Original Word: ὑποτύπωσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: hupotupósis
Pronunciation: hoo-pot-oo'-po-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-ot-oop'-o-sis)
KJV: form, pattern
NASB: example, standard
Word Origin: [from a compound of G5259 (ὑπό - under) and a derivative of G5179 (τύπος - Type)]

1. typification under (after)
2. (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation

pattern, prototype

From a compound of hupo and a derivative of tupos; typification under (after), i.e. (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation -- form, pattern.

see GREEK hupo

see GREEK tupos

Word Origin
from hupotupoó (to delineate)
Definition
an outline, sketch, fig. an example
NASB Translation
example (1), standard (1).

STRONGS NT 5296: ὑποτύπωσις

ὑποτύπωσις, ὑποτυπωσεως, ἡ (ὑποτυπόω, to delineate, outline);

a. an outline, sketch, brief and summary exposition (Sextus Empiricus, (Diogenes Laërtius, others).

b. an example, pattern: πρός ὑποτύπωσιν τῶν μελλόντων πιστεύειν κτλ., for an example of those who should hereafter believe, i. e. to show by the example of my conversion that the same grace which I had obtained would not be lacking also to those who should hereafter believe, 1 Timothy 1:16; the pattern placed before one to be held fast and copied, model: ὑγιαινόντων λόγων, 2 Timothy 1:13.

Meaning and Concept

The word translated “pattern” or “example” denotes a prototype or sketch that governs subsequent copies. It speaks of an authoritative model that is both instructive and binding, calling those who behold it to reproduce its shape in life and doctrine.

New Testament Usage

1 Timothy 1:16 presents Jesus Christ Himself as the divinely furnished pattern: “But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the foremost of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life”. Paul’s conversion stands as the living demonstration of Christ’s longsuffering, inviting every future believer to trust the same mercy.

2 Timothy 1:13 commands Timothy, “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus”. Here the term refers to the apostolic body of truth deposited with Timothy—doctrine that is to be guarded, retained, and replicated in successive generations.

Theological Dimensions

1. Christ as Prototype: By embodying perfect patience toward Paul, the Lord supplies incontrovertible proof that no sinner lies beyond His reach (compare Acts 9:1-22).
2. Apostolic Doctrine as Blueprint: The “pattern” is not fluid; it is fixed revelation. The Church does not innovate but transmits.
3. Faith and Love as the Manner: Orthodoxy is held not merely intellectually but relationally—“in Christ Jesus,” saturated with faith toward God and love toward people.

Historical Context

Both letters arise near the close of Paul’s ministry, when doctrinal erosion threatened emerging congregations. Providing Timothy with an unalterable template ensured continuity once the apostle’s voice fell silent. The Pastoral Epistles thus anchor the post-apostolic Church to a normative standard, safeguarding it from the speculative philosophies of the Greco-Roman world and the incipient heresies of the first century.

Ministry Implications

• Evangelism: Paul’s testimony supplies a ready illustration that the gospel saves “the foremost” of sinners.
• Discipleship: Leaders transmit a recognizable outline of truth and godliness; disciples trace that outline in their own lives.
• Preaching: Expositors develop sermons that echo the apostolic pattern rather than personal novelty.
• Church Planting: Founders establish congregations on the same doctrinal grid, ensuring global and generational unity.

Connection to Discipleship and Teaching

The language invites sustained imitation (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1). Timothy must reproduce Paul’s gospel, Timothy’s disciples must do likewise, and so forth. The chain of custody runs from Christ to Paul to Timothy to “faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Continuity with Old Testament Patterns

Moses received a heavenly “pattern” for the tabernacle (Hebrews 8:5). Just as Israel dared not deviate from that model, the New Covenant community must not stray from its revealed blueprint. The continuity underscores God’s consistent method: He supplies the design, His people obey.

Lessons for Contemporary Believers

1. Treasure the full apostolic message—both its doctrinal contours and its ethical demands.
2. Guard the gospel against dilution, whether through cultural pressures or theological trends.
3. Model Christ’s mercy, making personal accounts of grace a template for the hope of others.
4. Teach in such a way that hearers can trace, memorize, and pass on the outline of sound words.
5. Lead with humility, recognizing that the pattern is divinely given; leaders are custodians, not architects.

This dual appearance of Strong’s 5296 thus frames the Christian life: Christ sets the saving example, and sound doctrine provides the enduring schematic by which that salvation is proclaimed, embodied, and handed down until He comes.

υποτυπωσιν υποτύπωσιν ὑποτύπωσιν υπουργώ υποφαύσεις hypotyposin hypotypōsin hypotýposin hypotýpōsin upotuposin upotupōsinInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts