### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κάλυμα (kályma), Strong's number `{{G2571}}`, is derived directly from the verb καλύπτω (kalýptō) `{{G2572}}`, meaning "to cover," "to hide," or "to conceal." At its most basic, κάλυμα refers to a physical covering or something that serves to hide or obscure. Its primary semantic range in the New Testament is narrowed to "a veil," an object used to cover the face or head. Beyond this literal sense, the word carries significant metaphorical weight, representing spiritual concealment, obstruction, or a barrier to understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κάλυμα appears exclusively in 2 Corinthians 3 in the New Testament, where it is used four times to describe a "veil." Paul employs this imagery in his extended discussion contrasting the Old Covenant (Law) with the New Covenant (Spirit).
1. **[[2 Corinthians 3:13]]**: Paul refers to Moses putting a veil over his face after descending from Mount Sinai. This action, recorded in [[Exodus 34:33-35]], was to conceal the fading glory of his face from the Israelites. Here, the κάλυμα is a literal physical veil.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 3:14]]**: Paul shifts the metaphor, stating that the minds of the Israelites were hardened, and "the same veil remains" unlifted when the Old Covenant is read. This veil is no longer physical but represents a spiritual blindness or inability to perceive the true meaning and purpose of the Law, which points to Christ.
3. **[[2 Corinthians 3:15]]**: The metaphor continues, emphasizing that "a veil lies over their heart" whenever Moses (i.e., the Law) is read. This reiterates the spiritual obstruction that prevents understanding and acceptance of the gospel. The veil is presented as an active impediment to spiritual discernment.
4. **[[2 Corinthians 3:16]]**: Paul declares the solution: "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed." This verse highlights the transformative power of conversion to Christ, which lifts the spiritual blindness and allows for true understanding and revelation. The removal of the κάλυμα signifies spiritual clarity and freedom from the limitations of the Old Covenant.
In this passage, κάλυμα functions as a central metaphor for the spiritual condition of those who do not embrace Christ. It signifies a state of spiritual opacity, preventing them from seeing the glory of God revealed in the face of Jesus Christ and understanding the true intent of the Law.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verb from which κάλυμα is derived: καλύπτω (kalýptō) `{{G2572}}`, meaning "to cover" or "to hide." This etymological link reinforces the core idea of concealment.
An important conceptual antonym is ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō) `{{G601}}`, meaning "to uncover" or "to reveal," from which we get the English word "apocalypse" (revelation). The contrast between κάλυμα (covering/hiding) and ἀποκαλύπτω (uncovering/revealing) is central to Paul's theological argument in 2 Corinthians 3.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent for Moses' veil is מסוה (masveh) `{{H4533}}`, found in [[Exodus 34]]. Understanding this Hebrew background is crucial for appreciating Paul's use of the veil imagery.
Related theological concepts include:
* **Spiritual Blindness/Hardening:** The veil symbolizes the inability to see or comprehend divine truth.
* **Revelation:** The removal of the veil signifies the act of God revealing Himself through Christ.
* **Covenant Theology:** The veil marks the distinction between the fading glory and limited understanding of the Old Covenant and the unveiled glory and spiritual freedom of the New Covenant.
* **Transformation:** The removal of the veil leads to spiritual transformation and beholding the glory of the Lord.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κάλυμα in 2 Corinthians 3 is profound, serving as a powerful symbol of spiritual states and covenantal realities.
Firstly, the veil represents the **spiritual inability of humanity, apart from Christ, to grasp divine truth**. It signifies a fundamental barrier to understanding the true meaning of God's revelation, particularly the Law, which, without Christ, leads to condemnation rather than life. This is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a spiritual hardening of the heart and mind.
Secondly, the veil underscores the **distinction and superiority of the New Covenant over the Old**. While the Old Covenant had glory, it was a fading glory, veiled to prevent the Israelites from seeing its end. The New Covenant, established in Christ, is characterized by an unveiled, abiding glory that brings freedom and life. The presence of the veil highlights the temporary and preparatory nature of the Law.
Thirdly, the removal of the veil is intrinsically linked to **conversion to Christ**. "When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed" ([[2 Corinthians 3:16]]). This emphasizes Christ's unique role as the revealer of God's glory and the one who grants spiritual insight. It signifies a radical spiritual transformation where spiritual blindness is replaced by clarity, and the heart is opened to receive the truth of the gospel.
Finally, the imagery of the veil and its removal speaks to the **ongoing work of the Holy Spirit**. The Spirit not only reveals Christ but also empowers believers to behold the Lord's glory with unveiled faces, leading to transformation into His likeness ([[2 Corinthians 3:18]]).
### Summary
The Greek word κάλυμα (kályma) `{{G2571}}`, derived from καλύπτω (kalýptō) `{{G2572}}` ("to cover"), means "a cover" or, more specifically, "a veil." In the New Testament, its sole occurrences are in 2 Corinthians 3, where it functions as a central metaphor. Initially referring to Moses' literal veil ([[2 Corinthians 3:13]]), Paul extends its meaning to symbolize the spiritual blindness and hardening of heart that prevents individuals from understanding the Old Covenant's true purpose and its fulfillment in Christ ([[2 Corinthians 3:14-15]]). The theological significance of κάλυμα lies in its representation of a spiritual barrier to divine truth. Its removal, which occurs when one turns to the Lord ([[2 Corinthians 3:16]]), signifies the spiritual clarity, freedom, and transformation brought about by the New Covenant in Christ, contrasting the veiled understanding of the Law with the unveiled glory of the Spirit.
TRV