TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
“But,” says the Torah, “whenever someone turns to Adonai, the veil is taken away.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Neuertheles when their heart shall be turned to the Lord, the vaile shalbe taken away.
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In the KJVVerse 28,858 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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TertullianAD 220
Against Marcion Book V
But what concern has Paul with the veil which still obscures Moses from their view, if the Christ of the Creator, whom Moses predicted, is not yet come? How are the hearts of the Jews represented as still covered and veiled, if the predictions of Moses relating to Christ, in whom it was their duty to believe through him, are as yet unfulfilled? What had the apostle of a strange Christ to complain of, if the Jews failed in understanding the mysterious announcements of their own God, unless the veil which was upon their hearts had reference to that blindness which concealed from their eyes the Christ of Moses? Then, again, the words which follow, But when it shall turn to the Lord, the evil shall be taken away," properly refer to the Jew, over whose gaze Moses' veil is spread, to the effect that, when he is turned to the faith of Christ, he will understand how Moses spoke of Christ.
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON EXODUS 12
Let us beware, therefore, lest not only “when Moses is read” but also when Paul is read “a veil” be “placed over” our “heart.” And clearly, if we hear negligently, if we bring no zeal to learning and understanding, not only are the Scriptures of the Law and Prophets but also of the apostles and Gospels covered for us with a great veil. I fear, however, lest by too much negligence and dullness of heart the divine volumes be not only veiled to us but also sealed, so that “if a book should be put into the hands of a man who cannot read to be read, he would say, ‘I cannot read’; if it should be put into the hands of a man who can read, he would say, ‘It is sealed.’ ”Whence we see that we must not only employ zeal to learn the sacred literature, but also we must pray to the Lord and entreat “day and night” that the lamb “of the tribe of Judah” may come and himself taking “the sealed book” may deign to open it. For it is he who “opening the Scriptures” kindles the hearts of the disciples so that they say, “Was not our heart burning within us when he opened to us the Scriptures?” May he, therefore, even now see fit to open to us what it is which he inspired his apostle to say, “But the Lord is a spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”.
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 1
The Lord himself, the Holy Spirit himself, must be entreated by us to remove every cloud and all darkness which obscures the vision of our hearts, hardened with the stains of sins, in order that we may be able to behold the spiritual and wonderful knowledge of his law.
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 1.4
For thus the apostle said, “If anyone turns to the Lord, the veil will be removed; for where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Therefore, the Lord himself, the Holy Spirit himself must be entreated by us to remove every cloud and all darkness which obscures the vision of our hearts hardened with the stains of sins in order that we may be able to behold the spiritual and wonderful knowledge of his law, according to him who said, “Take the veil from my eyes and I shall observe the wonders of your law.”32.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 7 on 2 Corinthians
Having then suitably accused them, he points out also the manner of their correction. And what is this? "Nevertheless when [one] shall turn to the Lord," which is, to forsake the Law, "the veil is taken away."
Seest thou that not over the face of Moses was there that veil, but over the eyesight of the Jews? For it was done, not that the glory of Moses might be hidden, but that the Jews might not see. For they were not capable. So that in them was the deficiency, for it caused not him to be ignorant of any thing, but them. And he did not say indeed, "when thou shalt let go the Law," but he implied it, for "when thou shalt turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away." To the very last he kept to the history. For when Moses talked with the Jews he kept his face covered; but when he turned to God it was uncovered. Now this was a type of that which was to come to pass, that when we have turned to the Lord, then we shall see the glory of the Law, and the face of the Lawgiver bare; yea rather, not this alone, but we shall then be even in the same rank with Moses.
Seest thou how he inviteth the Jew unto the faith, by showing, that by coming unto Grace he is able not only to see Moses, but also to stand in the very same rank with the Lawgiver. 'For not only,' he saith, 'shalt thou look on the glory which then thou sawest not, but thou shalt thyself also be included in the same glory; yea rather, in a greater glory, even so great that that other shall not seem glory at all when compared with this.'
