2 Corinthians 3:14

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Second Corinthians 3:14 speaks to the spiritual inability of some to grasp the true meaning and intent of the Old Testament without understanding its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Paul highlights a persistent spiritual blindness that prevents full comprehension of God's revelation.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader argument contrasting the Old Covenant (the Law, represented by Moses) with the New Covenant (the Spirit, represented by Christ). In the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 3:7-13), Paul discusses Moses' shining face after encountering God on Mount Sinai, and how Moses put a veil over his face to hide the fading glory. This physical veil symbolized the temporary nature of the Law and the inability of the Israelites to look steadfastly at the end of what was fading away. In verse 14, Paul shifts the metaphor: the veil is no longer on Moses' face but on the minds of those who read the Old Testament without Christ, preventing them from seeing its ultimate purpose.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Blindness: The verse explicitly states, "their minds were blinded." This isn't a physical impairment but a spiritual dullness or hardening of perception (1 Corinthians 2:14), making it impossible to truly understand God's revelation without divine intervention.
  • The Veil of Misunderstanding: 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 and condemnation rather than a pointer to God's redemptive plan.
  • Christ as the Key to Understanding: The crucial phrase "which [vail] is done away in Christ" underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment (Matthew 5:17) and interpretive lens for the Old Testament. He reveals its prophecies, types, and shadows, making its true spiritual significance clear.
  • Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: The passage highlights the superiority and clarity of the New Covenant in Christ, where the Spirit gives life and understanding, in contrast to the Old Covenant which, without Christ, could lead to spiritual blindness and condemnation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "blinded" is pōroō (πωρόω), which means to harden, to make dull, or to callouse. It suggests a lack of spiritual sensitivity or perception. The term "vail" is kalymma (κάλυμμα), meaning a covering or shroud. Paul uses this term to draw a direct parallel to the physical veil of Moses (Exodus 34:33), but applies it metaphorically to the spiritual state of the mind. The phrase "done away" comes from katargeō (καταργέω), signifying to abolish, render inoperative, or bring to nothing. This emphasizes the decisive and complete work of Christ in removing the spiritual barrier.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that genuine understanding of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament, requires a relationship with Jesus Christ. Without Him, even diligent study can result in a superficial or legalistic interpretation, missing the heart of God's redemptive plan. For believers, it encourages a Christ-centered approach to reading the entire Bible, recognizing that all Scripture ultimately points to Christ. It also speaks to the ongoing need for the Holy Spirit's illumination to truly grasp spiritual truths, ensuring that when one "turns to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away," as promised in 2 Corinthians 3:16.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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