2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 3

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Are we beginningI to commendII ourselves again? Surely we do not need,III as some do,

Notes on verse 1a

I “beginning” = archomai. From archo (to rule, begin, have first rank or have political power). This is to begin or rule.
II “commend” = sunistemi. 16x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + histemi (to stand, place, establish, appoint, stand ready, be steadfast). This is to establish, exhibit, demonstrate, stand together, prove.
III “need” = chrezo. 5x in NT. From chre (what is proper, fitting, or necessary); from chraomai (to use, make use of, give what is needed, act in a specific way, request) This is to need, want, or desire.

lettersIV of recommendationV to you or from you, do we? You yourselves areVI our letter, writtenVII on our hearts,VIII

Notes on verses 1b-2a

IV “letters” = epistole. Related to “commend” and “recommendation” in v1. From epistello (to write, communicate through letter); {from epi (on, upon, against, what is fitting) + stello (to send, set, arrange, prepare, gather up); {from histemi (see note II above)}}. This is an epistle, letter, or other written message. This is where the word “epistle” comes from.
V “recommendation” = sustatikos. Related to “commend” in v1. 1x in NT. From sunistemi (see note II above). This is introductory or commendation. It is something that acts as an endorsement.
VI “are” = eimi. This is to be, exist.
VII “written” = eggrapho. 3x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + grapho (to write, describe). This is to write, record, or inscribe in a register.
VIII “hearts” = kardia. Literally the heart, but figuratively mind, character, inner self, will, intention, thoughts, feelings. Also, the center of something. The word heart is only used figuratively in the Old and New Testaments. This is where “cardiac” comes from.

knownIX and readX by all,XI, XII 

Notes on verse 2b

IX “known” = ginosko. This is to know, recognize, realize, perceive, learn. It is knowledge gained through personal experience.
X “read” = anaginosko. Related to “known” in v2. From ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + ginosko (see note IX above). This is literally to know again – to recognize, read, or discern.
XI “all” = pas. This is all, every.
XII {untranslated} = anthropos. Probably from aner (man, male, husband) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (to appear, be seen); perhaps from horao (become, seem, appear)}. This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.

and you showXIII that you are a letter of Christ,XIV preparedXV by us,

Notes on verse 3a

XIII “show” = phaneroo. From phaneros (visible, apparent, clear, shining); from phos (light, a source of light, fire, or radiance; light with specific reference to what it reveals; luminousness whether natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative); from phao (to shine or make visible, especially with rays of light); from the same as phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear). This is to make visible or clear, to make known. Properly, it is to illumine and so to make apparent or bring into open view.
XIV “Christ” = Christos. From chrio (consecrate by anointing with oil; often done for prophets, priests, or kings). Literally, the anointed one, Christ. The Greek word for Messiah.
XV “prepared” = diakoneo. From diakonos (servant, minister, waiter, or attendant; a person who performs a service, including religious service); {perhaps from dia (through, across to the other side, thoroughly) + konis (dust) OR from dioko (to chase after, put to flight; by implication, to persecute or to purse like a hunter after its prey; this can be earnestly pursue or zealously persecute); {related to dio (put to flight)}}. This is to wait at table, to serve generally, to minister or administer, to be in the office of deacon. To wait on someone as a slave, friend, or host.

written not with inkXVI but with the SpiritXVII of the livingXVIII God,XIX

Notes on verse 3b

XVI “ink” = melan. 3x in NT. From melas (black). This is ink.
XVII “Spirit” = Pneuma. From pneo (to blow, breathe, breathe hard). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.
XVIII “living” = zao. This is to live literally or figuratively. It is used for life including the vitality of humans, plants, and animals – it is life physical and spiritual and life everlasting.
XIX “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.

not on tabletsXX of stoneXXI but on tablets that are humanXXII hearts.

Notes on verse 3c

XX “tablets” = plax. 3x in NT. Perhaps from plasso (to form, mold; to create like a potter shapes clay). This is a tablet or flat surface. In Hebrews, it refers to the tablets of the Ten Commandment.
XXI “of stone” = lithinos. 3x in NT. From lithos (stone literal of figurative). This is stony or made from stone. It is used of stone jars, tablets, or idols made of stone.
XXII “human” = sarkinos. 4x in NT. From sarx (the body, human nature, being related; not always evil in scripture as when it refers to Jesus taking on a human body; generally used in a negative way for actions made selfishly and not through faith; can mean meat from an animal, or refer to body in contrast to soul/spirit; can be a way of talking about how things or people are related or talking about human frailty, physical or moral); may be from saroo (to sweep, cleanse); from sairo (to brush off). This is flesh, the body, human nature, materiality, kindred. Flesh is not always evil in scripture (as when it refers to Jesus taking on a human body). This is fleshly, physical, soft. It can also be carnal.

