### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ὑπόδειγμα (hypódeigma, `{{G5262}}`) is derived from the verb ὑποδείκνυμι (hypodeíknymi), which means "to show," "to point out," or "to exhibit." The prefix hypo- (under, beneath) combined with deíknymi (to show) suggests something laid out or placed before one for observation.
Its core meaning is an "exhibit" or "specimen" that serves a particular purpose. The semantic range of hypódeigma is multifaceted:
* **A Positive Example or Pattern for Imitation:** In this sense, it refers to a model, prototype, or ideal to be emulated or followed. It is something presented as worthy of replication.
* **A Negative Example or Warning:** Conversely, hypódeigma can signify a cautionary tale, a deterrent, or an illustration of what to avoid. It highlights the consequences of certain actions or failures, serving as an admonition.
* **A Shadow or Adumbration (Copy/Pattern):** In a theological and particularly typological context, it can denote a "copy" or "pattern" that prefigures a greater, ultimate reality. This usage suggests an earthly representation that points to a heavenly or spiritual original, a less substantial form pointing to the full substance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hypódeigma occurs 6 times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
1. **[[John 13:15]]**: "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you."
* Context: Jesus, having washed His disciples' feet, presents His act of humble service as a hypódeigma. Here, it functions as a direct, positive pattern for imitation, a living demonstration of discipleship.
2. **[[Hebrews 4:11]]**: "Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience."
* Context: The author warns believers against the unbelief that prevented the Israelites from entering God's rest in the wilderness. The Israelites' failure serves as a hypódeigma, a negative example and warning, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and unbelief.
3. **[[Hebrews 8:5]]**: "who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle; for He said, 'See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'"
* Context: This is a pivotal theological usage. The earthly tabernacle and its Levitical services are described as a hypódeigma and "shadow" (σκιά, `{{G4639}}`) of heavenly realities. It is a divinely revealed "pattern" or "copy" that points to the true, heavenly sanctuary and Christ's superior priesthood. It is not the ultimate reality but a divinely ordained earthly representation.
4. **[[Hebrews 9:23]]**: "Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these."
* Context: Continuing the theme from Hebrews 8:5, the earthly sacrificial system and its elements are again identified as hypódeigma, "copies" or "patterns" of the heavenly things. They required purification, but the heavenly realities, which they prefigured, demanded a superior purification through Christ's perfect sacrifice.
5. **[[James 5:10]]**: "My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience."
* Context: The prophets are presented as a hypódeigma of steadfastness and endurance in the face of suffering. This serves as a positive example for believers, encouraging perseverance through trials.
6. **[[2 Peter 2:6]]**: "and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly."
* Context: The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is cited as a hypódeigma, a clear and devastating warning of God's righteous judgment against ungodliness. This serves as a strong deterrent for those who might engage in similar sinful behaviors.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **τύπος (typos, `{{G5179}}`):** Often translated as "type," "pattern," or "example." While hypódeigma and typos can overlap in meaning, typos often emphasizes the impression or stamp left by something, a mold, or a figure. In Hebrews, hypódeigma focuses more on the "exhibit" laid out for observation, whether as a copy or a warning.
* **μιμητής (mimētēs, `{{G3402}}`):** "Imitator." This term directly relates to the *purpose* of a positive hypódeigma – to be imitated.
* **παράδειγμα (paradeigma, `{{G3856}}`):** "Example," "pattern." This word is closely synonymous with hypódeigma and appears in similar contexts, sometimes used interchangeably, though hypódeigma might carry a stronger sense of something "shown" or "exhibited" for a specific purpose.
* **σκιά (skia, `{{G4639}}`):** "Shadow." In Hebrews, hypódeigma is notably paired with skia to describe the Old Covenant institutions as a temporary, less substantial reality pointing to the full, true reality in Christ (e.g., [[Hebrews 8:5]]). The hypódeigma is the "copy" or "pattern" while skia emphasizes its insubstantial nature compared to the σῶμα (soma, body/reality).
* **ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`) / οὐράνιος (ouranios, `{{G3770}}`):** "Truth" / "heavenly." These concepts stand in contrast to the hypódeigma and skia of the Old Covenant, representing the ultimate reality found in Christ and the heavenly sanctuary.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hypódeigma is profound, particularly in the Epistle to the Hebrews, but also in its broader application across the New Testament:
1. **Christ as the Ultimate Example:** In [[John 13:15]], Jesus Himself embodies the perfect hypódeigma of humble, self-sacrificial service. His life and actions are not merely teachings but living demonstrations of divine character, meant to be emulated by His followers. This underscores the practical, imitable nature of Christian discipleship, where Christ is the pattern for all believers.
2. **Divine Pedagogy through History:** God uses historical events and figures as hypódeigmata for instruction and warning. The failures of Israel in the wilderness ([[Hebrews 4:11]]) and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([[2 Peter 2:6]]) serve as stark warnings, demonstrating God's justice and the dire consequences of sin and unbelief. Conversely, the endurance of the prophets ([[James 5:10]]) provides a positive model of perseverance in faith despite suffering. This highlights God's consistent character and the enduring principles of His covenant, revealed through historical precedents.
3. **Typology and Fulfillment in Christ:** The most significant theological use of hypódeigma is in Hebrews, where the Old Covenant tabernacle and its rituals are presented as a "copy" or "pattern" of heavenly realities ([[Hebrews 8:5]], [[Hebrews 9:23]]). This establishes a crucial typological framework. The earthly hypódeigma was not an end in itself but was divinely designed to point forward to the superior, ultimate reality found in Christ's priestly ministry and His once-for-all sacrifice in the true, heavenly sanctuary. This concept emphasizes the progressive revelation of God's plan and the absolute supremacy of the New Covenant in Christ. The earthly system was a visible, tangible hypódeigma of an invisible, eternal truth, revealing God's wisdom in preparing His people for the advent of His Son.
### Summary
The Greek word hypódeigma (`{{G5262}}`) signifies an "exhibit," "specimen," or "pattern" presented for observation, serving either as a model for imitation or as a warning. Its range extends to describe a "copy" or "adumbration" of a greater reality. In the New Testament, Jesus provides a hypódeigma of humble service ([[John 13:15]]), while historical events like the wilderness wanderings and the destruction of Sodom serve as hypódeigmata of warning against disobedience and ungodliness ([[Hebrews 4:11]], [[2 Peter 2:6]]). The enduring faithfulness of the prophets offers a hypódeigma of patient endurance ([[James 5:10]]). Most profoundly, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, hypódeigma describes the Old Covenant tabernacle and its rituals as earthly "copies" or "patterns" of heavenly things ([[Hebrews 8:5]], [[Hebrews 9:23]]). This establishes a profound theological framework where the Old Testament institutions, though divinely ordained, were temporary hypódeigmata pointing forward to their ultimate fulfillment and true reality in Christ and His superior, heavenly ministry. Thus, hypódeigma illuminates God's pedagogical use of examples, both positive and negative, and underscores the typological relationship between the Old and New Covenants, revealing Christ as the substance to which all earthly copies pointed.
TRV