Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 3:13
We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, positioning his ministry in direct contrast to Moses following his interactions with the people (2 Corinthians 3:12-14).
The words — The Greek οὐ (ou) and καθάπερ (kathaper) combine to mean "not as," framing a comparative statement rather than a description of the author's own physical practice. The verb ἐτίθει (etithei) and noun κάλυμμα (kalumma) literally render "was putting a veil."
The thread — The image of the veil originates in Exodus 34:33 and connects to the New Testament pattern of Christ dismantling spiritual divisions (Ephesians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 3:7).
Why it lands — The text states that Moses covered his face to stop the Israelites from watching the fading glory, which requires the reader to acknowledge the old covenant's temporary nature and the exclusive role of Christ in removing spiritual blindness.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Exodus 34:33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.
- Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility
- 2 Corinthians 3:7 Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory,
- Colossians 2:17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.
- Hebrews 10:1 For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.
- Galatians 3:23 Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.
- Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.