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 3:13 (KJV)

Context

Paul here contrasts his own ministry with that of Moses. In the Exodus account (34:33-35), Moses covered his face after speaking with God on Mount Sinai because his face shone with divine glory. The veil was a physical covering that signified the radiant glory of God reflected on his face. It was not described as a symbolic barrier meant to hide a fading glory; rather, it marked the presence of God’s glory. Yet the old covenant’s glory, as seen in Moses, was temporary and faded, prompting the use of the veil to prevent the people from seeing the decline.

Meaning

Paul draws a parallel between Moses and the Israelites under the old covenant and the ministry of the apostles under the new covenant. The phrase “the end of that which is abolished” points to the termination of the old covenant in Christ. The veil prevented Israel from steadfastly looking to that end, symbolizing the obscured glory of the old covenant. Paul contrasts this temporary glory with the surpassing and permanent glory of the new covenant through Jesus Christ. The apostles proclaim the message of salvation openly, without needing to conceal the truth, and therefore no veil is needed.

Biblical connections

In 2 Corinthians 3:14 Paul writes that the minds of the Israelites remain veiled even to this day when they read the old covenant, because their hearts are hardened. The veil represents spiritual blindness that remains in the reading of the old testament until Christ removes it. Only in Christ is that veil taken away, allowing true understanding of God’s Word.

Application

This passage highlights the contrast between the old and new covenants, emphasizing the clarity and openness offered by the new covenant compared with the limited access under the old covenant. It underscores the freedom and access believers have in Christ to approach God openly and without hindrance, for in Christ the veil is taken away and the full revelation of God is seen. As the following verse (2 Cor. 3:18) affirms, believers today can behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces.