But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
2 CORINTHIANS 3:7KJVWhat does 2 Corinthians 3:7 mean?
2 Corinthians 3:7 describes how the old covenant, which was written and engraved on stone tablets and brought death, still came with a kind of glory so intense that the Israelites could not look steadily at Moses’ face because it shone. However, this glory was temporary and would fade away.
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, comparing the ministry of the old covenant (the law given to Moses) with the new covenant through Christ. He points out that even though the law brought condemnation and death, it was delivered in a glorious way—Moses’ face literally shone after being with God. Paul uses this to set up a contrast with the greater, lasting glory of the new covenant.
The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 3:7
- διακονία (diakonia, G1248) — "ministration" or "ministry." Here, it refers to the role or service of the law, showing it as an official, active work, not just a set of rules.
- θάνατος (thanatos, G2288) — "death." Paul calls the old covenant the "ministration of death," emphasizing that the law, by itself, brought awareness of sin and its penalty.
- ἐντετυπωμένης (entetypōmenēs, G1795) — "engraven." This word highlights that the law was physically carved into stone, underlining its permanence and external nature.
- δόξα (doxa, G1391) — "glory." The Greek word for "glory" is used multiple times, stressing the visible, awe-inspiring presence that accompanied the giving of the law, even though it was not permanent.
Why 2 Corinthians 3:7 matters
- This verse clarifies that the old covenant was not without glory or value, even though it ultimately pointed to something greater.
- Paul’s mention of Moses’ shining face helps readers see the seriousness and majesty of the law, but also its limitations—it was impressive, but it faded.
- Understanding this contrast helps make sense of Paul’s larger argument in the chapter: that the new covenant brings a more lasting and life-giving glory, inviting believers to appreciate the difference between the old and new ways God relates to people.