2 Corinthians 3:18

We all (hmei pante). All of us Christians, not merely ministers. With unveiled face (anakekalummenwi proswpwi). Instrumental case of manner. Unlike and like Moses. Reflecting as in a mirror (katoptrizomenoi). Present middle participle of katoptrizw, 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 1 Corinthians 13:12 . There is an inscription of third century B.C. with egkatoptrisasqai ei to udwr, 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 (metamorpoumeqa). Present passive (are being transformed) of metamorpow, late verb and in papyri. See on "Mt 17:2"; see also "Mr 9:2" where it is translated "transfigured." It is the word used for heathen mythological metamorphoses. Into the same image (thn authn eikona). Accusative retained with passive verb metamorpoumeqa. Into the likeness of God in Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:48-53 ; Romans 8:17 Romans 8:29 ; Colossians 3:4 ; 1 John 3:2 ). As from the Lord the Spirit (kaqaper apo Kuriou pneumato). More likely, "as from the Spirit of the Lord."