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 Foundations
The 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.
The temporal clause ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκεται Μωϋσῆς is critical. ἡνίκα is a temporal conjunction meaning “whenever,” and ἂν (particle of contingency) with the present subjunctive ἀναγινώσκεται (is being read) forms a general temporal condition: “whenever Moses is read.” This is a recurring action.
The main clause is κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται—“a veil lies upon their heart.” The subject κάλυμμα (veil) echoes the earlier reference to Moses covering his face. The verb κεῖται is present middle/passive indicative, 3rd person singular, from κεῖμαι, meaning “it lies” or “is placed.” The prepositional phrase ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν places the veil not on the eyes, but on the heart—the center of perception, will, and understanding in biblical anthropology.
Exegetical and Theological Implications
This verse portrays an ongoing spiritual condition: despite the reading of Scripture, true understanding is blocked. The reading of Moses (i.e., the Torah) continues, but the veil remains. The use of the present tense in ἀναγινώσκεται and κεῖται reinforces that this is an enduring reality for many within Israel who have not turned to Christ (as v.16 will say).
By placing the veil over the heart, Paul shifts the focus from intellectual to spiritual blindness. The issue is not ignorance but hardness. Understanding Scripture requires more than exposure—it demands transformation. This verse builds anticipation for the liberating unveiling that comes through the Lord in the following verses.
Linguistic and Historical Perspectives
κάλυμμα is the same term used in Exodus 34:33 LXX, where Moses veils his face. Paul reuses this imagery to describe not just a physical veil, but a spiritual one. The heart in Greek and Jewish thought was the seat of volition and moral understanding. Paul isn’t critiquing Moses—he’s pointing out that without the Spirit, the old covenant remains unreadable in its fullness.
The construction ἡνίκα ἂν + subjunctive is classic Koine Greek for indefinite time clauses—an elegant way of saying, “every time this happens…” The force of κεῖται as a stative verb helps emphasize the ongoing nature of this inner veil.
Table: Verbal and Syntactical Features in 2 Corinthians 3:15
| Text | Greek Verb / Phrase | Form | Function / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Corinthians 3:15 | ἀναγινώσκεται | Present passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular | “Is read”; repeated or habitual reading of Moses (the Law) |
| 2 Corinthians 3:15 | κεῖται | Present middle/passive indicative, 3rd person singular | “Lies upon”; describes the continued presence of the veil |
| 2 Corinthians 3:15 | ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκεται | Temporal clause with contingency | “Whenever Moses is read”; recurring action linked to ongoing veil |
The Verse as a Paradigm of Koine Greek Richness
2 Corinthians 3:15 distills deep theology into a single clause. It blends temporal nuance, stative verbs, and Old Testament imagery to describe spiritual blindness that persists despite religious practice. The Greek structure makes it clear: reading Moses isn’t enough—without the Spirit, the heart remains veiled. Paul’s choice of tenses and imagery challenges the reader to seek inner transformation, not merely outward conformity.
