Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:9

What does 2 Corinthians 3:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 3:9 means

Paul labels the old economy “the ministration of condemnation” because the law, though holy, pronounces judgment on transgressors. Even that had glory, for it disclosed God’s righteousness. Yet the new covenant is “the ministration of righteousness,” surpassing it in glory because it provides what the law could not: a right standing before God. Through Christ, God imputes and imparts righteousness by the Spirit. This is not leniency but salvation—God justly declares and makes sinners righteous. Such a ministry of righteousness shines brighter than a ministry that exposes guilt, because it brings reconciliation, peace, and transformed lives that reflect God’s character.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if the operation of the law, producing punishment, had its glory, how much greater will be the operation of the Spirit causing righteousness?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if the ministration of the condemnation <FI>is<Fi> glory, much more doth the ministration of the righteousness abound in glory;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more the ministration of justice aboundeth in glory.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if the ministry of condemnation [be] glory, much rather the ministry of righteousness abounds in glory.

Context

After contrasting death and Spirit (vv. 7–8), Paul contrasts condemnation and righteousness in verse 9. This intensifies the argument: both had glory, but the new surpasses the old because it accomplishes righteousness. Verses 10–11 will broaden the comparison, explaining how the surpassing glory effectively outshines the former and why the new covenant’s glory remains. This sets up the practical implications for Paul’s speech and the veil imagery in verses 12–18.

v.8how shall not rather the ministration of the spirit be with glory?

v.9This passage

v.10For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 10:3

    For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:30

    But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

  • Exodus 20:18

    And all the people perceived the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the voice of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they trembled, and stood afar off.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:6

    who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

  • Romans 1:17

    For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:41

    There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory.

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 2 Corinthians 3:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary