paul argues from lesser to greater: temporary, condemning glory versus enduring, life-giving glory. The Spirit’s ministry does not merely match the old; it surpasses it in nature and effect. Therefore, the new covenant is not a slight improvement but a decisive advance in God’s saving plan, marked by deeper, wider, and lasting radiance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000how shall not rather the ministration of the spirit be with glory?
KJV
King James Version · 1611How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901how shall not rather the ministration of the spirit be with glory?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Will not the operation of the Spirit have a much greater glory?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862how shall the ministration of the Spirit not be more in glory?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather in glory?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890how shall not rather the ministry of the Spirit subsist in glory?
Context
Flowing from verse 7’s description of the old covenant’s fading glory, verse 8 raises the contrast explicitly: the Spirit’s ministry overflows with greater glory. Verses 9–11 will spell out reasons—condemnation versus righteousness, eclipsed versus surpassing glory, passing versus remaining. This mounting argument establishes why Paul can minister with openness and hope and prepares for the unveiled boldness described in verses 12–18.
v.7But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which glory was passing away:
v.8This passage
v.9For if the ministration of condemnation hath glory, much rather doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 11:2
And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah.
- Ephesians 2:18
for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.
- John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
- Galatians 3:14
that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
- Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Boldness
Bible verses about boldness reveal how believers can stand firm in faith, speak truth, and overcome fear through God’s strength.
Topic
Bible Verses About Glorification
Glorification is the final stage of salvation, where believers receive perfect, incorruptible bodies and are made completely like Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Glory of God
Exploring the majesty, splendor, and revealing presence of God as described throughout the Bible, from creation to Christ.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.