King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 3:13 Mean?

2 Corinthians 3:13 in the King James Version says “And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of th...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

2 Corinthians 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

For if that which is done away was glorious , much more that which remaineth is glorious .

12

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: plainness: or, boldness

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:

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.

15

But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's interpretation of Moses' veil help you understand the Old Testament as pointing forward to Christ?
  2. What "veils" might be preventing you from seeing the full glory and implications of the new covenant in your life?
  3. In what ways do you need to proclaim the gospel more "unveiled"—with greater clarity and boldness—rather than obscuring its radical message?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ2 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

καθάπερ3 of 22

“as”

G2509

exactly as

Μωσῆς4 of 22

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

ἐτίθει5 of 22

“which put”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

κάλυμμα6 of 22

“a vail”

G2571

a cover, i.e., veil

ἐπὶ7 of 22

“over”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ8 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρόσωπον9 of 22

“face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

ἑαυτοῦ,10 of 22

“his”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

πρὸς11 of 22

“that”

G4314

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,

τὸ12 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ13 of 22

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀτενίσαι14 of 22

“could”

G816

to gaze intently

τοὺς15 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱοὺς16 of 22

“the children”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Ἰσραὴλ17 of 22

“of Israel”

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

εἰς18 of 22

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ19 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέλος20 of 22

“the end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

τοῦ21 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καταργουμένου22 of 22

“of that which is abolished”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 3:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 34:33-35Hebrews 10:1-92 Corinthians 3:7Ephesians 2:14-15Galatians 3:23-24Colossians 2:17

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2 Corinthians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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