3345. metaschématizó
Lexical Summary
metaschématizó: To transform, to change appearance, to disguise

Original Word: μετασχηματίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: metaschématizó
Pronunciation: meh-tas-khay-mat-ID-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (met-askh-ay-mat-id'-zo)
KJV: transfer, transform (self)
NASB: disguise, disguises, disguising, figuratively applied, transform
Word Origin: [from G3326 (μετά - after) and a derivative of G4976 (σχῆμα - appearance)]

1. to transfigure or disguise
2. (figuratively) to apply (by accommodation)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
to transform, disguise

From meta and a derivative of schema; to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation) -- transfer, transform (self).

see GREEK meta

see GREEK schema

HELPS Word-studies

3345 metasxēmatízō (from 3326 /metá, "with, bringing about change, after-effect" and 4976 /sxḗma, "outward shape") – properly, to change outward appearance after a change.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from meta and schématizó (to give a certain form to something)
Definition
to change in fashion or appearance
NASB Translation
disguise (1), disguises (1), disguising (1), figuratively applied (1), transform (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3345: μετασχηματίζω

μετασχηματίζω: future μετασχηματίσω (cf. Buttmann, 37 (32)); 1 aorist μετεσχημάτισα; middle present μετασχηματίζομαι; to change the figure of, to transform (see μετά, III. 2): τί, Philippians 3:21 (see below); middle followed by εἰς τινα, to transform oneself into someone, to assume one's appearance, 2 Corinthians 11:13f; followed by ὡς τίς, so as to have the appearance of someone, 2 Corinthians 11:15; μετασχηματίζω τί εἰς τινα, to shape one's discourse so as to transfer to oneself what holds true of the whole class to which one belongs, i. e. so as to illustrate by what one says of himself what holds true of all: 1 Corinthians 4:6, where the meaning is, 'by what I have said of myself and Apollos, I have shown what holds true of all Christian teachers.' (4 Macc. 9:22; Plato, legg. 10, p. 903 e.; (Aristotle, de caele 3, 1, p. 298{b}, 31, etc.); Josephus, Antiquities 7, 10, 5; 8, 11, 1; Plutarch, Ages. 14; def. orac. c. 30; (Philo, leg. ad Gaium § 11); Sextus Empiricus, 10, p. 688, Fabric. edition (p. 542, 23 edition, Bekker).) [SYNONYMS: μεταμορφόω, μετασχηματίζω: (cf. Philippians 3:21) "μετασχηματίζω would here refer to the transient condition from which, μεταμορφόω to the permanent state to which, the change takes place. Trench (N. T. Synonyms, § lxx.), however, supposes that μετασχηματίζω is here preferred to μεταμορφόω as expressing 'transition but no absolute solution of continuity', the spiritual body being developed from the natural, as the butterfly from the caterpillar" (Lightfoot on Phil. 'Detached Note,' p. 131). See μορφή, at the end]

Topical Lexicon
Transformative Language in Pauline Thought

The verb occurs exclusively in the Pauline corpus and consistently carries the idea of a change in outward form that either conceals an underlying reality or splendidly reveals it. Paul’s choice of the term allows him to speak both of deceptive masquerade and of glorious, God-wrought metamorphosis, thereby unfolding two opposite spiritual dynamics: counterfeit ministry rooted in pride and genuine transformation rooted in Christ’s power.

Usage in Apostolic Instruction (1 Corinthians 4:6)

In the Corinthian correspondence Paul first employs the word to describe a deliberate literary device: “I have applied these things to myself and to Apollos for your benefit” (1 Corinthians 4:6). By “applying” or “transferring” the earlier illustrations to himself, he redirects the congregation’s factional pride toward Scripture’s authority—“so that you may learn…‘Do not go beyond what is written.’” Here transformation is pedagogical: Paul reshapes examples to place the cross, not personalities, at the center of church life. The verse models humble self-application of truth before its proclamation to others, an enduring principle for teachers and leaders.

Warning Against Satanic Counterfeits (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

Three subsequent uses cluster in Paul’s stern exposure of false apostles:

• “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.”
• “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
• “It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness…” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

The language of disguise underscores that evil often advances under the appearance of good. Satan’s servants do not announce their allegiance; they adopt the external trappings of light and righteousness. Pastoral vigilance therefore requires judging ministries not by charisma or apparent success but by fidelity to the gospel and observable fruit (compare Matthew 7:15-20). Historically this text has armed the church against docetism, Gnostic elitism, medieval indulgence peddlers, and modern prosperity peddlers—any movement that cloaks self-exaltation in pious garb.

