"to change the external form, transfigure; mid. to change one’s form, be transfigured, Mt. 17:2; Mk. 9:2; to undergo a spiritual transformation Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18*"
Definition and meaning
to change the external form, transfigure; mid. to change one’s form, be transfigured, Mt. 17:2; Mk. 9:2; to undergo a spiritual transformation Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18*
In the original Greek the word is written: μεταμορφόω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of metamorphoo (G3339) across the King James Bible.
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3339 (metamorphoo) is a Greek word that means: to change the external form, transfigure; mid. to change one’s form, be transfigured, Mt. 17:2; Mk. 9:2; to undergo a spiritual transformation Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word metamorphoo (G3339) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3339 is metamorphoo, a Greek word defined as: to change the external form, transfigure; mid. to change one’s form, be transfigured, Mt. 17:2; Mk. 9:2; to undergo a spiritual transformation Rom. 12. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
metamorphoo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.