2 Corinthians 3:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 3:10 mean?

In 2 Corinthians 3:10, Paul compares the glory of the old agreement given through Moses with the greater glory of the new agreement. He says that the old agreement, though glorious, looks as if it has no glory when placed beside what surpasses it.

Paul’s comparison follows his description of Moses’ shining face. The phrase “in this respect” limits his claim: he is speaking about how the two glories compare, not denying that the first had glory.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 3:10

• “respect” — μέρος (meros): This word can mean a part or aspect. Here it helps mark the particular point of comparison in Paul’s statement.
• “excelleth” — ὑπερβάλλω (hyperballō): The word carries the sense of surpassing or going beyond. Paul uses it to describe a glory that exceeds the one previously mentioned.

Why 2 Corinthians 3:10 matters

• Paul treats the earlier glory as real. His words “that which was made glorious” acknowledge its splendor before making the comparison.
• The comparison concerns more than the appearance of Moses’ face. In the surrounding passage, Paul links the earlier glory with letters carved in stone and the greater glory with the work of God’s Spirit (verses 6–8).
• The contrast also involves what lasts. Verse 11 speaks of the earlier glory as passing away and the greater glory as remaining.