Brief Overview of συμμορφίζω (Strong’s G4833: symmorphizo)

Strong’s G4833: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and μορφή (form, shape) with the verbal suffix -ίζω, meaning “to bring into the same form with, to conform to.” Used in spiritual contexts to describe active participation in being conformed to the Messiah’s sufferings and death.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμμορφίζω represents the dynamic process of being conformed to the Messiah’s image, particularly through sharing in His sufferings. As a compound word, it combines conformity (συν-) with form (μορφή) and adds the active verbal element (-ίζω) to express ongoing transformation. In the New Testament, Paul uses it specifically in relation to participating in the Messiah’s death, suggesting that transformation into His likeness involves sharing in His suffering. The early church saw this term as crucial for understanding discipleship as active participation in the Messiah’s life and death. Today, it continues to challenge believers to embrace suffering as part of their transformation into His image.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμμορφίζω, symmorphizo, /soom-mor-fid-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – MOR (stressed) – fid – zo
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: μορφή (morphe) meaning “form, shape”
• Verbal suffix: -ίζω (-izo) indicating causative or progressive action
• Compound verb formation from σύμμορφος (conforming to)

D – Defining Meanings

• To conform to
• To be brought into the same form
• To be transformed into the likeness of

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates complete conformity
The root μορφή contributes the concept of essential form
The suffix -ίζω adds the sense of ongoing process
Together they express active participation in transformation

Translation Options:

1. To be conformed to – Emphasizes the process of transformation
2. To be fashioned like – Stresses the molding aspect
3. To share the form of – Highlights the participatory nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μεταμορφόω (metamorphoo) /met-am-or-fo-oh/ – to transform completely – See G3339
• σύμμορφος (symmorphos) /soom-mor-fos/ – having the same form – See G4832
• μορφόω (morphoo) /mor-fo-oh/ – to form – See G3445

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Passive, Middle
• Mood: Participle, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example English morphing:
Present: being conformed to
Future: will be conformed to
Past: was conformed to
Participle: being conformed to

• Cross-references include the adjective σύμμορφος (conformed) and the noun συμμόρφωσις (conformity)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its usage in the context of participation in the Messiah’s sufferings. Thayer’s highlights its progressive nature in spiritual transformation. LSJ notes its rare usage in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to the broader concept of identification with the Messiah. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the conformity process. Moulton and Milligan observe its special Christian usage in relation to spiritual transformation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, [συμμορφίζω] being conformed to His death Philippians 3:10

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμμορφίζω powerfully expresses our participation in the Messiah’s life through suffering. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus not only saves us but transforms us through intimate identification with Him. This transformation includes sharing in His sufferings, leading to a deeper knowledge of Him and the power of His resurrection.

D – Did You Know?

1. συμμορφίζω is used only once in the New Testament, specifically in relation to the Messiah’s death.
2. The word implies both passive reception and active participation in the transformation process.
3. Early church martyrs saw this word as describing their ultimate identification with the Messiah.

Strong’s G4833: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and μορφή (form, shape) with the verbal suffix -ίζω, meaning “to bring into the same form with, to conform to.” Used in spiritual contexts to describe active participation in being conformed to the Messiah’s sufferings and death.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: transformation, conformity, suffering, discipleship, christlikeness, death-of-christ, spiritual-formation, martyrdom, identification, resurrection-power, sanctification, cross-bearing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​