2 Corinthians 3:18

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

This powerful verse in 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes the transformative experience available to believers under the New Covenant in Christ. It stands in stark contrast to the Old Covenant ministry, characterized by a veil.

Context

Paul is contrasting the ministry of the Old Covenant law, which brought condemnation and fading glory (as seen in Moses putting a veil over his face because the reflection of God's glory was too intense and temporary), with the ministry of the Spirit under the New Covenant. He explains that the veil remains for those who read the Old Testament without turning to Christ, because the veil is taken away in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14-16). Verse 18 speaks to those who have turned to the Lord and now experience this unveiled reality.

Key Themes

  • Unveiled Access: Unlike Moses, believers in Christ approach God with "open face" (unveiled), signifying direct access and clear vision of God's glory, not hidden by a veil of law or temporary ministry.
  • Beholding God's Glory: The phrase "beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord" refers to seeing God's glory, likely reflected. This seeing is not passive but active and transformative.
  • Transformation into Christ's Image: The core message is that by beholding the Lord's glory, believers are "changed into the same image." This is a spiritual metamorphosis, becoming more and more like Christ.
  • Progressive Sanctification: The transformation happens "from glory to glory," indicating a continuous, ongoing process of growth and increasing likeness to Christ throughout the believer's life.
  • The Spirit's Work: This entire process is empowered and accomplished "as by the Spirit of the Lord." The Holy Spirit is the agent of this radical inner change and growth in holiness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "open face" comes from the Greek word anakalypto, meaning "unveiled," directly contrasting the veiled face of Moses (*kalypto*).

"Beholding as in a glass" translates the Greek katoptrizomai. While some debate if it means "reflecting" or "beholding in a mirror," the context strongly suggests "beholding in a mirror" where the mirror reflects the glory of the Lord, which the viewer then absorbs and is changed by.

"Changed into the same image" uses the Greek word metamorphoo, the same word used for Christ's transfiguration and for the believer's call to be transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2). It signifies a deep, fundamental change of nature.

"From glory to glory" emphasizes the progressive nature of this transformation; it is a journey of increasing likeness to Christ.

Reflection and Application

This verse encourages believers to spend time focused on the Lord, especially through His Word and prayer. As we fix our gaze on Christ and His glory revealed in scripture and by the Spirit, the Holy Spirit actively works within us to transform our character and nature to be more like Him. This growth is not instant but a lifelong journey of "glory to glory," powered entirely by the Spirit, not by our own strength. It reminds us that Christian growth is a process of beholding and becoming.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6 (83 votes)

    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 (75 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 4:24 (75 votes)

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

  • Romans 12:2 (65 votes)

    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 (53 votes)

    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 (51 votes)

    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 (44 votes)

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