2 Corinthians 3:18

KJV

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} we {G2249} all {G3956}, with open {G343} face {G4383} beholding as in a glass {G2734} the glory {G1391} of the Lord {G2962}, are changed {G3339} into the same {G846} image {G1504} from {G575} glory {G1391} to {G1519} glory {G1391}, even as {G2509} by {G575} the Spirit {G4151} of the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So all of us, with faces unveiled, see as in a mirror the glory of the Lord; and we are being changed into his very image, from one degree of glory to the next, by Adonai the Spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

American Standard Version

But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 3:18 presents a profound truth about the New Covenant believer's experience: by beholding the unveiled glory of the Lord, we are progressively transformed into His very image. This spiritual metamorphosis, a journey "from glory to glory," is not achieved through human effort or adherence to a legalistic code, but is solely the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, granting us an ever-increasing likeness to Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful climax to Paul's extended comparison between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, specifically the ministries of law and Spirit, in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant"). Paul has contrasted the fading glory of Moses' ministry, which required a veil ([Exodus 34:33-35](/exodus/34-33-35 "Exodus 34:33-35 - Moses' Veiled Face")), with the surpassing and permanent glory of the Spirit's ministry. He argues that the veil remains over the hearts of those who read the Old Testament without turning to Christ, preventing them from seeing its true meaning ([2 Corinthians 3:14](/2_corinthians/3-14 "2 Corinthians 3:14 - The Veil Over Hearts")). However, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed ([2 Corinthians 3:16](/2_corinthians/3-16 "2 Corinthians 3:16 - Turning to the Lord Removes the Veil")), and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom ([2 Corinthians 3:17](/2_corinthians/3-17 "2 Corinthians 3:17 - Where the Spirit is, There is Freedom")). Verse 18 then describes the glorious outcome of this unveiled access and spiritual freedom: transformation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's Corinthian audience was familiar with the Old Testament narratives, including the account of Moses' face shining after his encounter with God on Mount Sinai, necessitating a veil. This imagery would have resonated deeply. The concept of "glory" (Hebrew: *kavod*, Greek: *doxa*) was central to Jewish theology, signifying God's manifest presence, splendor, and inherent worth. In the Greco-Roman world, mirrors were typically polished metal (bronze or silver), offering a less perfect reflection than modern glass mirrors. The idea of transformation was also present in philosophical thought (e.g., Plato's forms), but Paul grounds this transformation firmly in a divine, spiritual process, not human intellectual ascent or asceticism. The cultural understanding of "image" (Greek: *eikon*) would include statues or representations that faithfully depicted the original.
* **Key Themes:** [Second Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformation by the Spirit") encapsulates several major themes woven throughout Paul's letter and broader theology. The primary theme is the **superiority and transformative power of the New Covenant**, contrasting it with the Old. It emphasizes **unveiled access to God's glory**, a privilege denied under the Old Covenant, highlighting the direct, intimate relationship believers now enjoy through Christ. The verse also underscores **progressive sanctification**, illustrating that Christian growth is not a static event but an ongoing, dynamic process of becoming more like Christ "from glory to glory." Crucially, it highlights the **indispensable role of the Holy Spirit** as the divine agent of this profound inner change, affirming that spiritual transformation is a work of God, not human effort. This transformation is ultimately about being conformed to the **image of Christ**, who is the perfect image of God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), reflecting the ultimate purpose of salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **katoptrízomai (Greek, _katoptrízomai'_):** This verb, translated "beholding as in a glass," is crucial. It comes from *katoptron*, meaning "mirror." The middle voice suggests an active engagement: "to mirror oneself," or "to behold oneself in a mirror." In this context, it is widely understood as "beholding in a mirror," where the mirror reflects the glory of the Lord. The believer is actively gazing upon this reflected glory.
* **metamorphóō (Greek, _metamorphóō'_):** Translated "are changed," this word gives us the English "metamorphosis." It signifies a deep, fundamental, and complete change of form or nature, not merely a superficial alteration. It is the same word used to describe Christ's [transfiguration](/matthew/17-2 "Matthew 17:2 - The Transfiguration of Jesus") and the believer's call to [be transformed by the renewing of their mind](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by Renewing the Mind"). This transformation is internal and spiritual, affecting one's very being.
* **dóxa (Greek, _dóxa'_):** Appearing three times in the verse ("glory of the Lord," "from glory to glory"), this term refers to the manifest splendor, dignity, and inherent worth of God. It is the radiant presence of God Himself. The phrase "from glory to glory" indicates a progression from one level of glory to a higher one, implying an ongoing, increasing participation in and reflection of God's character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord":** This opening clause sets the stage for the New Covenant experience. "But" (G1161, *dé*) introduces a stark contrast to the veiled Old Covenant. "We all" (G2249, *hēmeîs* G3956, *pâs*) emphasizes the universal access granted to all believers, unlike Moses who alone entered God's presence. "With open face" (G343, *anakalýptō* G4383, *prósōpon*) directly opposes the veiled face of Moses, signifying unhindered access and clear vision. "Beholding as in a glass" (G2734, *katoptrízomai*) describes the active, contemplative gaze upon the "glory of the Lord" (G1391, *dóxa* G2962, *kýrios*), which is Christ Himself, the visible manifestation of God's splendor. The "mirror" is likely the gospel, which reflects Christ's glory.
* **"are changed into the same image":** This is the immediate and profound result of beholding. The passive voice "are changed" (G3339, *metamorphóō*) indicates that this transformation is a divine work, not human effort. The goal is conformity "into the same image" (G846, *autós* G1504, *eikṓn*), meaning the image of the Lord whose glory is being beheld – the image of Christ. This is a restoration of the divine image lost in the Fall.
* **"from glory to glory,":** This phrase describes the nature of the transformation: it is progressive and continuous. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of spiritual growth, moving from one degree of Christ-likeness to a greater one, reflecting increasing participation in God's glory.
* **"[even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.":** This final clause identifies the divine agent of this entire process. The transformation is accomplished "by" (G575, *apó*) the "Spirit of the Lord" (G4151, *pneûma* G2962, *kýrios*). This underscores that sanctification is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to grow in holiness and conformity to Christ's image.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices to convey his powerful message in [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformation by the Spirit"). The most prominent is **Contrast**, which runs throughout the entire chapter, setting the Old Covenant ministry of condemnation against the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit. This is vividly portrayed through the **Imagery** of the veiled face of Moses versus the "open face" of believers, symbolizing the restricted access under the law versus the unveiled access in Christ. The phrase "beholding as in a glass" functions as a rich **Metaphor**, comparing the gospel or the believer's spiritual perception to a mirror that reflects the Lord's glory, which then facilitates the transformation. The use of **Allusion** to the Exodus 34 account of Moses' veiled face is central, providing a familiar backdrop against which the radical new reality in Christ is presented. Finally, the phrase "from glory to glory" is an instance of **Gradation** or **Progression**, emphasizing the continuous and increasing nature of the believer's sanctification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth of 2 Corinthians 3:18 resonates throughout biblical theology, particularly concerning the doctrine of sanctification and the believer's ultimate destiny. It teaches that Christian growth is not merely about moral improvement but a deep, internal metamorphosis into the very character and likeness of Christ, who is the perfect image of God. This transformation is entirely Spirit-empowered, highlighting the Holy Spirit's essential role in applying the work of Christ to the believer's life. It underscores the New Covenant's superiority, providing direct, unveiled access to God's glory, which then becomes the catalyst for our change. The process, described as "from glory to glory," emphasizes that sanctification is a lifelong journey of increasing conformity to Christ, culminating in our full glorification.

* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")
* [Colossians 3:10](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - Clothed with the New Self")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 3:18 offers a breathtaking vision of the Christian life, inviting us into a dynamic process of transformation. It reminds us that our spiritual growth is not a self-help project but a divine work, initiated and sustained by the Holy Spirit as we fix our gaze upon the Lord. This "beholding" is not passive; it implies an active, contemplative engagement with God through His Word, prayer, and worship, allowing His glory—revealed preeminently in Christ—to permeate our inner being. As we consistently expose ourselves to the beauty and truth of Christ, the Spirit subtly yet powerfully reshapes our character, attitudes, and desires to increasingly mirror His own. This journey "from glory to glory" assures us that sanctification is a progressive, lifelong process, filled with grace and empowered by the Spirit, promising that we will continually grow in likeness to our Savior until the day we see Him face to face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "behold the glory of the Lord" in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding the Spirit's role in my transformation change my approach to personal holiness and growth?**
* **What specific areas of my life do I sense the Holy Spirit is currently working to change "from glory to glory"?**

### FAQ

**What does "open face" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Open face" (Greek: *anakalýptō prósōpon*) stands in direct contrast to the veiled face of Moses described earlier in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant"). It signifies unhindered, unveiled access to God's presence and glory. Unlike the Old Covenant, where a veil obscured the fading glory of the law, believers in Christ now have direct, unmediated vision of the Lord's glory, symbolizing freedom from the limitations and condemnation of the law and a clear understanding of God's truth in Christ.

**How does "beholding as in a glass" lead to transformation?**

Answer: The phrase "beholding as in a glass" (Greek: *katoptrízomai*) implies gazing into a mirror. In this context, the "mirror" is understood to be the gospel, which perfectly reflects the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. As believers fix their spiritual gaze upon Christ's glory, revealed in the gospel and illuminated by the Spirit, they are not merely observing but are actively absorbing and being imprinted by what they see. This active contemplation of Christ's character and splendor, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, is the mechanism by which believers are transformed into His likeness. It suggests that what we consistently focus on shapes who we become.

**What does "from glory to glory" signify in the process of change?**

Answer: "From glory to glory" emphasizes the progressive and continuous nature of the believer's transformation. It means moving from one level or degree of glory to a higher one, indicating an ongoing process of increasing Christ-likeness. It's not a sudden, complete change but a lifelong journey of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit continually refines and conforms us more and more into the image of Christ. This progression assures believers that their spiritual growth is dynamic and ever-increasing, leading towards the ultimate glorification when they will fully reflect Christ's image.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 3:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")) and the radiance of God's glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The transformation described in this verse—being "changed into the same image from glory to glory"—is precisely the Spirit's work of conforming believers to the image of Christ. It is by beholding *His* glory, revealed in the gospel and through His life, death, and resurrection, that we are metamorphosed. Christ Himself underwent a transfiguration, revealing His divine glory ([Matthew 17:2](/matthew/17-2 "Matthew 17:2 - The Transfiguration of Jesus")), and it is to this glorious image that believers are being conformed. The "Lord" whose glory is beheld is Jesus Christ, and the "Spirit of the Lord" is the Holy Spirit who applies Christ's redemptive work, enabling us to progressively reflect the character and likeness of our Savior. Thus, [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformation by the Spirit") beautifully articulates the Christ-centered nature of sanctification, where our growth in holiness is fundamentally about becoming more like the One who redeemed us, empowered by His Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: