Transform

Greek Word Pronunciation: meta-mor-FA-oh
Strong's Number: 3339
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 3565
Key Verse: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” -- Romans 12:2

Two Greek words are translated as “transform, disguise, masquerade, or change,” depending on the English translation.

Metaschematizo is a compound verb comprised of meta, implying change, and schema, “a figure, fashion,” having to do with appearance. The use in 2 Corinthians 11:13, 14, and 15 is regarding false apostles, Satan, and his servants who disguise themselves (the NIV translates this as masquerade). They take on an outward appearance, but there is no internal change. A positive use is found in Philippians 3:21 of Jesus “Who will transform” our bodies into conformity with His. This indicates a change in the body that is outward and will take the form of His glorified body as was seen at the Transfiguration. The emphasis is on outward change.

Our key word metamorphoo emphasizes a total change from the inside out. This is also a compound verb comprised of meta, implying change, and morphe , meaning “form,” having to do with the special or characteristic form or feature of a person or thing. Our English word “metamorphosis” comes from this word. In Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2, the reference is to Jesus being transfigured. His disciples saw Him as He will be when He returns visibly to establish His kingdom. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, “we all ... are being transformed into the same image ... as from the Lord, the Spirit.” The transformation refers to an invisible process in Christians in which they undergo an unceasing and progressive spiritual change in the image of Christ, by the Spirit.

In the key verse, ROMANS 12:2, “... do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind …,” the present passive verb indicates that a person cannot bring about a change by his own activity. As your mind is being made new by the spiritual input of God's Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship, your lifestyle is continually being transformed.