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 3:7KJV
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2 Corinthians 3:7 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“written” Greek G1121 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
  • John 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
  • Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

“behold” Greek G816 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • Acts 11:6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

“away” Greek G2673 · used in 26 verses

  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • 1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

“ministration” Greek G1248 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • Romans 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
  • 2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: