ὑπογραμμός (hupogrammos)
hupogrammos
example
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hupogrammos literally means a "writing under," referring to the practice where beginners traced over letters written beneath their own attempts. In this sense, it denotes a model or pattern set out for imitation. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 5:3, where leaders are instructed not to lord it over those entrusted to them but to be examples to the flock.
This usage highlights a leadership style rooted in service rather than authority. By choosing this specific term, the text emphasizes that true spiritual oversight involves providing a visible, traceable pattern of humility and care for others to follow, much like a student copying a master’s handwriting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupogrammos paints a vivid picture of early learning. Students would trace over letters written beneath their own attempts to master the script. It is not enough to simply give instructions; true guidance requires showing the way through your own life.
In leadership, this means becoming a living pattern for others to follow. When we serve with humility and care, we leave something tangible for those watching us. It invites them to trace the steps of Christ by observing how you treat people in difficult moments.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an example1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπογραμμὸν1×