2 Corinthians 3:14

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλ'
G235
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
ἐπωρώθη
G4456
were blinded
to petrify, i.e., (figuratively) to indurate (render stupid or callous)
#3
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
νοήματα
G3540
minds
a perception, i.e., purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself
#5
αὐτὸ
G846
the same
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#6
ἄχρι
G891
until
(of time) until or (of place) up to
#7
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
σήμερον
G4594
this day
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
#10
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
αὐτὸ
G846
the same
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#12
κάλυμμα
G2571
vail
a cover, i.e., veil
#13
ἐπὶ
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἀναγνώσει
G320
the reading
(the act of) reading
#16
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
παλαιᾶς
G3820
of the old
antique, i.e., not recent, worn out
#18
διαθήκης
G1242
testament
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
#19
μένει
G3306
remaineth
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#20
μὴ
G3361
untaken
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#21
ἀνακαλυπτόμενον
G343
away
to unveil
#22
ὅ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#23
τι
G5100
some or any person or object
#24
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#25
Χριστῷ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#26
καταργεῖται·
G2673
vail is done away
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection