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κάλυμμα (kalumma)

kalumma

veil

G2571 · Greek · New Testament · 4 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun kalumma refers to a physical covering or veil, derived from the verb for "to cover." In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, where he uses it to describe the veil Moses wore after speaking with God. This garment served as a barrier that prevented the Israelites from seeing the fading glory on Moses’ face.

Paul employs this image to illustrate a spiritual blindness that remains when the old covenant is read without Christ. He explains that this kalumma lies over people’s hearts, obscuring the truth of the gospel. The text notes that only in Christ is this covering removed, allowing believers to perceive God’s glory clearly and be transformed by it.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word kalumma describes a physical veil, but Paul uses it to describe something far more personal: a spiritual covering over the human heart. In its original context, Moses wore this veil so the Israelites would not see the fading glory on his face. Today, that same image reminds us that without Christ, our understanding of God’s word can remain hidden or obscured.

Paul assures us that this barrier is not permanent. When we turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away. This removal allows us to see God’s truth clearly and be transformed by His presence. It is a promise that no matter how confused or distant we may feel, turning toward Jesus brings clarity and light.

This hope invites you to rest in the assurance that your heart can be opened. You do not need to struggle alone to understand Scripture; Christ removes the blindness that keeps us from seeing His glory. May you find peace in knowing that every step toward Him lifts another layer of darkness away.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • a veil2×
  • veil.1×
  • veil1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • κάλυμμα3×
  • κάλυμμα.1×

Key Verses

  • II Corinthians 3:16
    But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

    This verse marks the turning point where personal faith in Christ actively removes the spiritual blindness described earlier.

  • II Corinthians 3:14
    But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away.

    Here Paul explains that the veil persists when reading the old covenant alone, highlighting the necessity of Christ for true understanding.

  • II Corinthians 3:15
    But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.

    This occurrence identifies the veil as a condition of the heart rather than just an external object, explaining why some remain unable to see the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word kalumma mean in the Bible?

Kalumma is a Greek noun meaning 'veil' or 'covering.' In the New Testament, it appears only in 2 Corinthians where Paul uses it metaphorically to describe spiritual blindness that hides the truth of God's glory from those who do not believe.

Why does Paul talk about a veil in 2 Corinthians?

Paul references the veil Moses wore after meeting with God to illustrate how the old covenant can obscure spiritual truth. He argues that without Christ, reading Scripture leaves people with a hardened heart, unable to see the fullness of God's plan.

How is the veil removed according to this passage?

According to 2 Corinthians 3:16, the veil is taken away when someone turns to the Lord. This suggests that personal faith and relationship with Christ are what open the heart to spiritual understanding and transformation.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

II Corinthians 4 verses
II Corinthians 3:13

and not as Moses, who put a veil on his face so that the children of Israel wouldn’t look steadfastly on the end of…

II Corinthians 3:14

But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains,…

II Corinthians 3:15

But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.

II Corinthians 3:16

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.