2 Corinthians 3 18

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.

2 Corinthians 3:18 nkjv

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.

2 Corinthians 3:18 niv

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 esv

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 nlt

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord ? who is the Spirit ? makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians 3 verses

2 Corinthians 3 18 Meaning

2 Corinthians 3:18 articulates the glorious experience of all believers under the New Covenant: with direct and unhindered access to God’s presence, they continually fix their gaze upon the glorious Lord. Through this spiritual beholding, the Holy Spirit progressively brings about a profound inner change, continuously transforming them into the very image of Christ. This transformation is a dynamic and upward process, moving from one level of divine glory to another, and is entirely empowered by the Lord, who is the Holy Spirit Himself.

2 Corinthians 3 18 Context

This verse climaxes Paul’s argument in 2 Corinthians chapter 3, which contrasts the Old Covenant with the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, represented by the Law written on stone tablets, brought condemnation and death, its glory diminishing and hidden by a veil on Moses' face (Ex 34:7-13). In stark opposition, the New Covenant is a ministry of the Spirit, bringing life and righteousness with an enduring, unveiled glory. Paul explains that Moses’ veil concealed the temporary nature of the Law's splendor (vv. 7, 13) and, metaphorically, veils the hearts of those under the Old Covenant when the Law is read (vv. 14-15). However, for those who turn to the Lord, this spiritual veil is removed (v. 16), ushering in true freedom. This sets the immediate stage for verse 18, which describes the glorious outcome for believers under the New Covenant, who experience transformation through the Holy Spirit's power. The preceding verse (2 Cor 3:17) strongly emphasizes that "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom," establishing the Spirit as the primary agent of both freedom and subsequent transformation.

2 Corinthians 3 18 Word analysis

• But (Δέ - De): Connects to the previous verse (v.17). Signals a contrast or a consequence following the removal of the veil.
• we all (ἡμεῖς πάντες - hēmeis pantes): Emphasizes this as a universal privilege for every believer in Christ, not an exclusive experience.
• with unveiled face (ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ προσώπῳ - anakalyptō prosōpō):
  • anakalyptō is a perfect passive participle, denoting a permanent state of being uncovered.
  • This directly contrasts with Moses' veiled face (Ex 34) and the veiled hearts (2 Cor 3:14-15) under the Old Covenant.
  • Signifies direct, unhindered access to God's presence and revelation.
• beholding as in a mirror (κατοπτριζόμενοι - katoptrizomai):
  • A present participle, indicating a continuous or ongoing action.
  • This key Greek word is debated, potentially meaning "to gaze upon (as in a mirror)" or "to reflect (as a mirror)." Many scholars suggest it encompasses both.
  • Ancient mirrors were typically polished metal, offering a somewhat less perfect, yet recognizable, reflection. The imagery denotes a clear, spiritual perception of Christ's glory.
• the glory of the Lord (τὴν δόξαν Κυρίου - tēn doxan Kyriou):
  • Doxa: The manifest presence, splendor, honor, and inherent excellence of God. Here, it refers specifically to the divine glory made visible in Jesus Christ.
  • Kyriou: Refers to Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and reveals God’s glory (Heb 1:3).
  • This glory is understood as internally transformative, not just an external display.
• are being transformed (μεταμορφούμεθα - metamorphoometha):
  • metamorphoo: The same verb used to describe Jesus’ Transfiguration (Mt 17:2; Mk 9:2).
  • Denotes a profound, fundamental, inner change of nature, character, or essence, not merely superficial alteration.
  • Present passive indicative: Implies an ongoing process ("are being transformed") and that God is the agent accomplishing this work in us; believers are receptive participants.
• into the same image (τὴν αὐτὴν εἰκόνα - tēn autēn eikona):
  • eikona: Refers to a likeness or representation. The "same image" is Christ’s image, who is the perfect "image of God" (Col 1:15; Heb 1:3).
  • The ultimate goal of this spiritual transformation is conformity to Christ, the true Imago Dei (Rom 8:29; Col 3:10).
• from one degree of glory to another (ἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν - apo doxēs eis doxian):
  • An idiomatic phrase signifying progressive, continuous, and ever-increasing growth in glory.
  • It describes the ongoing process of sanctification where believers move from one level of Christ-likeness to the next, increasingly reflecting God’s character.
  • This emphasizes the dynamic, lifelong nature of Christian spiritual maturity and development.
• For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (καθάπερ ἀπὸ Κυρίου Πνεύματος - kathaper apo Kyriou Pneumatos):
  • Kathaper: Introduces the divine source and agency behind this transformation.
  • apo Kyriou Pneumatos: Identifies the Holy Spirit as the divine origin and active power of this entire process. Paul explicitly links "the Lord" (Jesus) with "the Spirit," emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s divine identity and crucial role in making Christ’s glory real within believers.
  • This highlights the unified action of the Trinity in the believer's transformation and sanctification.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But we all, with unveiled face": This phrase directly contrasts the New Covenant privilege with the limitations of the Old. "We all" makes it clear this access is universal for believers. "Unveiled face" signifies open, direct, and unhindered access to God's presence and His revealed glory, a stark difference from the partial, veiled access of the Law.
• "beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord": This describes the means of transformation. The 'mirror' reveals Christ's glory, not our own. The act of spiritual gazing upon Christ's divine radiance is the catalyst, whether understood as direct apprehension or a perception that simultaneously leads to reflection.
• "are being transformed into the same image": This highlights the continuous and divine nature of sanctification. "Are being transformed" points to God's active work within the believer, a passive receptivity on our part. "The same image" clearly identifies the target of this change: becoming progressively more like Christ in character and likeness.
• "from one degree of glory to another": This phrase emphasizes the progressive nature of the Christian life. It’s not an instant, complete metamorphosis, but a continuous journey of spiritual growth, a step-by-step increase in reflecting Christ’s glory throughout life.
• "For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit": This firmly establishes the ultimate source and agent of this profound transformation. The Holy Spirit, explicitly identified as the Lord, is not merely an assistant but the divine power who indwells believers and continuously effects this glorious change into Christ's likeness, affirming His divinity and integral role in our spiritual growth.

2 Corinthians 3 18 Bonus section

• The dual meaning often ascribed to katoptrizomai – both "beholding" and "reflecting" – suggests that a true spiritual gaze upon Christ's glory inevitably leads to a mirroring of His character. It is through deep spiritual observation that imitation and reflection naturally occur.
• The "glory of the Lord" encompasses Christ's entire redemptive work and divine nature – His perfect holiness, unconditional love, profound wisdom, powerful grace, and His victorious resurrection. It is the full radiance of God manifest in human form.
• The concept of progressing "from one degree of glory to another" teaches that sanctification, though guaranteed, is never completed in this earthly life. It calls believers to consistent spiritual practices and steadfast focus on Christ, as each moment of beholding Him deepens our Christ-likeness.
• This verse serves as a source of comfort and empowerment for believers who may feel overwhelmed by their struggles with sin or a slow pace of spiritual growth. It highlights that the transformation is actively "being done" by God through the Holy Spirit, shifting the primary burden from human effort to divine enablement while still requiring our willing engagement to behold Him.
• Paul's use of "the Lord who is the Spirit" emphasizes the unity within the Godhead. It signifies the Holy Spirit is not merely an influence but the divine, active presence of the Triune God, operating in the lives of believers to apply Christ’s redemptive work and transform them into His likeness.

2 Corinthians 3 18 Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:18 is a cornerstone verse, capturing the essence of the New Covenant experience for every believer. It depicts an unhindered, intimate gaze upon the glorious Lord Jesus, contrasting sharply with the veiled access of the Old Covenant. This direct encounter with Christ’s radiant glory becomes the powerful means of an internal metamorphosis. Through the ongoing, sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, believers are fundamentally renewed in their character, progressively aligning with Christ’s image. This transformation is not a static endpoint but a dynamic, upward progression, a continuous journey "from one degree of glory to another," a lifelong process of sanctification. The Spirit, identified as the Lord, is the divine agent, initiating and sustaining this glorious change, underscoring both His divinity and His active role in conforming believers to Christ. This verse profoundly reminds us that true spiritual change is God's work in us as we fix our spiritual eyes upon Jesus.