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.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:18KJV
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2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 3:18 mean?

2 Corinthians 3:18 says that all believers, with nothing covering their faces, are looking at the Lord’s glory as if reflected in a mirror and are being changed to become more like Him, step by step, by the Spirit of the Lord. This verse describes a process of transformation that happens as people behold God’s glory.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining how the new covenant in Christ is different from the old covenant given to Moses. In this verse, Paul uses the image of looking into a mirror to show that believers can now see and reflect God’s glory openly, unlike Moses who had to cover his face. The change Paul describes is ongoing and comes from God’s Spirit, not from human effort.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 3:18

  • "Open" (ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ, anakekalymmenō) face: This phrase means "unveiled" or "uncovered," highlighting that believers have direct access to God’s presence, unlike the veiled face of Moses.
  • "Glass" (κατόπριζομενοι, katoptrizomenoi): The Greek word here refers to a mirror, but ancient mirrors were made of polished metal and gave a dim reflection. Paul’s image suggests that believers see God’s glory truly, but not yet in complete fullness.
  • "Changed" (μεταμορφούμεθα, metamorphoumetha): This word means to be transformed or transfigured, indicating a deep, inner change rather than just an outward appearance.
  • "Glory" (δόξα, doxa): Paul repeats this word to emphasize that the transformation is from one degree of God’s glory to another, showing a continual process rather than a single event.

Why 2 Corinthians 3:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that spiritual transformation is not instant but happens gradually as believers continue to focus on Christ.
  • Paul’s contrast with Moses’ veiled face shows that, under the new covenant, every believer has open access to God’s presence, not just special leaders.
  • The emphasis on the Spirit’s role reminds readers that true change comes from God working within, not from following rules or outward rituals.

Where else these words appear

“open” Greek G343 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

“changed” Greek G3339 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
  • Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
  • Romans 12:2 And 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.

“as” Greek G2509 · used in 13 verses

  • Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

“image” Greek G1504 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
  • Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.