Lexical Summary hupogrammos: Example, pattern Original Word: ὑπογραμμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance example. From a compound of hupo and grapho; an underwriting, i.e. Copy for imitation (figuratively) -- example. see GREEK hupo see GREEK grapho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupographó (to trace in outline, sketch out); from hupo and graphó Definition a writing to be copied, an example NASB Translation example (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5261: ὑπογραμμόςὑπογραμμός, ὑπογραμμου, ὁ (ὑπογράφω), properly, 1. a writing-copy, including all the letters of the alphabet, given to beginners as an aid in learning to draw them: Clement of Alexandria, strom. 5, 8, 50. Hence, 2. an example set before one: 1 Peter 2:21 (2 Macc. 2:28; Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 16, 17 [ET]; 33, 8 [ET]; (Philo, fragment vol. ii., 667 Mang. (vi. 229 Richter)), and often in ecclesiastical writings; ὁ Παῦλος ὑπομονῆς γενόμενος μέγιστος ὑπογραμμός, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 5, 7 [ET] (where see Lightfoot)). “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.” (1 Peter 2:21) Biblical Context 1 Peter addresses scattered believers experiencing slander, social exclusion, and outright hostility. In that setting the apostle anchors exhortation to endurance in Christ’s redemptive suffering, presenting Jesus not only as Savior but as the template for every response to injustice. The single New Testament occurrence of the word spotlights its importance: Christian ethics arise from tracing the precise pattern laid down by the Lord. Christ as the Model Sufferer The emphasis rests on Christ’s patient endurance—silent under accusation, refusing retaliation, entrusting Himself to the Father, and finally bearing sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:23-24). Imitation, therefore, is not optional hero-worship; it is the outworking of salvation. The believer who benefits from substitutionary atonement is summoned to replicate the same self-giving love and unwavering trust. Theological Implications 1. Union and Imitation—Being “born again” (1 Peter 1:23) enables likeness; imitation flows from participation in Christ. Historical Reception Early martyrs and apologists leaned heavily on this text. Ignatius urged believers to “imitate the passion of my God.” During persecutions under Nero, Domitian, and beyond, the verse fortified ordinary Christians for public witness, shaping liturgies that remembered both cross and calling. Relation to Other Biblical Patterns While Scripture speaks of examples through words like tupos (Philippians 3:17) and deigma (Jude 7), this term suggests a copybook for beginners, highlighting meticulous replication. Complementary passages include John 13:15; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 John 2:6; 1 Corinthians 11:1—all calling disciples to mirror the Master. Pastoral and Ministry Significance • Shepherding—Elders lead “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples” (1 Peter 5:3). Their credibility stands or falls on visible conformity to Christ’s pattern. Discipleship and Formation Memorizing 1 Peter 2:21, meditating on the Passion narratives, practicing non-retaliation, and praying for persecutors habituate believers to Christlike responses. Small groups can role-play conflict scenarios, asking, “What does tracing His footsteps look like here?” Contemporary Application In cultures that prize self-assertion, following the crucified Christ remains profoundly countercultural. Whether enduring online mockery, workplace injustice, or state-sponsored persecution, Christians bear distinct witness by walking the same path their Lord walked—patient, truthful, hopeful, unyielding in love. Summary Strong’s Greek 5261 portrays the Christian life as carefully tracing the lines Christ has already drawn. The Church that follows this pattern proclaims both the saving death and the transformative life of Jesus until He returns. |
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