Lexical Summary schéma: Form, appearance, fashion, external condition Original Word: σχῆμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance outward appearance, form, shapeFrom the alternate of echo; a figure (as a mode or circumstance), i.e. (by implication) external condition -- fashion. see GREEK echo HELPS Word-studies 4976 s 4976/s [2 Cor 5:21: "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (NASU).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom echó Definition figure, shape NASB Translation appearance (1), form (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4976: σχῆμασχῆμα, σχηματος, τό (ἔχω, σχεῖν), from Aeschylus down, Latinhabitus (cf. English haviour (from have)), A. V. fashion, Vulg.figura (but in Phil.habitus) (tacitly opposed to the material or substance): τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, 1 Corinthians 7:31; the habitus, as comprising everything in a person which strikes the senses, the figure, bearing, discourse, actions, manner of life, etc., Philippians 2:7(8). (Synonym: see μορφή at the end, and Schmidt, chapter 182, 5.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range Strong’s Greek 4976 conveys the idea of an outward figure, fashion, or transient appearance that may or may not correspond to the underlying reality. Scripture employs the word to contrast what is merely visible or temporary with what is essential and enduring. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:31 and Philippians 2:8 are its only New Testament uses, yet each setting is a key theological crossroads—one about the fading façade of the present age, the other about the incarnational self-emptying of the Son of God. The Ephemeral Nature of the World (1 Corinthians 7:31) “Those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31) Paul exhorts believers in Corinth to hold earthly affairs loosely. Marriage, commerce, mourning, and rejoicing are all noted in the surrounding verses; none of them is evil, yet all are provisional. The apostle frames daily life with an eschatological horizon: the form of this world—its structures, priorities, and visible stability—is already waning. Christians therefore act responsibly within society but do not anchor their identity or hopes in its mutable arrangements. The Incarnational Pattern of Christ (Philippians 2:8) “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) Here the focus shifts from the world’s fleeting form to the saving form the eternal Son willingly assumed. Incarnation involves a genuine human existence without surrendering divine nature. The verse underscores two aspects: 1. Recognition—He was “found” by human witnesses in an ordinary human exterior. Thus, the same term that marks the world’s impermanence also magnifies the Redeemer’s chosen visibility among perishing sinners. Theological Themes 1. Transience versus permanence: Outward appearances are neither ultimate nor lasting. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman rhetoric, σχῆμα could denote a stage costume or rhetorical guise. Paul taps that cultural familiarity: audiences knew that costumes change when the play advances. He converts the metaphor to proclaim that both the cosmic stage (1 Corinthians 7) and the divine Actor’s voluntary costume (Philippians 2) serve the redemptive script written before the ages. Implications for Christian Discipleship • Detachment: Possessions, social roles, and emotions must be stewarded without bondage. Ministry and Pastoral Application Pastors may comfort the grieving or unemployed by pointing to the temporary nature of present conditions. They can also urge affluent or influential believers to humility, recalling that the King arrived in an everyman’s frame. Church leaders might evaluate ministries, distinguishing gospel essentials from cultural packaging that may be refreshed for future generations. Related Biblical Concepts • Romans 12:2 – Transformation that penetrates beyond outward conformity. Summary Strong’s Greek 4976 draws a straight line from the fading façade of a fallen world to the chosen façade of the Incarnate Word. Both uses urge the saints to discern surface from substance, to live for what lasts, and to follow the humble pattern of the Savior until the final unveiling of glory. Forms and Transliterations σχημα σχήμα σχῆμα σχηματι σχήματι σχίδακας σχίζα σχίζαις σχίζαν σχίζας schema schêma schēma schē̂ma schemati schēmati schḗmatiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 7:31 N-NNSGRK: γὰρ τὸ σχῆμα τοῦ κόσμου NAS: they did not make full use of it; for the form of this KJV: [it]: for the fashion of this INT: indeed the present form the world Philippians 2:8 N-DNS Strong's Greek 4976 |
    |