2 corinthians 3:14 - But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away.
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What does "2 corinthians 3:14" mean?
2 Corinthians 3:14 is a key verse in understanding Paul's argument about the differences between the old covenant (the Law of Moses) and the new covenant (in Christ). Let's break it down:
"But their minds were hardened": This refers to the Israelites (specifically, those who didn't accept Jesus as the Messiah). Paul suggests that they were unable to grasp the true meaning and spiritual intent of the Old Testament. They interpreted it legalistically and superficially, rather than seeing its deeper prophetic and typological significance, especially its foreshadowing of Christ.
"for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains": When they read the Old Testament, a "veil" prevents them from seeing its true meaning. This isn't a literal veil but a metaphorical one. This veil represents:
Spiritual Blindness: An inability to understand the spiritual truth revealed in the Old Testament.
Legalistic Interpretation: Focusing on the external rituals and rules of the Law without understanding its underlying purpose.
Rejection of Christ: Their unwillingness to accept that the Old Testament pointed to Jesus as the Messiah.
"because in Christ it passes away": This is the crucial point. Paul argues that the veil is removed only through faith in Christ. When someone accepts Jesus as the Messiah, they gain a new understanding of the Old Testament. They can see:
Christ as the fulfillment of the Law: Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrificial system; He embodies the true meaning of the Law's moral demands.
The spiritual intention behind the Law: The Law was meant to point people toward their need for a Savior and to reveal God's holiness, not simply to be followed perfectly.
The Law's role in pointing to Christ: Many elements of the Old Testament foreshadowed or prefigured Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
In simpler terms:
Imagine a beautiful painting hidden behind a curtain. The "Old Covenant" (the Law) is like the painting, and the "veil" prevents people from seeing its full beauty and meaning. Paul is saying that the Jewish people, in their rejection of Christ, couldn't understand the Law's deeper message. But when they accept Christ, the curtain is pulled back, and they can finally see the painting (the Law) in its true light, understanding how it points to Jesus.
Overall Meaning:
Paul is emphasizing the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant of the Law. The Law, in and of itself, couldn't bring true understanding or salvation. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can the spiritual meaning of the Old Testament be revealed and the veil of misunderstanding be removed. This verse is part of Paul's larger argument that Christians should not be bound by the legalistic requirements of the Law but should live in the freedom and grace offered through Christ.
2 corinthians 3:14 - But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away.
What does "2 corinthians 3:14" mean?
2 Corinthians 3:14 is a key verse in understanding Paul's argument about the differences between the old covenant (the Law of Moses) and the new covenant (in Christ). Let's break it down:
"But their minds were hardened": This refers to the Israelites (specifically, those who didn't accept Jesus as the Messiah). Paul suggests that they were unable to grasp the true meaning and spiritual intent of the Old Testament. They interpreted it legalistically and superficially, rather than seeing its deeper prophetic and typological significance, especially its foreshadowing of Christ.
"for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains": When they read the Old Testament, a "veil" prevents them from seeing its true meaning. This isn't a literal veil but a metaphorical one. This veil represents:
Spiritual Blindness: An inability to understand the spiritual truth revealed in the Old Testament.
Legalistic Interpretation: Focusing on the external rituals and rules of the Law without understanding its underlying purpose.
Rejection of Christ: Their unwillingness to accept that the Old Testament pointed to Jesus as the Messiah.
"because in Christ it passes away": This is the crucial point. Paul argues that the veil is removed only through faith in Christ. When someone accepts Jesus as the Messiah, they gain a new understanding of the Old Testament. They can see:
Christ as the fulfillment of the Law: Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrificial system; He embodies the true meaning of the Law's moral demands.
The spiritual intention behind the Law: The Law was meant to point people toward their need for a Savior and to reveal God's holiness, not simply to be followed perfectly.
The Law's role in pointing to Christ: Many elements of the Old Testament foreshadowed or prefigured Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
In simpler terms:
Imagine a beautiful painting hidden behind a curtain. The "Old Covenant" (the Law) is like the painting, and the "veil" prevents people from seeing its full beauty and meaning. Paul is saying that the Jewish people, in their rejection of Christ, couldn't understand the Law's deeper message. But when they accept Christ, the curtain is pulled back, and they can finally see the painting (the Law) in its true light, understanding how it points to Jesus.
Overall Meaning:
Paul is emphasizing the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant of the Law. The Law, in and of itself, couldn't bring true understanding or salvation. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can the spiritual meaning of the Old Testament be revealed and the veil of misunderstanding be removed. This verse is part of Paul's larger argument that Christians should not be bound by the legalistic requirements of the Law but should live in the freedom and grace offered through Christ.