2 Corinthians 3:14
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.
2 Corinthians 3:14
Here Paul explains that the veil remains on “their minds” as a barrier to the old covenant, even today. The phrase “until this day” signals a present reality: many Jews or those steeped in the Mosaic Law read the Old Testament without recognizing its Christ-centered fulfillment. The “veil” is not a physical object here but a spiritual blindness that prevents readers from grasping the gospel’s truth. In Jesus, however, the veil is removed for those who turn to Him. Paul’s argument reinterprets the Old Testament as a pointer to Christ, rather than as a closed system of self-sufficient righteousness. The verse sets up the next two lines about turning to the Lord and the removal of the veil through Christ, showing how personal encounter with Jesus changes one’s perception of Scripture.
This verse foregrounds the Spirit’s role in unveiling truth. It marks a decisive move from letter to Spirit: the Old Covenant’s reading remains opaque until illuminated by Christ. Theologically, it emphasizes revelation, fulfillment, and the transformative power of the Spirit-enabled gaze. It also reframes judgment: not that the Scriptures themselves are opaque, but that spiritual blindness hinders recognition of Christ’s fulfillment within them. This has broader implications for anthropology (the condition of human perception) and soteriology (humans’ response to revelation).
For believers, this invites prayerful reading of the Old Testament with Christ in view. It challenges attitudes of spiritual superiority among those who rely only on the letter of the law. In teaching and preaching, it encourages deep Christ-centered exposition of Old Testament passages, showing how they point to Jesus. On an individual level, ask God to lift spiritual fog: regularly reflect, “Where might my hardening heart be keeping me from seeing Jesus in familiar passages?” In pastoral ministry, facilitate environments where people re-encounter Scripture with fresh eyes—teaching Christ as the interpretive key.
Cross-References: Luke 24:27; Romans 11:7-10; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Isaiah 6:9-10; John 5:39-40