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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 2 Corinthians 3:18 - 3:18
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
We all (hēmeis pantes). All of us Christians, not merely ministers.
With unveiled face (anakekalummenōi prosōpōi). Instrumental case of manner. Unlike and like Moses.
Reflecting as in a mirror (katoptrizomenoi). Present middle participle of katoptrizō, late verb from katoptron, mirror (kata, optron, a thing to see with). In Philo (Legis Alleg. iii. 33) the word means beholding as in a mirror and that idea suits also the figure in 1Co 13:12. There is an inscription of third century b.c. with egkatoptrisasthai eis to hudōr, to look at one’s reflection in the water. Plutarch uses the active for mirroring or reflecting and Chrysostom takes it so here. Either makes good sense. The point that Paul is making is that we shall not lose the glory as Moses did. But that is true if we keep on beholding or keep on reflecting (present tense). Only here in N.T.
Are transformed (metamorphoumetha). Present passive (are being transformed) of metamorphoō, late verb and in papyri. See note on Mat 17:2; Mar 9:2 where it is translated “transfigured.” It is the word used for heathen mythological metamorphoses.
Into the same image (tēn autēn eikona). Accusative retained with passive verb metamorphoumetha. Into the likeness of God in Christ (1Co 15:48-53; Rom 8:17, Rom 8:29; Col 3:4; 1Jo 3:2).
As from the Lord the Spirit (kathaper apo Kuriou pneumatos). More likely, “as from the Spirit of the Lord.”