2 Corinthians 3:16

Context

2 Corinthians 3:16 serves as a pivotal verse within Paul’s discussion contrasting the Old Covenant (the law) with the New Covenant (the Spirit). In the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 3:7-15), Paul speaks of Moses' face, which shone with glory after meeting with God, requiring him to wear a veil because the glory was fading. He then draws a powerful analogy: just as a veil covered Moses' face, a spiritual veil covers the hearts and minds of those in Israel who do not believe in Christ when they read the Old Testament. This veil prevents them from understanding that the Old Covenant finds its fulfillment and ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ. Their understanding remains obscured, preventing them from seeing the true glory of God revealed in the New Covenant.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Transformation and Conversion: The phrase "when it shall turn to the Lord" signifies a profound spiritual turning point. "It" refers to the heart or the nation of Israel, implying a personal or collective act of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. This turning is essential for spiritual understanding.
• Removal of Spiritual Blindness: The "vail" represents spiritual inability or blindness, a lack of comprehension regarding God's true purposes and the ultimate meaning of the Scriptures. When one turns to the Lord, this spiritual barrier is removed, leading to clarity and insight.
• The Clarity of the New Covenant: This verse highlights that the Old Testament, when read through the lens of Christ, becomes clear and vibrant. The shadows and types of the law are understood as pointing to Jesus, who is the substance. This understanding is a gift of the New Covenant, which is a ministry of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:8).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "vail" is kalumma, which means a covering or a veil. Its removal signifies the lifting of an obstruction to sight or understanding. The phrase "turn to the Lord" uses the Greek verb epistrephō, meaning "to turn around" or "to return." This word carries the strong connotation of conversion or repentance, a decisive change in direction towards God. "The Lord" (Greek: Kurios) in this New Testament context unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ, emphasizing that turning to Him is the means by which spiritual understanding is granted.

Related Scriptures

• This verse directly sets the stage for 2 Corinthians 3:17, which states, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." The removal of the veil leads to freedom and understanding through the Holy Spirit.
• The concept of spiritual blindness being removed upon turning to Christ is also echoed in Ephesians 1:18, where Paul prays for the "eyes of your understanding being enlightened."
• The idea of a "new covenant" that replaces the old is a major theme throughout the New Testament, notably prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and elaborated in the book of Hebrews.

Practical Application

For a general audience, 2 Corinthians 3:16 offers profound encouragement and a clear path to spiritual insight. It teaches us that:

1. Personal Faith is Key: Understanding God's Word and His plan requires a personal turning to Jesus Christ. Without Him, even familiar scriptures can remain obscured, like looking through a fog.
2. Clarity Through Christ: When we embrace Christ, the Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding, allowing us to see the unity and purpose of all Scripture. The Old Testament is no longer a collection of rules but a narrative culminating in Jesus.
3. Hope for All: This verse holds out hope not only for individuals but also for the nation of Israel, that one day they too will collectively turn to the Lord and the veil will be removed from their hearts, leading to a full understanding of their Messiah.

Ultimately, this verse is a testament to the transformative power of faith in Christ, which brings spiritual liberation and true comprehension of God's revealed truth.