Book of 2 Corinthians - Chapter 3 - Verse 10
Meaning
The verse 'For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.' refers to the comparison between the glory of the old covenant under the Mosaic law and the glory of the new covenant through Jesus Christ. In this verse, the Apostle Paul is explaining that even though the glory of the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai was remarkable and significant, it pales in comparison to the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The glory of the new covenant surpasses that of the old because it offers redemption, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life through faith in Jesus. The verse highlights the superiority of the new covenant and emphasizes the importance of embracing the grace and mercy offered through Christ rather than relying on the works of the law for salvation. It serves as a reminder to readers of the surpassing glory found in the gospel message and the life-changing impact it has on those who believe.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth," one can see the profound message conveyed within. This verse, found in 2 Corinthians 3:10, speaks to the concept of the surpassing glory of God's presence and power. In this context, the apostle Paul is highlighting the inadequacy of the Old Covenant, represented by the fleeting glory of Moses' face after being in the presence of God, compared to the everlasting glory found in the New Covenant through Christ. The word "glory" in this verse signifies the radiance and splendor of God's presence, emphasizing the superiority of God's grace and salvation over the temporary glory of the law. Through this comparison, believers are encouraged to seek the eternal glory that comes from being in relationship with Christ rather than relying on external displays of religious performance. In essence, the verse teaches us to prioritize the eternal and transformative glory of God over the temporary and fleeting glory of the world.