### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συσχηματίζω (suschēmatízō, `{{G4964}}`) is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and σχῆμα (schēma), which denotes "form," "outward appearance," or "fashion." The literal meaning is "to fashion together" or "to conform to the same pattern." It describes the act of aligning oneself with an external mold or pattern, adopting its outward shape or prevailing fashion. The key nuance lies in the term σχῆμα, which often refers to a transient, superficial, or external appearance, in contrast to μορφή (morphē, `{{G3444}}`), which signifies an intrinsic, essential nature. Therefore, συσχηματίζω implies an active process of adapting one's outward behavior, attitudes, or lifestyle to a given standard, often one that is societal, cultural, or temporal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
συσχηματίζω (suschēmatízō) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in a prohibitive imperative, underscoring a critical ethical and spiritual command for believers:
1. **[[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 phrase μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ ("do not be conformed to this age/world") stands in stark contrast to μεταμορφοῦσθε ("be transformed," `{{G3339}}`). The "world" (αἰών, aiōn, `{{G165}}`) refers not merely to the physical cosmos but to the present evil age with its prevailing ungodly values, customs, and philosophies. The prohibition warns believers against adopting the transient, superficial patterns of this age. Paul calls for an inner, radical change (transformation of the mind) rather than a mere outward conformity. This transformation enables believers to discern and live out God's will, which is intrinsically good, pleasing, and perfect, in opposition to the fallen patterns of the world.
2. **[[1 Peter 1:14]]**: "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance."
* Peter addresses believers as "obedient children," urging them not to revert to their previous way of life. The prohibition μὴ συσχηματιζόμενοι ταῖς πρότερον ἐν τῇ ἀγνοίᾳ ὑμῶν ἐπιθυμίαις ("not being conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance") emphasizes the rejection of a past, ungodly pattern of behavior. The "former lusts" (ἐπιθυμίαι, epithymiai, `{{G1939}}`) represent the external manifestations and practices of their unregenerate state, which they are now called to abandon in light of their new identity in Christ and the divine call to holiness (cf. [[1 Peter 1:16]]). The context is one of sanctification and a decisive break from the past.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō, `{{G3339}}`): "to transform," "to change into another form." This word, used in direct antithesis in [[Romans 12:2]], describes an internal, essential change, a radical alteration of nature, as opposed to the external conformity implied by συσχηματίζω.
* μορφή (morphē, `{{G3444}}`): "form," "nature," "essence." While σχῆμα (schēma) refers to outward appearance, μορφή denotes the inherent, essential nature. The contrast between σχῆμα and μορφή highlights that Christian transformation is not a mere change of outward behavior but a renewal of one's core being.
* **Related Concepts:**
* ὁμοιόω (homoioō, `{{G3666}}`): "to make like," "to resemble." This is a broader term for likeness, which could be superficial or profound.
* μιμέομαι (mimeomai, `{{G3401}}`): "to imitate," "to mimic." This implies intentional copying, often of a specific person or action (e.g., "be imitators of God," [[Ephesians 5:1]]).
* περίπατος (peripatos, `{{G4043}}`): "walk," "conduct," "way of life." This term often describes the practical outworking of one's beliefs, which can either conform to the world or to God's will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συσχηματίζω is profound, particularly in its consistent negative imperative. It underscores the radical distinction between the kingdom of God and the patterns of the fallen world, calling believers to a life of distinctiveness and holiness.
1. **Radical Discipleship and Counter-Cultural Living:** The command "do not be conformed" is a foundational principle of Christian discipleship. It calls believers to a counter-cultural existence, refusing to allow the prevailing norms, values, and fashions of the world to dictate their identity or behavior. This non-conformity is not mere asceticism but a deliberate choice to align with God's perfect will and eternal truth.
2. **Internal Transformation as Primary:** The juxtaposition with "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" in [[Romans 12:2]] highlights that true Christian living is not about superficial religious observance or outward moralism, but about a deep, internal renewal of one's entire thought process and worldview. This inner change then naturally leads to outward expressions that are distinct from the world. Without this inner transformation, any external conformity to Christian practices would be a mere σχῆμα (schēma) – an outward show lacking genuine substance.
3. **Holiness and Separation from Sin:** In [[1 Peter 1:14]], the word reinforces the call to holiness. Believers are called to be set apart from their former sinful ways and from the world's ungodly desires. This separation is active and intentional, a turning away from the patterns of ignorance and lust that characterized their pre-conversion lives. It is a necessary aspect of living as God's "obedient children," reflecting His own holy character.
4. **Critique of the "Age":** The term implicitly points to the transient nature of the "present evil age" (αἰών, aiōn). Believers are not to invest their identity or hope in a system that is passing away. Their true citizenship and allegiance are to a different kingdom, one whose patterns are eternal and divine, standing in judgment of the world's fleeting forms.
### Summary
συσχηματίζω (suschēmatízō, `{{G4964}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to fashion alike" or "to conform to the same pattern." Its two New Testament occurrences, both in the negative imperative, serve as crucial exhortations against external conformity to the fallen world and its transient values. In [[Romans 12:2]], it stands in direct opposition to internal "transformation" (μεταμορφόω, `{{G3339}}`), emphasizing that genuine Christian living is not about adopting superficial worldly patterns but about a radical renewal of the mind that leads to discerning and living God's will. In [[1 Peter 1:14]], it underscores the call to holiness, urging believers not to revert to the "former lusts" and patterns of their pre-conversion "ignorance." The word thus highlights the imperative for believers to live a counter-cultural existence, distinct from the world's fleeting σχήματα (schēmata), grounded instead in an internal, God-wrought transformation and a commitment to His eternal standards.
TRV