Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Some translations say, “beholding as in a mirror;” others say, “reflecting like mirrors.” One implies contemplation; the other implies refraction. Which is accurate?
Actually both. The verb katoptrizo can be translated either way. But which meaning did the Holy Spirit intend?
In the context, the Spirit paralleled the Christian experience to the Mount Sinai experience of Moses (Exodus 34). After Moses beheld the glory of God, his face reflected the glory of God (2 Corinthians 3:7). Upon beholding God, Moses could not help but reflect God. The brightness he saw was the brightness he became. Beholding led to becoming. Becoming led to reflecting.
Perhaps the answer to the translation question, then, is “yes.”
Jason Cicero
