2 Corinthians 3:15
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
2 Corinthians 3:15
Paul continues the veil metaphor, noting that “even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.” The condition is not limited to historical first-century readers but persists among those who engage with the law apart from Christ. Reading Moses, the moral laws, and ritual prescriptions can be spiritually deafening if one is not open to the transforming power of the Spirit. The heart remains veiled, preventing genuine belief and recognition of Christ’s surpassing glory. Paul’s aim is to press readers toward the necessity of turning to the Lord for illumination, which he will discuss in verse 16. The phrase ties personal reception of God’s message to communal and textual practices—how communities read Scripture shapes their spiritual perception.
This verse emphasizes the centrality of heart posture in receiving revelation. It points to the ongoing need for divine enabling—human reading alone cannot unlock gospel insight. Theologically, it highlights the turn from external observance to internal transformation by the Spirit. It reinforces that the old covenant’s law serves its purpose as a tutor, guiding to Christ, but cannot grant sight apart from grace. The testimony here also bridges community dynamics: even faithful religious study can be spiritually blind without a turning of the heart to the Lord.
Practically, this invites believers to cultivate a heart posture of openness before God. When Bible study becomes routine duty rather than encounter, the veil remains. Begin sessions with prayer, asking the Spirit to open the heart to see Jesus in the text. Encourage repentance and humility in group settings—admitting where biases, pride, or preconceptions blind us. For pastors and teachers, design curricula that reveal Christ in the Old Testament, not merely preach moralism. For individuals, keep a posture of dependence: “Lord, turn my heart toward you as I read.” This reframes Bible engagement as an invitation to encounter the living God, not just to gain information.
Cross-References: Isaiah 25:7-9; John 5:39-40; Psalm 119:18; Acts 16:14; Romans 12:2