σχῆμα (schēma)
schēma
form
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun schēma refers to the outward form or appearance of a person, encompassing physical figure, manner of life, and general bearing. It describes the visible "habitus" that strikes the senses, distinct from inner substance. In Philippians 2:8, Paul uses it to describe how Jesus took on the shape of a servant, adopting the external characteristics of human existence rather than remaining in divine glory.
This word appears only once in the New Testament outside that passage, in 1 Corinthians 7:31. There, Paul urges believers to recognize that "the form of this world is passing away." Here, schēma highlights the temporary nature of earthly structures and appearances. The term is closely related to morphē (form/essence), but while morphē points to inherent nature, schēma focuses on the external manifestation or fashion in which that nature is expressed.
Translators often render it as "form," "shape," or "appearance." The lexical data notes its use in the Septuagint (Isaiah 3:17) for headbands, showing a concrete sense of adornment. However, Paul’s usage shifts the focus to transient worldly conditions. The word reminds readers that external circumstances and social structures are fleeting, urging a perspective that looks beyond immediate appearances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word schēma points to the outward shape or appearance of things around us. It describes how life looks on the surface, rather than what is happening deep inside. In our daily routines, we often focus heavily on these external forms—our status, our possessions, and the current trends of society.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians that this outward form is temporary. He teaches that the structures and appearances of this world are passing away. This truth offers a gentle relief. It invites you to place your trust in what endures, rather than worrying too much about how things look right now.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- present form1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σχῆμα1×