What does 2 Corinthians 3:13 mean?

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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

Explanation

2 Corinthians 3:13 refers to an episode from the Hebrew Bible where Moses, after speaking with God, would put a veil over his face. The children of Israel could not see his face glowing because of his conversation with God (Exodus 34:33-35). Apostle Paul uses this imagery to draw a parallel between the old covenant, represented by Moses, and the new covenant through Christ. The veil symbolizes the inability of the Israelites to fully understand the temporary and fading nature of the old covenant. In contrast, Paul asserts that through Christ, believers have an unveiled, clear insight into the permanent and surpassing glory of the new covenant.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is a letter from Paul to the church in Corinth during the first century A.D. The church was struggling with internal conflict, misunderstanding of Paul’s teachings, and the influence of false apostles. In this context, Paul writes to reaffirm the legitimacy of his apostleship and to contrast the new covenant of the Holy Spirit with the old covenant given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This historical distinction between the two covenants is crucial for understanding the transitional period from Jewish customs to the Christian faith in the early church.

Theological Insights

Theologically, different interpretations of the verse stem from varied understandings of the old and new covenants. Mainstream Christian theology often views the old covenant as based on the law, which was unable to impart life and righteousness to its adherents. In contrast, the new covenant is seen as being based on grace through faith in Christ, which brings a permanent transformation. Dispensational theology views this passage as an indication of the different ways God interacted with humanity in different eras, while Covenant theology emphasizes the unity of God’s covenants throughout biblical history.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by reminding individuals of the importance of having a clear understanding of God’s intentions and promises. It encourages people to seek a personal relationship with God that isn’t veiled or hindered by past understandings or traditions. This can lead to living a life that’s in line with the principles of the new covenant—love, forgiveness, and the internal guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Cross-References

Exodus 34:33-35 – Describes Moses veiling his face after speaking with God.
John 1:17 – States that the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Romans 11:25 – Discusses a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
Hebrews 8:6-13 – Explains the new covenant is superior to the old and makes the first one obsolete.

Language Study

In the original Greek, “veil” (κάλυμμα, kalymma) refers to a covering or a cloth covering the face. The verb “abolished” comes from the Greek “καταργέω” (katargeo), which has strong connotations of rendering something inoperative or nullifying it. The use of these terms emphasizes the concealment and subsequent revelation that Paul is addressing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader spectrum of ancient cultures, veiling often signifies mystery, sacredness, or hidden knowledge. The act of unveiling in religious contexts can represent initiation, revelation, and a deeper understanding of divine truths. Comparatively, in other religious traditions, certain truths and practices were also often kept hidden from the uninitiated or were obfuscated by rituals or language barriers.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might view the veil metaphor as a cognitive barrier to understanding. Cognitive dissonance, for instance, can prevent individuals from accepting new information that conflicts with their current beliefs, thus serving as a ‘veil’ that hinders the acceptance of new ideas. Information processing theories of psychology would relate to the idea of unveiling as the removal of biases that prevent clear understanding.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of this passage. Many agree that Paul is drawing a distinction between the clarity offered by the Spirit in the new covenant and the partial understanding available under the old covenant. Some commentaries focus on the transformative aspect of beholding ‘with unveiled face’ the glory of the Lord, as mentioned in the subsequent verses (2 Corinthians 3:18). Others delve into the implications for ministry, suggesting that ministers of the new covenant must speak with unveiled honesty and clarity amidst a world where many spiritual truths are still veiled.