Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:15

What does 2 Corinthians 3:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 3:15 means

Paul intensifies the picture: whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over the heart. The issue is not mere lack of information but a heart-level barrier to seeing God’s glory in his word. This inwardness explains why argument alone cannot remove it. The heart needs to be turned. Paul’s words are both compassionate and realistic; they account for zeal without knowledge and for the persistence of unbelief despite exposure to Scripture. Yet the image of a veil hints that removal is possible. The problem is personal and spiritual, requiring a personal and spiritual intervention from the Lord who opens blind eyes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But to this day, at the reading of the law of Moses, a veil is over their heart.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but till to-day, when Moses is read, a vail upon their heart doth lie,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But even until this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil lies upon their heart.

Context

Verse 15 builds on verse 14 by identifying the location of the veil—the heart. This sets the stage for verse 16’s hopeful remedy: turning to the Lord removes the veil. The next verses will explain that the Lord works through the Spirit, bringing liberty (v. 17) and transformation into the Lord’s image (v. 18). Thus the argument moves from diagnosis (hardening) to cure (conversion) to the ongoing effect (freedom and growth).

v.14but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.

v.15This passage

v.16But whensoever it shall turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 13:27

    For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

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