ὑπόδειγμα

a figure, copy, example

Definition

The Greek word ὑπόδειγμα (ypodeigma) carries two primary meanings in the New Testament. First, it refers to a 'copy,' 'model,' or 'pattern' of something else, often of a heavenly reality. This is seen in Hebrews 8:5 and 9:23, where the earthly tabernacle and its rituals are described as a 'copy' of the heavenly sanctuary. Second, it means an 'example' or 'model' for behavior, either to be imitated or avoided. In John 13:15, Jesus washing the disciples' feet is given as an 'example' for them to follow, while in 2 Peter 2:6, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as an 'example' of God's judgment.

Biblical Usage

ὑπόδειγμα is used six times across the Gospel of John, Hebrews, James, and 2 Peter. In John 13:15, it is used in a positive, ethical sense as a pattern for humble service. The Epistle to the Hebrews uses it three times (Hebrews 4:11, 8:5, 9:23) primarily in a typological sense, contrasting earthly copies with heavenly realities. James 5:10 uses it for the prophets as an 'example' of suffering and patience, and 2 Peter 2:6 uses it for cities destroyed as a negative 'example' or warning.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ὑποδείκνυμι (hypodeiknymi), meaning 'to show,' 'to point out,' or 'to instruct.' It is a compound word from ὑπό (hypo, 'under') and δείκνυμι (deiknymi, 'to show'). Literally, it suggests something 'shown from underneath' or a 'demonstration,' which evolved into the meanings of a visible 'pattern,' 'model,' or 'example' set before someone.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for understanding biblical typology and discipleship. In Hebrews, it is crucial for the argument that the Old Covenant rituals and sanctuary were mere 'copies' (ὑποδείγματα) pointing forward to the superior, heavenly reality fulfilled in Christ's priesthood and sacrifice. In the Gospels and epistles, it underscores the concept of Christ and biblical figures providing tangible, lived 'examples' for Christian conduct, moving doctrine into practical imitation.

In the Greco-Roman world, a ὑπόδειγμα was a pattern or sample used in crafts, a model in architecture, or an exemplar in ethics and rhetoric. Philosophers and teachers would present historical figures or their own actions as 'examples' for students to emulate. This cultural understanding of learning through imitation informs the New Testament's use of the term for both positive models (Christ, the prophets) and negative warnings (Sodom).

τύπος (typos, G5179) — a 'type,' 'impression,' or 'model'; often used interchangeably with ὑπόδειγμα but can imply a more precise stamp or prototype. παράδειγμα (paradeigma, G3852) — a 'pattern' or 'example,' used in a similar sense but only appears in Hebrews 9:23 in a variant reading.

Word Details

Scripture References