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μόρφωσις (G3446) — outward form, semblance, shape

Part of the 2 Timothy 3:1–5 Vice List study

Contents

Overview

Field Value
Strong's G3446
Greek μόρφωσις
Transliteration morphosis
Gloss outward form, semblance, shape
2 Tim 3 verse 3:5
KJV rendering "form"
NT occurrences 2 (2 books)
LXX occurrences (canonical) 0

Etymology and Semantic Range

From μορφόω (to form, shape) — related to μορφή (form, appearance). μόρφωσις denotes the external shape or outward appearance, with no implication of inner reality.

Two NT occurrences: 2 Tim 3:5 and Rom 2:20 (the Jew who has "the form of knowledge and truth in the law"). In both cases μόρφωσις is the external form without the inner substance.

OT / LXX Background

No LXX occurrences. The Hebrew Bible uses צֶלֶם (image, form; Gen 1:26–27) and תָּאַר (outward appearance; 1Sa 16:7 — "man looks on the outward appearance").

NT Distribution

Theological Note

"Having the form of godliness but denying its power" (v.5) is the culminating charge: all the preceding vices are not from obviously secular people but from those who maintain a religious veneer. This verse is the key to why Paul has listed these vices — they describe people inside the church community, not outside it.

NT Occurrences

Reference Greek form KJV text
Rom 2:20 μόρφωσιν An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law…
2Ti 3:5 μόρφωσιν Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.