LETTER THAT KILLETH, SPIRIT THAT GIVETH LIFE

 LETTER THAT KILLETH, SPIRIT THAT GIVETH LIFE

who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

-2 Corinthians 3:6 (AKJV)

The phrase “for the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life” is a phrase familiar to most lawyers and judges and a favorite quote in court decisions and lawyer's brief. 

What is unknown to some or most, is the fact that it comes from the Bible  which somehow found its way in the annals of jurisprudence quoted in judicial language.  

This   Biblical dictum is fascinating for it speaks of life not death, substance not form. Essence not appearances.

In the general  sense the  strict observance of the letter of the law is far less important than being true to its spirit. Which ordinarily the verse could really mean that. 

In the theological sense it rather goes deeper than that.

2 Corinthians 3:6 is a verse from the New Testament that says, "He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life." 

This verse is a part of a larger passage in which the Apostle Paul is contrasting the old covenant, which was based on the law given to Moses, with the new covenant, which is based on the grace of God.

In this verse, Paul is highlighting the role of Christians as ministers of the new covenant, which he describes as being different from the old covenant in two key ways.

 

First, he says that the new covenant is not based on written laws but on the Spirit. This means that Christians are called to follow the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, rather than simply obeying a set of rules or regulations.

Second, Paul points out that the old covenant led to death, while the new covenant brings life.

 

He is suggesting that under the old covenant, people were unable to live up to the standard set by the law, and so they were left with a sense of guilt and shame. However, under the new covenant, believers are forgiven and empowered to live a life of freedom and joy through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Overall, this verse is a reminder that Christians are called to live according to the new covenant, which is marked by grace, freedom, and life-giving power.