Definition: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Corinthians 3:14. It's a really interesting and somewhat complex idea about how we understand scripture. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about the way we interpret the Old Testament – the books that tell the story of God’s relationship with humanity – and how that interpretation changes over time. It suggests that our understanding isn't always perfect, and sometimes it gets clouded. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But their minds were blinded…” - This means we often don't understand the meaning of what we read in the Bible as well as we should. Our own perspectives, biases, and even our own thoughts can cloud our judgment. It's like having a foggy lens through which we see things. “For until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away…” - This is where it gets a little more symbolic. "Vail" is a Greek word that means a “cover” or “mask.” Think of it like a cloth covering something – it hides what’s underneath. In this case, the "veil" represents the Old Testament. It's a way to protect the sacred truths within the books from being fully grasped by everyone. “…in the reading of the old testament…” - This refers to reading the entire Old Testament – all its stories, laws, and prophecies. “Which [vail] is done away in Christ.” - This is the crucial part. The "veil" (the Old Testament) isn't just a simple covering. It’s a symbol of God's revelation to humanity. And, crucially, this veil has been removed or “done away” in Jesus Christ. So, what does it all mean? Essentially, the verse says that our understanding of the Old Testament is incomplete – we don’t see everything the Bible reveals about God and His plan for humanity. The "veil" obscures parts of God's truth. However, in Jesus Christ, God’s revelation is completely revealed to us. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re looking at a beautiful painting. The artist has used layers of paint (the Old Testament) to create a complex image (God’s plan). But the artist has also removed some layers – perhaps revealing a deeper, more important truth underneath. In Christ, God reveals His truth fully and completely. Why is this significant? Paul was writing to Christians who were struggling to understand the Old Testament. He wasn't saying we should abandon it entirely, but rather that our understanding needs to be expanded and deepened through Jesus. It’s a reminder that true faith requires a move beyond just reading words – it requires a move toward understanding God's heart and purpose. --- Resources if you want to learn more: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/2 Corinthians%203:14) - Provides context and translation [Catholic Answers](https://www.catholic-answers.com/2-corinthians-3-14) - Offers a detailed explanation Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like the symbolism of the veil?