Quick Definition
form, outline
Strong's Definition
formation, i.e. (by implication), appearance (semblance or (concretely) formula)
Derivation: from G3445 (μορφόω);
KJV Usage: form
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
μόρφωσις, μορφωσεως, ἡ (μορφόω);
1. a forming, shaping: τῶν δένδρων, Theophrastus,
c. pl. 3, 7 , 4 .
2. form; i. e.
a. the mere form, semblance: εὐσεβείας, 2Ti_3:5.
b. the form befitting the thing or truly expressing the fact, the very form: τῆς γνώσεως καί τῆς ἀληθείας, Rom_2:20.
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
μόρφωσις morphōsis 2x
pr. a shaping, moulding; in NT external form, appearance, 2Ti_3:5 ;
a settled form. prescribed system, Rom_2:20
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
† μόρφωσις , -εως , ἡ
( < μορφόω ),
1. a forming, shaping (Theophr.).
2. form, outline, semblance: Rom_2:20 ; opp . to δύναμις , 2Ti_3:5 .†
SYN.: μορφή G3444 ( q.v. ), σχῆμα G4976 .
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
μόρφωσις [page 418]
Pallis ad Rom_2:20 regards μόρφωσιν as probably a Stoical term = παίδευσιν , education, and compares μορφωμένος in MGr applied to a well-educated person. With 2Ti_3:5 cf. Philo De Plantat. 70 (ed. Wendland) ἐπεὶ καὶ νῦν εἰσί τινες τῶν ἐπιμορφαζόντων εὐσέβειαν , οἳ τὸ πρόχειρον τοῦ λόγου παρασυκοφαντοῦσι φάσκοντες οὔθ᾽ ὅσιον οὔτ᾽ ἀσφαλὲς εἶναι λέγειν ἀνθρώπου θεὸν κλῆρον . The subst. μόρφωμα is found quinquies in Aquila s version of the OT : see H R s.v.
Liddell-Scott — Intermediate Greek Lexicon
μόρφωσις μόρφωσις, ιος, ἡ, "form, semblance", NTest.
STEPBible — Tyndale Abridged Greek Lexicon
μόρφωσις, -εως, ἡ
(μορφόω),
__1. a forming, shaping (Theophr.).
__2. form, outline, semblance: Rom.2:20; opposite to δύναμις, 2Ti.3:5.†
SYN.: μορφή (which see), σχῆμα (AS)
📖 In-Depth Word Study
Form (embodiment) (3446) morphosis
Embodiment (3446) (morphosis from morphe = stresses essence of one’s nature) refers to the to outward shape and appearance, such as that of a silhouette, which is an outline or shadow of something. The root word morphe emphasizes both the internal and external form and thus refers to the outward display of the inner reality or the essential form of something which never alters.
Webster says that to embody is to form or collect into a united mass (a body) and to give a tangible, concrete form to an abstract concept. The Law is a valid form in which spiritual knowledge and truth are collected together as a comprehensive whole.
Vincent - morphe, form is the expression or embodiment of the essential and permanent being of that which is expressed... In Ro 2:20, morphosis is the truthful embodiment of knowledge and truth as contained in the law of God....(He adds that morphe is) not mere appearance, but the scheme, the correct embodiment of the lineaments of truth and knowledge in the law.
Paul uses morphosis to describe the false (spiritually dead) teachers warning Timothy that they are...
holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these. (2Ti 3:5-note)