2 Corinthians 3:18
What does 2 Corinthians 3:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 3:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 3:18 means
Paul concludes with a grand privilege shared by all believers: with unveiled faces we behold, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory. The sight is real yet mediated—like a mirror—but it truly changes us. Transformation is progressive and Spirit-driven, conforming us to the Lord’s image, which the New Testament reveals as Christ. What Moses experienced alone and temporarily, the church now experiences together and enduringly. This is the heart of new covenant life: ongoing communion with the Lord that produces likeness to him. The source and energy of this change is “the Lord the Spirit.”
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But 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.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But we all, beholding the glory of the Lord with open face, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But we all, looking on the glory of the Lord, with unveiled face, are transformed according to the same image from glory to glory, even as by [the] Lord [the] Spirit.
Context
This final verse gathers the chapter’s themes: unveiled access (vv. 13–16), the Spirit’s liberating presence (v. 17), and the surpassing, abiding glory of the new covenant (vv. 7–11). It contrasts Moses’ veiled, fading radiance with the church’s open, communal beholding that results in steady transformation. The argument prepares for chapter 4’s emphasis on plain proclamation of Christ’s glory and perseverance in ministry grounded in God’s mercy.
v.17Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
v.18This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 1:11
according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
- Titus 3:5
not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
- 1 Corinthians 15:49
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
- Romans 12:2
And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
- Romans 8:4
that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
- John 17:24
Father, I desire 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.
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