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2 Corinthians 3

2 Cor. 3:6 KJV (With Strong’s)

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6
Who
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
also
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
hath made
hikanoo (Greek #2427)
to enable, i.e. qualify
KJV usage: make able (meet).
Pronounce: hik-an-o'-o
Origin: from 2425
us
hemas (Greek #2248)
us
KJV usage: our, us, we.
Pronounce: hay-mas'
Origin: accusative case plural of 1473
ablee ministers
diakonos (Greek #1249)
an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess)
KJV usage: deacon, minister, servant.
Pronounce: dee-ak'-on-os
Origin: probably from an obsolete διάκω (to run on errands; compare 1377)
of the new
kainos (Greek #2537)
new (especially in freshness; while 3501 is properly so with respect to age
KJV usage: new.
Pronounce: kahee-nos'
Origin: of uncertain affinity
testament
diatheke (Greek #1242)
properly, a disposition, i.e. (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
KJV usage: covenant, testament.
Pronounce: dee-ath-ay'-kay
Origin: from 1303
f; not
ou (Greek #3756)
the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not
KJV usage: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also 3364, 3372.
Pronounce: oo
Origin: οὐκ (ook), and (before an aspirate) οὐχ (ookh) a primary word
of the letter
gramma (Greek #1121)
a writing, i.e. a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
KJV usage: bill, learning, letter, scripture, writing, written.
Pronounce: gram'-mah
Origin: from 1125
g, but
alla (Greek #235)
properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
KJV usage: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
Pronounce: al-lah'
Origin: neuter plural of 243
of the spirit
pneuma (Greek #4151)
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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
KJV usage: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.
Pronounce: pnyoo'-mah
Origin: from 4154
: for
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
the letter
gramma (Greek #1121)
a writing, i.e. a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
KJV usage: bill, learning, letter, scripture, writing, written.
Pronounce: gram'-mah
Origin: from 1125
h killeth
apokteino (Greek #615)
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
KJV usage: put to death, kill, slay.
Pronounce: ap-ok-ti'-no
Origin: from 575 and κτείνω (to slay)
, but
de (Greek #1161)
but, and, etc.
KJV usage: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Pronounce: deh
Origin: a primary particle (adversative or continuative)
the spirit
pneuma (Greek #4151)
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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
KJV usage: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.
Pronounce: pnyoo'-mah
Origin: from 4154
k βgiveth life
zoopoieo (Greek #2227)
to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: make alive, give life, quicken.
Pronounce: dzo-op-oy-eh'-o
Origin: from the same as 2226 and 4160
.
e
Eph. 3:7• 7of which I was made minister according to the gift of the grace of God that was given me according to the working of his power. (Eph. 3:7)
;
1 Tim. 1:12• 12I thank him that strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, that he counted me faithful, appointing me unto ministry, (1 Tim. 1:12)
f
Matt. 26:28• 28{i}For this is my blood, that of the [new] covenant, that shed for many for remission of sins.{/i} (Matt. 26:28)
;
Heb. 8:6‑10• 6But now he hath obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is mediator of a better covenant which hath been enacted upon better promises.
 7For if that first was faultless, no place had been sought for a second.
 8For finding fault he saith to them, Behold, days come, saith Jehovah, and I will make a new covenant on the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
 9not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers in a day when I took their hand to lead them out of Egypt's land; because they continued not in my covenant, and I disregarded them, saith Jehovah.
 10Because this [is] the covenant which I will covenant to the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah, giving my laws into their mind, I will also write them upon their hearts, and I will be to them for God, and they shall be to me for people. (Heb. 8:6‑10)
g
Rom. 2:28‑29• 28For he that is outwardly a Jew is not [one], nor [is] that which is outward in flesh circumcision,
 29but he that [is so] hiddenly [is] a Jew, and circumcision of heart in spirit, not in letter, the praise of whom [is] not of men but of God. (Rom. 2:28‑29)
h
Rom. 4:15• 15For the law worketh out wrath; but where no law is, [there is] no transgression. (Rom. 4:15)
;
Rom. 7:9‑10• 9But I was alive apart from law once; but, the commandment having come, sin revived and I died,
 10and the commandment that [was] unto life, this was found to me unto death. (Rom. 7:9‑10)
k
John 6:63• 63It is the Spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing. The words which I have spoken to you are spirit and are life; (John 6:63)
;
Rom. 8:2• 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath freed me from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2)
β
or, quickeneth.

