TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Messiah it passes away.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore their mindes are hardened: for vntill this day remaineth the same couering vntaken away in the reading of the olde Testament, which vaile in Christ is put away.
Young's Literal Translation
but their minds were hardened, for unto this day the same vail at the reading of the Old Covenant doth remain unwithdrawn--which in Christ is being made useless--
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In the KJVVerse 28,856 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3 verses 12–18
12 ¶ Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
14 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.
15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
In these verses the apostle draws two inferences from what he had said about the Old and New Testament: -
I. Concerning the duty of the ministers of the gospel to use great plainness or clearness of speech. They ought not, like Moses, to put a veil upon their faces, or obscure and darken those things which they should make plain. The gospel is a more clear dispensation than the law; the things of God are revealed in the New Testament, not in types and shadows, and ministers are much to blame if they do not set spiritual things, and gospel-truth and grace, in the clearest light that is possible. Though the Israelites could not look stedfastly to the end of what was commanded, but is now abolished, yet we may. We may see the meaning of those types and shadows by the accomplishment, seeing the veil is done away in, Christ and he is come, who was the end of the law for righteousness to all those who believe, and whom Moses and all the prophets pointed to, and wrote of.
II. Concerning the privilege and advantage of those who enjoy the gospel, above those who lived under the law. For, 1. Those who lived under the legal dispensation had their minds blinded (Co2 3:14), and there was a veil upon their hearts, Co2 3:15. Thus it was formerly, and so it was especially as to those who remained in Judaism after the coming of the Messiah and the publication of his gospel. Nevertheless, the apostle tells us, there is a time coming when this veil also shall be taken away, and when it (the body of that people) shall turn to the Lord, Co2 3:16. Or, when any particular person is converted to God, then the veil of ignorance is taken away; the blindness of the mind, and the hardness of the heart, are cured. 2. The condition of those who enjoy and believe the gospel is much more happy. For, (1.) They have liberty: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, and where he worketh, as he does under the gospel-dispensation, there is liberty (Co2 3:17), freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, and from the servitude of corruption; liberty of access to God, and freedom of speech in prayer. The heart is set at liberty, and enlarged, to run the ways of God's commandments. (2.) They have light; for with open face we behold the glory of the Lord, Co2 3:18. The Israelites saw the glory of God in a cloud, which was dark and dreadful; but Christians see the glory of the Lord as in a glass, more clearly and comfortably. It was the peculiar privilege of Moses for God to converse with him face to face, in a friendly manner; but now all true Christians see him more clearly with open face. He showeth them his glory. (3.) This light and liberty are transforming; we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory (Co2 3:18), from one degree of glorious grace unto another, till grace here be consummated in glory for ever. How much therefore should Christians prize and improve these privileges! We should not rest contented without an experimental knowledge of the transforming power of the gospel, by the operation of the Spirit, bringing us into a conformity to the temper and tendency of the glorious gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–18. Public domain.
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Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Stromata Book 4
So far the apostle respecting knowledge; and in the second Epistle to the Corinthians he calls the common "teaching of faith "the savour of knowledge. "For unto this day the same veil remains on many in the reading of the Old Testament"
TertullianAD 220
Against Marcion Book V
For only there is superiority possible where was previously the thing over which superiority can be affirmed. But then he says, "But their minds were blinded" -of the world; certainly not the Creator's mind, but the minds of the people which are in the world.
CyprianAD 258
Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews
Also in the second Epistle to the Corinthians: "Their minds are blinded even unto this day, by this same veil which is taken away in Christ, while this same veil remains in the reading of the Old Testament, which is not unveiled, because it is made void in Christ; and even to this day, if at any time Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. But by and by, when they shall be turned unto the Lord, the veil shall be taken away."
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Their minds were hardened through unbelief, and this will not change until they convert and believe in Christ.
Cyril of JerusalemAD 386
Catechetical Lecture 15:32
“Until this day” means not just until the time of Paul but until our time also, and indeed, till the end of the world.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 7 on 2 Corinthians
See what he establisheth by this. For what happened then once in the case of Moses, the same happeneth continually in the case of the Law. What is said, therefore, is no accusation of the Law, as neither is it of Moses that he then veiled himself, but only the senseless Jews. For the law hath its proper glory, but they were unable to see it. 'Why therefore are ye perplexed,' he saith, 'if they are unable to see this glory of the Grace, since they saw not that lesser one of Moses, nor were able to look steadfastly upon his countenance? And why are ye troubled that the Jews believe not Christ, seeing at least that they believe not even the Law? For they were therefore ignorant of the Grace also, because they knew not even the Old Covenant nor the glory which was in it. For the glory of the Law is to turn [men] unto Christ.'
Seest thou how from this consideration also he takes down the inflation of the Jews? By that in which they thought they had the advantage, namely, that Moses' face shone, he proves their grossness and groveling nature. Let them not therefore pride themselves on that, for what was that to Jews who enjoyed it not? Wherefore also he keeps on dwelling upon it, saying one while, "The same veil in the reading of the old covenant remaineth," it "not being revealed that it is done away in Christ:" another while, that "unto this day when Moses is read," the same "veil lieth upon their heart;" showing that the veil lieth both on the reading and on their heart.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 7 on 2 Corinthians
So that it is we who know the law also; but to them not only Grace, but this as well is covered with a shadow; "For until this day the same veil upon the reading of the old covenant remaineth," he saith, it "not being revealed that it is done away in Christ." Now what he saith is this. This very thing they cannot see, that it is brought to an end, because they believe not Christ. For if it be brought to an end by Christ, as in truth it is brought to an end, and this the Law said by anticipation, how will they who receive not Christ that hath done away the Law, be able to see that the Law is done away? And being incapable of seeing this, it is very plain that even of the Law itself which asserted these things, they know not the power nor the full glory.
'And where,' saith one, 'did it say this that it is done away in Christ?' It did not say it merely, but also showed it by what was done. And first indeed by shutting up its sacrifices and its whole ritual in one place, the Temple, and afterwards destroying this. For had He not meant to bring these to an end and the whole of the Law concerning them, He would have done one or other of two things; either not destroyed the Temple, or having destroyed it, not forbidden to sacrifice elsewhere. But, as it is, the whole world and even Jerusalem itself He hath made forbidden ground for such religious rites; having allowed and appointed for them only the Temple. Then having destroyed this itself afterwards He showed completely even by what was done that the things of the Law are brought to an end by Christ; for the Temple also Christ destroyed.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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 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). 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). The immediate preceding verses (2 Corinthians 3:7-13) 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).
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). 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), 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).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in 2 Corinthians 3:14. The most prominent is Metaphor, where the physical "vail" Moses wore (Exodus 34:33) 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, 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). 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.
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). 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
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).
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, "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). Jesus Himself declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17), and He opened the minds of His disciples to understand how all the Scriptures spoke of Him (Luke 24:44-45). 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), and its glorious but fading ministry is superseded by the enduring, life-giving ministry of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6-8). 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).