Word Study for G5179 (τύπος) | Strong's Concordance

týpos /too'-pos/ Ask about this word

Meaninga 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)

KJV usageen-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of týpos — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word týpos, represented by G5179, defines a model, pattern, or impression. From its root meaning of a die or a stamp, it extends to concepts of a physical mark, a figure for warning, or an example for imitation. It appears 16 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. The word encompasses a wide range of meanings, from a literal print to a figurative representation or style.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G5179 is used in several key ways. It can refer to a literal, physical impression, such as the print of the nails in Jesus' hands after the resurrection John 20:25. It is frequently used to describe a model of behavior for believers to follow. Paul presents himself as an ensample to be marked and followed Philippians 3:17, and Timothy is instructed to be an example to other believers 1 Timothy 4:12. The word also serves as a warning, where the experiences of the Israelites are described as ensamples written for our admonition 1 Corinthians 10:11. Finally, it can signify a divine pattern or foreshadowing, as Adam is called the figure of him that was to come Romans 5:14, and Moses was instructed to build the tabernacle according to the pattern shown to him by God Hebrews 8:5.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the concept of patterns and imitation:

G5262 hypódeigma (an exhibit for imitation or warning): This word is used alongside G5179 to describe how earthly service in the tabernacle is an example and shadow of heavenly things Hebrews 8:5.
G3401 miméomai (to imitate): This verb is directly linked to the idea of following a G5179. Paul urges the Thessalonians to follow the apostles, who made themselves an ensample for this purpose 2 Thessalonians 3:9.
G1125 gráphō (to write): The historical events that serve as ensamples G5179 for believers are effective because they are written for our admonition 1 Corinthians 10:11.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G5179 is profound, establishing key principles of interpretation and conduct.

Biblical Typology: The word provides a foundation for typology, where an Old Testament person or event serves as a figure G5179 of a future reality. This is most clearly seen when Adam is identified as a figure of Christ Romans 5:14.
Divine Revelation: God reveals heavenly realities through earthly patterns. The earthly tabernacle was constructed according to the pattern G5179 Moses was shown in the mount, signifying that its structure and service are a shadow of heavenly things Hebrews 8:5.
Ethical Imitation: Believers are called to live as an example G5179 for others in word, conversation, and faith 1 Timothy 4:12. Leaders especially must be ensamples to the flock 1 Peter 5:3, not lording over them, providing a living pattern of godly conduct.
Historical Warning: Past failures are recorded as ensamples G5179 to warn future generations. The Israelites' lusting in the wilderness serves as a written example for believers, teaching them to avoid similar evil desires 1 Corinthians 10:6.

Summary

In summary, G5179 moves from the concrete idea of a physical print John 20:25 to the abstract concept of a spiritual or moral pattern. It is a cornerstone for understanding biblical typology, where figures like Adam prefigure Christ Romans 5:14. It also establishes a standard for Christian living, calling believers to be a positive ensample Philippians 3:17 while learning from the negative ensamples of the past 1 Corinthians 10:11. The word illustrates how God uses both divine blueprints and human lives as patterns to guide, warn, and instruct His people.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a noun and an adverb across 16 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

τύπον
τύποι
τύπος
τύπους
τυπικῶς

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 15 verses across 11 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Acts (3 verses); never once in the other 16.

John

Acts

Romans

1 Corinthians

Philippians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

Titus

Hebrews

1 Peter

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.