More on:

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Life,
Minister,
New,
Spirit,
The Letter

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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hath.
2 Cor. 5:18‑20• 18And they all [are] of God that reconciled us to himself by Christ and gave to us the ministry of the reconciliation:
 19how that it was God in Christ reconciling [the] world to himself, not reckoning to them their offences, and putting in us the word of the reconciliation.
 20For Christ then we are ambassadors, God as it were beseeching by us, we entreat for Christ, Be reconciled to God: (2 Cor. 5:18‑20)
;
Matt. 13:52• 52{i}And he said to them, For this reason every scribe discipled to the kingdom of the heavens is like a man [that is] a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.{/i} (Matt. 13:52)
;
Rom. 1:5• 5through whom we received grace and apostleship unto obedience of faith among all the Gentiles in behalf of his name; (Rom. 1:5)
;
1 Cor. 3:5,10• 5What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers by whom ye believed, and as the Lord gave to each.
 10According to the grace of God that was given to me, as a wise architect I laid the foundation and another buildeth on [it]. But let each see how he buildeth on [it]. (1 Cor. 3:5,10)
;
1 Cor. 12:28• 28And God set some in the assembly, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then powers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:28)
;
Eph. 3:7• 7of which I was made minister according to the gift of the grace of God that was given me according to the working of his power. (Eph. 3:7)
;
Eph. 4:11‑12• 11And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
 12for the perfecting of the saints, unto work of ministry, unto edifying of the body of the Christ, (Eph. 4:11‑12)
;
Col. 1:25‑29• 25of which I became servant, according to the stewardship of God that was given me for you, to complete the word of God,
 26the mystery that was hidden from ages and from generations, but now hath been manifested to his saints;
 27to whom God wished to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
 28whom we preach, admonishing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ,
 29whereunto also I toil in conflict according to his working that worketh in me in power. (Col. 1:25‑29)
;
1 Tim. 1:11‑12• 11according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I was entrusted.
 12I thank him that strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, that he counted me faithful, appointing me unto ministry, (1 Tim. 1:11‑12)
;
1 Tim. 4:6• 6Setting these things before the brethren, thou wilt be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and the good teaching which thou hast followed up. (1 Tim. 4:6)
;
2 Tim. 1:11• 11whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher [of Gentiles]. (2 Tim. 1:11)
the new.
2 Cor. 3:14• 14But their thoughts were darkened; for until this very day the same veil at the reading of the old covenant abideth unlifted, which in Christ is done away. (2 Cor. 3:14)
;
Jer. 31:31•  (Jer. 31:31)
;
Matt. 26:28• 28{i}For this is my blood, that of the [new] covenant, that shed for many for remission of sins.{/i} (Matt. 26:28)
;
Mark 14:24• 24{i}And he said to them, This is my{/i} blood of the [new] covenant, shed for many. (Mark 14:24)
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Luke 22:20• 20In like manner also the cup, after having supped, saying, This cup [is] the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you. (Luke 22:20)
;
1 Cor. 11:25• 25In like manner also the cup, after having supped, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. (1 Cor. 11:25)
;
Heb. 7:22• 22by so much Jesus hath become surety of a better covenant. (Heb. 7:22)
;
Heb. 8:6‑10• 6But now he hath obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is mediator of a better covenant which hath been enacted upon better promises.
 7For if that first was faultless, no place had been sought for a second.
 8For finding fault he saith to them, Behold, days come, saith Jehovah, and I will make a new covenant on the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
 9not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers in a day when I took their hand to lead them out of Egypt's land; because they continued not in my covenant, and I disregarded them, saith Jehovah.
 10Because this [is] the covenant which I will covenant to the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah, giving my laws into their mind, I will also write them upon their hearts, and I will be to them for God, and they shall be to me for people. (Heb. 8:6‑10)
;
Heb. 9:15‑20• 15And for this reason he is mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, those that are called might receive the promise of the everlasting inheritance.
 16For where a testament [is], the death of the testator must be brought in;
 17for a testament [is] valid after men [are] dead: since it in no wise hath force while the testator liveth.
 18Whence neither the first hath been inaugurated without blood.
 19For when every commandment was spoken according to law by Moses to all the people, having taken the blood of calves and of goats with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, he sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,
 20saying, This [is] the blood of the covenant which God enjoined on you. (Heb. 9:15‑20)
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Heb. 12:24• 24and to Jesus mediator of a new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling speaking better than Abel. (Heb. 12:24)
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Heb. 13:20• 20But the God of peace, that brought again from among [the] dead our Lord Jesus the great Shepherd of the sheep in virtue of blood of an everlasting covenant, (Heb. 13:20)
;
Heb. 13•  (Heb. 13)
:*marg:
not.
Rom. 2:27‑29• 27and the natural uncircumcision, fulfilling the law, judge thee that in the way of letter and circumcision transgressest law?
 28For he that is outwardly a Jew is not [one], nor [is] that which is outward in flesh circumcision,
 29but he that [is so] hiddenly [is] a Jew, and circumcision of heart in spirit, not in letter, the praise of whom [is] not of men but of God. (Rom. 2:27‑29)
;
Rom. 7:6• 6but now have we got quittance from the law, having died in what we were held so as for us to serve in newness of spirit and not in oldness of letter. (Rom. 7:6)
