Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:16

What does 2 Corinthians 3:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 3:16 means

There is hope: when the heart turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Paul alludes to Moses removing his veil before the Lord and applies it to anyone who turns to Christ. Conversion is a turning—from self-reliance and unbelief to the Lord—and its immediate effect is unveiled sight. Barriers to understanding are lifted; Scripture’s meaning and Christ’s glory become clear. The remedy is not technique but a person. In Christ, the old covenant’s purpose is revealed, and the temporary gives way to the abiding. The way is open for direct, transforming communion with God, not through external coverings but by the Lord’s own presence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when it is turned to the Lord, the veil will be taken away.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and whenever they may turn unto the Lord, the vail is taken away.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But when they shall be converted to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when it shall turn to [the] Lord, the veil is taken away.)

Context

After describing the veil over minds and hearts (vv. 14–15), verse 16 gives the gospel answer: turning to the Lord removes the veil. The following verses explain the agency and result of this unveiling—“the Lord is the Spirit,” and where he is there is liberty (v. 17), leading to beholding and transformation “from glory to glory” (v. 18). The flow moves from the act of turning to the presence and power that make it effective and fruitful.

v.15But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart.

v.16This passage

v.17Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Cross references

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

  • John 6:45

    It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.

  • Isaiah 54:13

    And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

  • Hosea 3:4

    For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king, and without prince, and without sacrifice, and without pillar, and without ephod or teraphim:

  • Deuteronomy 4:30

    When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, in the latter days thou shalt return to Jehovah thy God, and hearken unto his voice:

  • Deuteronomy 30:10

    if thou shalt obey the voice of Jehovah thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law; if thou turn unto Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul.

  • Jeremiah 31:34

    And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Jehovah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more.

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