μόρφωσις
mórphōsis
G3446 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The act, process, or result of giving or possessing a shape or form; outward shape or appearance, especially as distinct from inner reality or substance. In certain contexts, refers to an external semblance or formal expression, whether of knowledge, religious practice, or law. Can denote a formulaic pattern or established form, especially of conduct or teaching.
Semantic Range
form, shape, formation, appearance, outward semblance, pattern, formula, external aspect
Root / Etymology
Derived from μορφόω ('to form, to shape'), itself from μορφή ('form, shape, appearance'), with the noun-forming suffix -σις indicating action or result.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μόρφωσις is a rare noun, appearing only a handful of times in extant Greek, notably in philosophical and literary contexts. In Hellenistic Greek, it sometimes indicates the external form as opposed to inner essence. In the Septuagint and the New Testament (notably Romans 2:20 and 2 Timothy 3:5), it refers to the externally visible shape or the established pattern of something, especially in reference to the law or piety. In Romans 2:20, it denotes the form or embodiment of knowledge and truth (i.e., the external expression as opposed to the internal reality). In 2 Timothy 3:5, the word is used for the external appearance or semblance of piety, as contrasted with the practical reality or power. English 'form' captures part of its sense, but sometimes 'outward appearance,' 'semblance,' or 'pattern' better reflects the nuance, particularly when contrasting external rituals or formulas with inner substance. The term is not common in secular Koine Greek but may appear in philosophical discussions on form and reality, echoing Platonic terminology.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μορφόω; formation, i.e. (by implication), appearance (semblance or (concretely) formula):--form.
Root Family
μόρφωσις (morphōsis) — formation, shaping, outward form, appearance, formal pattern
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3446-01 |
μόρφωσιν | morphosin | N ACC F SG |
form | outward form | outward form | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3446-01 |
Romans 2:20 | μόρφωσιν | morphosin | N ACC F SG |
form | outward form | outward form |
G3446-01 |
2 Timothy 3:5 | μόρφωσιν | morphosin | N ACC F SG |
form | outward form | outward form |