But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:15KJV
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2 Corinthians 3:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 3:15 mean?

2 Corinthians 3:15 says that even now, when the writings of Moses are read aloud, a "veil" still covers the hearts of some listeners, keeping them from truly understanding. Paul is describing a spiritual barrier that remains for certain people when they hear the Jewish Scriptures.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining why many of his fellow Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah when they read the Law of Moses. The "veil" is a metaphor for a lack of spiritual insight or openness. Paul is building on the earlier story of Moses wearing a literal veil after being with God, but here he uses it to talk about an inner blindness that only God can remove.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 3:15

  • "καλύμμα" (kalumma, G2571) means "veil" and is used here to describe a covering that hides or blocks understanding, not a physical cloth but a spiritual barrier.
  • "ἐπὶ" (epi, G1909) means "upon" and shows that this veil is not just present but specifically rests "upon their heart," emphasizing the deep, inner nature of this barrier.
  • "καρδία" (kardia, G2588) means "heart," which in Greek thought often refers to the center of thinking and feeling, not just emotion. The verse is pointing to a deep, inner inability to perceive spiritual truth.

Why 2 Corinthians 3:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the problem Paul describes is not with the Scriptures themselves, but with the condition of the hearer's heart.
  • It connects to Paul's larger point in the chapter about the difference between the old covenant (the Law) and the new covenant (the Spirit), showing why some do not see the fulfillment of the Law in Christ.
  • The image of the "veil" helps explain why spiritual understanding is not just about reading or hearing words, but about an inner openness that only God can bring.

Where else these words appear

“when” Greek G2259 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

“vail” Greek G2571 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 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 3:14 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 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

“upon” Greek G2749 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
  • John 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

“read” Greek G314 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
  • Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
  • Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.