Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words is essential for capturing the full meaning and depth of the New Testament. The Greek word μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō) is particularly significant as it deals with transformation and change, concepts that are central to Christian theology. The first instance of μεταμορφόω occurs in Matthew 17:2, where it describes the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountaintop. This word is not just important in the context of New Testament theology, but it also has roots in ancient Greek thought where transformation—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—was a key theme in many classical works. Its usage reveals layers of meaning about how human beings and divine figures undergo profound changes.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō, pronunciation: meh-tah-mor-FOH-oh)

Etymology: μεταμορφόω is derived from two Greek words: “μετα-” (meta-), meaning “after” or “beyond,” and “μορφή” (morphē), meaning “form” or “shape.” Together, the term refers to the changing of form, appearance, or essence, implying a transformation that alters the original state into something different, often with deeper or divine implications.

Part of Speech: μεταμορφόω is a verb. As a verb, it describes the action of transforming or being transformed, and it is typically used to indicate a change that goes beyond superficial alteration, often suggesting a complete metamorphosis in nature or form.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To transform or transfigure. This meaning is most famously used in Matthew 17:2, where Jesus’ appearance was changed during the Transfiguration, marking a profound and divine transformation.

Meaning 2: To change in form or appearance. μεταμορφόω is often used to describe a physical or visual change, as when an individual or object takes on a new appearance.

Meaning 3: To undergo a spiritual transformation. In a more metaphorical sense, the word also signifies inner spiritual change, such as when believers are transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).

Exploring Similar Words

μεταπλάσσω (metaplassō, pronounced meh-tah-PLAS-soh): This verb means “to reshape” or “to remodel.” While similar to μεταμορφόω, μεταπλάσσω tends to focus more on the idea of physical or external reshaping, whereas μεταμορφόω emphasizes a deeper transformation, often spiritual or metaphysical.

μεταστρέφω (metastrephō, pronounced meh-tah-STREH-foh): This word means “to change” or “to turn.” While both words indicate transformation, μεταστρέφω typically refers to changes in direction, focus, or purpose, whereas μεταμορφόω is about a more holistic transformation of being.

μεταβαίνω (metabainō, pronounced meh-tah-BAY-noh): This verb means “to pass over” or “to change position.” While it indicates change, the emphasis is on movement from one place to another, rather than a deep transformation of essence or form.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: μεταμορφόω is a verb that can appear in various tenses and moods. In Matthew 17:2, it is used in the aorist passive form, “μετεμορφώθη,” meaning “was transfigured.” This suggests a completed action of transformation that was performed upon Jesus. In other contexts, it can appear in the present tense to indicate ongoing transformation or in the future tense to refer to a change yet to come. The passive voice indicates that the subject is being transformed by an outside force, often divine.

Person and Number: The verb can be conjugated in different persons and numbers. For example, the 1st person singular present indicative form would be μεταμορφόω, meaning “I am transforming.”

Aspect: Greek verbs convey aspect, and in the case of μεταμορφόω, it can reflect a completed transformation (perfective aspect) or an ongoing process of change (imperfective aspect). The aorist aspect, as seen in Matthew 17:2, focuses on the action of transformation as a single, completed event.

Conjugation Table: Present Indicative Active

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical insights into μεταμορφόω reveal its profound theological significance. It is not a simple change but often denotes a divine or spiritual transformation, such as the change in Jesus’ appearance at the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:2. This transformation is not merely external but signals a deeper revelation of divine glory. Additionally, Paul uses the word in Romans 12:2 to describe the transformative renewal of believers’ minds, which indicates that the concept of metamorphosis applies to spiritual growth and inner transformation. Classical Greek texts also employ μεταμορφόω to describe the change of form in mythological or philosophical contexts, but in the New Testament, the term takes on richer theological implications about the nature of divine change.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 17:2: “And He was transfigured [μεταμορφόω] before them; His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.”
• Mark 9:2: “After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured [μεταμορφόω] before them.”
• Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed [μεταμορφόω] by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
• 2 Corinthians 3:18: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed [μεταμορφόω] into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μεταμορφόω carries profound significance in both biblical and classical Greek literature, denoting transformation at both the physical and spiritual levels. Its first occurrence in Matthew 17:2 describes the Transfiguration of Jesus, where His divine nature was revealed in a radiant form. In the New Testament, this word is also used to illustrate the spiritual transformation of believers, such as in Romans 12:2, where Paul urges Christians to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Classical Greek literature uses the word to describe changes in form, often with divine or mythical implications. In biblical contexts, μεταμορφόω takes on a deep theological meaning, emphasizing the transformative power of divine intervention and spiritual renewal.

Did You Know?

• μεταμορφόω is the root of the English word “metamorphosis,” which similarly refers to a profound transformation, especially in the natural world.
• The word μεταμορφόω is used to describe the transfiguration of Jesus, marking one of the most significant moments of divine revelation in the Gospels.
• In the Septuagint, μεταμορφόω is used to describe the renewal and transformation of the earth, highlighting its association with divine power and creative renewal.