2 Corinthians 3:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 3:16
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 3 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, righteousness, hope. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 3:16
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
Analysis
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Paul offers hope: the veil is not permanent. When it shall turn (Greek hēnika epistrepsē, ἡνίκα ἐπιστρέψῃ) uses the verb epistrephō (ἐπιστρέφω), meaning "to turn," "return," or "convert"—biblical language for repentance and conversion. The subject it is ambiguous in Greek (no pronoun), possibly referring to Israel collectively, an individual heart, or even Moses symbolically. The ambiguity is intentional: whenever anyone (Jew or Gentile) turns to the Lord (Greek pros Kyrion, πρὸς Κύριον), the vail shall be taken away (Greek periaireitai to kalymma, περιαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα).
Paul alludes to Exodus 34:34: "But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off." Just as Moses removed the veil to enter God's presence, so any person who turns to the Lord (Christ) in repentance has the veil removed, enabling them to perceive spiritual truth. The passive voice shall be taken away indicates divine action—God removes the veil through the Spirit's work. Human turning is met with divine unveiling.
Historical Context
Paul's emphasis on turning "to the Lord" deliberately evokes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), Israel's central confession, while identifying "the Lord" as Christ (see verse 17). This was central to early Christian apologetics: Jesus is Yahweh incarnate, the God of Israel. Romans 10:9-13 makes this explicit: confessing "Jesus is Lord" fulfills Joel's prophecy that "whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Joel 2:32). Turning to Christ is turning to Yahweh, and this turning results in the veil's removal—spiritual sight, understanding, transformation.
Reflection
- Have you experienced a moment of "turning to the Lord" when spiritual truth suddenly became clear after being obscure?
- What does it mean practically for you to "turn to the Lord" in areas of your life where you still feel spiritually blind?
- How can you help others experience the veil-removing power of turning to Christ in repentance and faith?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 34:34, Deuteronomy 4:30, 30:10, Isaiah 54:13, Jeremiah 31:34, Lamentations 3:40
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 25:7, 29:18, Romans 11:23