Shape (Hastings' Dictionary)

In AV, as in earlier Engli.sli generally, ' sh.ipe ' is less definite and less material than now. In Wis 18' the mod. meaning is nearly approached, ' Not seeing their shape ' (/io/)0^, Vulg. Jigura), but even there it is 'outward form' generally. In Lk 3', ' The Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him,' the meaning is simply 'appearance' (Gr. cwixa.TiK(} fioei, KV 'in a bodily form ') ; so Jn 5" («rSos, liV ' form ').

The only other occurrence is liev 9' 'The shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle ' (rd o/jLOiw/jLara, KVm 'the likenesses'). Cf. Shaks. Samlet, 1. ii. 80 — ' All forms, moods, shapes of grief ' (folios ' shews ') ; Jtd. Cces. II. L 253 — • It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep ; And, could it work so much upon your shape As it hath much prevailed on your condition, I should not know you, Brutus.' In Rhera.

NT Mk W is tr" ' And after this he appeared in another shape to two of them walking,' and on this word there is a note, ' Christ thougli he have but one corporal shape, natural to his person, yet by his omnipotencie he may be in whatsoever forme, and appears in the likenesse of any other man or creature, as he list. Therefore let no man think it strange, that he may be under the forme of bread in the B. Sacrament.' The old pass. ptcp. of the verb, ' shapen,' is found in Pa 51°. So Tind.

uses the old past tense ' shope' in Gn 2' 'Then the Lorde God shope man, even of the moulde of the erth.' J. Hastings.