2 Corinthians 3:4-18

New International Version

⁴ Such confidence^(A) we have through Christ before God. ⁵ Not that we are competent in ourselves^(B) to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.^{(C) 6} He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant^(D)—not of the letter^(E) but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.^(F)

The Greater Glory of the New Covenant

⁷ Now if the ministry that brought death,^(G) which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory,^(H) transitory though it was, ⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? ⁹ If the ministry that brought condemnation^(I) was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!^{(J) 10} For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. ¹¹ And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

¹² Therefore, since we have such a hope,^(K) we are very bold.^{(L) 13} We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face^(M) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull,^(N) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant^(O) is read.^(P) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,^(Q) the veil is taken away.^{(R) 17} Now the Lord is the Spirit,^(S) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.^{(T) 18} And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](U) the Lord’s glory,^(V) are being transformed into his image^(W) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.