2 Corinthians Old Testament Allusions and Citations
Old Testament Allusions and Citations in 2 Corinthians
The apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is replete with allusions and citations from the Old Testament, demonstrating his deep engagement with Jewish scripture. One of the most significant examples is found in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, where Paul draws on Exodus 34:29-35 to contrast the glory of the old covenant with the glory of the new covenant [1].
In 2 Corinthians 3:13, Paul references Exodus 34:33, where Moses veils his face to conceal the fading glory of the old covenant. Paul argues that this veil remains over the hearts of those who read the old covenant, but is removed in Christ [1]. This typological interpretation is characteristic of Paul's use of the Old Testament, where he sees the old covenant as a shadow or precursor to the new covenant in Christ.
Other Old Testament allusions in 2 Corinthians include references to Psalms 116:10 in 2 Corinthians 4:13, where Paul expresses his faith in the face of adversity [6]. The phrase "we walk by faith, not by sight" in 2 Corinthians 5:7 echoes the language of Deuteronomy 12:9 and Hebrews 11:1, highlighting the tension between present suffering and future hope [4].
Paul's use of the Old Testament in 2 Corinthians is not limited to direct citations. He also employs typological and allegorical interpretations to draw out the deeper meaning of the text. For example, in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, Paul alludes to Isaiah 49:8 and Psalm 69:13 to emphasize the urgency of the gospel message [5].
one commentary tradition tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, notes that Paul's use of the Old Testament in 2 Corinthians reflects his conviction that the gospel is the fulfillment of Israel's scriptures [7, 8]. This conviction is evident in passages like 2 Corinthians 1:20, where Paul affirms that all God's promises find their "yes" in Christ.
The theological significance of Paul's Old Testament allusions and citations in 2 Corinthians lies in their demonstration of the continuity between the old and new covenants. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Paul's argument in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 highlights the superiority of the new covenant, which brings life and righteousness, over the old covenant, which brings condemnation [9, 10].
Paul's use of the Old Testament in 2 Corinthians underscores the importance of understanding the letter within its Jewish scriptural context. As the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge notes, Paul's allusions and citations are often woven into the fabric of his argument, providing a rich texture of biblical resonance [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 3:13 cross-references: Exodus 34:33, Romans 10:4, 2 Corinthians 3:7, Galatians 3:23, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 2:13 cross-references: Daniel 6:19, Acts 20:1, Acts 21:6, 2 Corinthians 7:5, 2 Corinthians 7:13, 2 Corinthians 8:6, 2 Corinthians 8:16, 2 Corinthians 8:23, 2 Corinthians 12:18, Galatians 2:1, Galatians 2:3, 2 Timothy 4:10, Titus 1:4”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 3:11 cross-references: Romans 5:20, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:1, Hebrews 7:21, Hebrews 8:13, Hebrews 12:25”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 5:7 cross-references: Deuteronomy 12:9, Romans 8:24, 1 Corinthians 13:12, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 10:38, Hebrews 11:1, 1 Peter 1:8, 1 Peter 5:9”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 6:1 cross-references: Jeremiah 8:8, Matthew 23:37, Acts 14:3, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 5:18, 2 Corinthians 8:1, 2 Corinthians 10:1, Galatians 2:21, Galatians 3:4, Galatians 4:11, Titus 2:11, Hebrews 12:15, Hebrews 12:25, 1 Peter 4:10”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Corinthians 4:13 cross-references: Psalms 116:10, Proverbs 21:28, Acts 15:11, Romans 1:12, 1 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 3:12, Hebrews 11:1, 2 Peter 1:1”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 7:13: The oldest manuscripts read thus, "Therefore (Greek, 'for this cause,' namely, because our aim has been attained) we have been (English Version, 'were,' is not so accurate) comforted; yea (Greek, 'but'), in OUR comfort we exceedingly the more joyed for the joy of Titus," &c. (compare Co2 7:7).”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 4:14: Knowing--by faith (Co2 5:1). shall raise up us also--at the resurrection (Co1 6:13-14). by Jesus--The oldest manuscripts have "with Jesus." present us--vividly picturing the scene before the eyes (Jde 1:24). with you-- (Co2 1:14; Th1 2:19-20; Th1 3:13).”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 5:5: wrought us--framed us by redemption, justification, and sanctification. for the selfsame thing--"unto" it; namely, unto what is mortal of us being swallowed up in life (Co2 5:4). who also--The oldest manuscripts omit "also." earnest of the Spirit--(See on Co2 1:22). It is the Spirit (as "the first-fruits") who creates in us the groaning desire for our coming deliverance and glory (Rom 8:23).”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 3:9: ministration of condemnation--the law regarded in the "letter" which "killeth" (Co2 3:6; Rom 7:9-11). The oldest existing manuscript seems to read as English Version. But most of the almost contemporary manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read, "If to the ministration of condemnation there be glory." the ministration of righteousness--the Gospel, which especially reveals the righteousness of God (Rom 1:17), and imputes righteousness to men through faith in Christ (Rom 3:21-28; Rom 4:3, Rom 4:22-25), and imparts righteousness by the Spirit (Rom ”