SuchXXIII is the confidenceXXIV that we haveXXV through Christ toward God. 

Notes on verse 4

XXIII “such” = toioutos. From toios (such) + houtos (this, they, that, third person pronoun); {probably from ho (the) + autos (he, she, self, they, same)}. This is of this kind, such, like. It could refer to one’s character or individuality.
XXIV “confidence” = pepoithesis. 6x in NT. From peitho (to have confidence, urge, be persuaded, agree, assure, believe, have confidence, trust). This is persuasion, confidence, trust. It is related to the Greek word for faith – pistis.
XXV “have” = echo. This is to have, hold, possess.

Not that we are qualifiedXXVI of ourselves to claimXXVII anything as coming from us; our qualificationXXVIII is from God, 

Notes on verse 5

XXVI “qualified” = hikanos. From hikneomai (to reach, come to, attain). This is sufficient, suitable, adequate, competent, ample.
XXVII “claim” = logizomai. From logos (word, statement, speech, analogy; here, word as an account or accounting; can also be a word that carries an idea or expresses a thought, a saying; a person with a message or reasoning laid out in words; by implication, a topic, line of reasoning, or a motive; can be used for a divine utterance or as Word – Christ); from lego (to speak, tell, mention). This is this is to compute or reckon up, to count; figuratively, it is coming to a conclusion or decision using logic; taking an inventory in a literal or figurative sense.
XXVIII “qualification” = hikanotes. Related to “qualified” in v5. 1x in NT. From hikanos (see note XXVI above). This is ability, fitness, adequacy.

who has made us qualifiedXXIX to be ministersXXX of a newXXXI covenant,XXXII

Notes on verse 6a

XXIX “qualified” = hikanoo. Related to “qualified” and “qualification” in v5. 2x in NT. From hikanos (see note XXVI above). This is to qualify, enable, make fit.
XXX “ministers” = diakonos. Related to “prepared” in v3. See note XV above.
XXXI “new” = kainos. This is not new as in new versus old. This is new in the sense of novel, innovative, or fresh.
XXXII “covenant” = diatheke. From diatithemi (to place separately – to make a will or covenant; this is arranging ahead of time how things will be accomplished); {from dia (through, because of, across, thoroughly) + tithemi (to put, place, set, fix, establish in a literal or figurative sense; properly, this is placing something in a passive or horizontal position)}. This is a will, covenant, contract, or agreement.

not of letterXXXIII but of spirit,XXXIV for the letterXXXV kills,XXXVI but the Spirit gives life.XXXVII

Notes on verse 6b

XXXIII “letter” = gramma. Related to “written” in v2. 15x in NT. From grapho (see note VII above). This is something drawn or written. So, it could be a letter of the alphabet, an epistle, a book, literature, etc.
XXXIV “spirit” = pneuma. Same as “Spirit” in v3. See note XVII above.
XXXV “letter” = gramma. Same as “letter” in v6. See note XXXIII above.
XXXVI “kills” = apokteino. From apo (from, away from) + kteino (to kill). To put to death, kill, slay. Figuratively, this word can mean abolish, destroy, or extinguish.
XXXVII “gives life” = zoopoieo. Related to “living” in v3. 11x in NT. From the same as zoon (literally a thing that is alive; so, an animal or living creature); {from zao (see note XVIII above)} + poieo (to make, do, construct, cause). This is to bring life to something, including something that was dead. This can also be to revitalize in a literal or figurative sense.

Now if the ministryXXXVIII of death,XXXIX chiseledXL

Notes on verse 7a

XXXVIII “ministry” = diakonia. Related to “prepared” in v3 & “ministers” in v6. Perhaps from dia (through, across to the other side, thoroughly) + konis (see note XV above) OR from dioko (see note XV above). This is service, ministry, attending someone, service. It can mean serving someone at a table or otherwise as their servant/slave. It is also used for people who serve/minister in temples, as well as the work of Christian ministry. Figuratively, this word can mean money given for charity. This shares a root with “deacon” and is where the word “diaconate” comes from.
XXXIX “death” = thanatos. From thnesko (to die, be dead). This is death, whether literal or spiritual. It can also refer to something that is fatal.
XL “chiseled” = entupoo. 1x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + tupos (stamp mark, imprint, pattern); {from tupto (to strike repeatedly, wound, punish; figuratively to offend)} OR from en (in, on, at, by, with) + tupos (a figure, model, image, impression, pattern, copy; a model created through much repetition; figuratively, the proper model; the impression of a stamped image, the mark of a scar, the shape of a statue; figuratively, a style or resemblance; specially, a model as something to imitate or as a cautionary tale); {from tupto (see above)}. This is to imprint, engrave, or chisel.

in lettersXLI on stone tablets,XLII cameXLIII in gloryXLIV

Notes on verse 7b

XLI “letters” = gramma. Same as “letter” in v6. See note XXXIII above.
XLII “stone tablets” = lithos. Related to “of stone” in v3. See note XXI above.
XLIII “came” = ginomai. This is to come into being, to happen, become, be born. It can be to emerge from one state or condition to another or is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth.
XLIV “glory” = doxa. From dokeo (to have an opinion, seem, appear, suppose; a personal judgment; to think); from dokos (opinion). This is literally something that evokes a good opinion – something that connects to our understanding of intrinsic worth. The ultimate expression of this is, of course, God and God’s manifestation. So, this is opinion, honor, and dignity, but also praise, glory, renown, and worship.

so that the peopleXLV of IsraelXLVI couldXLVII not gazeXLVIII

Notes on verse 7c

XLV “people” = huios. This is son, descendant – a son whether natural born or adopted. It can be used figuratively for other forms of kinship.
XLVI “Israel” = Israel. From Hebrew Yisrael (God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring); {from sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (God or god)}. This is Israel the people and the land.
XLVII “could” = dunamai. This is to be able, or something that is possible. It can also be empowered or being powerful. The Greek word for “miracle” (dunamis) comes from this root.
XLVIII “gaze” = atenizo. 14x in NT. From a (has an intensive sense) + teino (to stretch, extend, strain). This is to gaze or look steadily at with one’s full attention and fascination.

at Moses’sXLIX faceL because of the glory of his face, a glory now set aside,LI 

Notes on verse 7d

XLIX “Moses’s” = Mouses. From Hebrew Mosheh (Moses); from mashah (to pull out in a literal or figurative sense, to draw out) OR from Egyptian mes or mesu (child, son i.e. child of…). This is Moses – the one drawn out from the water, which is to say, rescued. If derived from the Egyptian, his name would share a root with Rameses and Thutmose.
L “face” = prosopon. Related to {untranslated} in v2. From pros (at, towards, with) + ops (see note XII above). This is the face, surface, or front. It can imply presence more generally.
LI “set aside” = katargeo. From kata (down, against, according to, among) + argeo (to delay, linger, be at rest, be idle, do nothing); {from argos (inactive, idle, lazy, thoughtless, useless, unemployed, unprofitable) {from a (not) + ergon (word, task, action, employment)}}. This is making something inactive or bringing it to nothing. So, it could mean making something inoperative or powerless, annulling, or severing. It can also mean to make something ineffective or invalid.

how much moreLII will the ministry of the Spirit comeLIII in glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation,LIV muchLV more

Notes on verses 8-9a

LII “more” = mallon. This is rather, more than, or better.
LIII “come” = eimi. Same as “are” in v2. See note VI above.
LIV “condemnation” = katakrisis. 2x in NT – both in 2 Corinthians. From katakrino (judging down, which is to say to vote guilty or deserving of punishment, to condemn; a decisive judgment of guilt; also to damn someone); {from kata (down, against, throughout, among) + krino (to judge, decide, think good, condemn, determine, pass judgment, stand trial, sue; judging whether in court or in a private setting; properly, mentally separating or distinguishing an issue – to come to a choice or decision, to judge positively or negatively in seeking what is right or wrong, who is innocent or guilty; can imply trying, condemning, punishing, or avenging)}. This is censure, condemnation, guilty verdict.
LV “much” = polus. This is much, often, plenteous – a large number or a great extent.

