μετασχηματίζω (metaschēmatizō)
metaschēmatizō
to transform
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb metaschēmatizō describes a change in outward appearance or fashion rather than an internal nature. In Philippians 3:21, it illustrates how Christ will transform our lowly bodies to resemble His glorious body, emphasizing the visible shift in form. The word appears only five times in the New Testament, highlighting its specific focus on external presentation.
Paul uses this term in a striking way in 1 Corinthians 4:6 and 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 to describe deception. He warns against individuals who masquerade as servants of righteousness or angels of light. Here, the word implies a rhetorical trick or a false appearance adopted to mislead observers, contrasting sharply with genuine character.
Its etymology combines "meta" (change) and "schema" (form). This distinguishes it from related words that imply deeper structural transformation. Translators often render it as "transform," but the Greek nuance points more toward a change in style or guise, whether for glorification or concealment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word metaschēmatizō reminds us that outward appearances can be deceiving. In our daily lives, we often judge people by their surface-level presentation, but this term warns against trusting masks. Paul uses it to describe false teachers who masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their external form looks correct, yet their hearts are far from God. This challenges us to look beyond the visible and seek genuine character in others.
Yet there is hope in this same word for believers. In Philippians 3:21, Paul describes how Christ will transform our lowly bodies. Here, the change is not a disguise but a true glorification. Our current struggles and limitations are temporary. One day, we will wear a form that reflects His glory perfectly. This promise steadies our hearts when we feel weak or unseen.
We do not need to craft false guises to be accepted. God sees the reality beneath the surface. He invites us to rest in His work rather than performing for approval. As we wait for that final transformation, we can live with integrity, knowing our true worth is secured in Christ alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will transform1×
- masquerades1×
- masquerade1×
- disguising themselves1×
- I have applied1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μετεσχημάτισα1×
- μετασχηματίσει1×
- μετασχηματίζονται1×
- μετασχηματίζεται1×
- μετασχηματιζόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
This verse uses the word to describe Satan masquerading as an angel of light, showing how deception can mimic truth.
-
Philippians 3:21
who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.
Here the term describes Christ’s power to change our humble bodies into glorious ones, highlighting a positive and ultimate transformation.
-
II Corinthians 11:15
It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Paul warns that even Satan’s servants masquerade as righteous, proving that external correctness does not guarantee internal purity.