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.
Original Language Analysis
προσώπῳ
face
G4383
προσώπῳ
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
5 of 21
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
7 of 21
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κατοπτριζόμενοι
beholding as in a glass
G2734
κατοπτριζόμενοι
beholding as in a glass
Strong's:
G2734
Word #:
9 of 21
to mirror oneself, i.e., to see reflected (figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὴν
into the same
G846
αὐτὴν
into the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 21
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
εἰκόνα
image
G1504
εἰκόνα
image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
12 of 21
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
μεταμορφούμεθα
are changed
G3339
μεταμορφούμεθα
are changed
Strong's:
G3339
Word #:
13 of 21
to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")
ἀπὸ
by
G575
ἀπὸ
by
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
15 of 21
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
17 of 21
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
ἀπὸ
by
G575
ἀπὸ
by
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
19 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:6For 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.Romans 12:2And 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.1 Corinthians 13:12For 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.2 Corinthians 4:4In 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.Romans 8:29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Colossians 3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:1 Corinthians 15:49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Historical Context
The concept of transformation into divine likeness was revolutionary. Greek philosophy spoke of becoming virtuous through discipline; Jewish tradition emphasized law-obedience. Paul presents a radically different mechanism: Spirit-wrought transformation through beholding Christ. This echoes Genesis 1:26-27 (humanity created in God's image), the Fall's corruption of that image, and Christ as the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3) into whose likeness believers are being restored. This is progressive sanctification, culminating in glorification when we "shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).
Questions for Reflection
- How does regular, focused contemplation of Christ's glory through Scripture, worship, and prayer transform you "from glory to glory"?
- In what specific areas of your life have you seen evidence of the Spirit transforming you into Christ's image?
- What "veils" need to be removed so you can more fully behold Christ's glory and be transformed by it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul concludes with the glorious result of the unveiled life. We all (Greek hēmeis pantes, ἡμεῖς πάντες) emphasizes universal access—not just apostles or Moses, but all believers—with open face (Greek anakekalymmenō prosōpō, ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ προσώπῳ, literally "with unveiled face") beholding (Greek katoptrizomenoi, κατοπτριζόμενοι). This verb can mean "looking into a mirror" or "reflecting like a mirror"—likely both: we gaze at Christ's glory and reflect it simultaneously.
The glory of the Lord (Greek tēn doxan kyriou, τὴν δόξαν κυρίου) is Christ Himself, "the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4). As we behold Him, we are changed into the same image (Greek metamorphoumetha tēn autēn eikona, μεταμορφούμεθα τὴν αὐτὴν εἰκόνα)—the verb metamorphoō (μεταμορφόω) means transformation at the deepest level (Romans 12:2). The process is from glory to glory (Greek apo doxēs eis doxan, ἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν)—progressive, ever-increasing transformation. The agent is the Spirit of the Lord (Greek apo kyriou pneumatos, ἀπὸ κυρίου πνεύματος), God's active presence effecting metamorphosis.