2 Corinthians 3:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διακόνους
ministers
G1249
διακόνους
ministers
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
5 of 19
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
καινῆς
of the new
G2537
καινῆς
of the new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
6 of 19
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
διαθήκης
testament
G1242
διαθήκης
testament
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
γράμμα
of the letter
G1121
γράμμα
of the letter
Strong's:
G1121
Word #:
9 of 19
a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πνεῦμα
of the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
of the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 19
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
γράμμα
of the letter
G1121
γράμμα
of the letter
Strong's:
G1121
Word #:
14 of 19
a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.Romans 7:6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.Jeremiah 31:31Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:Romans 8:2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.1 Corinthians 15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.Hebrews 7:22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.Hebrews 12:24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.Romans 3:20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.2 Corinthians 3:14But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Historical Context
The "new covenant" concept comes from Jeremiah 31:31-34, written circa 600 BC, promising a future day when God would internalize His law and forgive sins permanently. This prophecy shaped Jewish messianic expectations. At the Last Supper, Jesus declared the new covenant inaugurated in His blood (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25). Paul now applies this to his Gentile ministry: the new covenant is not limited to ethnic Israel but includes all who believe. The contrast between "letter" (written code) and "Spirit" (divine person) defines two eras of redemptive history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding "the letter" as the old covenant law (not Bible literalism) change your reading of this verse?
- In what ways might you be trying to live under "the letter"—external rules and self-effort—rather than "the Spirit"?
- How have you personally experienced the life-giving power of the Spirit's internal work versus the condemning power of external law?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. This verse contains one of Paul's most quoted—and misunderstood—statements. God has made (hikanōsen, ἱκάνωσεν, "qualified" or "made sufficient") Paul and his colleagues ministers of the new testament (Greek diakonous kainēs diathēkēs, διακόνους καινῆς διαθήκης). The term diathēkē means "covenant," not merely "testament"—Paul refers to the promised new covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-34.
The contrast not of the letter, but of the spirit does not mean literal vs. figurative interpretation. Gramma (γράμμα, "letter") refers to the Mosaic law written on stone; pneuma (πνεῦμα, "Spirit") refers to the Holy Spirit who writes God's law on hearts. The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life describes two covenantal functions: the old covenant law, though holy and good (Romans 7:12), exposes sin and pronounces death on transgressors; the new covenant Spirit transforms hearts and imparts resurrection life. Paul is not denigrating Scripture but contrasting covenantal administrations—external law vs. internal Spirit, condemnation vs. life.