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Greek Lessons
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Tag Archives: 2 Corinthians 3:15
When the Veil Is Lifted: Turning the Heart to the Lord
Ἀλλ’ ἕως σήμερον ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκεται Μωϋσῆς, κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται· ἡνίκα δ’ ἂν ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς Κύριον, περιαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα. (2 Corinthians 3:15–16)
But until today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
Exegetical AnalysisThe adversative conjunction ἀλλ’ (“but”) marks a continued contrast with the preceding verses, shifting attention from general statements about glory to the ongoing spiritual blindness of some Israelites. The temporal phrase ἕως σήμερον (“until today”) situates Paul’s statement in the present, emphasizing the enduring nature of this condition. The dependent clause ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκεται Μωϋσῆς introduces a recurring circumstance: whenever Moses is read, that is, whenever the Torah is publicly proclaimed.… Learn Koine Greek
A Veil Over the Heart: Ongoing Blindness in 2 Corinthians 3:15
ἀλλ’ ἕως σήμερον ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκεται Μωϋσῆς, κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται
In 2 Corinthians 3:15, Paul continues his powerful contrast between the old and new covenants. The verse evokes a somber image: even today, a veil remains whenever Moses is read. The Greek emphasizes the persistent nature of spiritual blindness and the internal location of the problem—the heart, not just the eyes. The structure is both conditional and durative, showing this is not a one-time event but an ongoing reality.
Grammatical FoundationsThe conjunction ἀλλ’ (but) continues a contrast from the previous verses, introducing an exception or qualification. The phrase ἕως σήμερον (“until today”) points to present, continuous time—it’s not just historical, but present reality.… Learn Koine Greek
