Bible Word Study
σύμμορφος
symmorphos · similar, conformed to
σύμμορφος
similar, conformed to
Definition
The adjective σύμμορφος means 'having the same form as' or 'conformed to.' It describes a state of being shaped or patterned after something else, implying a deep, intrinsic likeness. In Romans 8:29, it refers to believers being 'conformed to the image of [God's] Son,' indicating a spiritual transformation into Christ's character. In Philippians 3:21, it describes how our lowly bodies will be 'conformed' to Christ's glorious, resurrected body, pointing to a future physical transformation.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both in Pauline epistles, and always in relation to conformity to Jesus Christ. In Romans 8:29, it describes the present and ongoing spiritual conformation of believers to Christ's image. In Philippians 3:21, it describes the future, physical conformation of the believer's resurrection body to Christ's glorious body. Both uses are deeply eschatological, linking Christian identity and hope to Christ's nature.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the root μορφή (morphē), meaning 'form,' 'shape,' or 'essence.' It literally means 'jointly formed' or 'having the same form with.' It is closely related to the verb συμμορφόω (symmorphoō, G4833) and the noun μορφή (morphē, G3444), which denotes intrinsic, essential form.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it anchors the Christian doctrine of sanctification and glorification. In Romans 8:29, it describes God's sovereign purpose in making believers like Christ in character (sanification). In Philippians 3:21, it promises the future physical redemption of our bodies, completing our salvation (glorification). Understanding this Greek term highlights that salvation is not just forgiveness but a comprehensive transformation into the likeness of Christ, both now and in the future. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'form' (morphē) could carry philosophical weight, relating to the essential nature or outward appearance of a thing. Paul's use of this term to describe union with Christ would resonate with audiences familiar with ideas of imitation or participation in an ideal form, but he radically redefines it around the person and work of Jesus. συμμορφόω (symmorphoō, G4833) — the verb form meaning 'to be conformed to' or 'to shape one thing like another.' ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma, G3667) — emphasizes a likeness or resemblance, but not necessarily the same deep, shared form. μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō, G3339) — means 'to transform' or change form, focusing on the process of change rather than the resulting shared state.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). Concordance and morphology data are derived from the interlinear Bible.
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]