2 Corinthians 3:10 – For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory.

Extended Explanation

Paul is continuing his discussion about the difference between the old covenant (the Law of Moses) and the new covenant (salvation through Jesus Christ). In the previous verses, he acknowledged that the old covenant had glory—when God gave the Law to Moses, His presence was so powerful that Moses’ face shone with God’s glory (Exodus 34:29-35). However, Paul now makes a bold statement: that former glory is nothing when compared to the greater glory of the new covenant.

He isn’t saying that the old covenant was bad or that it wasn’t from God. Instead, he is pointing out that its glory was temporary, limited, and ultimately incomplete. It had a purpose, but now that Christ has come, it has been replaced by something far greater. The “surpassing glory” of the new covenant is permanent, powerful, and brings true transformation through the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s message is clear: what seemed glorious before is now completely outshined by the new work God is doing through Jesus.

Historical Context

The old covenant was given to Israel through Moses and centered around the Law. The Law revealed God’s holiness and set a high moral standard, but it also showed people their sin and their inability to live up to God’s perfect requirements. The Law required sacrifices and rituals to temporarily cover sins, but it could not change hearts or bring lasting righteousness.

When Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, his face shone with God’s glory. The Israelites were afraid to look at him, and he had to wear a veil. This was a real, visible display of God’s presence. However, this glory faded, just as the old covenant itself was never meant to last forever.

In contrast, the new covenant, established through Jesus, is far greater because it does what the old covenant never could:

• It removes sin completely through Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14).
• It gives believers the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live righteously (Romans 8:9-11).
• It is permanent and will never fade, unlike the temporary nature of the old covenant.

Paul is reminding the Corinthians that they are no longer under the lesser, fading glory of the Law but under the greater, eternal glory of the Spirit.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key theological truths:

1. The new covenant is far greater than the old – The Law served a purpose, but its time has passed. The gospel of Christ is superior in every way.
2. External religion vs. internal transformation – The old covenant focused on outward obedience, while the new covenant brings heart change through the Spirit.
3. Temporary glory vs. eternal glory – The Law was glorious, but it was only a shadow of what was to come in Christ. The glory of the gospel never fades.

Paul is teaching that clinging to the old covenant is like holding onto a candle when the sun has risen—the candle had its purpose in the dark, but once the greater light arrives, the lesser light is no longer needed.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses contrast and comparison to emphasize his point:

• “What was glorious” vs. “has no glory now” – The old covenant had glory, but it is now overshadowed.
• “Comparison” – He shows that the two covenants are not equal; one is far greater.
• “Surpassing glory” – This phrase underscores that the new covenant is not just better, but infinitely greater.

Paul’s word choice in Greek (περισσεύω, perisseuō, meaning “to surpass, to overflow, to exceed”) paints a picture of overwhelming greatness. The new covenant doesn’t just add to the old—it completely outshines it.

Biblical Cross-References

• Hebrews 8:6 – “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” (Jesus’ new covenant is better in every way.)
• Romans 7:6 – “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” (The old covenant has been replaced by the Spirit-led new covenant.)
• Matthew 17:2 – “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” (Jesus’ glory outshines Moses’ fading glory.)
• 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (The full glory of God is revealed in Jesus.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today still try to approach God by following religious rules, hoping to earn His approval. Paul’s words remind us that we are no longer under the old system of striving and failing—we now live in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.

This verse challenges believers to embrace the greater glory of the gospel. Instead of focusing on external religion, we should focus on the life-changing work of the Spirit in us. This is a call to live by faith in Christ, not by human effort.

It also brings freedom. If we are in Christ, we don’t have to live under guilt or fear. We are part of the greater covenant—one where we are fully accepted, fully forgiven, and empowered to live for God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in the fact that He didn’t leave people under a lesser, temporary system—He provided something far greater through Christ. The old covenant revealed God’s holiness, but the new covenant reveals His grace, mercy, and deep desire for relationship with His people.

The fact that God offers something “surpassing in glory” shows that He always planned to give His best. His love doesn’t leave us under condemnation but lifts us up into a life filled with His Spirit.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the “surpassing glory” Paul is talking about.

• Luke 9:28-31 – At the Transfiguration, Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. But only Jesus remained, showing that He is the fulfillment of both the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).
• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jesus is the full revelation of God’s glory.)
• Colossians 2:17 – “These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (The old covenant was a shadow—Jesus is the real thing.)
• Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Jesus is God’s glory revealed.)

Jesus does not add to the old covenant—He replaces it with something far greater. He fulfills the Law and gives believers a new way to live, through His Spirit.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does understanding the “surpassing glory” of the new covenant change your view of Christianity?
2. Have you ever felt pressure to live under religious rules rather than grace? How does this verse bring freedom?
3. What does it mean for you personally that Christ’s glory surpasses the Law’s glory?
4. How can you walk daily in the greater glory of the new covenant?
5. In what ways have you seen the Holy Spirit’s transforming power at work in your life?