2 Corinthians 3:14

KJV

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} their {G846} minds {G3540} were blinded {G4456}: for {G1063} until {G891} this day {G4594} remaineth {G3306} the same {G846} vail {G2571} untaken {G3361} away {G343} in {G1909} the reading {G320} of the old {G3820} testament {G1242}; which {G3748} vail is done away {G2673} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What is more, their minds were made stonelike; for to this day the same veil remains over them when they read the Old Covenant; it has not been unveiled, because only by the Messiah is the veil taken away.

Berean Standard Bible

But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.

American Standard Version

but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 3:14 profoundly articulates the spiritual impediment that prevents many from grasping the true significance and ultimate purpose of the Old Testament apart from its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Paul reveals a persistent spiritual blindness among those who cling to the old covenant without recognizing its provisional nature and its teleological trajectory toward Christ, thereby obscuring the glorious revelation of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's extended argument in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The Superiority of the New Covenant") concerning the superiority of the New Covenant of the Spirit over the Old Covenant of the Law. Paul begins by contrasting letters of recommendation with the Corinthians themselves as living letters of Christ ([2 Corinthians 3:1-3](/2_corinthians/3-1-3 "2 Corinthians 3:1-3 - Living Letters of Christ")). He then transitions to a profound comparison between the ministry of Moses, associated with the Law and death, and the ministry of the Spirit, which brings life and righteousness ([2 Corinthians 3:6-9](/2_corinthians/3-6-9 "2 Corinthians 3:6-9 - The Ministry of the Spirit")). The immediate preceding verses ([2 Corinthians 3:7-13](/2_corinthians/3-7-13 "2 Corinthians 3:7-13 - Moses' Veiled Glory")) describe Moses' shining face after encountering God on Mount Sinai and his subsequent veiling of his face to hide the fading glory of the Old Covenant. Paul's critical move in verse 14 is to shift the metaphor: the veil is no longer on Moses' face but on the *minds* of those who read the Old Testament, preventing them from perceiving its true, Christ-centered purpose. This sets the stage for the promise that the veil is removed when one turns to the Lord ([2 Corinthians 3:16](/2_corinthians/3-16 "2 Corinthians 3:16 - The Veil Removed")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is addressing a predominantly Gentile church in Corinth, but his argument has deep roots in Jewish thought and practice. The "reading of the old testament" likely refers to the public reading of the Torah and Prophets in synagogue services, a central practice in Jewish worship. For many Jews of Paul's day, adherence to the Law was the primary means of righteousness and identity. They understood the Law as an end in itself, rather than as a guide pointing to the Messiah. The historical context includes the ongoing tension between Jewish believers and non-believing Jews regarding the person and work of Jesus as the Messiah. Culturally, the concept of a "veil" was familiar, not only from the account of Moses but also as a common garment. Paul leverages this familiar imagery to explain a profound spiritual reality: a spiritual blindness or hardening that prevented many from seeing the true meaning of their own sacred texts, particularly concerning the identity of Jesus as the Christ.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with theological themes foundational to Paul's understanding of salvation history. A primary theme is **Spiritual Blindness**, explicitly stated as "their minds were blinded." This is not a physical inability but a profound spiritual dullness, an inability to perceive divine truth, often a consequence of spiritual resistance or unbelief ([Romans 11:7-10](/romans/11-7-10 "Romans 11:7-10 - Israel's Hardening")). This blindness manifests as **The Veil of Misunderstanding**, where the "vail" symbolizes a spiritual barrier that obscures the true meaning of the Old Testament. Without Christ, the Law appears as a system of rules, a source of condemnation, or merely a national heritage, rather than a prophetic pointer to God's redemptive plan through His Son. Crucially, the verse introduces **Christ as the Key to Understanding**, asserting that the veil "is done away in Christ." This highlights Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Law and Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), the interpretive lens through which the entire Old Testament becomes clear and coherent. Finally, the passage underscores the profound distinction between the **Old Covenant vs. New Covenant**, emphasizing the superiority and clarity of the New Covenant in Christ, where the Spirit gives life and understanding, in stark contrast to the Old Covenant which, without Christ, could lead to spiritual blindness and condemnation ([2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _allá'_):** This conjunction introduces a strong contrast, signaling a shift from the fading glory of Moses' ministry to the persistent spiritual state of those who do not embrace Christ. It highlights a sharp distinction between the temporary nature of the Old Covenant's glory and the enduring spiritual blindness of those who remain under it without Christ.
