Brief Overview of σύμμορφος (Strong’s G4832: symmorphos)

Strong’s G4832: A compound adjective combining συν- (with) and μορφή (form, shape), meaning “conformed to, having the same form as.” Used theologically to describe believers’ transformation into the image of the Messiah, emphasizing both present process and future completion.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύμμορφος embodies the profound concept of spiritual transformation into the likeness of the Messiah. As a compound word, it combines conformity (συν-) with form or shape (μορφή) to express the deep, internal transformation of believers into His image. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts describing both the present process of sanctification and the future glorification of believers. The early church understood this term as central to the Christian life, seeing it as the ultimate goal of discipleship. Today, it continues to express the core purpose of salvation: our progressive transformation into the image of King Jesus.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύμμορφος, symmorphos, /soom-mor-fos/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – MOR (stressed) – fos
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: μορφή (morphe) meaning “form, shape”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) forming an adjective
• Related to verb μορφόω (morphoo) meaning “to form”

D – Defining Meanings

• Conformed to
• Having the same form as
• Sharing the same shape with

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates complete conformity
The root μορφή contributes the concept of essential form or nature
Together they express complete conformity to a pattern or model

Translation Options:

1. Conformed to – Emphasizes the process of transformation
2. Having the same form as – Highlights the result of transformation
3. Shaped according to – Stresses the molding aspect of transformation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μεταμορφόω (metamorphoo) /met-am-or-fo-oh/ – to transform – See G3339
• συσχηματίζω (syschematizo) /soos-khay-mat-id-zo/ – to fashion alike – See G4964
• εἰκών (eikon) /i-kone/ – image – See G1504

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Example forms:
Masculine singular: σύμμορφος (conformed)
Feminine singular: σύμμορφη (conformed)
Neuter singular: σύμμορφον (conformed)
Plural forms add appropriate endings

• Cross-references include the verb συμμορφίζω (to conform to) and the noun συμμόρφωσις (conformity)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its theological significance in describing conformity to the Messiah. Thayer’s highlights its use in both present sanctification and future glorification. LSJ notes its rare usage in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to the broader concept of transformation in believers. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the conformity. Moulton and Milligan observe its special Christian usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be [σύμμορφος] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

Additional References:
Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύμμορφος captures the heart of God’s redemptive purpose: transforming us into the image of His Son. This word proclaims the good news that in King Jesus, we not only receive forgiveness but are being progressively transformed into His likeness. It reminds us that salvation includes both present transformation and future glorification, as God works to make us like His Son.

D – Did You Know?

1. σύμμορφος appears in key passages about both spiritual transformation and bodily resurrection.
2. The word implies not just external imitation but internal transformation of nature.
3. Early church fathers used this term to describe the goal of Christian spirituality.

Strong’s G4832: A compound adjective combining συν- (with) and μορφή (form, shape), meaning “conformed to, having the same form as.” Used theologically to describe believers’ transformation into the image of the Messiah, emphasizing both present process and future completion.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: transformation, conformity, sanctification, image-of-christ, glorification, spiritual-formation, likeness, divine-image, christlikeness, resurrection, predestination, holy-spirit​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​