Bible Lexicons

Berry's Synonyms of the New TestamentBerry's NT Synonyms

Form, Appearance

ἰδέα, μορφή, σχῆμα.

ἰδέα denotes merely outward appearance. Both μορφή and σχῆμα express something more than that. They too denote outward form, but as including one's habits, activities and modes of action in general. In μορφή it is also implied that the outward form expresses the inner essence, an idea which is absent from σχῆμα. μορφή expresses the form as that which is intrinsic and essential, σχῆμα signifies the figure, shape, as that which is more outward and accidental. Both σχῆμα and ἰδέα therefore deal with externals, σχῆμα being more comprehensive than ἰδέα, while μορφή deals with externals as expressing that which is internal.