The Eschatological Reversal (Philippians 3:21)

Against the bleak picture of counterfeit transformation Paul sets the radiant hope of believers: Christ “will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). The same verb that describes Satan’s fleeting masquerade here depicts the Creator’s final act upon His redeemed. The contrast is striking:

• Satan changes appearance to deceive; Christ changes believers’ appearance to complete redemption.
• False apostles hide corruption; Christ unveils glory.
• The counterfeit ends in judgment; the genuine ends in conformity to Christ’s body.

This promise affirms the continuity of identity (our bodies remain ours) yet also the discontinuity of risen glory (they become like His). It anchors Christian perseverance: the present “lowly” state is temporary, destined for splendor by the Lord’s sovereign energy.

Theological Themes

1. Authenticity versus Appearance

Scripture differentiates between surface alteration and inner reality. Only the Spirit can effect a change that integrates the outward and inward (compare Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18, a related but different verb).

2. Discernment in Ministry

The church must test teachers by doctrine and life, remembering that plausible externals may veil destructive error. This discernment is an act of love, safeguarding the flock from the wolf in shepherd’s clothing.

3. Hope-Filled Anthropology

Human embodiment is not discarded but transformed. The bodily resurrection affirms creation’s goodness and Christ’s lordship over every sphere, countering both materialistic despair and spiritualistic escapism.

Historical Reception

Early fathers such as Irenaeus appealed to Philippians 3:21 to argue for a literal, physical resurrection, countering Gnostic claims that salvation concerned only the soul. Medieval commentators like Aquinas linked the verse to the doctrine of glorification, explaining the resurrected body’s impassibility and clarity. Reformers drew from 2 Corinthians 11 to defend sola Scriptura against traditions that, in their view, had masked human invention with ecclesiastical authority.

Practical Implications for Contemporary Discipleship

• Teach Scripture with transparent integrity, “applying” lessons first to oneself.
• Evaluate ministries by their faithfulness to Christ, not by spectacle.
• Encourage believers with the certainty of bodily renewal, strengthening resolve to honor God with their present members (1 Corinthians 6:20).
• Pray for eyes to distinguish angel-of-light pretenses from the true Light of the world.

Summary

The five New Testament occurrences of this verb form a concise theology of transformation: deceptive, self-promoting change on the one hand; redemptive, Christ-exalting change on the other. Disciples are called to reject the former, discern it in others, and embrace the latter in confident hope, looking to the day when the Savior’s creative power will clothe them in everlasting glory.

Forms and Transliterations
μετασχηματιζεται μετασχηματίζεται μετασχηματιζομενοι μετασχηματιζόμενοι μετασχηματιζονται μετασχηματίζονται μετασχηματισει μετασχηματίσει μετεσχηματισα μετεσχημάτισα metaschematisei metaschematísei metaschēmatisei metaschēmatísei metaschematizetai metaschematízetai metaschēmatizetai metaschēmatízetai metaschematizomenoi metaschematizómenoi metaschēmatizomenoi metaschēmatizómenoi metaschematizontai metaschematízontai metaschēmatizontai metaschēmatízontai meteschematisa meteschemátisa meteschēmatisa meteschēmátisa
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Corinthians 4:6 V-AIA-1S
GRK: δέ ἀδελφοί μετεσχημάτισα εἰς ἐμαυτὸν
NAS: brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself
KJV: brethren, I have in a figure transferred to
INT: moreover brothers I transferred to myself

2 Corinthians 11:13 V-PPM-NMP
GRK: ἐργάται δόλιοι μετασχηματιζόμενοι εἰς ἀποστόλους
NAS: workers, disguising themselves as apostles
KJV: workers, transforming themselves into
INT: workers deceitful disguising themselves as apostles

2 Corinthians 11:14 V-PIM-3S
GRK: ὁ Σατανᾶς μετασχηματίζεται εἰς ἄγγελον
NAS: Satan disguises himself as an angel
KJV: himself is transformed into
INT: Satan masquerades as an angel

2 Corinthians 11:15 V-PIM/P-3P
GRK: διάκονοι αὐτοῦ μετασχηματίζονται ὡς διάκονοι
NAS: also disguise themselves as servants
KJV: also be transformed as
INT: servants of him masquerade as servants

Philippians 3:21 V-FIA-3S
GRK: ὃς μετασχηματίσει τὸ σῶμα
NAS: who will transform the body
KJV: Who shall change our vile
INT: who will transform the body

Strong's Greek 3345
5 Occurrences


μετασχηματίσει — 1 Occ.
μετασχηματίζεται — 1 Occ.
μετασχηματιζόμενοι — 1 Occ.
μετασχηματίζονται — 1 Occ.
μετεσχημάτισα — 1 Occ.

3344
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