2 Corinthians 3:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃς
G3739
Who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#3
ἱκάνωσεν
G2427
able
to enable, i.e., qualify
#4
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#5
διακόνους
G1249
ministers
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
#6
καινῆς
G2537
of the new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#7
διαθήκης
G1242
testament
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
#8
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
γράμμα
G1121
of the letter
a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
#10
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#11
πνεῦμα
G4151
of the spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#12
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#14
γράμμα
G1121
of the letter
a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
#15
ἀποκτείνει,
G615
killeth
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#16
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
δὲ
G1161
but
but, and, etc
#18
πνεῦμα
G4151
of the spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#19
ζῳοποιεῖ
G2227
giveth life
to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection