2 Corinthians 3:18

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἡμεῖς
G2249
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
πάντες
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#4
ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ
G343
with open
to unveil
#5
προσώπῳ
G4383
face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#6
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
δόξαν
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#8
κυρίου
G2962
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#9
κατοπτριζόμενοι
G2734
beholding as in a glass
to mirror oneself, i.e., to see reflected (figuratively)
#10
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
αὐτὴν
G846
into the same
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#12
εἰκόνα
G1504
image
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
#13
μεταμορφούμεθα
G3339
are changed
to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")
#14
ἀπὸ
G575
by
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#15
δόξαν
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#16
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
δόξαν
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#18
καθάπερ
G2509
even as
exactly as
#19
ἀπὸ
G575
by
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#20
κυρίου
G2962
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#21
πνεύματος
G4151
the Spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

Cross References

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Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection