### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεταμορφόω (metamorphóō, `{{G3339}}`) is a compound word derived from μετά (meta), meaning "with, among, after, beyond, change," and μορφόω (morphoō), which comes from μορφή (morphē, `{{G3444}}`), meaning "form" or "shape." The literal meaning of μεταμορφόω is "to change form" or "to transform." It carries the sense of a fundamental alteration, not merely a superficial adjustment or a change in external appearance. This is the root of the English word "metamorphosis," as seen in the biological transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly, where the essential nature remains, but the outward expression and function are profoundly different. Figuratively, the term extends to a spiritual or internal transformation, signifying a change from one state of being or character to another, often implying a movement towards a more perfect or divine state. This distinguishes it from other Greek words for "change" (e.g., ἀλλάσσω or μεταστρέφω), as μεταμορφόω implies a deeper, more intrinsic alteration of essence rather than just an external modification or reversal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μεταμορφόω appears four times in the New Testament, used in two distinct but related contexts:
1. **The Transfiguration of Christ:**
* [[Matthew 17:2]]: "And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light."
* [[Mark 9:2]]: "And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them."
In these parallel accounts, μεταμορφόω describes a supernatural, visible change in Jesus' physical appearance. This was not a change *of* His divine nature, but rather a revelation *of* His inherent divine glory, allowing the disciples a momentary glimpse of His heavenly, glorified form. It was a physical manifestation of His true identity as the Son of God, foreshadowing His future glory and His post-resurrection state.
2. **The Spiritual Transformation of Believers:**
* [[Romans 12:2]]: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Here, the term is used metaphorically and ethically. Believers are exhorted to undergo an internal, spiritual transformation that impacts their thinking and behavior. The passive voice ("be transformed") indicates divine agency, implying that God is the primary mover in this process, though human cooperation ("by the renewing of your mind") is essential. This transformation is a departure from conformity to the world's patterns and values, leading to the ability to discern and embrace God's will.
* [[2 Corinthians 3:18]]: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit."
This passage describes a progressive spiritual transformation of believers into the image (εἰκών, `{{G1504}}`) of Christ. The present passive participle ("are being transformed") emphasizes that this is an ongoing process, a continuous work of the Holy Spirit. As believers gaze upon the glory of the Lord revealed in the Gospel, they are progressively conformed to Christ's character, moving from one degree of glory to another.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μορφή (morphē, `{{G3444}}`):** The root noun, meaning "form" or "shape," often referring to essential nature. In [[Philippians 2:6-7]], Christ is said to be in the "form of God" (μορφή θεοῦ) and to take the "form of a bond-servant" (μορφὴν δούλου), emphasizing His true nature rather than mere outward appearance. μεταμορφόω implies a change in this essential μορφή.
* **σχῆμα (schēma, `{{G4976}}`):** Often contrasted with μορφή. σχῆμα refers to outward appearance, fashion, or transient form (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 7:31]], "the fashion of this world is passing away"). While μεταμορφόω indicates a change of μορφή (essential form), σχῆμα refers to a superficial or temporary guise.
* **ἀνακαινόω (anakainoō, `{{G340}}`):** "To renew." This concept is closely linked to μεταμορφόω in [[Romans 12:2]], where transformation occurs "by the renewing of your mind." The renewal is the means, and transformation is the result.
* **εἰκών (eikōn, `{{G1504}}`):** "Image." [[2 Corinthians 3:18]] states that believers are transformed into the "same image" (of Christ). This highlights the ultimate goal of Christian transformation: increasing conformity to the character and glory of Christ, who is the perfect image of God.
* **Sanctification:** The theological process of being made holy, which is precisely what the spiritual μεταμορφόω describes. It is the progressive work of God and the believer by which the believer is made more and more like Christ in character.
### Theological Significance
The concept of μεταμορφόω holds profound theological significance, encompassing both Christology and Soteriology.
* **Christological Significance:** The Transfiguration of Jesus affirms His inherent divinity and foreshadows His resurrected glory. It was a pivotal moment for the disciples, strengthening their faith in His true identity and preparing them for the scandal of the cross by revealing the ultimate triumph that awaited Him. It also connects Jesus to the Old Covenant, with Moses and Elijah appearing, signifying that He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
* **Soteriological Significance (Sanctification):** For believers, μεταμορφόω underscores the dynamic, active, and progressive nature of sanctification. It is not a static state achieved at conversion but an ongoing, lifelong process of internal change.
* **Divine Agency and Human Responsibility:** The passive voice in the New Testament uses of μεταμορφόω for believers highlights that this transformation is primarily a work of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. However, it also demands human cooperation, particularly through the "renewing of the mind" ([[Romans 12:2]]), which implies a conscious effort to align one's thoughts, values, and desires with God's truth.
* **Purpose and Goal:** The purpose of this spiritual transformation is to move away from conformity to the world's fallen patterns and to progressively conform to the image of Christ ([[2 Corinthians 3:18]]). This enables believers to discern and live according to God's good, acceptable, and perfect will. It is a journey from initial salvation to ultimate glorification, where believers will fully bear the image of their glorified Lord.
### Summary
μεταμορφόω (metamorphóō, `{{G3339}}`) signifies a profound, intrinsic change of form or nature. In the New Testament, it is used to describe two crucial theological realities: the physical manifestation of Jesus' inherent divine glory at His Transfiguration ([[Matthew 17:2]], [[Mark 9:2]]) and the spiritual, ethical transformation of believers ([[Romans 12:2]], [[2 Corinthians 3:18]]). For believers, this transformation is a continuous, Spirit-empowered process of renewing the mind and progressively conforming to the image of Christ, moving from one degree of glory to another. It denotes a radical departure from worldly patterns and an embrace of God's will and character, reflecting both divine agency and human cooperation in the journey of sanctification. The word emphasizes that true change is not superficial but penetrates to the very core of one's being, resulting in a fundamental alteration of character and purpose.
TRV