Divine Example: ὑπόδειγμα (Strong’s G5262: hypodeigma) Shows Messiah’s Servant Heart

Strong’s G5262: A compound noun joining hypo (under) with deiknymi (to show), meaning an example or pattern for imitation. In biblical usage, it particularly refers to demonstrative examples that teach spiritual truths, especially regarding the Messiah’s model of servant leadership.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma) represents a concrete demonstration or visible pattern intended for imitation. This word appears powerfully in John 13:15 where the Messiah provides a tangible example of servant leadership through washing His disciples’ feet. The early church frequently used this term to emphasize the practical demonstration of spiritual truths, particularly in teaching about humility and service. Today, it continues to remind believers that Christian truth must be demonstrated through visible actions, not just taught through words.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπόδειγμα, hypodeigma, hoop-o-DAYG-mah
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + dayg (as in “day” with ‘g’) + mah (as in “ma”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• δείκνυμι (deiknymi) – verb meaning “to show”
• -μα (-ma) – noun-forming suffix indicating result
  Combined to mean “something shown as an example”

D – Defining Meanings

• Example
• Pattern
• Illustration
• Warning example

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates subordination or foundation
• δείκνυμι contributes the aspect of demonstration
• -μα makes it a concrete noun showing result

Translation Options:

• “Example” – emphasizes demonstrative nature
• “Pattern” – highlights reproducible aspect
• “Illustration” – captures teaching element

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τύπος (typos, TOO-pos) – “type, pattern” – broader term for pattern
  See G5179
• ὑπογραμμός (hypogrammos, hoop-o-GRAM-mos) – “writing pattern”
  See G5261
• εἰκών (eikōn, ay-KONE) – “image, likeness”
  See G1504

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, ὑπόδειγμα exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, or Accusative
• Number: Singular or Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative/Accusative singular: ὑπόδειγμα
• Genitive singular: ὑποδείγματος
• Dative singular: ὑποδείγματι
• Plural forms adjust accordingly

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide comprehensive insight into ὑπόδειγμα. BDAG emphasizes its use for both positive and warning examples. Thayer’s highlights its educational function in demonstrating truth. LSJ traces its development in classical Greek as a teaching tool. Vine’s connects it particularly to the Messiah’s example of humility. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature and demonstrative aspect. Moulton and Milligan document its frequent use in ancient educational contexts. The lexicons collectively emphasize its role in making abstract truths concrete through visible demonstration.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 13:15: “For I have given you an [ὑπόδειγμα] example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

Additional References:
Hebrews 4:11
Hebrews 8:5
Hebrews 9:23
James 5:10
2 Peter 2:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπόδειγμα powerfully conveys the importance of visible demonstration in spiritual truth. When the Messiah washed His disciples’ feet, He provided not just a lesson but a living example of servant leadership. The good news is that King Jesus not only taught truth but demonstrated it through His life, death, and resurrection, giving us a perfect pattern to follow through the power of His Spirit.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπόδειγμα was used in ancient educational manuals
• The word appears in both positive and warning examples in Scripture
• It influenced early Christian teaching methods

Strong’s G5262: A compound noun joining hypo (under) with deiknymi (to show), meaning an example or pattern for imitation. In biblical usage, it particularly refers to demonstrative examples that teach spiritual truths, especially regarding the Messiah’s model of servant leadership.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: example, pattern, demonstration, teaching, servant leadership, humility, imitation, discipleship, modeling, practical application​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​