4964. suschématizó

Lexical Summary

suschématizó: To conform, to fashion oneself according to

Original Word: συσχηματίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: suschématizó
Pronunciation: soos-khay-mat-ID-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (soos-khay-mat-id'-zo)
KJV: conform to, fashion self according to
NASB: conformed
Word Origin: [from G4862 (σύν - along) and a derivative of G4976 (σχῆμα - appearance)]

1. to fashion alike, i.e. conform to the same pattern (figuratively)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

conform to, fashion self according to.

From sun and a derivative of schema; to fashion alike, i.e. Conform to the same pattern (figuratively) -- conform to, fashion self according to.

see GREEK sun

see GREEK schema

HELPS Word-studies

4964 sysxēmatízō (from 4862 /sýn, "identified with" and sxēmatizō, "having outward shape") – properly, assuming a similar outward form (expression) by following the same pattern (model, mold).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sun and schématizó (to assume a certain form, figure)
Definition
to conform to
NASB Translation
conformed (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4964: συσχηματίζω

συσχηματίζω (WH συνχηματίζω (so T in Romans, Tr in 1 Peter; cf. σύν, II. at the end)): present passive, συσχηματίζομαι; (σχηματίζω, to form); a later Greek word; to conform ((Aristotle, top. 6, 14, p. 151b, 8; Plutarch, de profect. in virt. 12, p. 83 b.)); passive reflexively, τίνι, to conform oneself (i. e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern (fashion oneself according to (cf. Lightfoot's Commentary on Philippians, p. 130f)): Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:14 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 352 (330f)). (πρός τί, Plutarch, Numbers 20 common text.)

Topical Lexicon

Linguistic and Conceptual Overview

The verb συσχηματίζω depicts the outward act of taking on a shape that mirrors an existing model. Far from describing a deep, inward transformation, the term stresses exterior alignment with a pattern—whether that pattern be the fallen age’s customs or the holiness of God. In both of its New Testament occurrences the word is framed in the present middle or passive imperative, highlighting an ongoing, conscious choice regarding one’s visible conduct.

New Testament Contexts

Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”. Paul contrasts surface conformity with inner metamorphosis wrought by divine renewal. The command draws a line between living by the transient standards of “this age” and living by the enduring will of God.

1 Peter 1:14: “As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.”. Peter exhorts dispersed believers to break with the pre-conversion mold shaped by ignorance and lust. The apostle’s focus is distinctly eschatological: holy non-conformity now prepares for the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13).

Theological Significance

1. Two Ages in Conflict: Both passages place συσχηματίζω in the arena of a cosmic tension between “this age” (Romans 12:2) and the age to come (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:13). Visible conformity to the world signals allegiance to the passing age; refusal to conform proclaims citizenship in the kingdom that cannot be shaken.
2. Holiness as Visibility: Scripture does not endorse an invisible, privatized faith. By warning against external conformity, the writers assume that Christian distinctiveness must be observable in speech, dress, ethics, and corporate worship.
3. The Priority of the Inner over the Outer: While the verb addresses outward patterns, both passages ground the command in an inner work of grace—“the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2) and the new identity of “obedient children” (1 Peter 1:14). The gospel changes the heart, which then refuses worldly masquerade.

Pastoral and Ethical Implications

• Moral Discernment: Pastors must train believers to identify cultural norms that conflict with scriptural truth, whether in entertainment, sexuality, or materialism.
• Corporate Witness: Local congregations are to model a counter-cultural community whose liturgy, stewardship, and mutual love expose the emptiness of secular patterns.
• Ongoing Vigilance: Because the present imperative signals continuous action, non-conformity is not a one-time decision but a daily discipline empowered by the Spirit.

Old Testament Resonances

Israel was repeatedly warned not to imitate surrounding nations (Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 18:9). The prophets exposed conformity to pagan patterns as covenant infidelity. Paul and Peter carry this prophetic trajectory into the new covenant, applying it to the multinational people of God.

Historical Interpretation

Early Church Fathers—such as Tertullian in “De Spectaculis”—invoked Romans 12:2 to argue against Christian attendance at gladiatorial games. The Reformers echoed the same principle when critiquing corrupt ecclesiastical practices that mirrored worldly power structures. Throughout revival movements, from the Puritans to modern evangelical awakenings, συσχηματίζω has been a rallying cry for visible holiness.

Contemporary Ministry Application

1. Discipleship Curricula: Integrating Romans 12 and 1 Peter 1 in catechesis roots new believers in a biblical anthropology that resists consumeristic identity formation.
2. Cultural Engagement: Rather than retreating, the church enters public life with transformed minds, offering creative alternatives to the age’s broken paradigms.
3. Counseling and Sanctification: In addressing addictive behaviors or identity confusion, counselors call counselees to renounce outward patterns that reinforce sin and to practice disciplines that shape them into Christ’s likeness.

Conclusion

Strong’s 4964 confronts every generation of Christians with an urgent question: Will we allow our lives to be molded by a world that is passing away, or will we display, in observable ways, the holiness of the God who has redeemed us? Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 1:14 together present conformity as a matter of daily allegiance, inviting believers to a visible apartness that magnifies the gospel’s transforming power.

Forms and Transliterations

συνσχηματιζεσθε συνσχηματίζεσθε συνσχηματιζομενοι συνσχηματιζόμενοι συσχηματίζεσθε συσχηματιζόμενοι suschematizesthe suschēmatizesthe suschematizomenoi suschēmatizomenoi syschematizesthe syschematízesthe syschēmatizesthe syschēmatízesthe syschematizomenoi syschematizómenoi syschēmatizomenoi syschēmatizómenoi

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 12:2 V-PMM/P-2P
GRK: καὶ μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι
NAS: And do not be conformed to this world,
KJV: be not conformed to this world:
INT: And not fashion yourselves to the age

1 Peter 1:14 V-PPM/P-NMP
GRK: ὑπακοῆς μὴ συσχηματιζόμενοι ταῖς πρότερον
NAS: children, do not be conformed to the former
KJV: not fashioning yourselves according to the former
INT: of obedience not fashioning yourselves to the former

Strong's Greek 4964
2 Occurrences

συσχηματίζεσθε — 1 Occ.
συσχηματιζόμενοι — 1 Occ.