As in verses 7-8 and 9, Paul uses the argument “from the lesser to the greater.” In verse 7 that which faded away was the splendor of Moses’ face. Here it is the whole ministry of the old covenant which faded away.

As in verses 7 and 9, if does not indicate doubt that what faded away came with splendor. Some languages may need to state “For since what faded away came with splendor….” Another way of handling this may be to begin this verse by saying “It is true that there was splendor with the matter that did not last long, but….”

What is permanent is parallel to the “dispensation of the Spirit” (3.8) and the “dispensation of righteousness” (3.9). Here it is contrasted with what faded away, which is parallel to “the dispensation of death” and “the dispensation of condemnation” which was given to Moses, whose glory was temporary. In some languages both of these veiled references to the Law and the New Covenant may have to be made explicit. What faded away may be translated “what was being annulled” (Anchor Bible). The whole verse may have to be rendered more explicitly, as in Contemporary English Version: “The Law was given with a glory that faded away. But the glory of the new agreement is much greater, because it will never fade away.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .