King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 3:18 Mean?

2 Corinthians 3:18 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. by the: or, of the Lord the Spirit”

2 Corinthians 3:18 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

16

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

17

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

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. by the: or, of the Lord the Spirit

Read 2 Corinthians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular, focused contemplation of Christ's glory through Scripture, worship, and prayer transform you "from glory to glory"?
  2. In what specific areas of your life have you seen evidence of the Spirit transforming you into Christ's image?
  3. What "veils" need to be removed so you can more fully behold Christ's glory and be transformed by it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἡμεῖς1 of 21

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ2 of 21

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

πάντες3 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ4 of 21

“with open”

G343

to unveil

προσώπῳ5 of 21

“face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

τὴν6 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δόξαν7 of 21

“glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

κυρίου8 of 21

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

κατοπτριζόμενοι9 of 21

“beholding as in a glass”

G2734

to mirror oneself, i.e., to see reflected (figuratively)

τὴν10 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτὴν11 of 21

“into the same”

G846

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

εἰκόνα12 of 21

“image”

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

μεταμορφούμεθα13 of 21

“are changed”

G3339

to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")

ἀπὸ14 of 21

“by”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

δόξαν15 of 21

“glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

εἰς16 of 21

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

δόξαν17 of 21

“glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καθάπερ18 of 21

“even as”

G2509

exactly as

ἀπὸ19 of 21

“by”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

κυρίου20 of 21

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πνεύματος21 of 21

“the Spirit”

G4151

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 3:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:6Ephesians 4:22-24Romans 12:21 Corinthians 13:122 Corinthians 4:4Colossians 3:10

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes