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2 Corinthians 3

2 Cor. 3:18 KJV (With Strong’s)

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18
But
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
de (Greek #1161)
but, and, etc.
KJV usage: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Pronounce: deh
Origin: a primary particle (adversative or continuative)
we
hemeis (Greek #2249)
we (only used when emphatic)
KJV usage: us, we (ourselves).
Pronounce: hay-mice'
Origin: nominative plural of 1473
all
pas (Greek #3956)
apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole
KJV usage: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
Pronounce: pas
Origin: including all the forms of declension
, with
prosopon (Greek #4383)
the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
KJV usage: (outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men's) person, presence.
Pronounce: pros'-o-pon
Origin: from 4314 and ὤψ (the visage, from 3700)
open
anakalupto (Greek #343)
to unveil
KJV usage: open, (un-)taken away.
Pronounce: an-ak-al-oop'-to
Origin: from 303 (in the sense of reversal) and 2572
face
prosopon (Greek #4383)
the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
KJV usage: (outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men's) person, presence.
Pronounce: pros'-o-pon
Origin: from 4314 and ὤψ (the visage, from 3700)
beholding as in a glass
katoptrizomai (Greek #2734)
to mirror oneself, i.e. to see reflected (figuratively)
KJV usage: behold as in a glass.
Pronounce: kat-op-trid'-zom-ahee
Origin: middle voice from a compound of 2596 and a derivative of 3700 (compare 2072)
a the glory
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
doxa (Greek #1391)
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
KJV usage: dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
Pronounce: dox'-ah
Origin: from the base of 1380
of the Lord
kurios (Greek #2962)
supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)
KJV usage: God, Lord, master, Sir.
Pronounce: koo'-ree-os
Origin: from κῦρος (supremacy)
, are changed
metamorphoo (Greek #3339)
to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")
KJV usage: change, transfigure, transform.
Pronounce: met-am-or-fo'-o
Origin: from 3326 and 3445
into the same
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
image
eikon (Greek #1504)
a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
KJV usage: image.
Pronounce: i-kone'
Origin: from 1503
b from
apo (Greek #575)
"off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
KJV usage: (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.
Pronounce: apo'
Origin: a primary particle
glory
doxa (Greek #1391)
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
KJV usage: dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
Pronounce: dox'-ah
Origin: from the base of 1380
c to
eis (Greek #1519)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
KJV usage: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ice
Origin: a primary preposition
glory
doxa (Greek #1391)
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
KJV usage: dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
Pronounce: dox'-ah
Origin: from the base of 1380
, even μas
kathaper (Greek #2509)
exactly as
KJV usage: (even, as well) as.
Pronounce: kath-ap'-er
Origin: from 2505 and 4007
by the Spirit
pneuma (Greek #4151)
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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
KJV usage: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.
Pronounce: pnyoo'-mah
Origin: from 4154
of
apo (Greek #575)
"off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
KJV usage: (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.
Pronounce: apo'
Origin: a primary particle
the Lord
kurios (Greek #2962)
supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)
KJV usage: God, Lord, master, Sir.
Pronounce: koo'-ree-os
Origin: from κῦρος (supremacy)
.
a
1 Cor. 13:12• 12For we see now through a dim window obscurely, but then face to face; now I know partially, but then I shall know according as I also have been known. (1 Cor. 13:12)
b
Rom. 8:29• 29Because whom he has foreknown, he has also predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he should be the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom. 8:29)
c
Psa. 84:7• 7They go from strength to strength: each one will appear before God in Zion. (Psa. 84:7)
μ
or, of the Lord the Spirit.

More on:

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Glass; Looking Glass,
Glory,
Image,
Spirit,
Transfiguration