* **blinded (Greek, _pōróō'_):** This verb means to petrify, to make dull, or to harden, particularly in a figurative sense of rendering stupid or callous. It describes a spiritual insensitivity or obtuseness, not a physical impairment. The perfect passive participle indicates a state of being hardened or calloused, implying a settled condition that prevents spiritual perception and understanding.
* **vail (Greek, _kályma'_):** Derived from the verb meaning "to cover," this noun literally refers to a covering or shroud. In this context, Paul uses it metaphorically to describe a spiritual covering that obstructs spiritual sight and understanding, directly paralleling Moses' physical veil but applying it to the minds of those reading the Old Testament.
* **done away (Greek, _katargéō'_):** This verb signifies to abolish, render inoperative, bring to nothing, or make of no effect. Its use here emphasizes the decisive and complete work of Christ in nullifying the spiritual barrier and rendering the old covenant's obscuring power ineffective for those in Him. It denotes a cessation of function or power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But their minds were blinded:"** Paul immediately introduces a stark contrast (signaled by "But") to the preceding discussion of Moses' fading glory. The focus shifts from a physical veil on Moses' face to a spiritual "blindness" or "hardening" of the minds of the Israelites (and by extension, anyone who approaches the Old Testament without Christ). This mental dullness prevents them from perceiving the true, temporary nature of the Old Covenant and its ultimate purpose.
* **"for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament;"** This clause provides the reason ("for") for their blindness: a "vail" persists. This veil is not physical but metaphorical, covering their understanding when they engage with the "old testament" (Old Covenant scriptures). The phrase "until this day" emphasizes the ongoing nature of this spiritual impediment, highlighting that the problem was not confined to Moses' generation but continued into Paul's time and beyond. The "reading" indicates that even diligent study of the Scriptures is insufficient to remove this spiritual barrier without divine intervention.
* **"which [vail] is done away in Christ."** This final, crucial clause reveals the solution to the spiritual blindness and the removal of the veil. The "vail" is "done away," or abolished, rendered ineffective, through the person and work of Christ. This signifies that Jesus is the key to unlocking the true meaning of the Old Testament, revealing its prophecies, types, and shadows, and making its spiritual significance clear and accessible. It is in union with Christ that the spiritual barrier is removed, allowing for true understanding.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 3:14](/2_corinthians/3-14 "2 Corinthians 3:14 - The Veil on Minds"). The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the physical "vail" Moses wore ([Exodus 34:33](/exodus/34-33 "Exodus 34:33 - Moses' Veiled Face")) is transformed into a spiritual "vail" covering the minds of those who read the Old Testament without Christ. This metaphorical veil **Symbolizes** spiritual blindness, dullness, or an inability to grasp divine truth, specifically the temporary nature of the Law and its fulfillment in Christ. The concept of "blinded minds" further reinforces this symbolism, indicating a spiritual insensitivity or hardening. Paul also uses **Contrast** throughout [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant of the Spirit"), and it is evident here as he juxtaposes the persistent, obscuring veil of the Old Covenant with its abolition "in Christ," highlighting the transformative power of the New Covenant. This contrast underscores the radical difference between an understanding of Scripture apart from Christ and one illuminated by Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth of 2 Corinthians 3:14 resonates throughout biblical theology, emphasizing humanity's innate spiritual inability to comprehend divine revelation apart from God's gracious intervention. The "blinded minds" and the "vail" speak to the pervasive effects of the fall, which not only corrupt human will but also darken human understanding ([Ephesians 4:18](/ephesians/4-18 "Ephesians 4:18 - Darkened Understanding")). This verse underscores the necessity of divine illumination for spiritual truth to be apprehended, particularly the truth that all of Scripture, especially the Old Testament, points to Christ. It highlights that the Old Covenant, while glorious in its own right as a revelation of God, was provisional and incomplete without its fulfillment in Jesus. The Law, intended to lead to Christ, became a stumbling block for those whose hearts were hardened, preventing them from seeing its ultimate purpose and the grace it foreshadowed. Thus, Christ is not merely an addendum to the Old Testament but its very telos, its goal and interpretive key.

* [John 12:40](/john/12-40 "John 12:40 - Blinded Eyes, Hardened Hearts") - "He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."
* [Romans 11:25](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25 - Partial Hardening of Israel") - "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in."
* [Luke 24:44-45](/luke/24-44-45 "Luke 24:44-45 - Jesus Opens Their Understanding") - "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 3:14 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that genuine spiritual understanding, particularly of the Scriptures, is not merely an intellectual exercise but a divinely enabled perception. For believers, it calls us to approach the entire Bible with a Christ-centered hermeneutic, recognizing that Jesus is the ultimate key to unlocking its meaning. Without Him, even diligent study can lead to a superficial, legalistic, or distorted interpretation, missing the heart of God's redemptive plan that pulses through every page. This verse challenges us to continually seek the Holy Spirit's illumination, acknowledging our dependence on Him to remove any lingering veils from our own minds, allowing us to see Christ in all of Scripture and to behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled face ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed by the Spirit")). It also fosters compassion for those who, through no fault of their own or due to spiritual hardening, struggle to grasp the Gospel, prompting us to pray for their eyes to be opened and to present the truth in love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might a "veil" still obscure my understanding of God's Word, even as a believer?**
* **How does a Christ-centered approach to the Old Testament deepen my appreciation for God's redemptive plan?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit for spiritual illumination when reading the Bible?**
* **How can the truth of this verse inform my interactions and evangelism with those who do not yet know Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "the old testament" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In this context, "the old testament" (Greek: _palaiá diathḗkē_) refers to the Old Covenant, primarily embodied in the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets, which constituted the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul is not speaking of the physical collection of books we call the Old Testament, but rather the covenantal arrangement that God made with Israel at Sinai. This covenant, with its laws, rituals, and prophecies, was provisional and designed to point forward to the coming Messiah. The "reading of the old testament" refers to the practice of publicly reading and studying these sacred texts, particularly in the synagogues.

**Is Paul suggesting that the Old Testament is flawed or irrelevant?**

Answer: No, Paul is not suggesting that the Old Testament is flawed or irrelevant. Instead, he emphasizes its temporary nature as a covenant and its true purpose as a pointer to Christ. The Old Testament is divinely inspired and eternally valuable, but its full meaning and saving power are only truly apprehended when understood in light of its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Without Christ, the Old Covenant can appear as a system of rules that brings condemnation, and its inherent glory, which was fading, remains obscured by a spiritual veil. Paul's point is that the Old Testament's ultimate purpose is revealed when one sees how it testifies to Jesus ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Scriptures Testify of Jesus")).

**How is the "vail" removed, and what does it mean to "turn to the Lord" as mentioned in a related verse?**

Answer: The "vail" of spiritual blindness is removed through faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul states in [2 Corinthians 3:16](/2_corinthians/3-16 "2 Corinthians 3:16 - When One Turns to the Lord"), "Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away." To "turn to the Lord" means to repent and believe in Jesus, acknowledging Him as Messiah and Savior. It signifies a spiritual conversion, a reorientation of one's mind and heart from self-reliance or reliance on the Law to reliance on Christ. When a person embraces Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells them, illuminating their understanding and enabling them to see the Old Testament not as a separate, rigid system, but as a unified narrative culminating in Christ, revealing God's grace and redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 3:14 powerfully articulates the Christ-centered nature of all divine revelation, asserting that the spiritual veil obscuring the Old Testament's true meaning is "done away in Christ." This profound statement reveals Jesus as the ultimate interpretive key and the very fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The Old Covenant, with its rituals, sacrifices, and prophecies, was never an end in itself but a shadow pointing to the substance found in Christ ([Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Shadows of Christ")). Jesus Himself declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), and He opened the minds of His disciples to understand how all the Scriptures spoke of Him ([Luke 24:44-45](/luke/24-44-45 "Luke 24:44-45 - Jesus Opens Their Understanding")). Therefore, the "vail" of misunderstanding is removed not by human intellectual effort or strict adherence to the Law, but by a saving encounter with the resurrected Christ. In Him, the Old Covenant's types find their antitype, its promises their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), and its glorious but fading ministry is superseded by the enduring, life-giving ministry of the Spirit ([2 Corinthians 3:6-8](/2_corinthians/3-6-8 "2 Corinthians 3:6-8 - The Superiority of the Spirit's Ministry")). Christ is the unveiled glory, the one through whom we can now behold the true face of God and understand the unified story of redemption woven throughout all of Scripture ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, But Christ Reveals Him")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 4:3

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Romans 11:25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Romans 11:7

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Romans 11:10

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.