### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀντίτυπον (antítypon, `{{G499}}`) is a compound word derived from ἀντί (anti), meaning "against," "instead of," or "corresponding to," and τύπος (typos, `{{G5179}}`), meaning "type," "pattern," "impression," or "figure." The base definition provided, "corresponding ('antitype'), i.e. a representative, counterpart," accurately captures its primary semantic range. It denotes something that corresponds to, serves as a representation of, or acts as a counterpart to an original pattern or type. In theological discourse, "antitype" most commonly refers to the fulfillment or reality that corresponds to a preceding "type" or shadow. However, as biblical usage demonstrates, it can also describe a "copy" or "figure" that points to a greater, more ultimate reality. The core idea is one of correspondence or counter-pattern, where one entity stands in relation to another as its reflection, fulfillment, or representative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀντίτυπον (antítypon, `{{G499}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct yet related nuance:
1. **Hebrews 9:24**: "For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are [[Hebrews 9:24]] *copies* of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf."
Here, the earthly tabernacle and its holy places are described as ἀντίτυπα (antítypa, plural of antítypon) of the true, heavenly realities. In this context, the earthly sanctuary is not the fulfillment, but rather a *copy* or *figure* that corresponds to and prefigures the genuine, heavenly dwelling where Christ ministers. The earthly is a representation, a shadow (cf. [[Hebrews 8:5]], [[Hebrews 10:1]]) of the perfect heavenly archetype. Thus, ἀντίτυπον here emphasizes the representational aspect, where the earthly is a lesser, temporary image of the eternal and perfect.
2. **1 Peter 3:21**: "Baptism, which [[1 Peter 3:21]] *corresponds to this*, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
In this passage, Peter connects Christian baptism to the salvation of Noah and his family through the floodwaters. The flood, which brought judgment upon the wicked but salvation to Noah, serves as the "type," and baptism is its "antitype." Here, ἀντίτυπον signifies a fulfillment or a corresponding spiritual reality. Baptism is not merely a physical act but the spiritual counterpart and fulfillment of the salvific pattern seen in the flood. It is the New Covenant reality that corresponds to and supersedes the Old Covenant type. This usage aligns with the more common theological understanding of "antitype" as the fulfillment of a prefiguring type.
These two occurrences highlight the flexibility of ἀντίτυπον. In Hebrews, it denotes a copy pointing *forward* to the true original, while in 1 Peter, it signifies a fulfillment looking *back* to a prefiguring event. The common thread is the concept of correspondence and representation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀντίτυπον (antítypon, `{{G499}}`) is enhanced by examining related terms and theological concepts:
* **τύπος (typos, `{{G5179}}`)**: This is the root word, meaning "type," "pattern," "mold," or "example." It refers to the original pattern or prefiguring element that the ἀντίτυπον corresponds to or fulfills.
* **σκιά (skia, `{{G4639}}`)**: "Shadow." Often contrasted with the reality (e.g., [[Colossians 2:17]], [[Hebrews 10:1]]). The "type" can be seen as a shadow, while the "antitype" is the substance or reality.
* **ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma, `{{G5262}}`)**: "Example," "pattern," "copy." Similar to the usage in Hebrews, referring to something that serves as a model or representation.
* **ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`)**: "Truth," "reality." The antitype often represents the ultimate truth or reality to which the type pointed.
* **Typology**: The theological discipline that studies the relationship between Old Testament "types" and New Testament "antitypes." This is the primary framework for understanding ἀντίτυπον.
* **Fulfillment**: The concept that God's promises and patterns in the Old Testament find their ultimate realization and completion in Christ and the New Covenant.
* **Representation**: The idea that certain earthly things or events serve as tangible expressions or pointers to greater spiritual or heavenly realities.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀντίτυπον (antítypon, `{{G499}}`) is profound, particularly in the realm of biblical typology and Christology:
1. **Christ as the Ultimate Antitype**: The overarching theological implication is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate antitype who fulfills all Old Testament types. He is the true Temple, the perfect High Priest, the definitive Passover Lamb, and the ultimate sacrifice. The earthly types and figures pointed to Him, and in Him, their meaning is fully realized.
2. **Superiority of the New Covenant**: In Hebrews, the use of ἀντίτυπον emphasizes the superiority of the New Covenant realities over the Old Covenant shadows. The earthly sanctuary, though divinely ordained, was merely a copy designed to point to the true, heavenly sanctuary where Christ ministers. This underscores the perfection and finality of Christ's work.
3. **Sacramental Efficacy**: In 1 Peter, the application of ἀντίτυπον to baptism highlights its spiritual efficacy. Baptism is not merely a ritual but a divinely appointed means through which God applies the salvific work of Christ. It is the New Covenant sign that corresponds to the Old Covenant event of salvation through water, signifying a spiritual cleansing and commitment to God through the resurrection of Christ. It points to a deeper reality of inner transformation and a good conscience before God.
4. **Continuity and Progression of Redemptive History**: The concept of type and antitype demonstrates God's consistent plan of salvation unfolding throughout history. Earlier events and institutions are not merely historical occurrences but are divinely orchestrated patterns that prefigure and anticipate later, greater realities, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀντίτυπον (antítypon, `{{G499}}`) signifies a "corresponding figure," "representative," or "counterpart." Its two New Testament occurrences reveal a nuanced semantic range: it can refer to a "copy" or "figure" that points to a greater, true reality (as in Hebrews 9:24, where the earthly sanctuary is a copy of the heavenly), or it can denote the "fulfillment" or spiritual reality that corresponds to a preceding "type" (as in 1 Peter 3:21, where baptism is the antitype of Noah's salvation through water). In both cases, the core idea is one of correspondence and representation within God's redemptive plan. Theologically, ἀντίτυπον is foundational to understanding biblical typology, emphasizing the continuity of God's work, the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old, and ultimately, the centrality of Jesus Christ as the supreme antitype who fulfills all Old Testament patterns and brings about the ultimate reality of salvation.
TRV