What is Paul's Handkerchief?

Paul's Handkerchief combines the latest in biblical scholarship alongside 'coffee with Jesus' activities to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery of our Bibles.

What is the cover-to-cover Bible Challenge?

Few people who start reading the Bible ever finish it. The cover-to-cover challenge is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You will also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement each time.

What is Coffee with Jesus?

Having a coffee with Jesus is about spending quality time with Him. It isn't just Bible study, but a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. The devotionals, quizzes, crosswords and journaling are all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.

What is the F.O.G. Bible Project?

Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G. Bible Project exists to change that: three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Paraphrase, and F.O.G. Family), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance. It is Jean Paul Joseph's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.

Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G. Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars to produce resources designed for falling in love with the Word.

How do I get started?

Join the club, pick a Bible translation and a reading style that fits you, and you're in. From there, the app tracks your progress and helps keep you showing up — day after day, chapter after chapter.

How do I use this website?

This website has three main areas: the Cover-to-Cover Bible Challenge, Coffee with Jesus, and Study Guides. The Challenge helps you finish the Bible, Coffee with Jesus helps you fall in love with Him, and the Study Guides deepen your understanding of what the Word meant in its original context. To open the study features, simply click a verse in the Bible or select Library in the top navigation.

How much should I read each day?

That's up to you, but we recommend starting with a manageable goal and building up as the habit forms. One or two chapters a day is a great place to start, and three chapters a day will take you through the Bible in a year. If you want full immersion, the 6-Track plan lets you read up to six chapters a day across different sections of Scripture at once.

I prefer reading a physical Bible. What do I do?

We agree, and our goal is to eventually offer F.O.G. Bibles in print. In the meantime, you can read from a physical Bible and still use this website to track your progress and access the study features.

What is the 6-Track Bible reading plan?

The 6-Track plan has you read up to six chapters a day from six different sections of Scripture at the same time. It's adapted from Professor Grant Horner's method, and within eight months you'll read the whole Bible at least once, with parts like the Gospels and Psalms read more than once. It's built for deep immersion and takes about half an hour a day. You don't have to read six chapters daily, but if you choose this plan, we recommend at least three. You can also choose another plan on this website, such as the chronological option.

How do XP and ranks work?

Every activity earns you XP, which moves you through seven Hebrew ranks: Talmid, Mechoker, Maskil, Sofer, Moreh, Chacham, and Zaken. Each is named after a biblical word for going deeper into the Word. Beyond Zaken, five gem tiers await: Pearl, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond. Each gem is added to your profile once you reach it.

How do I earn my Certificate of Completion?

You'll receive your certificate when you mark the final chapter of your cover-to-cover Bible Challenge as read. It's generated automatically and added to your profile. Free members receive a digital copy, while patrons receive an archival-quality certificate mailed to their door, ready for framing. You earn a new certificate every time you finish the Bible on this website.

How does patronage work?

A one-time gift of any amount earns you the Giver badge and a trial of RabbAI: 3 months, or 12 months for gifts of $50 or more. An active monthly gift of any amount earns you the Patron badge and keeps your RabbAI access going for as long as the gift continues. Give $50 and you'll receive a certificate mailed to your door when you complete the cover-to-cover Bible Challenge. Give $100 and you can sponsor a verse or page of your choice on this website. Your gift fuels this ministry, and we're grateful for your support.

G4964 (συσχηματίζω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4964
Original Word: συσχηματίζω
Transliteration: syschēmatízō
Pronunciation: soos-khay-mat-id'-zo
Part of Speech: verb
Category: Warnings in Love
Root / Etymology: from G4862 (σύν) and a derivative of G4976 (σχῆμα);
Frequency: 3×
Gematria: 2566

Where it appears

Loading distribution…

Definition

Strong 1890 to fashion alike, i.e. conform to the same pattern (figuratively)

conform tofashion self according to

from G4862 (σύν) and a derivative of G4976 (σχῆμα);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4964: From sun (with) and schématizó (to fashion), συσχηματίζω warns against conforming to worldly patterns while encouraging transformation into Messiah's image. This compound verb emphasizes the active choice between worldly and divine patterns of life.

U- Unveiling the Word

συσχηματίζω powerfully captures the concept of being molded or fashioned according to a pattern. As a compound word joining "with" (σύν) and "to fashion" (σχηματίζω), it describes the process of conforming to external patterns or forms. Paul uses this term in Romans to warn against being shaped by worldly values and patterns. The early church understood this word as a call to resist cultural assimilation while embracing transformation into the Messiah's image. Today, it challenges believers to examine whether they're being shaped by cultural patterns or by the renewing work of God's Spirit.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: συσχηματίζω, suschématizó, /sü-skhā-mä-tē'-zō/
Pronunciation Guide: "soo-skay-mah-TEE-zoh" (stress on fourth syllable)
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

σύν (syn) - prefix meaning "with" or "together"
σχηματίζω (schématizó) - verb meaning "to fashion"
-ίζω (-izó) - verbal suffix indicating causative action

D - Defining Meanings

To fashion oneself according to
To conform to a pattern
To be shaped by external influence

For compound words:
σύν (with) combines with σχηματίζω (to fashion) to express deep identification with and conformity to a pattern or form.

Translation Options:

"To be conformed to" - Best captures the passive shaping process
"To pattern after" - Emphasizes the modeling aspect
"To be fashioned according to" - Highlights the formative influence

E - Exploring Similar Words

μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) /me-tä-mor-fo'-ō/ - to transform - See G3339
μετασχηματίζω (metaschématizó) /me-tä-skhā-mä-tē'-zō/ - to transform, transfigure - See G3345
μορφόω (morphoó) /mor-fo'-ō/ - to form, shape - See G3445

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As a verb, συσχηματίζω exhibits:

Tense: Present
Voice: Passive, Middle
Mood: Imperative
Person: Second
Number: Plural
Aspect: Imperfective

For example:

Finish the Bible

Get Your Certificate

Give a gift of $50 or more and receive a certificate, mailed to your door.

Archival-quality print — ready for framing

μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε - Present passive/middle imperative (do not be conformed)
συσχηματιζόμενος - Present passive/middle participle (being conformed)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in ethical contexts. Thayer's highlights the contrast with transformation. LSJ notes its use in describing external adaptations. Vine's connects it to superficial rather than essential change. Strong's emphasizes the conformity aspect. Moulton and Milligan document its use in moral instruction.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed [συσχηματίζω] to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Additional References:

1 Peter 1:14

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Aristotle: Ethics	"The youth conform [συσχηματίζω] themselves to the habits of their teachers."
Plutarch: Moralia	"They fashioned [συσχηματίζω] their behavior according to ancient customs."
Marcus Aurelius: Meditations	"The wise person does not pattern [συσχηματίζω] themselves after popular opinion."

N - Noteworthy Summary

συσχηματίζω challenges us to examine what shapes our lives. This word proclaims the good news that in the Messiah, we're freed from worldly patterns to be transformed into His image. It reminds us that true discipleship involves both resistance to worldly conformity and submission to divine transformation.

D - Did You Know?

The word was used in ancient theater for actors adapting to roles
Early Christians used it to discuss cultural engagement
Paul pairs it with μεταμορφόω to contrast external and internal change

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: transformation, conformity, worldliness, renewal, spiritual formation, Romans 12, Paul's theology, cultural engagement, discipleship, sanctification

The Coffee Club Explained.

CERTIFICATE

Your Name Here