Pronunciation Guide: an-tee’-too-pos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G499: ἀντίτυπος (antitypos) refers to something that corresponds to or is prefigured by a type or pattern, especially in reference to biblical typology. It describes a thing, person, or event that represents the fulfillment of an earlier prophetic symbol or foreshadowing. In biblical usage, it specifically denotes the reality that corresponds to an Old Testament type or shadow.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound word from ἀντί (anti, “corresponding to”) and τύπος (typos, “pattern, figure”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Used primarily in theological/teaching contexts
• Appears in both literal and figurative contexts
• Found in both Hellenistic and Koine Greek literature

ἀντίτυπος Morphology:

• ἀντίτυπος (nominative singular masculine) – corresponding to the type
• ἀντίτυπον (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – the antitype
• ἀντιτύπου (genitive singular) – of the antitype
• ἀντιτύπῳ (dative singular) – to/in the antitype

Origin & History

The concept of ἀντίτυπος emerged from ancient Greek literature where it initially meant “struck back” or “responding to a blow,” derived from its use in describing the impression made by a seal upon wax. Plato used it in “Timaeus” (72c) to describe reflections or images that correspond to original forms. The term evolved in Hellenistic Judaism, particularly through the Septuagint’s influence, though not directly appearing there.

In early Christian literature, the term gained theological significance. Clement of Alexandria (Stromata 1.28) employed it to explain how New Testament realities fulfilled Old Testament shadows. Justin Martyr (Dialogue with Trypho, 40) used similar concepts to demonstrate how the Messiah fulfilled Old Testament types, though not using the exact term.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A corresponding reality that fulfills an earlier type or shadow
• The substance or fulfillment of what was previously prefigured
• A divinely ordained parallel between Old and New Testament realities
• The actual entity of which something else was a prophetic symbol

ἀντίτυπος Translation Options:

• “Antitype” – When emphasizing theological/typological relationships
• “Corresponding reality” – When explaining fulfillment patterns
• “Counterpart” – When describing parallel relationships
• “Fulfillment” – When focusing on prophetic completion
• “Copy” – When describing earthly representations of heavenly realities (context specific to Hebrews 9:24)

Biblical Usage

The term ἀντίτυπος appears only twice in the New Testament, but its theological significance far outweighs its limited occurrences. Its first appearance in Hebrews 9:24 uses the term to contrast the earthly sanctuary with the heavenly reality it represents. The second usage in 1 Peter 3:21 connects baptism as an ἀντίτυπος to the salvation through water in Noah’s day.

These usages establish a profound theological framework for understanding how God uses patterns and fulfillments throughout salvation history to reveal His redemptive plan. The concept, though only explicitly stated twice, underlies much of New Testament interpretation of Old Testament events.

Key verses:

• “For Messiah did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy [ἀντίτυπος] of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” Hebrews 9:24
• “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you— not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 3:21

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the concept of patterns and their fulfillments was deeply embedded in religious and philosophical thought. The Jewish temple service, which forms the background for the usage in Hebrews, operated on the understanding that earthly worship was a reflection of heavenly realities. This concept is rooted in the instructions given to Moses in Exodus 25:40: “See that you make them after the pattern for them, which was shown to you on the mountain.”

The Hebrew concept of tavnit (תַּבְנִית, pattern) closely relates to the Greek ἀντίτυπος, suggesting a divine template that earthly realities follow. This understanding was particularly important in Second Temple Judaism’s interpretation of Scripture, where events were often seen as patterns pointing to future fulfillments.

Theological Significance

ἀντίτυπος plays a crucial role in biblical hermeneutics and theology, establishing a framework for understanding God’s progressive revelation. It demonstrates that God’s redemptive plan wasn’t improvised but carefully orchestrated through patterns and fulfillments. The earthly sanctuary, as an ἀντίτυπος of the heavenly reality, shows that God provides tangible ways for humans to understand spiritual truths.

This concept particularly illuminates the Messiah’s role in fulfilling Old Testament types. Every sacrifice, every priest, and every ritual in the Old Testament served as a type pointing to Jesus, with His work and person being the ἀντίτυπος – the perfect fulfillment of these shadows. This reveals God’s wisdom in preparing His people to recognize and understand the Messiah through centuries of symbolic practices and prophecies.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀντίτυπος transforms our Bible study by revealing God’s intentional patterns throughout Scripture. When we recognize these divine patterns, we gain confidence in God’s sovereign control over history and His faithful fulfillment of promises. This understanding should inspire us to look for God’s patterns in our own lives, trusting that He is working purposefully, even when we can’t see the full picture.

This concept also encourages us to view our current experiences through the lens of God’s larger purposes. Just as the tabernacle was an ἀντίτυπος of heavenly realities, our earthly worship and service can reflect and participate in eternal spiritual truths.

Related Words

• τύπος (typos) – pattern, example, type – Original pattern from which an antitype is derived. See G5179
• σκιά (skia) – shadow, foreshadowing – Contrasts with ἀντίτυπος as the preliminary shadow versus the fulfillment. See G4639
• ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma) – copy, example, pattern – Similar concept but emphasizing the exemplary nature. See G5262
• εἰκών (eikon) – image, likeness – Related to representation but emphasizing visual similarity. See G1504

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀντίτυπος in ancient seal-making involved creating an impression that perfectly corresponded to its original seal, much like how New Testament realities perfectly fulfill their Old Testament patterns.
• Modern Orthodox Jewish scholars still use similar pattern-fulfillment frameworks in their biblical interpretation, though they differ in their conclusions about the Messiah’s identity.
• The term ἀντίτυπος has influenced modern theological terms like “typology” and “archetype,” which are still used in biblical studies and literary analysis today.

Remember This

ἀντίτυπος reveals God’s masterful storytelling through history, where every shadow finds its substance and every pattern its perfect fulfillment in the Messiah.