middle voice from a compound of κατά and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι (compare ἔσοπτρον); to mirror oneself, i.e. to see reflected (figuratively):--behold as in a glass.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατοπτρίζομαι (katoptrízomai, `{{G2734}}`) is a unique and deeply significant term in the New Testament. Etymologically, it is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (kata, `{{G2596}}`), meaning "down" or "according to," and a derivative of the verb ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai, `{{G3700}}`), which signifies "to see" or "to appear." The term also strongly relates to ἔσοπτρον (esoptron, `{{G2072}}`), a "mirror."
The base definition provided indicates a middle voice construction, meaning the action is performed by the subject upon itself or for its own benefit. Thus, the literal sense is "to mirror oneself," "to look at oneself in a mirror," or "to see reflected." Figuratively, as used in its sole biblical occurrence, it denotes the act of "beholding as in a glass" or "seeing reflected." This implies an active, engaged contemplation, where the object being viewed is perceived with clarity, much like an image in a mirror. The nuance of the middle voice suggests that in this act of beholding, the subject is also, in some sense, being acted upon or transformed by what is seen.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word κατοπτρίζομαι (katoptrízomai, `{{G2734}}`) appears only once in the entire New Testament, in [[2 Corinthians 3:18]]: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
This solitary occurrence is profoundly rich in meaning. Paul contrasts the veiled face of Moses, whose glory from encountering God faded and was hidden, with the unveiled faces of New Covenant believers. Under the Old Covenant, the Law brought condemnation and a fading glory ([[2 Corinthians 3:7-11]]). Under the New Covenant, the Spirit brings righteousness, freedom, and an abiding, increasing glory ([[2 Corinthians 3:17]]).
The act of "beholding as in a mirror" (κατοπτρίζομαι) the "glory of the Lord" refers to believers actively contemplating and fixing their gaze upon the unveiled glory of Jesus Christ. This is not a passive observation but an engaged spiritual perception. The middle voice of the verb here is critical; it suggests that as believers behold Christ's glory, they are simultaneously being transformed by it. The "mirror" is not a dim, obscure reflection (as in [[1 Corinthians 13:12]]), but one that clearly displays the divine glory, enabling a profound spiritual change. The result of this beholding is a progressive transformation ("are being transformed," μεταμορφόω, `{{G3339}}`) "into the same image" of Christ, moving "from glory to glory," a continuous process orchestrated "by the Spirit of the Lord."
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of κατοπτρίζομαι (katoptrízomai, `{{G2734}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to several key terms:
* ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai, `{{G3700}}`): The root verb for "to see," "to appear," or "to be seen." This highlights the visual aspect inherent in κατοπτρίζομαι.
* ἔσοπτρον (esoptron, `{{G2072}}`): "Mirror." This noun is used in [[1 Corinthians 13:12]] to describe our current limited understanding ("now we see in a mirror dimly") and in [[James 1:23-24]] to illustrate someone who looks at himself in a mirror but immediately forgets what he saw. In [[2 Corinthians 3:18]], the mirror is implicitly Christ Himself, or the gospel that reveals Him, serving as the medium through which His glory is beheld.
* μεταμορφόω (metamorphoo, `{{G3339}}`): "To be transformed," "to be transfigured." This verb explicitly describes the outcome of beholding Christ's glory. It is the same verb used for Christ's transfiguration ([[Matthew 17:2]]; [[Mark 9:2]]), underscoring the divine nature of the transformation experienced by believers.
* εἰκών (eikōn, `{{G1504}}`): "Image." Believers are transformed into the "same image" of Christ, who is the "image of the invisible God" ([[Colossians 1:15]]). This speaks to the goal of sanctification: conformity to Christ's character.
* δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`): "Glory." This is the object beheld ("the glory of the Lord") and the state into which believers are transformed ("from glory to glory"). It signifies divine splendor, majesty, and inherent worth.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of κατοπτρίζομαι (katoptrízomai, `{{G2734}}`) in [[2 Corinthians 3:18]] carries profound theological weight, encapsulating several core doctrines:
* **Transformation and Sanctification:** The primary theological significance is the active, Spirit-empowered transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ. It describes a progressive sanctification, where beholding Christ's glory leads to an increasing conformity to His image. This is not a static state but a dynamic process ("from glory to glory").
* **Superiority of the New Covenant:** This verse is central to Paul's argument for the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. The Old Covenant brought a fading glory and a veil; the New Covenant, through the Spirit, brings an unveiled, enduring, and transformative glory that enables believers to reflect Christ's image.
* **Christocentricity:** The "glory of the Lord" is unequivocally the glory of Jesus Christ. The process of transformation is inherently Christocentric, as believers are being conformed to *His* image.
* **Role of the Holy Spirit:** The phrase "just as by the Spirit of the Lord" emphasizes the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit as the divine agent who enables believers to behold Christ's glory and orchestrates their transformation. The Spirit unveils spiritual understanding and empowers spiritual change.
* **Active Participation:** The middle voice of κατοπτρίζομαι highlights the believer's active participation in this process. It is not a passive reception but an intentional, spiritual engagement with the revelation of Christ's glory, which then brings about internal change.
### Summary
The Greek word κατοπτρίζομαι (katoptrízomai, `{{G2734}}`), appearing uniquely in [[2 Corinthians 3:18]], describes the profound spiritual act of "beholding as in a mirror" the glory of the Lord. Rooted in the concept of seeing a reflection, its middle voice emphasizes an active, engaged contemplation that leads to the subject's own transformation. In its biblical context, this term illuminates the New Covenant believer's privilege of seeing the unveiled glory of Jesus Christ, in contrast to the fading glory of the Old. This active beholding, empowered by the Holy Spirit, results in a progressive, ongoing transformation ("from glory to glory") into the very image of Christ. Thus, κατοπτρίζομαι encapsulates the essence of Christian sanctification: a Spirit-wrought conformity to Christ's character, fueled by an unveiled gaze upon His divine splendor.
TRV