2 Corinthians 3:11 – And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
Extended Explanation
Paul is continuing his argument about the difference between the old covenant (the Law given to Moses) and the new covenant (grace through Jesus Christ). In this verse, he makes a final contrast: the old covenant was temporary (“transitory”) and fading, while the new covenant is eternal and unfading.
The old covenant had glory—it was given directly by God, and His presence was so powerful that Moses’ face shone with His glory. However, this glory did not last. Just as Moses’ shining face eventually faded, so did the covenant that he received. It was always meant to be temporary, serving as a preparation for something greater.
The new covenant, however, will never fade away. Unlike the old covenant, which depended on human obedience and sacrifices, the new covenant is based on Jesus’ finished work. It brings eternal salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a lasting relationship with God. That’s why Paul says its glory is far greater—it is not a temporary system but a permanent transformation that will last forever.
Historical Context
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians, many of whom were influenced by Jewish teachings about the Law. Some Jewish teachers wanted people to keep following the old system of laws, rituals, and sacrifices. But Paul reminds them that the old covenant was never meant to be permanent.
The old covenant was given to Moses on Mount Sinai and included the Ten Commandments, the priesthood, the sacrificial system, and all the laws for Israel. These laws showed people how holy God was, but they also exposed how sinful people were. Because no one could perfectly obey the Law, it ultimately brought condemnation, not salvation (Romans 3:20).
But the new covenant, promised by God in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31-33), was different. Instead of being written on stone tablets, it would be written on people’s hearts. Instead of requiring repeated sacrifices, it would be fulfilled once and for all by Jesus. This new covenant is everlasting, unlike the old one, which was only meant to last until Christ came.
Paul is urging the Corinthians not to cling to something that was only meant to be temporary, but to embrace the glorious, eternal covenant in Christ.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several key truths about God’s plan of salvation:
- The old covenant was temporary – God designed it to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. It revealed sin but could not remove it.
- The new covenant is eternal – Through Jesus, salvation is complete, the Spirit lives in believers, and we have direct access to God.
- The glory of the new covenant far surpasses the old – The Law was good, but grace is far greater. The Law brought death, but the Spirit brings life.
Paul’s argument reminds us that Christianity is not about going back to religious rituals—it’s about living in the power of the Holy Spirit. The new covenant is not about human effort, but about God’s work in us.
Literary Analysis
Paul continues using contrast and comparison to make his point:
- “What was transitory” (the old covenant) vs. “That which lasts” (the new covenant).
- “Came with glory” vs. “How much greater is the glory” – The old covenant had real glory, but it is completely outshined by the glory of the new covenant.
The word “transitory” means something that is fading, temporary, or passing away. Paul is emphasizing that the old way was never meant to last. In contrast, the new covenant is eternal and unchanging.
This contrast builds on the previous verses, where Paul explained that Moses’ face shining with God’s glory was a temporary sign of the Law’s importance—but even that glory faded. The new covenant, however, is permanent and will never diminish.
Biblical Cross-References
- Jeremiah 31:31-33 – “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant… I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” (The new covenant is God’s ultimate plan.)
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” (Unlike the old covenant, the new covenant transforms people from the inside.)
- Hebrews 8:13 – “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.” (The old covenant has been replaced by something better.)
- Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (God’s promises in the new covenant are eternal.)
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (The new covenant brings lasting transformation.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges Christians to fully embrace the new life we have in Christ. Some believers still try to approach God based on rules, traditions, or religious effort. But Paul reminds us that we no longer live under the temporary system of the Law—we live under the eternal covenant of grace.
Instead of striving to earn God’s favor through religious performance, we are invited to live in the freedom of the Spirit. This means:
- We don’t have to live under guilt and condemnation – The Law condemned, but Jesus saves completely.
- We have the Holy Spirit working in us – The Spirit’s presence is eternal, unlike the fading glory of the old covenant.
- We can live with confidence and hope – The new covenant will never be replaced. It is God’s final and perfect plan for salvation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He always intended to bring something better. He did not leave humanity in a system that could not save—He provided a way that completely saves.
God’s love is also seen in the permanence of the new covenant. Unlike human relationships or worldly achievements, which fade away, God’s promises in Christ are eternal. His love is not temporary; it is forever.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the reason the new covenant is greater than the old.
- Luke 22:20 – “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Jesus established the new covenant through His death.)
- John 1:14 – “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jesus’ glory surpasses the old covenant.)
- Hebrews 9:15 – “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” (Jesus is the guarantee of the new covenant.)
- Romans 10:4 – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Jesus fulfilled the Law and brought in the new covenant of righteousness.)
Jesus did not abolish the Law—He fulfilled it. Through His death and resurrection, He brought something far greater, giving believers direct access to God and the power to live for Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Paul describes the old covenant as “transitory”?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust more fully in Christ’s work rather than religious effort?
- In what ways have you seen the permanent work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
- How does knowing that the new covenant is eternal give you confidence in your faith?
- What are some ways you can live more fully in the freedom of the new covenant?