for.
2 Cor. 3:7,9• 7(But if the ministry of death in letter, graven on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently toward the face of Moses for the glory of his face, that was to be done away,
 9For if the ministry of condemnation [have] glory, much more doth the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. (2 Cor. 3:7,9)
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Deut. 27:26•  (Deut. 27:26)
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Rom. 3:20• 20Wherefore by works of law no flesh shall be justified before him, for by law [is] knowledge of sin. (Rom. 3:20)
;
Rom. 4:15• 15For the law worketh out wrath; but where no law is, [there is] no transgression. (Rom. 4:15)
;
Rom. 7:9‑11• 9But I was alive apart from law once; but, the commandment having come, sin revived and I died,
 10and the commandment that [was] unto life, this was found to me unto death.
 11For sin having taken a point of attack by the commandment deceived me and by it slew [me]. (Rom. 7:9‑11)
;
Gal. 3:10‑12,21• 10For as many as are of works of law are under curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doth not continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them;”
 11but that in virtue of law none is justified with God [is] evident, for “the just by faith shall
 12live;” but the law is not of faith, but he who hath done them shall live in virtue of them.
 21[Is] therefore the law against the promises of God? Let it not be. For if there had been given a law which could quicken, in very truth by law would have been righteousness. (Gal. 3:10‑12,21)
but the.
John 6:63• 63It is the Spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing. The words which I have spoken to you are spirit and are life; (John 6:63)
;
Rom. 8:2• 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath freed me from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2)
;
1 John 1:1• 1What was from [the] beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked on, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life (1 John 1:1)
giveth life.
or, quickeneth.
John 5:21• 21For even as the Father raiseth the dead and quickeneth, so the Son also quickeneth whom he will; (John 5:21)
;
Rom. 4:17• 17(even as it is written, “A father of many nations I have made thee”) before God whom he believed, that quickeneth the dead and calleth the things that be not as being; (Rom. 4:17)
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1 Cor. 15:45• 45So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul; the last Adam a quickening Spirit: (1 Cor. 15:45)
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Eph. 2:1,5• 1And you, being dead in your offences and your sins,
 5even us being dead in our offences he quickened with the Christ (by grace are ye saved), (Eph. 2:1,5)
;
1 Peter 3:18• 18Because even Christ once suffered for sins, just for unjust, that he might bring us to God, put to death indeed in flesh, but made alive in [the] Spirit, (1 Peter 3:18)
• For the letter kills, as a rule imposed on man; the Spirit quickens, as the power of God in grace-the purpose of God communicated to the heart of man by the power of God, who imparted it to him that he might enjoy it. (“2 Corinthians 3” by J.N. Darby)
• the Spirit, the true force of the purpose of God, as the Spirit gave it. For the letter kills, as a rule imposed on man; the Spirit quickens, as the power of God in grace (“2 Corinthians 3” by J.N. Darby)
• He is writing to Gentiles, and for such the letter of the new covenant would only "kill" or, in other words, exclude them from all blessing; for actually, as far as the letter is concerned, the new covenant applies only to the house of Israel and Judah. The spirit of the new covenant, or the blessing that is in the mind of God of which the covenant speaks, is for all men (“2 Corinthians 3” by H. Smith)
• The new covenant is brought before us by the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 31:31-34). The two great blessings of the new covenant are forgiveness of sins and the knowledge of God. (“2 Corinthians 3” by H. Smith)
• Then, changing from the spirit of the new covenant to the Holy Spirit, the apostle says, "The Spirit giveth life". The Holy Spirit gives life by a work in souls, whereby they are brought to a knowledge of the Lord and the remission of their sins (Heb. 8.10-12). (“2 Corinthians 3” by H. Smith)
• For literally it remains to be applied to the house of Israel and of Judah, though the blood is shed and accepted, on which its efficacy rests. But this only the more suits the genius of Christianity, where the principles stand out in the light, and the truth is told plainly. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 3:1-6”)
• The “letter” of the new covenant is the literal fulfillment of its conditions in a coming day when a remnant of Israel are saved and brought into the kingdom (Jer. 31:31-34; Rom. 11:26-27). To apply it in “letter” to the Church would be to see it as being fulfilled in the Church in some way, which is a mistake. (“A True Christian Minister Has a Ministry That Impacts His Hearers: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18” by B. Anstey)
• Paul ...ministered the “spirit” of the new covenant, which is grace. He taught Christians of the spiritual blessings of the covenant that were theirs through grace, without them formally being connected with it. (“A True Christian Minister Has a Ministry That Impacts His Hearers: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18” by B. Anstey)

J. N. Darby Translation

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6
who has also made us competent, as ministers of the new covenantg; not of letter, but of spirit. For the letter killsh, but the Spirit quickens.

JND Translation Notes

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g
The omission of the article makes it characteristic, as in the case of "letter" and "spirit"; perhaps it may be rendered "competent [as] new covenant ministers."
h
Or "For letter kills."

W. Kelly Translation

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6
who also made us competent [as] servants of a new covenanta, not of letter but of spirit, for the letter killeth but the spirit quickeneth.

WK Translation Notes

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a
Read "a new covenant," it is the anarthrous form of the noun without the article "the."