συσχηματίζω

From the study of Romans 12:2

Range of meaning

To form or fashion according to a pattern; to take on the same form as something; to assimilate yourself to it. It is built from syn ('with') and schēma ('outward shape', 'bearing', 'fashion').

Against the English

'Be conformed' (KJV, BSB, WEB) is accurate. NIV's 'conform to the pattern of' draws out the schēma root well. NLT's 'copy the behavior and customs' makes it more concrete and loses the sense of being moulded. Phillips's well-known 'squeeze you into its own mould' catches the passive pressure.

Used elsewhere in the period

Rare. Elsewhere in the New Testament only at 1 Peter 1:14 ('not conforming yourselves to the desires you had before in your ignorance'). Plutarch and other Greek writers use it for shaping or adapting oneself to someone. The root schēma appears in 1 Corinthians 7:31 and Philippians 2:7–8.

From the study of 1 Peter 1:14

Range of meaning

From syn ('with') and schēma ('outward form, shape, pattern, way of carrying oneself'). It means to form something after a pattern, or in the middle/passive to be shaped like or take on the pattern of something. Schēma often means the visible, outward form of something, the outline you can see (1 Cor 7:31: 'the schēma of this world is passing away').

Against the English

'Conform' (BSB, ESV, NIV) fits well. KJV/YLT 'fashioning yourselves' keeps the picture of shaping and the reflexive sense. ESV/NASB 'be conformed' puts more weight on the passive side. The Greek form can be read either way: 'let yourselves be shaped' covers both.

Used elsewhere in the period

It appears only twice in the New Testament, here and in Romans 12:2 ('do not be conformed to this age'). It is rare in earlier Greek. Plutarch and later writers use it for adapting oneself or something to a form. Romans 12:2 sets it against metamorphousthe ('be transformed'). Peter sets it against holiness modelled on God (1:15).