Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:3

What does 2 Corinthians 4:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 4:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 4:3 means

If the gospel appears hidden, Paul says the problem is not in the message’s clarity or the messenger’s honesty. The “veil” lies over those who are perishing—those set on a path away from God. Their spiritual condition prevents them from seeing what is in plain view. This sobering truth keeps Paul from both pride and despair: he cannot take credit for conversions, nor is he crushed by rejection. The veil language echoes the prior chapter’s contrast with unveiled faces beholding the Lord’s glory. Where people remain veiled, there is real spiritual darkness, and apart from God’s intervention, they do not perceive the gospel’s light.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if our good news is veiled, it is veiled from those who are on the way to destruction:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if also our good news is vailed, in those perishing it is vailed,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if also our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in those that are lost;

Context

After affirming open proclamation (verse 2), Paul explains why some still do not respond. This verse introduces the idea of a spiritual veil that obscures the gospel for those perishing. It sets up verse 4’s further insight into the active blinding by the god of this world and the radiant content of the gospel—the glory of Christ. By clarifying the true obstacle, Paul’s defense shifts from method to spiritual realities, readying the reader for the centrality of Christ’s glory as the content and power of the message.

v.2but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

v.3This passage

v.4in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:15

    For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;

  • Romans 2:16

    in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:9

    even he, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18

    For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:5

    how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.

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