ὑποτύπωσις (G5296) — Greek Lexicon

ὑποτύπωσις

hypotýpōsis

G5296 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A model or pattern to be followed, a prototype or outline which serves as a standard or example for others; also, a sketch or preliminary representation, whether literal (such as a draft or outline) or figurative (such as a standard for behavior or teaching). In some contexts, particularly in moral or didactic settings, refers to an exemplary pattern or precedent.

Semantic Range

model, pattern, standard, example, sketch, outline, prototype, precedent

Root / Etymology

ὑποτύπωσις derives from the prefix ὑπό- (under) and τύπωσις, from τύπος ('mark, pattern, model'), and thus literally means 'an underlying pattern' or 'a form laid down as the basis for something else.' The verbal suffix -σις indicates a process or result. The compound suggests something foundational or serving as a template.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ὑποτύπωσις is found sparingly in Koine Greek, and in the New Testament occurs only in later epistolary material (notably 1 Timothy 1:16 and 2 Timothy 1:13). In these contexts, it denotes either a 'pattern' for others to follow (as in an exemplary case) or a 'standard' for doctrine. The term is rare in the Septuagint and broader Greek literature, where terms such as τύπος or παράδειγμα ('example, model') are more common. Early Christian usage tends to emphasize the instructive or normative function: a pattern for teaching or conduct. Standard English translations such as 'pattern,' 'form,' or 'example' capture part of the meaning but do not always reflect its underlying sense as a ground-laying prototype. The word can refer to both an abstract ideal (as of ethical behavior or doctrine) and a concrete template (as in a physical sketch or draft), though in the New Testament the figurative sense is dominant.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of ὑπό and a derivative of τύπος; typification under (after), i.e. (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation:--form, pattern.

Root Family

ὑποτύπωσις (hypotýpōsis) — model, pattern, outline, prototype, standard

Root ὑπο-τυπ- to form a model, to make a pattern, to outline

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5296-01`	ὑποτύπωσιν	upotuposin	`N ACC F SG`	a pattern	an underlying pattern	an underlying pattern	2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5296-01`	1 Timothy 1:16	ὑποτύπωσιν	upotuposin	`N ACC F SG`	a pattern	an underlying pattern	an underlying pattern
`G5296-01`	2 Timothy 1:13	ὑποτύπωσιν	upotuposin	`N ACC F SG`	pattern	an underlying pattern	a pattern

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