The verb μεταμορφόω describes a profound, visible change that proceeds from an inward reality, never a mere external disguise. Each New Testament occurrence links the term to glory—either the majestic glory of Jesus Christ or the moral glory God is shaping in His people.

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 record the moment when Jesus “was transfigured before them,” His face shining like the sun and His garments becoming dazzling white. This mountain event momentarily lifts the veil between the incarnate Son’s humiliation and His intrinsic divine radiance. The disciples witness the Messiah as truly God and truly Man, foreshadowing both the resurrection glory (Matthew 28:3) and the Second Coming splendor (2 Peter 1:16–18). The scene fulfills Old Testament theophanic patterns—Moses and Elijah on a mountain, a cloud of divine presence, and the Father’s audible affirmation—demonstrating that in Jesus all prophetic and legal expectations converge.

Transformation of the Believer

Romans 12:2 commands, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (μεταμορφοῦσθε) by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” The change envisaged is present and continuous, effected by the Spirit through Scripture-saturated thinking. It is moral and intellectual, reversing the world’s pressure and aligning the disciple with God’s holy character.

2 Corinthians 3:18 expands the process: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the glory of the Lord, are being transformed (μεταμορφούμεθα) into the same image from glory to glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Here, beholding and becoming are inseparable. As believers gaze by faith on the exalted Christ, the Spirit incrementally reproduces His likeness. The verse echoes Moses’ radiant face (Exodus 34:29–35) but contrasts the fading Old Covenant glory with the ever-increasing New Covenant glory.

Eschatological Horizon

Metamorphic change has an already–not-yet tension: believers are presently being transformed, yet final consummation awaits the resurrection body (Philippians 3:20–21; 1 John 3:2). The verb’s connection to Christ’s Transfiguration guarantees that what was previewed in Him will be fulfilled in us.

Relation to Cognate Concepts

1. ἀνακαινίζω (“renew”) emphasizes newness; μεταμορφόω stresses visible change resulting from that renewal.
2. συσχηματίζω (“conform”) in Romans 12:2 contrasts a pressure from the outside, while μεταμορφόω highlights a change originating within by the Spirit.
3. μορφή (“form”) in Philippians 2:6–7 underlines essential nature, so μεταμορφόω portrays outward manifestation of inward essence.

Historical and Theological Reception

Early church fathers read the Transfiguration as a pledge of deification—the believer’s participation in divine life (2 Peter 1:4). Reformation theologians, guarding justification by faith, still affirmed an ongoing sanctifying transformation, distinguishing it from the once-for-all forensic declaration. Conservative evangelical scholarship continues to link μεταμορφόω with progressive sanctification that culminates in glorification.

Pastoral and Discipleship Implications

1. Worship: Regular contemplation of Christ’s glory in Scripture is the primary means of transformation.
2. Mind Renewal: Doctrinal soundness shapes moral transformation; anti-worldly patterns are displaced by Christ-centered thinking.
3. Hope: The certainty of future glory sustains endurance amid suffering (Romans 8:18).
4. Community: Transformation is corporate; the church reflects God’s glory collectively (Ephesians 3:10, 21).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 3339 charts a movement from sight of divine glory to sharing in that glory. It anchors sanctification in Christ’s own radiant person, guarantees believers’ final glorification, and calls the church to a life of ongoing, Spirit-enabled transformation.