does the ministry of justificationLVI aboundLVII in glory! 10 Indeed, what once had gloryLVIII has in this respectLIX

Notes on verses 9b-10a

LVI “justification” = dikaiosune. From dikaios (correct, righteous – implies innocent; this is that which conforms to God’s notion of justice, uprightness); from dike (the principle of justice; that which is right in a way that is very clear; a decision or the execution of that decision; originally, this word was for custom or usage; evolved to include the process of law, judicial hearing, execution of sentence, penalty, and even vengeance; more commonly, it refers to what is right); may be from deiknumi (to show, point out, exhibit; figurative for teach, demonstrate, make known). This is judicial or divine approval of character or action. This is righteousness, justice, justness, divine righteousness.
LVII “abound” = perisseuo. From perissos (abundant, more, excessive, advantage, vehemently); from peri (all-around, encompassing, excess). This is more than what is ordinary or necessary. It is abounding, overflowing, being leftover, going above and beyond. It is super-abounding in number or quality.
LVIII “had glory” = doxazo. Same as “lost its glory” in v10. See note LX below.
LIX “respect” = meros. From meiromai (to get your allotment or portion). This is a part, a share, or a portion.

lostLX its glory because of the greaterLXI glory, 11 for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanentLXII come in glory!

Notes on verses 10b-11

LX “lost its glory” = ou + doxazo.  Ou is literally, “not.” Doxazo is related to “glory” in v7. From doxa (see note XLIV above). This is to render or hold something as glorious, to glorify, honor, magnify, or celebrate. This is ascribing weight to something by recognizing its true value or essence.
LXI “greater” = huperballo. 5x in NT. From huper (over, above, beyond) + ballo (to throw, cast, place, put, rush, drop). This is to surpass, exceed, or excel. Properly, it is to throw beyond or run beyond. So, it is transcending, eminent, or surpassing. This shares the same root as “hyperbole.”
LXII “permanent” = meno. This is to stay, remain, wait, await, continue, abide, endure. It can mean to literally stay in a place or to remain in a condition or to continue with hope and expectation.

12 Since, then, we have such a hope,LXIII we actLXIV with completeLXV frankness,LXVI 

Notes on verse 12

LXIII “hope” = elpis. From elpo (to anticipate, welcome, expect; usually to anticipate positively). This is expectation, hope, trust, confidence faith. The expectation can be abstract or concrete.
LXIV “act” = chraomai. Related to “need” in v1. 11x in NT. See note III above.
LXV “complete” = polus. Same as “much” in v9. See LV note above.
LXVI “frankness” = parresia. Related to “all” in v2. From pas (see note XI above) + rhesis (speech); {from rheo (say, speak of, command)}. This is confidence, openness, boldness, outspokenness. It can imply assurance – free speech.

13 not like Moses, who putLXVII a veilLXVIII over his face to keepLXIX the people of Israel from gazing at the endLXX of the glory that was being set aside. 

Notes on verse 13

LXVII “put” = tithemi. Related to “covenant” in v6. See note XXXII above.
LXVIII “veil” = kalumma. 4x in NT – all in 2 Corinthians 3. From kalupto (to cover, hide, conceal; figuratively, to keep hidden or secret) {related to kalube (hut, cabin)}. This is a covering or veil.
LXIX “keep” = me. Literally, “not.”
LXX “end” = telos. From tel– (to reach a goal or aim); This is an end, aim, purpose, completion, goal, consummation, or tax. It is completing a stage of something and everything that results from that completion. It can be literal or figurative.

14 But their mindsLXXI were hardened.LXXII Indeed, to this veryLXXIII day,LXXIV

Notes on verse 14a

LXXI “minds” = noema. Related to “known” and “read” in v2. 6x in NT. From noeo (to think, understand, conceive, realize, see; one who thinks things through sufficiently to reach a conclusion or value judgment; moral reasoning.); {from nous (mind, understanding, reasoning faculty, intellect, capacity to reflect); from noos (mind); probably from the base as ginosko (see note IX above)}. This is thought, scheme, feeling, heart, purpose, understanding, perception, intellect. It is what the mind produces – the result of thinking.
LXXII “were hardened” = poroo. 5x in NT. From poros (a stone, callous). This is to harden, petrify, of rock. Figuratively, this can be insensitive, callous, or dense.
LXXIII “this very” = semeron. From hemera (day, time, daybreak); perhaps from hemai (to sit). This is today, now, at present.
LXXIV “day” = hemera. Related to “this very” in v14. See note LXXIII above.

when they hear the readingLXXV of the oldLXXVI covenant, the same veil is still there; it isLXXVII not unveiledLXXVIII since in Christ it is set aside. 

