King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 3:16 Mean?

2 Corinthians 3:16 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.”

2 Corinthians 3:16 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

17

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. by the: or, of the Lord the Spirit

Read 2 Corinthians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. Have you experienced a moment of "turning to the Lord" when spiritual truth suddenly became clear after being obscure?
  2. What does it mean practically for you to "turn to the Lord" in areas of your life where you still feel spiritually blind?
  3. How can you help others experience the veil-removing power of turning to Christ in repentance and faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἡνίκα1 of 9

“when”

G2259

at which time

δ'2 of 9

“Nevertheless”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄν3 of 9

“it”

G302

whatsoever

ἐπιστρέψῃ4 of 9

“shall turn”

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

πρὸς5 of 9

“to”

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,

κύριον6 of 9

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

περιαιρεῖται7 of 9

“shall be taken away”

G4014

to remove all around, i.e., unveil, cast off (anchor); figuratively, to expiate

τὸ8 of 9
G3588

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

κάλυμμα9 of 9

“the vail”

G2571

a cover, i.e., veil

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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 34:34Isaiah 25:7Isaiah 29:18John 6:45-46Jeremiah 31:34Romans 11:23

Test Your Knowledge

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