2 Corinthians 3:15 – Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.

Extended Explanation

Paul continues his discussion about the spiritual blindness of those who remain under the old covenant, specifically the Jewish people who still rely on the Law of Moses rather than accepting Jesus Christ as the Messiah. He uses the metaphor of a veil to describe their inability to fully understand and receive the truth.

The phrase “when Moses is read” refers to the public reading of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible, written by Moses) in Jewish synagogues. Even though they hear God’s Word, they cannot truly see or understand its ultimate meaning—because they are still blinded by a spiritual veil.

Paul is teaching that this veil is not physical but spiritual. It represents a hardened heart—a refusal to see that the Law of Moses was always pointing to Jesus Christ. Until they turn to Christ, this veil remains and keeps them from understanding the full purpose of God’s plan.

Historical Context

At the time Paul wrote this letter, most of the Jewish people had rejected Jesus as the promised Messiah. They continued to follow the old covenant—trying to earn righteousness by following the Law. They were devoted to the traditions of Moses, but they did not recognize that Jesus had come to fulfill everything the Law pointed to (Matthew 5:17).

In synagogues, the Scriptures (the Law and the Prophets) were read regularly. However, even though they had God’s Word in front of them, they could not see Jesus in it. Their minds were hardened, and their hearts were covered with a veil that kept them from understanding that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law.

This was the same kind of spiritual blindness that Paul himself had before he encountered Jesus. As a Pharisee, Paul had been passionate about the Law, but he was blind to the truth until Jesus opened his eyes (Acts 9:1-18). Now, as a follower of Christ, Paul is explaining that this same blindness remains for those who reject Jesus.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals some key spiritual truths:

1. Religious knowledge alone cannot save – The Jewish people had God’s Word, but without Christ, they remained spiritually blind.
2. A hardened heart blocks spiritual understanding – The veil over their hearts represents an unwillingness to accept Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
3. Only Jesus can remove spiritual blindness – No amount of religious effort can take away the veil. It is only through faith in Christ that people can truly understand God’s plan.

This verse warns that a person can be very religious and yet still spiritually blind. It is not knowledge of Scripture that saves, but faith in Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses metaphor and contrast in this verse:

• “When Moses is read” – Represents the Jewish practice of reading the Torah, but it also symbolizes reading Scripture without understanding its full meaning.
• “A veil covers their hearts” – The veil is a spiritual barrier, preventing them from seeing Jesus in the Scriptures.

Paul’s wording also sets up the next verse (2 Corinthians 3:16), where he explains that the veil is removed when someone turns to the Lord. He is leading his readers to understand that faith in Jesus is the key to spiritual clarity.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 24:25-27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Jesus showed that the Law and the Prophets were always about Him.)
• John 5:39-40 – “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for not recognizing Him in the Scriptures.)
• Romans 11:7-8 – “What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened.” (Many in Israel remained blind to the truth of Christ.)
• Hebrews 10:1 – “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves.” (The Law was meant to point to Jesus, not replace Him.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that spiritual blindness is real. Many people today still approach God through religious tradition, good works, or human effort rather than through faith in Christ. Even people who read the Bible can miss the point if their hearts are not open to Jesus.

For today’s believer, this verse is a reminder that:

• Reading the Bible alone is not enough – True understanding comes only when the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to see Jesus in Scripture.
• Religious tradition cannot replace faith in Christ – People can follow church traditions, read the Bible, and do good works, but without Christ, they remain spiritually blind.
• Pray for those who do not yet see the truth – Many people have a “veil” over their hearts. We should pray for them, just as Paul did for his fellow Jews (Romans 10:1).

This verse is a warning against trusting in religion instead of trusting in Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He does not leave people in their blindness. Even though many remain spiritually blind, He offers them a way to see—through Jesus.

God does not force people to believe, but He invites them to turn to Christ and have the veil removed. His love is seen in:

• His patience – Even though many reject Christ, He continues to call them.
• His desire for all to see the truth – God wants everyone to come to salvation (2 Peter 3:9).
• His gift of Jesus – Through Jesus, God offers a way to remove the veil and bring people into true understanding of who He is.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the only one who can remove the veil of spiritual blindness. Without Him, people cannot fully understand the Bible, the Law, or God’s plan of salvation.

• Matthew 27:50-51 – “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (When Jesus died, the physical veil in the temple was removed—just as He removes the spiritual veil for those who believe.)
• John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jesus removes darkness and brings clarity.)
• 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (Jesus gives true knowledge of God.)
• Colossians 2:2-3 – “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (All true knowledge is found in Christ.)

Without Jesus, people remain spiritually blind. But when they turn to Him, they see clearly.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that a veil covers people’s hearts when they read the Scriptures?
2. How does this verse challenge people who try to approach God through religion rather than faith?
3. Have you ever struggled to understand Scripture? How has faith in Jesus helped you see more clearly?
4. How can we pray for those who are still spiritually blind to the truth of Christ?
5. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus has removed the veil from your heart?