← G5178 G5180 →

τύπος

týpos

G5179 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Impression or mark made by striking; transfer to pattern, model, or mould; figure or image; in extended and figurative sense, a form, pattern to be followed or avoided, precedent, or example, whether for imitation or warning. Core meaning involves a physical mark or impression, but by extension it refers to something that serves as a representative form, template, or standard. In writings and teachings, can denote an example to be followed, a prefiguration, or an instructive pattern.

Semantic Range

impression, mark, stamp, scar, pattern, model, standard, template, example (to follow or to avoid), foreshadow, image, figure, form

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb τύπτω (to strike, to beat), from which τύπος developed as the noun form indicating the result of striking — an impression, imprint, or mark. In classical Greek, originally meant the mark left from a blow. Later expanded metaphorically to mean model, form, or pattern. Cognate with terms for carving, moulding, and stamping.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek (5th c. BCE onwards), τύπος primarily denoted a mark, impression, or mould formed by striking, e.g., the mark a seal leaves in clay or wax. Also used for the model or archetype from which copies are made. By the Hellenistic era, the term broadens to denote a form, figure, or exemplary pattern in a more abstract sense. In the Septuagint, τύπος is sometimes used for physical forms (such as the pattern for the Tabernacle in Exod 25:40). In the New Testament, it is used both literally (John 20:25: 'print of the nails') and figuratively for exemplary models or patterns—whether good (1 Thess 1:7; Phil 3:17: model for imitation) or cautionary (1 Cor 10:6,11: negative examples from Israelite history). Later Christian writers also use τύπος for foreshadowing or prefiguration ('type' as a person or institution prefiguring another). English 'type' and 'antitype' derive from this usage, but the NT sense usually refers more simply to precedent or pattern rather than a full-fledged typological interpretive system. Contrast with παραδειγμα ('example') and εἰκών ('image'). English translations ('pattern,' 'example,' 'model,' 'form,' etc.) often depend on context.

Translation Consistency

primary "pattern" 12 occurrences

‘Pattern’ captures both the literal sense (an impression, mold, or stamped form) and the extended sense (a model, template, or precedent to follow or avoid). It is the most natural, common English equivalent that fits the typical usages of τύπος better than the more technical ‘type’ or the narrower ‘image’ or ‘example.’

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"imprint-pattern" (2x) "images" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from τύπτω; a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning):--en-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print.

Root Family

τύπος (typos) — impression, mark, stamp, pattern, model, form

Root τυπ- to strike, to make an impression, to form a model

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5179-02 τύπον tupon N ACC M SG pattern pattern pattern 9
G5179-03 τύπος tupos N NOM M SG example imprint-pattern imprint-pattern 2
G5179-04 τύπους tupous N ACC M PL images patterns images 2
G5179-01 τύποι tupoi N NOM M PL examples patterns patterns 2

Occurrences in Scripture

15 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5179-02 John 20:25 τύπον tupon N ACC M SG print pattern pattern
G5179-02 John 20:25 τύπον tupon-2 N ACC M SG print pattern pattern
G5179-04 Acts 7:43 τύπους tupous N ACC M PL images patterns images
G5179-02 Acts 7:44 τύπον tupon N ACC M SG pattern pattern pattern
G5179-02 Acts 23:25 τύπον tupon N ACC M SG form pattern pattern
G5179-03 Romans 5:14 τύπος tupos N NOM M SG figure imprint-pattern imprint-pattern
G5179-02 Romans 6:17 τύπον tupon N ACC M SG form pattern pattern
G5179-01 1 Corinthians 10:6 τύποι tupoi N NOM M PL examples patterns patterns
G5179-02 Philippians 3:17 τύπον tupon N ACC M SG pattern pattern pattern
G5179-04 1 Thessalonians 1:7 τύπους tupous N ACC M PL examples patterns patterns
← G5178 Greek Lexicon G5180 →