But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
But if - however, even if (as I grant is the case).
Hid - rather (in reference to 2 Corinthians 3:13-18) х kekalummenon (G2572)], 'veiled.' "Hid" х kekruptai (G2928)] (Colossians 3:3) is said of that withdrawn from view altogether: 'veiled,' of a thing within reach of the eye, but covered over so as not to be seen. So Moses' face.
To them - in the case only of them, for in itself the Gospel is plain.
That are lost - rather, 'that are perishing' (1 Corinthians 1:18). So the same cloud that was "light" to the people of God was "darkness" to the Egyptian foes of God (Exodus 14:20: cf. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Instead of removing the veil that hides Christ's light from their hearts (2 Corinthians 3:15), they draw it closer.