2Cor 3:9-12 | JFB | STEP | 9. ministration of condemnation-- the law regarded in the "letter" which "killeth" ( ; ). The oldest existing manuscript seems to read as English Version. But most of the almost contemporary manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read, "If to the ministration of condemnation there be glory." the ministration of righteousness-- the Gospel, which especially reveals the righteousness of God ( ), and imputes righteousness to men through faith in Christ (Ro 3:21-28; 4: ), and imparts righteousness by the Spirit ( ). exceed-- "abound."

‏ 2 Corinthians 3:9-12

9. ministration of condemnation--the law regarded in the "letter" which "killeth" (2Co 3:6; Ro 7:9-11). The oldest existing manuscript seems to read as English Version. But most of the almost contemporary manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read, "If to the ministration of condemnation there be glory."

the ministration of righteousness--the Gospel, which especially reveals the righteousness of God (Ro 1:17), and imputes righteousness to men through faith in Christ (Ro 3:21-28; 4:3, 22-25), and imparts righteousness by the Spirit (Ro 8:1-4).

exceed--"abound."

10. For even the ministration of condemnation, the law, 2Co 3:7 (which has been glorified at Sinai in Moses' person), has now (English Version translates less fitly, "was made ... had") lost its glory in this respect by reason of the surpassing glory (of the Gospel): as the light of the stars and moon fades in the presence of the sun.

11. was glorious--literally, "was with glory"; or "marked by glory."

that which remaineth--abideth (Re 14:6). Not "the ministry," but the Spirit, and His accompaniments, life and righteousness.

is glorious--literally, "is in glory." The Greek "with" or "by" is appropriately applied to that of which the glory was transient. "In" to that of which the glory is permanent. The contrast of the Old and New Testaments proves that Paul's chief opponents at Corinth were Judaizers.

12. such hope--of the future glory, which shall result from the ministration of the Gospel (2Co 3:8, 9).

plainness of speech--openness; without reserve (2Co 2:17; 4:2).