What does "a veil lies over their hearts" mean in 2 Corinthians 3:15? Canonical Text “But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Corinthians 3:14-16, Berean Standard Bible) Historical and Literary Setting Paul writes 2 Corinthians (c. AD 56) after severe conflict with the Corinthian assembly. In chapters 3-4 he defends his ministry against Judaizing teachers who elevate Mosaic law as the path to covenant righteousness. By contrasting the fading glory of Sinai with the surpassing glory of the Spirit, Paul underscores the permanence and supremacy of the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and inaugurated by Christ’s atoning death and bodily resurrection (Luke 22:20). Old Testament Backdrop: Moses’ Veil (Exodus 34:29-35) When Moses descended Sinai, his face radiated God’s glory. Israel recoiled, so Moses placed a veil over his face while speaking with them, removing it only before the LORD in the tent of meeting. In rabbinic tradition (e.g., Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on Exodus 34:35) the veil symbolized both protection from unmediated holiness and Israel’s incapacity to gaze upon God’s fading glory. Paul appropriates this imagery to describe spiritual dullness persisting whenever Torah is read apart from faith in Messiah. Meaning of “A Veil Lies over Their Hearts” 1. Cognitive Obstruction: Like a physical cloth blocks sight, an inner impediment blocks comprehension of Scripture’s messianic significance (cf. John 5:39-40). 2. Volitional Resistance: The heart-veil implies willful hardness (Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:14-15). Humans suppress truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18) until the Spirit regenerates. 3. Covenant Orientation: Reading Moses under the Old Covenant framework yields only condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:7, 9). Transformation requires a New Covenant orientation—“the Spirit gives life” (v. 6). 4. Christological Fulfillment: “Only in Christ can it be removed” (v. 14). Faith-union with the risen Lord lifts the veil, granting unveiled access to God’s glory (v. 18; Hebrews 10:19-22). Theological Significance • Total Depravity: The veil confirms humanity’s incapacity to self-redeem (Ephesians 2:1-3). • Regeneration: Removal requires supernatural intervention—“God…has shone in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 4:6). • Progressive Sanctification: Believers, with unveiled faces, are “being transformed from glory to glory” (3:18), echoing theosis themes in Eastern and Western theology. • Missional Impulse: Evangelism targets veiled hearts; the gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). Pastoral and Practical Application • Prayer: Intercede that God “may give them a spirit of wisdom…having the eyes of their hearts enlightened” (Ephesians 1:17-18). • Preaching: Center exposition on Christ so that listeners behold His glory and the Spirit removes the veil. • Personal Reflection: Examine lingering areas of unbelief; repentance re-opens spiritual sight. • Jewish Evangelism: Respectfully demonstrate Messiah in Torah and Prophets (Acts 28:23), trusting the Spirit to lift the covenantal veil. Cross-References Isaiah 25:7; Isaiah 29:10; John 12:40; Romans 11:7-10; Hebrews 9:1-8; Revelation 22:4. Conclusion “A veil lies over their hearts” encapsulates the inner blindness that persists whenever Scripture is approached without submission to the crucified and risen Christ. The veil is not cognitive deficit alone but a spiritual barrier removed solely by the Holy Spirit through faith. Once lifted, the believer beholds the unfading glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and is progressively transformed to reflect that same glory. |
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