σχῆμα
schēma
G4976 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Form, outward appearance, external shape or figure; specifically, the visible or perceived form of something as opposed to its underlying nature or substance. In literary and philosophical contexts, also refers to the manner, mode, or configuration by which something is presented or exists. Can be used of both physical appearance and metaphorical presentations, such as social or situational roles or conditions.
Semantic Range
outward form, external appearance, fashion, figure, configuration, mode of existence, external condition, manner of presentation, transient aspect
Root / Etymology
From the alternate aorist stem σχ- of ἔχω (to have, to hold), meaning 'that which is held or taken on,' with a nominal suffix -μα, forming nouns of result or means.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σχῆμα primarily denoted the shape, figure, or appearance of a physical object, sometimes extending to include fashion, style, or demeanor (e.g., Plato, Aristotle). In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:31; Philippians 2:8), it often referred not to the intrinsic nature (οὐσία, φύσις) but rather to the outward presentation or the way something appeared to the observer. In philosophical discussions, σχῆμα was contrasted with μορφή (morphē): μορφή denoted the essential form or nature, while σχῆμα emphasized the external or alterable shape, sometimes even a temporary state or guise. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the word can bear the sense of the world's temporary 'fashion' or mode, highlighting transience or outwardness, in distinction from an inner or unchanging reality. English translations like 'fashion' or 'form' often render the term but may not capture its nuance of outwardness and mutability.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the alternate of ἔχω; a figure (as a mode or circumstance), i.e. (by implication) external condition:--fashion.
Root Family
σχ- (schedón) — to have, to hold (as base meanings for the root)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4975 | σχεδόν | nearly |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4976-01 |
σχῆμα | schema | N NOM N SG |
form | outward form | outward form | 1 |
G4976-02 |
σχήματι | schemati | N DAT N SG |
appearance | in outward form | appearance | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4976-01 |
1 Corinthians 7:31 | σχῆμα | schema | N NOM N SG |
form | outward form | outward form |
G4976-02 |
Philippians 2:7 | σχήματι | schemati | N DAT N SG |
appearance | in outward form | appearance |