TRANSFORM

In Rom. 12:2 this word is the translation of metamorphoomai, the same word translated 'transfigures' in Mt. 17:2 and Mk. 9:2. The exhortation to the saints is to change their outward expression which they had before they were saved, which outward expression proceeded from and was truly representative of their totally depraved natures, to an outward expression which proceeds from and is truly representative of their divine natures.

The word 'transform' us used also in II Cor.11:13-15. But here it is the translation of a word that has the opposite meaning to metamorphooma. The word is metaschematizo which means 'to change one's outward expression by assuming from the outside an expression that does not proceed from the true inner nature.' The word 'masquerade' is the exact English translation. Satan was originally the holy angel Lucifer. As such he gave outward expression of his inner nature as an angel of light, which expression proceeded from and was truly representative of that nature. That was morphoomai. Then he sinned and became an angel of darkness, giving outward expression from that of darkness to one of light by assuming from the outside, an expression of light, which outward expression did not come from nor was it representative of his inner nature as the angel of darkness. That is metaschematizo. The translation could read: "masquerading as the apostles of Christ;" "Satan masquerades as an angel of light;" "his ministers masquerade as ministers of righteousness."

Wuest Word Studies