2 Corinthians 3:4-18

English Standard Version

^4 (A)Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. ^5 (B)Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but ^(C)our sufficiency is from God, ⁶ who has made us sufficient to be ^(D)ministers of ^(E)a new covenant, not of ^(F)the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but ^(G)the Spirit gives life.

⁷ Now if ^(H)the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory ^(I)that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, ⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? ⁹ For if there was glory in ^(J)the ministry of condemnation, ^(K)the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. ¹⁰ Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. ¹¹ For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

¹² Since we have such a hope, ^(L)we are very bold, ¹³ not like Moses, ^(M)who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. ¹⁴ But ^(N)their minds were ^(O)hardened. For to this day, ^(P)when they read ^(Q)the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. ¹⁶ But when ^(R)one^[a] turns to the Lord, ^(S)the veil is removed. ¹⁷ Now the Lord^[b] is the Spirit, and where ^(T)the Spirit of the Lord is, there is ^(U)freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, with unveiled face, ^(V)beholding ^(W)the glory of the Lord,^{[c] (X)}are being transformed into the same image ^(Y)from one degree of glory to another.^[d] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.