Word Study for G3345 (μετασχηματίζω)

metaschēmatízō /met-askh-ay-mat-id'-zo/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom μετά and a derivative of σχῆμα

Meaningto transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation)

KJV usagetransfer, transform (self).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of metaschēmatízō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word metaschēmatízō, represented by G3345, means to transfigure, disguise, or figuratively, to apply by accommodation. Its base components are μετά and a derivative of σχῆμα. This word appears 5 times in 5 unique verses, often carrying the meaning of changing one's form or appearance, either for deception or for glorious transformation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the New Testament, G3345 is used in distinct and contrasting ways. It is used multiple times to describe a deceptive change of appearance. For example, Paul warns of false apostles G5570 who are "transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ" 2 Corinthians 11:13. He states this is no surprise, for "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light" 2 Corinthians 11:14. In a positive context, the word signifies a future, divine change, where Christ "shall change our vile body" into a glorious one Philippians 3:21. Paul also uses it figuratively, stating he has "in a figure transferred" a teaching to himself and Apollos for the benefit of the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 4:6.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G3345 is used:

G5570 pseudapóstolos (a spurious apostle, i.e. pretended pracher): This word describes the very people who deceptively transform themselves, setting up the central conflict in 2 Corinthians 11:13.
G1249 diákonos (a Christian teacher and pastor): This term is used for the "ministers of righteousness" that Satan's followers imitate, showing the target of their disguise 2 Corinthians 11:15.
G32 ángelos (a messenger; especially an "angel"): This is the form Satan assumes in his transformation, becoming an "angel of light" to deceive 2 Corinthians 11:14.
G5014 tapeínōsis (depression (in rank or feeling)): This describes our current "vile" or "low estate" body which is destined for a glorious transformation by Christ Philippians 3:21.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G3345 is centered on the theme of appearance versus reality.

Spiritual Deception: The word serves as a stark warning about the reality of evil masquerading as good. Satan and his ministers G1249 are capable of being transformed to appear as ministers of righteousness G1343, a caution against judging by outward appearances alone 2 Corinthians 11:15.
Ultimate Glorification: In contrast to temporary and deceitful changes, the word points to the believer's ultimate hope. The promise that Christ will change G3345 our lowly bodies highlights God's power to bring about a true and permanent transformation Philippians 3:21.
Pastoral Application: Paul's use of the term to "transfer" a principle shows how abstract truths can be applied to specific situations for the purpose of teaching and correction within the church 1 Corinthians 4:6.

Summary

In summary, G3345 is a multifaceted word that encapsulates the critical biblical concept of transformation. It warns of the deceptive disguises used by forces of evil, while simultaneously offering the profound hope of a future, divine transfiguration for the believer. Its use demonstrates how a change in form can be either a tool of deceit or the ultimate expression of redemptive power.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Middle Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Present Middle Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Middle Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future: Action yet to take place.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Middle: The subject acts on or for itself.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in 2 Corinthians (3 verses); never once in the other 24.

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Philippians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.