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 305
The same is true for you as well. When you believe in Christ, the veil of your unbelief will be taken away.
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 3:16 stands as a pivotal declaration within Paul's profound discourse on the New Covenant, asserting that spiritual understanding and liberation from the veiled comprehension of the Old Testament are granted when one's heart turns to the Lord. This verse articulates the transformative power of conversion, revealing that the spiritual blindness afflicting those who read the Old Covenant without Christ is removed, leading to a clear apprehension of God's truth and the ultimate fulfillment of the law in Jesus.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in 2 Corinthians 3:16. The most prominent is Metaphor, where the physical veil Moses wore is extended to represent a spiritual veil over the hearts and minds of those who do not believe in Christ. This metaphor vividly illustrates spiritual blindness and the obstruction to understanding God's truth. The verse also utilizes Contrast, setting the state of being veiled (unbelief) against the state of being unveiled (faith in Christ), thereby highlighting the transformative power of conversion. Furthermore, there is clear Symbolism: the "veil" symbolizes spiritual opacity and the inability to perceive the spiritual glory of God in Christ, while "turning to the Lord" symbolizes conversion and the resulting spiritual illumination and freedom. The entire passage, including this verse, functions as an extended Analogy between Moses' ministry and the ministry of the New Covenant, demonstrating the surpassing glory and clarity of the latter.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the necessity of Christ for true spiritual understanding and the removal of spiritual blindness. It asserts that the Old Testament, when read apart from faith in Jesus, remains veiled and its ultimate meaning obscured. The "turning to the Lord" is not merely an intellectual assent but a profound spiritual reorientation, a conversion that ushers in the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ as the fulfillment of all prophecy and the embodiment of God's redemptive plan. This highlights the centrality of Jesus Christ in all of Scripture and the transformative power of the New Covenant, which brings clarity, righteousness, and life where the Old Covenant brought condemnation and a veiled understanding.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer today, 2 Corinthians 3:16 offers immense encouragement and practical guidance. It reminds us that our ability to truly grasp the depth and beauty of God's Word, particularly the Old Testament, is not a matter of intellectual prowess alone, but a gift bestowed through a living relationship with Jesus Christ. When our hearts are truly turned to the Lord, the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, revealing how all of God's redemptive history culminates in Christ. This means that our study of the Bible should always be accompanied by prayer for spiritual insight and a humble posture of dependence on the Spirit. Furthermore, this verse provides a powerful framework for understanding those who struggle to see the Gospel's truth; it's not a lack of intelligence, but a spiritual veil that needs to be lifted by the transforming power of Christ. It calls us to pray for and share the Gospel with those whose hearts remain veiled, trusting that when they turn to the Lord, the veil will be taken away, and they too will experience the freedom and clarity of God's unveiled truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "it" refer to the nation of Israel or an individual's heart?
Answer: While the immediate literary context in 2 Corinthians 3:15 refers to "their minds" (referring to the Jewish people who read Moses but do not see Christ), the "it" in verse 16 is best understood as referring to the "heart" (implied from verse 15) of any individual who is reading the Old Covenant. Paul's argument has both corporate and individual implications. The spiritual blindness affects individuals within the nation of Israel, and therefore, the turning to the Lord is a personal act of conversion. However, the hope for a collective turning of Israel to their Messiah is also a significant biblical theme, as seen in passages like Romans 11:25-27. So, while primarily individual, it carries implications for the nation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 3:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ as the revealer of God's glory and the end of the Law. The "veil" that obscures understanding is a testament to humanity's fallen state, unable to fully grasp divine truth apart from divine intervention. Christ, however, is the very Image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), the one in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9). When a heart "turns to the Lord," it is turning to Jesus, recognizing Him as the promised Messiah who perfectly fulfilled the Law and prophets (Matthew 5:17). His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's character and redemptive plan. The removal of the veil signifies the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent (John 16:7-15), to guide believers into all truth and to reveal the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). Thus, Christ is not only the object of our turning but also the means by which the veil is removed, granting us liberty and an unveiled gaze upon God's transforming glory (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).