Lexical Summary hupodeigma: Example, pattern, model Original Word: ὑπόδειγμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance copy, pattern. From hupodeiknumi; an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively, specimen, adumbration) -- en-(ex-)ample, pattern. see GREEK hupodeiknumi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupodeiknumi Definition a figure, copy, example NASB Translation copies (1), copy (1), example (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5262: ὑπόδειγμαὑπόδειγμα, ὑποδειγματος, τό (ὑποδείκνυμι, which see), a word rejected by the Atticists, and for which the earlier writers used παράδειγμα; see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 12; (Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 62). It is used by Xenophon, r. eq. 2, 2, and among subsequent writings by Polybius, Philo, Josephus, Appian, Plutarch, Herodian, others; cf. Bleek, Brief a. d. Hebrews 2:1, p. 554; a. a sign suggestive of anything, delineation of a thing, representation, figure, copy: joined with σκιά Hebrews 8:5; with a genitive of the thing represented, Hebrews 9:23. b. an example: for imitation, διδόναι τίνι, John 13:15; καταλελοιπεναι, 2 Macc. 6:28; with a genitive of the thing to be imitated, James 5:10 (Sir. 44:16; 2 Macc. 6:31); for warning: with a genitive of the thing to be shunned, τῆς ἀπειθείας, Hebrews 4:11; with a genitive of the person to be warned, 2 Peter 2:6 (τούς Ρ᾽ομαιους ... εἰς ὑπόδειγμα τῶν ἄλλων ἐθνῶν καταφλέξειν τήν ἱεράν πόλιν, Josephus, b. j. 2, 16, 4). Strong’s Greek 5262 designates an “example,” “model,” or “copy” set before others for imitation or warning. Six New Testament occurrences span the Gospels, Epistles, and Hebrews, allowing the term to address both positive emulation and negative caution. Christ as the Supreme Example of Humble Service John 13:15 records Jesus after washing His disciples’ feet: “For I have given you an example, so that you should do as I have done for you”. Here ὑπόδειγμα functions pedagogically. The Lord’s voluntary self-abasement becomes the template for Christian relationships, grounding later apostolic teaching on servant leadership (Philippians 2:5-8). The word underscores that the ethic of the kingdom is not abstract but embodied in the incarnate Christ. Prophets as Exemplars of Patient Endurance James 5:10 turns to Israel’s prophets: “Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” Their steadfastness under persecution encourages New Covenant believers facing trials. The appeal demonstrates the unity of Scripture: past servants model the perseverance now required, reinforcing the epistle’s call to active faith (James 1:2-4). Sodom and Gomorrah: A Sobering Pattern of Judgment 2 Peter 2:6 states that God “condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes, making them an example of what is coming on the ungodly.” The destruction becomes a preview of eschatological judgment. By labeling the event ὑπόδειγμα, Peter affirms the historicity of Genesis and its enduring moral relevance, warning false teachers and immoral societies alike. The Wilderness Generation: A Negative Paradigm of Disobedience Hebrews 4:11 exhorts, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.” The unbelief that barred Israel from Canaan stands as a cautionary template for the church. The author leverages covenant history to urge persevering faith, linking promise, obedience, and final rest. Earthly Worship as Copy of Heavenly Reality Hebrews 8:5 observes that Levitical priests “serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven,” and Hebrews 9:23 adds, “Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be cleansed with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.” In these cultic contexts ὑπόδειγμα denotes the tabernacle and its rites as provisional replicas. The earthly sanctuary mirrors a transcendent original, pointing beyond itself to the high-priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. The word thereby anchors typology: God’s redemptive plan unfolds progressively yet coherently from shadow to substance. Didactic Function in Biblical Theology Across its occurrences, ὑπόδειγμα serves a didactic function—teaching through lived or historical illustration. The term bridges narrative and exhortation, uniting ethics (John, James), eschatology (2 Peter), and covenant theology (Hebrews). Whether positive (Christ, prophets) or negative (Sodom, wilderness generation), each example operates under divine initiative, affirming that Scripture interprets history for the purposes of instruction, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Ministry and Discipleship Implications 1. Pattern of Service: Christian leaders measure ministry not by status but by Christlike servanthood. Thus, Strong’s 5262 weaves through Scripture as a thread of pedagogy—God’s instruction by example—calling every generation to faithful imitation of what is good and sober heed of what is fatal. Englishman's Concordance John 13:15 N-ANSGRK: ὑπόδειγμα γὰρ ἔδωκα NAS: For I gave you an example that you also KJV: I have given you an example, that ye INT: A pattern indeed I gave Hebrews 4:11 N-DNS Hebrews 8:5 N-DNS Hebrews 9:23 N-ANP James 5:10 N-ANS 2 Peter 2:6 N-ANS Strong's Greek 5262 |
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