2 Corinthians 3:7

Authorized King James Version

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
διακονία
G1248
the ministration
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
#5
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
θανάτου
G2288
of death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἐν
G1722
glorious
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
γράμμασιν
G1121
a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
#9
ἐντετυπωμένη
G1795
and engraven
to enstamp, i.e., engrave
#10
ἐν
G1722
glorious
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
λίθοις
G3037
stones
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#12
ἐγενήθη
G1096
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#13
ἐν
G1722
glorious
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
δόξαν
G1391
the glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#15
ὥστε
G5620
so
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
#16
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#17
δύνασθαι
G1410
could
to be able or possible
#18
ἀτενίσαι
G816
stedfastly behold
to gaze intently
#19
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
υἱοὺς
G5207
that the children
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#21
Ἰσραὴλ
G2474
of Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#22
εἰς
G1519
the face
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#23
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
προσώπου
G4383
countenance
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#25
Μωσέως
G3475
of Moses
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
#26
διὰ
G1223
for
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#27
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
δόξαν
G1391
the glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#29
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
προσώπου
G4383
countenance
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#31
αὐτοῦ
G846
of his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#32
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#33
καταργουμένην
G2673
glory was to be done away
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection