And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

2 CORINTHIANS 3:13KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“vail” Greek G2571 · used in 4 verses

  • 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 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

“as” Greek G2509 · used in 13 verses

  • Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
  • 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

“could” Greek G816 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • Acts 11:6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

“abolished” Greek G2673 · used in 26 verses

  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • 1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
  • 2 Corinthians 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.