συσχηματίζω
syschēmatízō
G4964 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To assume the same form or appearance as another, to conform oneself outwardly to a model, pattern, or external standard; in figurative usage, to adapt outward conduct or behaviors to match those of another or to a prevailing pattern, without necessarily implying internal change. The primary sense involves external conformity or imitation in behavior, style, or appearance, especially in response to social or ethical norms.
Semantic Range
to conform externally, to imitate outwardly, to assume the customs or style of another, to adapt oneself to a pattern, to follow a model in appearance or behavior
Root / Etymology
From σύν ('with, together') and the verb σχηματίζω ('to form, shape, fashion'), itself derived from σχῆμα ('form, outward appearance'). The compound thus means 'to shape with (another)', i.e., to conform together with.
Historical & Contextual Notes
συσχηματίζω is uncommon in classical Greek, where the verb σχηματίζω ('to shape, fashion, form') is more frequently attested. Its documented use in Hellenistic and Koine contexts is primarily metaphorical, often referring to outward or surface conformity, rather than deep or essential transformation (for which μεταμορφόω is more typical). In the New Testament (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:14), it conveys the idea of not merely an internal disposition but adapting one's external behavior, manner, or customs to prevailing norms (e.g., the world or former behaviors). Standard English translations such as "conform" or "be conformed" capture part of the sense, but may miss the emphasis on external appearance or patterning. The distinction is sharpened in contrast with μετασχηματίζω ('to transform [outward form]'), and especially with μεταμορφόω ('to transform [fundamentally, inwardly]'). The term thus signals mimicry or outward adaptation, not transformation of intrinsic nature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and a derivative of σχῆμα; to fashion alike, i.e. conform to the same pattern (figuratively):--conform to, fashion self according to.
Root Family
σχηματ- (syschēmatízō) — to fashion, to form, to shape
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4964-01 |
συνσχηματίζεσθε | sunschematizesthe | V PRS MID IMP 2P PL |
be conformed | be shaping yourselves with | be conforming yourselves to | 1 |
G4964-02 |
συνσχηματιζόμενοι | sunschematizomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
be conformed | conforming yourselves outwardly | conforming yourselves outwardly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4964-01 |
Romans 12:2 | συνσχηματίζεσθε | sunschematizesthe | V PRS MID IMP 2P PL |
be conformed | be shaping yourselves with | be conforming yourselves to |
G4964-02 |
1 Peter 1:14 | συνσχηματιζόμενοι | sunschematizomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
be conformed | conforming yourselves outwardly | conforming yourselves outwardly |