2 Corinthians 3:6

Translations

Modern

And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Traditional

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Literal

…who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Latin

…qui et idoneos nos fecit ministros novi testamenti: non littera, sed Spiritu: littera enim occidit, Spiritus autem vivificat.

Original

Greek

English

And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Notes

2 Corinthians 3:4–6

The old written covenant refers to the law of Moses as interpreted by Jewish rabbis. It results in death for those who see it as a path to salvation. The law is good (Romans 7:12–14), but those who try to earn merit through it fail. Earning merit through the law leads to either wrongdoing or pride. In both cases, the law brings condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:9).

2 Corinthians 3:4–18

Paul compares his ministry to others by contrasting the old covenant of written laws (Exodus 31:18) with the new covenant written on human hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) God’s New Covenant The New Covenant The New Order

Related verses

John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
Romans 7:6
But now, having died to what 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.
Romans 8:2
For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.
Jeremiah 31:31
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
Hebrews 8:6–10
Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises.
2 Corinthians 3:14
But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.
1 Corinthians 15:45
So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam a life-giving spirit.
Hebrews 12:24
…to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Hebrews 7:22
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Romans 3:20
Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.
Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
Luke 22:20
In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.

Glossary

Bible Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Boast New Covenant Phoebe Second Letter to the Corinthians Spirit of God Spirit of Jesus Christ

Topics

Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Ministers of of the New Testament Covenant of Grace Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Ministers: Qualified by God Ministry New Covenant Quickening of God's People by the Holy Spirit Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Spiritual Life: The Word of God is the Instrument of Steadfastness The Scriptures: The Letter of, Without the Spirit, Killeth Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the New Testament

2 Corinthians 3:6

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