2 Corinthians 3:13
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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Μωσῆς
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
4 of 22
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
ἐτίθει
which put
G5087
ἐτίθει
which put
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
5 of 22
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον
face
G4383
πρόσωπον
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
9 of 22
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
ἑαυτοῦ,
his
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ,
his
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
10 of 22
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
πρὸς
that
G4314
πρὸς
that
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 22
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,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοὺς
the children
G5207
υἱοὺς
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
16 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
17 of 22
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλος
the end
G5056
τέλος
the end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:7But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:Colossians 2:17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Historical Context
Exodus 34:29-35 describes Moses' shining face after receiving the second tablets. Rabbinic tradition interpreted the veil as protecting Israel from glory too intense to behold. Paul reinterprets: the veil concealed the fading of that glory, indicating the temporary nature of the Mosaic covenant. This was a shocking reinterpretation of a revered text. Paul argues that from the beginning, the old covenant bore witness to its own inadequacy and pointed forward to something greater, though this was veiled from Israel's understanding until Christ came.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's interpretation of Moses' veil help you understand the Old Testament as pointing forward to Christ?
- What "veils" might be preventing you from seeing the full glory and implications of the new covenant in your life?
- In what ways do you need to proclaim the gospel more "unveiled"—with greater clarity and boldness—rather than obscuring its radical message?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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: Paul now applies the Moses narrative allegorically. In Exodus 34:33-35, Moses veiled his face after speaking with the people because the reflected glory was fading. Paul interprets this: Moses veiled himself that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end (Greek pros to telos tou katargoumenou, πρὸς τὸ τέλος τοῦ καταργουμένου). The phrase to telos means both "the end" (termination) and "the goal" (purpose)—a deliberate ambiguity. Israel could not gaze at the fading of the glory, nor could they see the ultimate purpose (telos) of the old covenant: to point to Christ.
The present participle that which is abolished (Greek tou katargoumenou, τοῦ καταργουμένου) can refer to the fading glory on Moses' face or, more broadly, to the old covenant administration itself. Paul sees both: Moses' veil physically concealed the fading glory, but spiritually it symbolized Israel's inability to perceive that the old covenant was temporary, designed to terminate in Christ. Unlike Moses, new covenant ministers speak unveiled (parrēsia) because they proclaim permanent, unfading glory.