2 Corinthians 3:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 3:6
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.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 3 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, fellowship, discipleship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 3:6
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Spirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma) G4151 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- Covenant: 2 Corinthians 3:14, Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 7:22, 12:24, 13:20
- Spirit: John 6:63, Romans 7:6, 8:2, 1 Corinthians 15:45
- Parallel theme: Romans 3:20