2 Corinthians 3:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 3:13 mean?

2 Corinthians 3:13 says that, unlike Moses, Paul and his companions do not cover their faces with a veil to prevent the people of Israel from seeing the fading glory. The verse points out that Moses put a veil over his face so the Israelites could not keep looking at the end of what was passing away.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining how his ministry is different from the ministry of Moses in the Old Testament. Moses covered his face with a veil after being with God, because the brightness (or glory) on his face was temporary and fading. Paul uses this image to show that the old covenant was not permanent, while the new message he brings is open and lasting.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 3:13

• "vail" (κάλυμμα, kalumma): This word means a covering or veil. In this context, it refers to the physical cloth Moses used to hide his shining face, symbolizing something hidden or not fully revealed.
• "look" (ἀτενίζω, atenizō): This word means to gaze intently or to fix one’s eyes upon. The verse says the Israelites could not keep looking at the end of what was fading, highlighting their inability to see the full purpose or conclusion of the old covenant.
• "end" (τέλος, telos): This word means the goal, outcome, or completion. Here, it refers to the conclusion or fading away of the glory on Moses’ face, which represents the temporary nature of the old covenant.
• "abolished" (καταργέω, katargeō): This word means to make ineffective or to bring to an end. Paul uses it to describe how the glory of the old covenant was coming to an end and would be replaced by something greater.

Why 2 Corinthians 3:13 matters

• This verse helps clarify that Paul is not criticizing Moses, but showing the difference between the old and new covenants—one was temporary and veiled, the other is open and lasting.
• It highlights that the old covenant’s glory was meant to fade, preparing readers to understand why the new covenant through Christ is described as more glorious and permanent in the surrounding verses.
• The image of the veil sets up Paul’s later point about spiritual blindness and the need for the veil to be removed in Christ, which is a major theme in the rest of the chapter.