Notes on verse 14b

LXXV “hear the reading” = anagnosis. Related to “known” and “read” in v2 & “minds” in v14. 3x in NT. From anaginosko (literally to know again – to recognize, read, or discern); {from ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + ginosko (see note IX above)}. This is reading aloud in public, particularly in the context of worship.
LXXVI “old” = palaios. 19x in NT. From palai (former, of old); probably from palin (back, again, further). This is old, ancient, or worn out.
LXXVII “is” = meno. Same as “permanent” in v11. See note LXII above.
LXXVIII “unveiled” = anakalupto. Related to “veil” in v13. 2x in NT – both in 2 Corinthians 3. From ana (up, back, again, among, between, anew) + kalupto (see note LXVIII above). This is to unveil, uncover, or open

15 Indeed, to this very dayLXXIX whenever Moses is read,LXXX a veil liesLXXXI over their minds,LXXXII 

Notes on verse 15

LXXIX “this very day” = semeron. Same as “this very” in v14. See note LXXIII above.
LXXX “is read” = anaginosko. Same as “read” in v2. See note X above.
LXXXI “lies” = keimai. This is to lie, recline, be set, appointed, destined. It is to lie down literally or figuratively.
LXXXII “minds” = kardia. Same as “hearts” in v2. See note VIII above.

16 but when one turnsLXXXIII to the Lord,LXXXIV the veil is removed.LXXXV 

Notes on verse 16

LXXXIII “turns” = epistrepho. From epi (on, upon, among, what is fitting) + strepho (to turn, change, turn back, be converted; to turn around completely to take the opposite path or a completely different one); {from trope (turning, shifting, a revolution; figuratively, a variation); from trepo (to turn)}. This is to turn, return, or come again. It can also mean to revert. It is turning in a literal or figurative sense – also a moral turning.
LXXXIV “Lord” = Kurios. From kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord.
LXXXV “removed” = periaireo. 5x in NT. From peri (about, concerning, all around, encompassing) + haireo (to take, choose, or prefer) {probably related to airo (raise, take up, lift, remove)}. This is to take away, strip off, separate, leave behind, to weigh anchor, to expiate.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.LXXXVI 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror,LXXXVII are being transformed intoLXXXVIII

Notes on verses 17-18a

LXXXVI “freedom” = eleutheria. 11x in NT. From eleutheros (a free person, at liberty, not a slave; properly, unshackled – figuratively, it is one who has the freedom to choose their destiny. Also, it is one who does not have obligation or liability); probably from erchomai (to come or go). This is liberty or freedom. Particularly, it would be release from slavery. It can also refer to moral freedom.
LXXXVII “seeing…as though reflected in a mirror” = katoptrizo. Related to {untranslated} in v2 & “face” in v7. 1x in NT. From katoptron (mirror) OR from kata (down, against, throughout, among) + akin to optanomai (see note XII above). This is to see or reflect like a mirror.
LXXXVIII “being transformed into” = metamorphoo. Related to “respect” in v10. 4x in NT. From meta (with among, behind, beyond; implies a change following contact or action) + morpho (to form, mold, shape; coming into the shape that signified inner essence) {from morphe (form, shape, external appearance; an appearance that embodies inner essence; figuratively, the nature of something); {perhaps from meros (see note LIX above)}. This is to transform or change. It is the root that “metamorphosis” comes from.

the same imageLXXXIX from one degree of glory to another,XC, XCI for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

Notes on verse 18b

LXXXIX “image” = eikon. From eiko (resemble, be like) OR perhaps related to eiko (to submit, give way, be weak, yield). This is a likeness such as an image, statue, or other representation. It implies a prototype that is being mirrored – a replication rather than a shadow. It can be an image in a figurative sense as well. This is where the word “icon” comes from.
XC “another” = doxa. Same as “glory” in v7. See note XLIV above.
XCI Literally, “from glory to glory.”


Image credit: “Bleeding heart (17342424142)” by Blondinrikard Fröberg, 2015.

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