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μεταμορφόω

metamorphóō

G3339 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To change in form or appearance; to transform, especially involving a fundamental alteration in visible or essential characteristics. In broader contexts, can imply both a physical and qualitative alteration, extending metaphorically to shifts in character, nature, or status.

Semantic Range

to change form, to transform appearance, to transfigure (visibly/gloriously), to undergo a fundamental change of character or nature, to alter one’s state or condition

Root / Etymology

From the preposition μετά (meta, 'after' or 'change') and μορφόω (morphoō, 'to form or shape'), based on μορφή (morphē, 'form, shape'). Thus, the word literally denotes 'to change form.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, μεταμορφόω is rare but attested with the meaning to alter or transform in form or appearance, often within mythological or poetic contexts (e.g., gods or individuals changing physical form). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, its use is more pronounced in philosophical, literary, and religious texts, where it can refer to both external (visible) and internal (qualitative) transformation. In the Septuagint, it is sparingly used. In the New Testament, notable occurrences include the 'transfiguration' of Jesus (e.g., Mark 9:2; Matthew 17:2), where it signifies a dramatic, visible transformation associated with divine presence. Elsewhere (e.g., Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18), it describes an inward transformation, particularly of mind, character, or condition, often contrasting with superficial or merely external change. English translations such as 'transfigure' (for visible, often divine change) and 'transform' (for inward or general change) capture aspects but sometimes obscure the underlying link of both external and internal alteration. The verb is distinct from σχηματίζω (to fashion, to shape), which often indicates a more superficial or outward alteration, whereas μεταμορφόω implies a substantive or essential change.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μετά and μορφόω; to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose"):--change, transfigure, transform.

Root Family

μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō) — to form, to shape, to change form, to transform

Root μορφ- to form, to shape, to change form

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3339-03 μετεμορφώθη metemorphothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG He was transfigured was transformed was transformed 2
G3339-02 μεταμορφοῦσθε metamorphousthe V PRS PASS IMP 2P PL be transformed be undergoing transformation be transformed 1
G3339-01 μεταμορφούμεθα metamorphoumetha V PRS PASS IND 1P PL are being transformed we are being transformed we are being transformed 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3339-03 Matthew 17:2 μετεμορφώθη metemorphothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG He was transfigured was transformed was transformed
G3339-03 Mark 9:2 μετεμορφώθη metemorphothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG He was transfigured was transformed was transformed
G3339-02 Romans 12:2 μεταμορφοῦσθε metamorphousthe V PRS PASS IMP 2P PL be transformed be undergoing transformation be transformed
G3339-01 2 Corinthians 3:18 μεταμορφούμεθα metamorphoumetha V PRS PASS IND 1P PL are being transformed we are being transformed we are being transformed
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