2 Corinthians 3:14-16
But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that the "veil" isn't just about not understanding the Old Testament, but a deeper hardening of the mind that actively prevents spiritual insight. It's not a lack of information, but a resistance to seeing the truth that can only be removed when one encounters Christ.
Paul is contrasting the old covenant, which he describes as leading to death, with the new covenant in Christ, which brings life and freedom. He explains that the people of Israel, when reading the Old Testament scriptures, are still blinded by a veil—a spiritual inability to see the fulfillment of those scriptures in Jesus. This veil can only be removed when they turn to Christ, who truly unlocks the meaning of God's promises.
Ever felt like you're reading something familiar, but missing the main point? Paul talks about a 'veil' over people's minds when they read the Old Testament. What is this veil, and why is it there?
The Obstacle to Revelation
Paul uses the imagery of a veil, similar to what Moses wore on his face after encountering God (Exodus 34:33-35), to describe a spiritual blindness. This isn't about an inability to read the words, but a fundamental inability to grasp the deeper spiritual truth being conveyed.
When people read the Old Testament with this veil, they see laws, history, and prophecies, but they don't see the ultimate fulfillment and person that these point to: Jesus Christ. It's like having a map but not recognizing the destination it describes.
Paul states a powerful truth: a veil remains unless taken away 'only through Christ.' This isn't a small detail; it's the core of Christian faith. What does this mean for us?
Seeing Jesus in Scripture
The New Testament presents Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament. The laws find their meaning in His sacrifice, the prophecies find their subject in His life, death, and resurrection, and the covenants are established through Him.
When we encounter Jesus, the veil is lifted. His Spirit opens our understanding to see how the entire Old Testament narrative foreshadows His coming and His work. Without Christ, the Old Testament remains a collection of ancient texts; with Christ, it becomes a living testament pointing to Him.
Understand the original words
pōroō · Greek Verb
To make dull, obtuse, or insensitive. It refers to a state of spiritual stubbornness or the inability to perceive and respond to divine truth.
diathēkē · Greek Noun
The formal agreement or relationship established by God with His people, specifically referring here to the Mosaic law and the Sinai covenant.
Christos · Greek Noun
The Anointed One, the Messiah. He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and the sole mediator through whom spiritual blindness is removed and access to God is granted.
kardia · Greek Noun
The center of human personality, encompassing the intellect, will, and emotions. In this context, it refers to the seat of spiritual understanding and the primary place where one accepts or rejects God's truth.
The veil Paul speaks of is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual blindness that can prevent people from understanding God's message, especially concerning the Old Covenant, until Christ's work opens their eyes to the New Covenant.
c. 1500 BC
The Exodus and Sinai Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishes His covenant with them at Mount Sinai, and gives them the Law. This 'Old Covenant' forms the basis of Jewish identity and practice.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and exile many Judeans. This marks a profound crisis of faith and national identity.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Under Persian decree, some Judeans return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple. This period sees the re-establishment of Jewish religious life, though without the full glory of Solomon's era.
1st Century BC - 1st Century AD
Second Temple Period Develops
Judea exists under various foreign dominations (Persian, Greek, then Roman). Religious parties and differing interpretations of the Law and Covenant flourish.
This passage describes Moses' face shining after speaking with God, yet the people feared to approach him, showing a similar veiling or barrier that kept them from fully engaging with God's presence.
Isaiah 6:9-10Jesus directly quotes this to describe how people's hearts can become dull, their ears heavy, and their eyes closed, preventing them from understanding and being healed, mirroring the spiritual blindness mentioned in 2 Corinthians.
Romans 11:7-10Paul explains that Israel, in its pursuit of righteousness through the law, failed to grasp Christ, leading to a spiritual hardening and a veil over their understanding, echoing the theme of 2 Corinthians 3.
John 12:39-40This passage refers back to Isaiah, stating that the people did not believe because Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy about their hearts being hardened and their eyes being closed, making their inability to see Christ a direct consequence of spiritual blindness.
This verse highlights that the "veil" isn't just about not understanding the Old Testament, but a deeper hardening of the mind that actively prevents spiritual insight. It's not a lack of information, but a resistance to seeing the truth that can only be removed when one encounters Christ.
Paul is contrasting the old covenant, which he describes as leading to death, with the new covenant in Christ, which brings life and freedom. He explains that the people of Israel, when reading the Old Testament scriptures, are still blinded by a veil—a spiritual inability to see the fulfillment of those scriptures in Jesus. This veil can only be removed when they turn to Christ, who truly unlocks the meaning of God's promises.
Paul is contrasting the old covenant, which he describes as leading to death, with the new covenant in Christ, which brings life and freedom. He explains that the people of Israel, when reading the Old Testament scriptures, are still blinded by a veil—a spiritual inability to see the fulfillment of those scriptures in Jesus. This veil can only be removed when they turn to Christ, who truly unlocks the meaning of God's promises.
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epistrephō · Greek Verb
In the context of conversion or repentance, this denotes the act of a person’s heart and mind turning away from sin or ignorance toward God in faith, resulting in a change of direction in life.
kalymma · Greek Noun
A covering that obscures or hides; in this context, it represents the spiritual blindness or legalistic barrier that prevents a person from understanding the fullness of God’s revelation in Christ.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ, believed by Christians to be the Messiah, is crucified and rises from the dead. This event is seen as the inauguration of a 'New Covenant'.
c. AD 40-50
Paul's Missionary Journeys Begin
The Apostle Paul begins his extensive journeys, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with both Jewish and Gentile communities and establishing churches.
c. AD 50-57
Writing of Early Epistles
Paul writes letters to churches like Thessalonica, Corinth, and Galatia. These letters address foundational theological issues, including the relationship between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in Christ.
"But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when…" — This verse highlights that the "veil" isn't just about not understanding the Old Testament, but a deeper hardening of the mind that actively prevents spiritual insight. It's not a lack of informa…
