Original Word: τύπος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: tupos
Pronunciation: TOO-pos
Phonetic Spelling: (too'-pos)
KJV: en-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print
Word Origin: [from G5180 (τύπτω - beating)]

1. a die (as struck)
2. (by implication) a stamp or scar
3. (by analogy) a shape, i.e. a statue
4. (figuratively) style or resemblance
5. (specially) a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning)

example, warning

From tupto; 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.

see GREEK tupto

5179 týpos (from 5180 /týptō, "strike repeatedly") – properly, a model forged by repetition; (figuratively) the correct paradigm, based on reliable precedent for others to then follow, (i.e. the right example, a proper pattern).

[In the papyri, 5179 (týpos) means "pattern" (P Ryl II. 75.8). 5179 (týpos) is also used of a judicial proceeding, "Let an inquiry be made into his means; only there is a principle according to which I have often judged" (MM, 645).]

STRONGS NT 5179: τύπος

τύπος, τυπου, ὁ (τύπτω), from (Aeschylus and) Herodotus down;

1. the mark of a stroke or blow; print: τῶν ἥλων, John 20:25a, 25b (where L T Tr marginal reading τόπον) (Athen. 13, p. 585 c. τούς τύπους τῶν πληγῶν ἰδοῦσα).

2. a figure formed by a blow or impression; hence, universally, a figure, image: of the images of the gods, Acts 7:43 (Amos 5:26; Josephus, Antiquities 1, 19, 11; 15, 9, 5). (Cf. κύριοι τύπος θεοῦ, the Epistle of Barnabas 19, 7 [ET]; 'Teaching' 4, 11 [ET].)

3. form: διδαχῆς, i. e. the teaching which embodies the sum and substance of religion and represents it to the mind, Romans 6:17; equivalent to manner of writing, the contents and form of a letter, Acts 23:25 (3Macc. 3:30).

4. an example; α. in the technical sense, viz. the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made: Acts 7:44; Hebrews 8:5,(Exodus 25:40). β. in an ethical sense, a dissuasive example, pattern of warning: plural of ruinous events which serve as admonitions or warnings to others, 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11 R G; an example to be imitated: of men worthy of imitation, Philippians 3:17; with a genitive of the person to whom the example is offered, 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3; τύπον ἑαυτόν διδόναι τίνι, 2 Thessalonians 3:9; γενέσθαι τύπον (τύπους, R L marginal reading WH marginal reading; cf. Winer's Grammar, § 27, 1 note) τίνι, 1 Thessalonians 1:7; παρέχεσθαι ἑαυτόν τύπον καλῶν ἔργων, to show oneself an example of good works, Titus 2:7. γ. in a doctrinal sense, a type, i. e. a person or thing prefiguring a future (Messianic) person or thing: in this sense Adam is called τύπος τοῦ μέλλοντος namely, Ἀδάμ, i. e. of Jesus Christ, each of the two having exercised a pre-eminent influence upon the human race (the former destructive, the latter saving), Romans 5:14.

Conceptual Overview

The word embraces the idea of a model that impresses its shape on something else. Whether a nail’s mark, a doctrinal mould, or a human life that others copy, it points to an authoritative pattern meant to be reproduced.

Typology in Salvation History

Romans 5:14 calls Adam “a pattern of the One to come.” The Exodus generation likewise provides “examples” (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11) that prefigure Christ’s redemptive work and warn the church against unbelief. Scripture presents these prototypes as intentional, Spirit-given foreshadowings that culminate in the gospel.

Doctrinal Patterns Entrusted to the Church

“You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed” (Romans 6:17). Apostolic doctrine is a fixed mould; believers are shaped by submitting to it, and any teaching that contradicts the original pattern is to be rejected.

Examples for Christian Conduct

• Philippians 3:17 – “Join one another in following my example… observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.”
• 1 Thessalonians 1:7 – “And so you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Paul offers himself “as an example for you to imitate.”
• 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
• Titus 2:7 – “In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works.”

Visible, repeatable behaviour validates the gospel before a watching world.

Servant Leadership by Example

Elders are to be “examples to the flock” rather than autocrats (1 Peter 5:3). Authority is authenticated by living conformity to the apostolic standard.

Visible Marks and Evidences

Thomas insists on seeing “the nail marks in His hands” (John 20:25). The tangible imprint confirms the bodily resurrection, grounding faith in historical reality.

Heavenly Patterns for Earthly Worship

Moses built the tabernacle “according to the pattern he had seen” (Acts 7:44; Hebrews 8:5). Earthly worship must reflect the heavenly archetype revealed by God, safeguarding purity and reverence.

Cautionary Forms and Idolatrous Counterfeits

Acts 7:43 refers to “the idols you made to worship,” man-made shapes that parody the true pattern and invite judgment. False worship invariably produces its own distorted τύποι.

Templates in Civil Administration

The Roman commander “wrote a letter with the following message” (Acts 23:25). The term denotes the standard form of an official dispatch, illustrating broader cultural use for established, authoritative formats.

Ministry Implications Today

1. Scripture supplies both blueprint and living models; neither doctrine nor practice may deviate from the revealed pattern.
2. Believers embody truth by becoming its visible impression in every sphere of life.
3. Leaders guide best through transparent conformity to the gospel mould; churches thrive when message and model coincide.
4. Worship and governance require continual reference to the biblical archetype, resisting human innovation that obscures Christ.
5. All legitimate patterns find fulfillment in Jesus, assuring the church that imitation of His life is both commanded and empowered by His Spirit.

τυπικως τυπικῶς τυποι τύποι τυπον τύπον τυπος τύπος τυπους τύπους tupikos tupikōs tupoi tupon tupos tupous typikos typikôs typikōs typikō̂s typoi týpoi typon týpon typos týpos typous týpousInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts