τύπος (tupos)
tupos
mark/example
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun tupos refers to a mark, impression, or pattern created by force or contact. In its most physical sense, it describes the visible trace left by an impact, such as the wounds from nails remaining on Jesus’ hands after the resurrection (John 20:25). This concrete imagery of a stamp or die suggests that what is produced carries the exact likeness of the source that made it.
Beyond physical marks, the word extends to abstract forms and examples. It denotes the essential shape or substance of something, as when Paul describes believers having become obedient to the "pattern" (tupos) of teaching they received (Romans 6:17). In this ethical context, it serves as a model for conduct, urging followers to imitate leaders who live out their faith consistently (Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:7).
The term also carries theological weight in Romans 5:14, where Adam is called a "type" of the one who was to come. Here, tupos indicates a prefiguration, where a historical reality points forward to a greater spiritual truth. This usage highlights how early Christians viewed history not as random events, but as a series of impressions that reveal God’s unfolding plan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word tupos describes a clear mark or impression left by contact, like the seal on wax or the shape of a die in metal. In your spiritual life, this suggests that faith is not just about ideas but about leaving a visible trace of Christ’s character in how you live. When believers walk in obedience, they become living examples that others can see and follow.
This word also points to deeper patterns. Just as Adam served as a type pointing forward to Jesus, your daily actions can reflect God’s truth to those around you. Whether it is integrity in teaching or love in relationships, you are invited to embody the gospel so clearly that your life becomes a helpful guide for others seeking hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pattern2×
- mark2×
- types1×
- to the form1×
- images1×
- form1×
- examples1×
- an example1×
- a type1×
- a pattern1×
- [for] a pattern1×
- [as] an example1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τύπον10×
- τύπος2×
- τύποι2×
- τύπους1×
Key Verses
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Romans 6:17
But thanks be to God that, whereas you were bondservants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were delivered.
This verse uses the word to describe becoming obedient to the specific pattern of teaching received, showing how doctrine shapes practical conduct.
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Philippians 3:17
Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.
Paul explicitly calls believers to imitate him because he serves as a living example of walking in the faith.
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I Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
Here the word defines a comprehensive model for conduct, covering speech, lifestyle, love, and purity rather than just one area.
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Hebrews 8:5
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, “See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.”
It describes the earthly tabernacle as a shadow or copy of the heavenly reality, highlighting how physical things reflect spiritual truths.