For if the ministry of condemnation was gloriousThe "ministry of condemnation" refers to the Old Covenant, particularly the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This law, while holy and just, highlighted human sinfulness and the inability to achieve righteousness through human effort alone. The glory of this ministry is evident in the dramatic events surrounding the giving of the law, such as the thunder, lightning, and the radiant face of Moses (
Exodus 19:16-19; 34:29-35). The law served as a tutor to lead people to Christ by showing the need for a savior (
Galatians 3:24). Despite its glory, it ultimately brought condemnation because it exposed sin without providing the power to overcome it (
Romans 7:7-13).
how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!
The "ministry of righteousness" refers to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Unlike the Old Covenant, which brought awareness of sin, the New Covenant imparts righteousness through faith in Christ (Romans 3:21-22). This ministry is more glorious because it offers a permanent solution to sin through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, who fulfilled the law's requirements (Matthew 5:17). The righteousness of Christ is imputed to believers, granting them justification before God (2 Corinthians 5:21). This ministry is characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live righteously (Romans 8:1-4). The surpassing glory of this ministry is also seen in its eternal nature, as it brings believers into a lasting relationship with God (Hebrews 8:6-13).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. He contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant.
2.
CorinthA major city in ancient Greece where the church Paul is addressing is located. Known for its diverse culture and significant challenges in maintaining Christian teachings.
3.
Old CovenantRefers to the Mosaic Law, which Paul describes as the "ministry of condemnation" due to its role in highlighting sin.
4.
New CovenantThe covenant established through Jesus Christ, described as the "ministry of righteousness" because it brings justification and life.
5.
MosesThe mediator of the Old Covenant, whose face shone with glory after receiving the Law, symbolizing the temporary glory of the old covenant.
Teaching Points
The Glory of the Old CovenantThe old covenant had a glory that was real and significant, as it revealed God's holiness and the seriousness of sin.
Understanding the purpose of the law helps us appreciate the need for a savior.
The Superiority of the New CovenantThe new covenant surpasses the old in glory because it brings righteousness and life through Jesus Christ.
Believers are called to live in the freedom and righteousness provided by Christ, not under the condemnation of the law.
Living in RighteousnessThe ministry of righteousness empowers believers to live transformed lives, reflecting the glory of Christ.
Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the new covenant, marked by grace and truth.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is central to the new covenant, enabling believers to live according to God's will.
Dependence on the Spirit leads to a life that glorifies God and fulfills the righteous requirements of the law.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:9?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 3:9 contrast the ministries of condemnation and righteousness?
3.What does "surpass it" in 2 Corinthians 3:9 reveal about the new covenant?
4.How can we reflect the "glory" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:9 in daily life?
5.How does 2 Corinthians 3:9 connect to the transformation described in Romans 12:2?
6.In what ways can we embrace the "glorious" ministry of righteousness today?
7.How does 2 Corinthians 3:9 contrast the old and new covenants in terms of glory?
8.What does "ministry of condemnation" mean in 2 Corinthians 3:9?
9.How does 2 Corinthians 3:9 define the "ministry of righteousness"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 3?
11.What distinguishes mercy from grace?
12.What does the Bible say about wealth inequality?
13.(2 Corinthians 7:2) Why does Paul insist he wronged no one, yet elsewhere admits to persecuting the church (cf. Acts 22:4)?
14.What are Christ's active and passive obedience?What Does 2 Corinthians 3:9 Mean
For ifPaul is setting up a comparison. “For if” signals that he is building on what he just said about Moses and the tablets of stone (2Colossians 3:7–8). It’s a logical bridge:
• If one reality (the Old Covenant) possessed genuine glory, then we should logically expect even greater glory in the reality that supersedes it.
Other passages underline this same “how much more” reasoning—seeRomans 5:15 andHebrews 9:13–14.
the ministry of condemnationHere Paul refers to the Old Covenant law, written on stone, that exposes sin and pronounces judgment (Romans 3:20;Galatians 3:10).
• It was a “ministry” because God truly used it to serve His purpose—revealing His holiness and our need.
• It was about “condemnation” because, while the law is perfect, fallen people are not. The law’s verdict on sinners is always “guilty” (James 2:10).
• Yet even this ministry came from God, demonstrating His righteous character.
was gloriousThe giving of the law was accompanied by visible, dazzling glory—Moses’ shining face and Sinai wrapped in fire (Exodus 19:16–18; 34:29–30).
• That glory was literal light, reflecting God’s presence.
• It left Israel in awe and fear (Deuteronomy 5:24–27).
• Its fading nature pictured the temporary role of the Old Covenant (2Colossians 3:7, 13).
how much more gloriousPaul stacks glory upon glory. If a ministry that ended in condemnation bore such brightness, imagine the intensity attached to a ministry that brings life.
• The New Covenant reveals not just God’s holiness but also His grace (John 1:17).
• The Spirit now indwells believers, a permanent, internal glory (Romans 8:11).
• This glory does not fade; it increases as we are “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2Colossians 3:18).
is the ministry of righteousness!Unlike the Old, the New Covenant actually provides what God demands—righteousness.
• Christ “became sin for us… so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Believers stand under “no condemnation” (Romans 8:1) because Christ’s righteousness is credited to them (Philippians 3:9).
• The Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts, enabling obedience from within (Jeremiah 31:33;Hebrews 10:16).
• This ministry not only justifies but also sanctifies, empowering daily victory over sin (Romans 8:4).
summaryPaul contrasts two authentic, God-given ministries. The law’s glorious light revealed sin and condemned the sinner; the gospel’s surpassing glory clothes the believer in Christ’s righteousness and indwells him with the Spirit. Because the ministry of righteousness outshines the ministry of condemnation, we can approach God with confidence, proclaim the gospel boldly, and expect ongoing transformation into Christ’s glorious image.
(9)
If the ministration of condemnation be glory . . .--Many of the better MSS. give the reading,
if there be glory to the ministry of condemnation. The latter phrase takes the place here of "the ministry of death" in
2Corinthians 3:7. The "letter," the "written law," as such, works death, because it brings with it the condemnation which awaits transgressors. It holds out to them the pattern of a righteousness which they have never had, and cannot of themselves attain unto, and passes its sentence on them as transgressors. Contrasted with it is the ministration which has "righteousness" as its object and result, and therefore as its characteristic attribute--the "law of the Spirit of life"--a law written in the heart, working not condemnation, but righteousness and peace and joy (
Romans 8:1-4).
Verse 9. -
The ministration of condemnation. The same antithesis between the Law as involving "condemnation" and the gospel as bestowing "righteousness" is found in
Romans 5:18, 19. The glory; perhaps, rather,
a glory; a stronger way of describing it as "glorious."
Of righteousness. Involving the further conception of "justification," as in
Romans 5:21;
Romans 1:16, 17;
Romans 4:25;
Romans 5:21.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.ifεἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.ministryδιακονία(diakonia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248:Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.of condemnationκατακρίσεως(katakriseōs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2633:Condemnation, censure. From katakrino; sentencing adversely.was glorious,δόξα(doxa)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.how muchπολλῷ(pollō)Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.moreμᾶλλον(mallon)Adverb
Strong's 3123:More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.gloriousδόξῃ(doxē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.{is} theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.ministryδιακονία(diakonia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248:Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.of righteousness!δικαιοσύνης(dikaiosynēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343:From dikaios; equity; specially justification.
Links
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 3:9 For if the service of condemnation has (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
