3446. morphósis

Lexicon

morphósis: Form, appearance

Original Word: μόρφωσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: morphósis
Pronunciation: mor-FO-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (mor'-fo-sis)
Definition: Form, appearance
Meaning: form, outline, semblance.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

form.

From morphoo; formation, i.e. (by implication), appearance (semblance or (concretely) formula) -- form.

see GREEK morphoo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from morphoó
Definition
a forming, a form
NASB Translation
embodiment (1), form (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3446: μόρφωσις

μόρφωσις, μορφωσεως, ἡ (μορφόω);

1. a forming, shaping: τῶν δένδρων, Theophrastus,

c. pl. 3, 7, 4.

2. form; i. e.

a. the mere form, semblance: εὐσεβείας, 2 Timothy 3:5.

b. the form befitting the thing or truly expressing the fact, the very form: τῆς γνώσεως καί τῆς ἀληθείας, Romans 2:20.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb μορφόω (morphoō), meaning "to form" or "to shape."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "μόρφωσις," the concept can be related to Hebrew terms that describe form or appearance, such as:
• Strong's Hebrew 8403 (תָּמוּן, tamun) – meaning "hidden" or "concealed," which can imply an outward form that hides the true nature.
• Strong's Hebrew 8389 (תָּמוּן, temunah) – meaning "form" or "likeness," often used in the context of visible representation or appearance.

This entry highlights the importance of aligning one's external expressions of faith with genuine internal conviction and transformation, as emphasized in the teachings of the New Testament.

Usage: The word "μόρφωσις" is used in the New Testament to describe an outward form or appearance, particularly in the context of religious or moral semblance without the corresponding inner reality or power.

Context: • The term "μόρφωσις" appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the distinction between external appearance and internal truth. It is notably used in 2 Timothy 3:5, where the Apostle Paul warns against those who maintain "a form of godliness" but deny its power. This usage underscores the danger of mere external religiosity that lacks genuine spiritual transformation and power.
• In Romans 2:20, Paul uses "μόρφωσις" to describe the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law, emphasizing the importance of not just possessing the law but living it out authentically.
• The concept of "μόρφωσις" serves as a caution against hypocrisy and superficiality in spiritual matters. It calls believers to seek a faith that is not only outwardly visible but also inwardly transformative, aligning one's actions with the true essence of godliness.

Forms and Transliterations

μορφωσιν μόρφωσιν μοσφαθαϊμ μοσχάρια μοσχάριον morphosin morphōsin mórphosin mórphōsin

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 2:20 N-AFS
GRK: ἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως
NAS: in the Law the embodiment of knowledge
KJV: which hast the form of knowledge
INT: having the form of knowledge

2 Timothy 3:5 N-AFS
GRK: ἔχοντες μόρφωσιν εὐσεβείας τὴν
NAS: holding to a form of godliness,
KJV: Having a form of godliness, but
INT: having a form of godliness

Strong's Greek 3446
2 Occurrences

μόρφωσιν — 2 Occ.