Strong's Lexicon morphé: Form, appearance, nature Original Word: μορφή Word Origin: Derived from the root μορφ- (morph-), which relates to form or shape. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "morphé," the concept of form or appearance can be related to Hebrew words like תָּבְנִית (tabnith - Strong's 8403) meaning pattern or form, and צֶלֶם (tselem - Strong's 6754) meaning image or likeness. Usage: In the New Testament, "morphé" refers to the essential form or nature of something, particularly in a way that is visible or manifest. It is used to describe the outward expression of an inner reality. The term implies more than just external appearance; it encompasses the true essence or nature of a being. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek philosophy, "morphé" was often contrasted with "eidos" (idea or form) and "hylē" (matter), reflecting the philosophical discussions about the nature of reality and appearance. In the context of the New Testament, "morphé" is used to convey the divine nature and essence of Christ, particularly in relation to His incarnation and His pre-existent divine form. HELPS Word-studies 3444 morphḗ – properly, form (outward expression) that embodies essential (inner) substance so that the form is in complete harmony with the inner essence. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition form, shape NASB Translation form (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3444: μορφήμορφή, μορφῆς, ἡ (from root signifying 'to lay hold of', 'seize' (cf. German Fassung); Fick, Part i., p. 174; Vanicek, p. 719), from Homer down, the form by which a person or thing strikes the vision; the external appearance: children are said to reflect ψυχῆς τέ καί μορφῆς ὁμοιότητα (of their parents), 4 Macc. 15:3 (4); ἐφανερώθη ἐν ἑτέρα μορφή, Mark 16:12; ἐν μορφή Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων, Philippians 2:6; μορφήν δούλου λαβών, Philippians 2:7; — this whole passage (as I have shown more fully in the Zeitschr. f. wissensch. Theol. for 1873, pp. 33ff, with which compare the different view given by Holsten in the Jahrbb. f. protest. Theol. for 1875, p. 449ff) is to be explained as follows: who, although (formerly when he was λόγος ἄσαρκος) "he bore the form (in which he appeared to the inhabitants of heaven) of God (the sovereign, opposed to μορφή δούλου), yet did not think that this equality with God was to be eagerly clung to or retained (see ἁρπαγμός, 2), but emptied himself of it (see κενόω, 1) so as to assume the form of a servant, in that he became like unto men (for angels also are δοῦλοι τοῦ Θεοῦ, Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8f) and was found in fashion as a man". (God μένει ἀεί ἁπλῶς ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ μορφή, Plato, de rep. 2, p. 381 c., and it is denied that God φαντάζεσθαι ἄλλοτε ἐν ἀλλαις ἰδέαις ... καί ἀλλαττοντα τό αὐτοῦ εἶδος εἰς πολλάς μορφας ... καί τῆς ἑαυτοῦ ἰδεας ἐκβαίνειν, p. 380 d.; ἡκιστ' ἄν πολλάς μορφας ἰσχοι ὁ Θεός, p. 381 b.; ἑνός σώματος οὐσίαν μετασχηματίζειν καί μεταχαράττειν εἰς πολυτροπους μορφας, Philo leg. ad Gaium § 11; οὐ γάρ ὥσπερ τό νόμισμα παρακομμα καί Θεοῦ μορφή γίνεται, ibid. § 14 at the end; God ἔργοις μέν καί χαρισιν ἐνεργής καί παντός ὁυτινοσουν φανερωτερος, μορφήν δέ καί μέγεθος ἡμῖν ἀφανεστατος, Josephus, contra Apion 2, 22, 2.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance form. Perhaps from the base of meros (through the idea of adjustment of parts); shape; figuratively, nature -- form. see GREEK meros Forms and Transliterations μορφη μορφή μορφῇ μορφην μορφήν μορφὴν morphe morphē morphêi morphē̂i morphen morphēn morphḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 16:12 N-DFSGRK: ἐν ἑτέρᾳ μορφῇ πορευομένοις εἰς NAS: in a different form to two KJV: in another form unto two of INT: in another form going into Philippians 2:6 N-DFS Philippians 2:7 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3444 |
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