2 Corinthians 3:13

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#3
καθάπερ
G2509
as
exactly as
#4
Μωσῆς
G3475
Moses
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
#5
ἐτίθει
G5087
which put
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#6
κάλυμμα
G2571
a vail
a cover, i.e., veil
#7
ἐπὶ
G1909
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#8
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
πρόσωπον
G4383
face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#10
ἑαυτοῦ,
G1438
his
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#11
πρὸς
G4314
that
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#12
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#14
ἀτενίσαι
G816
could
to gaze intently
#15
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
υἱοὺς
G5207
the children
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#17
Ἰσραὴλ
G2474
of Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#18
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#19
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
τέλος
G5056
the end
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
#21
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
καταργουμένου
G2673
of that which is abolished
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection