For if that which passes away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.
Parallel translations
- KJV For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
- BSB For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures!
- NKJV For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
- NASB For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.
- NLT So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
If what was fading came with glory, how much more does the permanent new covenant abide in glory. The lasting nature of the gospel makes its glory greater still.
Overview
Paul highlights that the old covenant's glory was temporary, destined to pass away, while the new covenant remains. The permanence of the gospel's glory exceeds the transient splendor of the law. This assures believers that the work God accomplishes in Christ is enduring and unfading, the climax of redemptive history.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- Heb 8:13In that he says, “A new covenant”, he has made the first old. But that which is becoming old and grows aged is near to vanishing away.
- Rom 5:20–21The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;
- Heb 7:21–25(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him, “The Lord swore and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’”
- 2 Cor 4:1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint.
- 2 Cor 3:6–7who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
- Heb 12:25–29See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven,
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 3:11 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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