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ὑπόδειγμα

hypódeigma

G5262 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ὑποδειγμ- to show, to demonstrate, to illustrate, to point out

Definition

A model or pattern that serves as an example to be followed or a warning to be heeded; more broadly, anything set forth to illustrate, instruct, or caution. In various contexts, it can refer to a concrete example, a moral or behavioral standard, or a figurative pattern pointing toward something greater.

Semantic Range

example, model, pattern, precedent, warning, prototype, illustration, specimen, type (foreshadowing)

Root / Etymology

From the verb ὑποδείκνυμι (to show, to point out, to demonstrate), itself from ὑπό ('under', 'in the presence of') + δείκνυμι ('to show'). The noun thus implies that which is shown or demonstrated as an example or pattern.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὑπόδειγμα appears in philosophical and rhetorical contexts to mean 'pattern,' 'illustration,' or 'model.' By the Hellenistic and Koine periods (including the Septuagint and New Testament), it primarily refers to an example or warning—either positive (worthy of imitation) or negative (as a cautionary tale). It is used in Hebrews 4:11, 8:5, 9:23, John 13:15, among others, where it can mean a type (in the sense of a prefiguration) or a tangible pattern for behavior. English translations like 'example,' 'pattern,' or 'precedent' partly capture its sense, but often miss the full range, especially where ὑπόδειγμα denotes a prototype or template (not just moral conduct, but also liturgical or architectural forms). Contrasts with παράδειγμα ('example, illustration') but can overlap in meaning; ὑπόδειγμα tends to imply something presented for instruction or warning, not merely illustration. The term can also denote a typological foreshadowing, especially in the context of the Tabernacle or ritual law, signaling a connection between the earthly and heavenly realities.

Translation Consistency

primary "example" 3 occurrences

‘Example’ is the most natural, broad, and commonly used English word that covers the full SILEX range (model, pattern, illustration, precedent, warning). It fits both concrete and figurative senses of ὑπόδειγμα and matches the typical usage across the attested renderings, ensuring consistent, idiomatic translation.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"model pattern" (2x) "patterns" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὑποδείκνυμι; an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively, specimen, adumbration):--en-(ex-)ample, pattern.

Root Family

ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma) — example, model, pattern, illustration, warning, prototype

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5262-01 ὑπόδειγμα upodeigma N ACC N SG an example a demonstrated pattern an example 3
G5262-03 ὑποδείγματι upodeigmati N DAT N SG a copy to a model pattern to a model pattern 2
G5262-02 ὑποδείγματα upodeigmata N ACC N PL copies illustrative patterns patterns 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5262-01 John 13:15 ὑπόδειγμα upodeigma N ACC N SG example a demonstrated pattern an example
G5262-03 Hebrews 4:11 ὑποδείγματι upodeigmati N DAT N SG example to a model pattern to a model pattern
G5262-03 Hebrews 8:5 ὑποδείγματι upodeigmati N DAT N SG a copy to a model pattern to a model pattern
G5262-02 Hebrews 9:23 ὑποδείγματα upodeigmata N ACC N PL copies illustrative patterns patterns
G5262-01 James 5:10 ὑπόδειγμα upodeigma N ACC N SG an example a demonstrated pattern an example
G5262-01 2 Peter 2:6 ὑπόδειγμα upodeigma N ACC N SG an example a demonstrated pattern an example
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