σύμμορφος (summorphos)
summorphos
conformed
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective summorphos describes a state of being shaped in the same form as another. Derived from the prefix sum- (meaning "with" or "together") and morphē ("form"), it literally translates to "conformed to." In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both within the letters of Paul, carrying a weight that goes beyond simple similarity.
In Romans 8:29, Paul explains that God predestined believers to be summorphos to His Son. Here, the word indicates that Christians are being molded into the very likeness of Christ, sharing in His nature and character. Later, in Philippians 3:21, Paul looks forward to the future when Jesus will transform our lowly bodies to be summorphos to His glorious body. This usage highlights a physical and spiritual transformation, where the believer’s existence is reshaped to match the resurrected form of Christ.
Translators typically render this word as "conformed" or "transformed," emphasizing that the change is structural and essential rather than superficial. The term suggests an active process of being shaped by God, resulting in a deep alignment with the image of Jesus. This theological concept anchors the Christian hope of resurrection in the reality of becoming like Christ in both spirit and body.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word summorphos describes a deep, structural shaping into the likeness of another. It is not merely about looking similar on the surface, but about having one’s inner nature and form aligned with someone else’s. In Romans 8:29, Paul uses this term to show that God’s purpose for believers is to be molded into the very image of His Son. This is a promise of transformation that touches every part of who we are.
This hope extends beyond our current spiritual state to include our physical bodies. Philippians 3:21 assures us that Jesus will transform our lowly bodies to be conformed to His glorious body. This means the change is complete, affecting both spirit and flesh. It offers a steady confidence that God is actively working to make us like Christ, now and in the future.
When you face difficulties or wait for healing, remember this shaping process. You are being formed into something new and enduring. The same power that raised Jesus is at work in you, guiding you toward that final likeness. This promise anchors your hope in God’s faithful character rather than your own strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- conformed to1×
- conformed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύμμορφον1×
- συμμόρφους1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:29
For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
This verse establishes the foundational purpose of God's predestination, defining it as the process of molding believers into the exact image of Christ.
-
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 looks forward to the eschatological transformation of physical bodies, linking believer's future glory directly to Jesus' resurrected form.