συσχηματίζω (suschēmatizō)
suschēmatizō
to conform to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb suschēmatizō means to shape one’s outward behavior or character to match a specific pattern. It combines a prefix meaning "together with" and a root related to visible form, suggesting an active alignment with an external model rather than passive imitation. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, yet it carries significant weight in both instances.
In Romans 12:2, Paul urges believers not to be conformed to the world’s pattern but to be transformed by the renewal of their minds. Here, the term describes adopting the prevailing cultural mold. Conversely, in 1 Peter 1:14, the author commands Christians to live as obedient children who do not conform to the former lusts they had in ignorance. The contrast highlights a deliberate choice to reject old habits and adopt a new, holy standard.
Translators often render this word as "conform," which can sometimes imply mere external compliance. However, the Greek sense involves a deeper shaping of one’s entire manner of life. Whether rejecting worldly pressures or leaving behind sinful pasts, the word points to a tangible reorientation of daily conduct toward a divine ideal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word suschēmatizō describes a deep shaping of our outward life to match an inner pattern. It is more than simple imitation; it suggests allowing a specific mold to define how we move through the world. In Romans 12:2, Paul warns against being conformed to this age. He uses this term to describe the pressure to adopt the world’s values as if they were our own natural shape.
Instead of shrinking into that familiar pattern, we are invited to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. This change begins internally and flows outward into our daily conduct. It is a gentle but firm call to let God’s truth reshape our habits, thoughts, and actions until they reflect His character rather than cultural trends.
This same idea appears in 1 Peter 1:14, where believers are urged not to conform to former lusts born of ignorance. The choice is clear: we can either be shaped by the passing world or by the enduring truth of Christ. This reorientation offers a path toward genuine freedom and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fashioning yourselves1×
- do be conformed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συσχηματίζεσθε1×
- συσχηματιζόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 12:2
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Paul uses this term to define the negative pressure of adopting the world's prevailing cultural mold, contrasting it with positive transformation.
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I Peter 1:14
as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,
Peter commands believers to actively reject conformity to their past sinful habits, framing obedience as a deliberate departure from former ignorance.