2 Corinthians 3:9 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

If the ministration of condemnation be glory... — Many of the better MSS. give the reading, if there be glory to the ministry of condemnation. The latter phrase takes the place here of “the ministry of death” in 2 Corinthians 3:7. The “letter,” the “written law,” as such, works death, because it brings with it the condemnation which awaits transgressors. It holds out to them the pattern of a righteousness which they have never had, and cannot of themselves attain unto, and passes its sentence on them as transgressors. Contrasted with it is the ministration which has “righteousness” as its object and result, and therefore as its characteristic attribute — the “law of the Spirit of life” — a law written in the heart, working not condemnation, but righteousness and peace and joy (Romans 8:1-4).