Definition: For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 3:10. It's a pretty deep and poetic passage, so we'll take it step-by-step. Here's what it means in simpler terms: “Even that which was made glorious” : This refers to things we think are beautiful, impressive, or special – like a magnificent building, a breathtaking artwork, or even a person with great talent. It’s something that has been crafted and designed to be seen as valuable. “had no glory in this respect…” : This is the key part. The thing we thought was glorious doesn't actually have any real glory anymore. It’s not shining brightly or captivating us like it once did. “by reason of the glory that excelleth” : This is where it gets a little more nuanced. "Excelte" means to shine, to stand out, or to be exceptionally good. So, “the glory that shines” – that’s what's truly important . It’s not about the superficial appearance, but about the underlying truth and goodness within something. In short, the verse is saying that outward appearances aren't always a reliable indicator of true worth or importance. Think of it like this: A beautiful flower might look stunning in a vase, but its beauty isn’t rooted in itself. It relies on the sunlight and water to thrive. The same principle applies to everything we see – our outward appearances can be misleading. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to look beyond the surface and focus on what's inside something – its character, its truth, and its impact on others. It’s a reminder that true value isn’t always about how it looks or how impressive it seems. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of things that aren't truly beautiful (to illustrate the point)? Talk about its connection to other biblical teachings?