2 Corinthians 3:7 – Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was,

Extended Explanation

Paul is making a comparison between the old covenant (the Law given to Moses) and the new covenant (grace through Jesus Christ). He describes the old covenant as “the ministry that brought death” because, while the Law was holy and good, it could not give life. Instead, it revealed sin and resulted in condemnation, since no one could keep it perfectly (Romans 3:20).

Paul refers to the time when Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. When Moses came down, his face was glowing with God’s glory because he had been in God’s presence (Exodus 34:29-35). The Israelites were so overwhelmed by this glory that they couldn’t look directly at him, and Moses had to cover his face with a veil.

Even though the old covenant was glorious, Paul points out that this glory was “transitory”—temporary. It was never meant to last forever. Instead, it pointed forward to something greater: the new covenant in Christ. Paul is preparing to explain that if the old covenant, which brought death, had such glory, then the new covenant, which brings life, is far more glorious.

Historical Context

Paul’s readers in Corinth would have been familiar with the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments. The Jewish people viewed the giving of the Law as one of the most significant moments in their history. It was a moment when God revealed His holiness and established His covenant with Israel.

However, while the Law set a standard for righteousness, it also exposed humanity’s inability to meet that standard. The Israelites were given commands, but they repeatedly failed to obey them. That’s why the Law, though glorious, was also a “ministry of death” (as Paul calls it), because it ultimately led to judgment rather than life.

Paul’s point would have been shocking to some of his Jewish readers. The Law was seen as the foundation of their faith, yet Paul was saying that it was temporary and would be surpassed by something greater.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the difference between law and grace, condemnation and salvation, and temporary glory versus lasting glory:

• The Law was glorious, but it brought death – The Law reflected God’s holiness, but it also condemned sinners who couldn’t keep it.
• The Law’s glory was temporary – Moses’ shining face eventually faded, just as the old covenant was always meant to be replaced by something better.
• The new covenant is far greater – If the Law, which brought death, was so glorious, then how much greater is the covenant that brings life through Christ?

Paul is not saying the Law was bad—only that it was incomplete. It served its purpose but was never meant to be the final way for people to be made right with God.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses contrast and comparison to build his argument:

• “Ministry that brought death” vs. “Ministry that brings life” (which he will mention in the next verses).
• Temporary glory (Moses’ shining face) vs. Lasting glory (Jesus’ work in the Spirit).

By referring to Moses’ face shining, Paul is emphasizing that even though the old covenant had divine glory, it was still limited and would fade away. This prepares the reader for his argument in the following verses that the new covenant surpasses the old in every way.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 34:29-35 – (The story of Moses’ face shining after being in God’s presence.)
• Romans 3:20 – “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (The Law reveals sin but does not save.)
• Galatians 3:24 – “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” (The Law had a purpose, but Christ fulfilled it.)
• 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.” (The new covenant is greater than the old.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that rules and religion cannot save anyone—only Christ can. Many people today still try to earn their way to God through good works or religious rituals. But Paul is clear: the old way, based on human effort and law-keeping, only brings death.

Instead of trying to measure up to a standard we can never reach, we are called to live in the freedom of the new covenant, where righteousness is given to us through faith in Jesus, not earned by our works.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He didn’t leave people stuck under a system that only led to failure and judgment. Instead, He provided a better way—a way based on grace rather than works.

The old covenant showed God’s holiness and justice, but the new covenant shows His grace and mercy. The fact that He was willing to replace the old system with something greater shows His deep love for humanity.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the old covenant pointed to.

• Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Jesus completes what the Law started.)
• Luke 9:28-31 – (At the Transfiguration, Jesus’ face shone with glory—an even greater glory than Moses’ because it was not fading.)
• John 1:17 – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jesus brings something greater than the Law.)
• 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.” (Jesus brings true and lasting glory.)

The glory that once shone on Moses’ face was temporary, but Jesus’ glory is eternal. He is the one who replaces the fading old covenant with something far greater.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul describes the Law as something that “brought death” even though it was given by God?
2. Have you ever tried to earn God’s approval through religious efforts? How does this verse challenge that mindset?
3. If the Law’s glory was temporary, what does that tell you about the lasting glory of Christ?
4. How does understanding the difference between law and grace bring freedom to your daily life?
5. What are some ways you can live in the reality of the new covenant rather than being weighed down by legalism?