Vincent Word Studies - Matthew 17:2 - 17:2

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Vincent Word Studies - Matthew 17:2 - 17:2


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

He was transfigured (μετεμορφώθη)

μετά, denoting change or transfer, and μορφή, form. This latter word denotes the form regarded as the distinctive nature and character of the object, and is distinguished from σχῆμα, the changeable, outward fashion: in a man, for instance, his gestures, clothes, words, acts. The μορφή partakes of the essence of a thing; the σχῆμα is an accident which may change, leaving the form unaffected. Compare Mar 16:12; Christ “appeared in another form” (μορφή), and 1Co 7:31 : “the fashion (σχῆμα) of the world passeth away.” The distinction passes into the verbs compounded with these two nouns. Thus, Rom 12:2, “Be not conformed to this world,” is μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε; i.e., be not fashioned according to the fleeting fashion of this world. So Rev., fashioned. See, also, 2Co 11:13, 2Co 11:14, 2Co 11:15, where the changes described are changes in outward semblance. False apostles appeared in the outward fashion of apostles of Christ; Satan takes on the outward appearance of an angel. All these changes are in the accidents of the life, and do not touch its inner, essential quality. On the other hand, a change in the inner life is described as a change of μορθή, never of σχῆμα. Hence, Rom 12:2, “Be ye transformed (μεταμορφοῦσθε); the change taking place by the renewing of the mind. Compare Rom 8:29; 2Co 3:18; Phi 3:21; and see, further, on Phi 2:6, Phi 2:7.

Why, then, it may be asked, is a compound of μορφή employed in this description of the transfigured Saviour, since the change described is a change in his outward appearance? It may be answered, because a compound of σχῆμα, expressing merely a change in the aspect of Christ's person and garments, would not express the deeper truth of the case, which is, that the visible change gets its real character and meaning from that which is essential in our Lord - his divine nature. A fore-shadowing or prophecy of his true form - his distinctive character - comes out in his transfiguration. He passes over into a form identified, so far as revealed, with the divine quality of his being, and prophetic of his revelation “as he is” (1Jo 3:2), in the glory which he had with the Father before the world was (Joh 17:5). In truth, there is a deep and pregnant hint in the use of this word, which easily escapes observation, and which defies accurate definition. The profound and overwhelming impression upon the three disciples was due to something besides the shining of Christ's face and garments, and the presence of Moses and Elijah; and was deeper and subtler than the effect of all these combined. There was a fact and a power in that vision which mere radiance and the appearance of the dead patriarchs could not wholly convey: a revelation of Deity breaking out in that glorified face and form, which appealed to something deeper than sense, and confirmed the words from heaven: This is my beloved Son.

The same truth is illustrated in the use of μορφή in Mar 16:12, where it is said that Jesus appeared in a different form (ἐν ἑτέρᾳ μορφῇ) after his resurrection. The accidents of figure, face, pierced hands and feet, were the same; but an indefinable change had passed upon him, the characteristic of which was that it prefigured his passing into the condition peculiar and appropriate to his essential spiritual and divine being.