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.
Study Note
Study Note
The description of believers beholding 'the glory of the Lord as in a mirror' and being 'transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another' by the Spirit presents progressive moral transformation as a consequence of sustained contemplation of Christ. The mirror metaphor draws on Moses's experience in Exodus 34, where extended time in God's presence resulted in his face shining — now democratized to all believers in the new covenant. The Greek verb metamorphoumetha (we are being transformed) is present passive continuous — ongoing work of the Spirit, not a single event. This verse is foundational for the classical Christian spirituality of contemplation as the engine of transformation: we become like what we worship, and what Christians gaze on is 'the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ' (4:6).
Other Translations
But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.
and we all, with unvailed face, the glory of the Lord beholding in a mirror, to the same image are being transformed, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
But we all, with unveiled face giving back as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Cross References
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then …
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding …
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things …
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light …
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of …
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing …