2 Corinthians 3:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 3:14
14 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.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 3 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, fellowship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 3:14
14 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.
Analysis
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. Paul shifts from historical exposition to present application. The veil that physically covered Moses' face has become a spiritual veil over Jewish minds: their minds were blinded (Greek epōrōthē ta noēmata autōn, ἐπωρώθη τὰ νοήματα αὐτῶν, literally "their thoughts were hardened"). The verb pōroō (πωρόω) means to petrify, harden, or make dull—the same term used of Israel's hardening in Romans 11:7.
Until this day (Greek achri tēs sēmeron hēmeras, ἄχρι τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας) indicates this blindness persisted in Paul's time (and continues). When the old testament (Greek tēs palaias diathēkēs, τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης, "the old covenant" scriptures) is read in synagogues, the same vail remains. Jews read the Torah but cannot see its fulfillment in Christ. However, which vail is done away in Christ (Greek en Christō katargeitai, ἐν Χριστῷ καταργεῖται)—union with Christ removes the veil, enabling one to see the old covenant's true meaning and goal: Christ Himself.
Historical Context
Paul's contemporaries, both Jewish and Christian, grappled with the relationship between the Mosaic law and the gospel. Many Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah partly because they expected a conquering king, not a suffering servant. The veil metaphor explains this: they read the scriptures but cannot perceive their Christological meaning without the Spirit's illumination. Paul himself experienced this veil-removal on the Damascus road (Acts 9). The contrast between veiled synagogue reading and unveiled Christian understanding defines two communities: those who see Christ in Scripture and those who don't.
Reflection
- How has your understanding of the Old Testament been transformed by seeing it through the lens of Christ?
- What "veils"—preconceptions, traditions, or biases—might still be preventing you from fully grasping biblical truth?
- How can you pray for and witness to those who read Scripture but remain "veiled" to its testimony about Jesus?
Cross-References
- References Christ: 2 Corinthians 4:6
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 44:18, Jeremiah 5:21, Matthew 13:11, 16:17, John 12:40, Acts 13:15