μορφή
morphḗ
G3444 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primary meaning: form, outward shape or appearance. In wider usage, refers to the visible or external manifestation by which something or someone is recognized. In philosophical and literary contexts, can include the essential nature that is expressed in observable form. In some contexts, the word refers specifically to the mode or manner in which a thing exists or is perceived (especially as distinct from 'substance' or internal reality).
Semantic Range
form, visible shape, external appearance, manifestation, mode of existence, expression of essential character
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root μορφ- (morph-), of uncertain further origin; not securely linked to μέρος (part), but possibly related through a shared Indo-European background. Used extensively in Greek literature and philosophical discourse.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μορφή appears in both general Greek literature and technical philosophical vocabulary. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, commonly denotes the external form, shape, or figure of a person or object—what is visible to the eye. In philosophical contexts (notably Plato and Aristotle), μορφή may contrast with ἰδέα (idea) or εἶδος (kind, form), sometimes signifying the particular structure as distinct from matter (ὕλη). In the Septuagint, μορφή is rarely used, generally describing visible form (e.g., Daniel 3:19). In the New Testament, the term is especially notable in Philippians 2:6–7, where it conveys not merely physical appearance but the expression or manifestation of an underlying reality, as in "the form of God" and "the form of a servant." Standard translations with 'form' may not convey the full philosophical resonance, especially in these contexts. μορφή does not simply mean 'shape' in the sense of outline, but the embodiment or visible expression of a thing's character or essence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from the base of μέρος (through the idea of adjustment of parts); shape; figuratively, nature:--form.
Root Family
μορφ- (metamorphóō) — to form, to shape, to change form
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G3339 | μεταμορφόω | we are being transformed |
| G3445 | μορφόω | may be shaped |
| G3446 | μόρφωσις | outward form |
| G4832 | σύμμορφος | like-formed |
| G4833 | συμμορφόω | being made similar in form |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3444-01 |
μορφῇ | morphe | N DAT F SG |
form | in outward form | form | 2 |
G3444-02 |
μορφὴν | morphen | N ACC F SG |
form | outward form | form | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3444-01 |
Mark 16:12 | μορφῇ | morphe | N DAT F SG |
form | in outward form | form |
G3444-01 |
Philippians 2:6 | μορφῇ | morphe | N DAT F SG |
form | in outward form | outward form |
G3444-02 |
Philippians 2:7 | μορφὴν | morphen | N ACC F SG |
form | outward form | form |