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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with.
2 Cor. 3:13• 13and not according as Moses put a veil on his own face, so that the children of Israel should not fix their eyes on the end of that annulled. (2 Cor. 3:13)
as in.
1 Cor. 13:12• 12For we see now through a dim window obscurely, but then face to face; now I know partially, but then I shall know according as I also have been known. (1 Cor. 13:12)
;
James 1:23• 23For if any man be a hearer of the word and not a doer, *he* is like to a man considering his natural face in a mirror: (James 1:23)
the glory.
2 Cor. 4:4,6• 4in whom the god of this world has blinded the thoughts of the unbelieving, so that the radiancy of the glad tidings of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine forth for them.
 6Because it is the God who spoke that out of darkness light should shine who has shone in our hearts for the shining forth of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:4,6)
;
John 1:14• 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we have contemplated his glory, a glory as of an only-begotten with a father), full of grace and truth; (John 1:14)
;
John 12:41• 41These things said Esaias because he saw his glory and spoke of him. (John 12:41)
;
1 Tim. 1:11• 11according to the glad tidings of the glory of the blessed God, with which *I* have been entrusted. (1 Tim. 1:11)
;
1 Tim. 1•  (1 Tim. 1)
:*Gr:
are.
2 Cor. 5:17• 17So if any one be in Christ, there is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold all things have become new: (2 Cor. 5:17)
;
Rom. 8:29• 29Because whom he has foreknown, he has also predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he should be the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom. 8:29)
;
Rom. 12:2• 2And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:2)
;
Rom. 13:14• 14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not take forethought for the flesh to fulfil its lusts. (Rom. 13:14)
;
1 Cor. 15:49• 49And as we have borne the image of the one made of dust, we shall bear also the image of the heavenly one. (1 Cor. 15:49)
;
Gal. 6:15• 15For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision; but new creation. (Gal. 6:15)
;
Eph. 4:22‑24• 22namely your having put off according to the former conversation the old man which corrupts itself according to the deceitful lusts;
 23and being renewed in the spirit of your mind;
 24and your having put on the new man, which according to God is created in truthful righteousness and holiness. (Eph. 4:22‑24)
;
Col. 3:10• 10and having put on the new, renewed into full knowledge according to the image of him that has created him; (Col. 3:10)
;
Titus 3:5• 5not on the principle of works which have been done in righteousness which *we* had done, but according to his own mercy he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5)
;
2 Peter 1:5‑9• 5But for this very reason also, using therewith all diligence, in your faith have also virtue, in virtue knowledge,
 6in knowledge temperance, in temperance endurance, in endurance godliness,
 7in godliness brotherly love, in brotherly love love:
 8for these things existing and abounding in you make you to be neither idle nor unfruitful as regards the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
 9for he with whom these things are not present is blind, short-sighted, and has forgotten the purging of his former sins. (2 Peter 1:5‑9)
from.
Rom. 8:4,7• 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law should be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to flesh but according to Spirit.
 7Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God; for neither indeed can it be: (Rom. 8:4,7)
by the Spirit of the Lord.
or, of the Lord the Spirit.
2 Cor. 3:17• 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, but where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Cor. 3:17)
• If the law looks for righteousness in man, man has it not, and so is afraid of the glory; the moment there is the least glory shown out, man shrinks from it. But now the glory of God is shown in the face of Jesus Christ, and what is that from? It is the effect of His having glorified God, and therefore God has glorified Him, and every ray of that glory is the proof that my sins are gone. “From glory to glory” means that I make progress. “Changed” is the same word as “transformed” in the Gospels. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 3” by J.N. Darby)
• Who could stand in the presence of God? But the glory of the face of Jesus, a man on high, is the proof that all the sins of those who behold it are blotted out; for He who is there bore them all before He ascended, and He needed to put them all away in order to enter into that glory. (“2 Corinthians 3” by J.N. Darby)
• Now, in thus beholding the glory with affection, with intelligence, taking delight in it, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to realize and to enjoy these things; and in this is Christian progress. (“2 Corinthians 3” by J.N. Darby)
• We contemplate that glory by the Spirit, who has been given us in virtue of Christ’s having ascended into it. He did not say, “I will go up; peradventure I shall make atonement.” He made the atonement and went up. Therefore we gaze upon it with joy, we love to behold it (“2 Corinthians 3” by J.N. Darby)
• Those referred to in 2:17 would bring the saints into bondage by occupation with themselves: the Spirit brings into liberty by turning the soul to Christ in the glory. (“2 Corinthians 3” by H. Smith)
• This change is not effected by our own efforts, nor by wearying ourselves in the endeavor to be like the Lord. Nor is it by seeking to imitate some devoted saint: it is by beholding the glory of the Lord. There is no veil on His face, and as we behold Him, not only every veil of darkness will pass from our hearts, but morally we shall become increasingly like Him, changing from glory to glory. (“2 Corinthians 3” by H. Smith)
• It is not a state reached in a moment by an act of faith, but a gradual process, which ought to characterize every Christian all the way through. At the coming of Christ we shall be conformed to His image—that of the Son, the First-born among many brethren. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 3:17-18”)
• For the Spirit, though Lord equally with the Father and the Son, does not work independently of Christ, but by presenting Him to us, from first to last. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 3:17-18”)
• This process is “from glory to glory.” That is, it’s a gradual thing; the change takes place one degree of glory at a time. Also, it is not something that is produced by self-effort, but “by the Spirit.” Hence, the Lord is the Object of our faith and the Spirit is the power for our transformation. (“A True Christian Minister Has a Ministry That Impacts His Hearers: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18” by B. Anstey)

J. N. Darby Translation

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18
But *we* all, looking on the glory of the Lord, with unveiled face, are transformede according to the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord the Spiritf.

JND Translation Notes

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e
As Rom. 12.2. From metamorphoo, translated "transfigured" in Matt. 17.2 and Mark 9.2.
f
See vers. 6,17.

W. Kelly Translation

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18
but we all, beholdinga the glory of the Lord with unveiled face, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from [the] Lord [the] Spiritb.

WK Translation Notes

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a
The word "beholding" (katoptrizomenio) means neither "reflecting" nor "seeing in a mirror," though this last be etymologically the source, but "beholding," without reference to the mirror.
b
One rejects the translation of the closing phrase, "Lord of the Spirit," as being clearly against the truth of Scripture.