Divine Pattern: ὑποτύπωσις (Strong’s G5296: hupotuposis) Models Messiah’s Transforming Grace

Strong’s G5296: From hupo (under) and tupos (pattern), hupotuposis refers to an outline, pattern, or example to be followed. In NT usage, it specifically describes Paul’s conversion as a divine pattern showing Messiah’s perfect patience and transformative power for future believers.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun ὑποτύπωσις (hupotuposis) carries deep significance in its representation of a pattern or example meant for instruction and imitation. As a compound word, it combines the concept of “under” with that of a “pattern” or “impression,” suggesting a foundational model or template. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe his own conversion experience as a pattern of Messiah’s extraordinary mercy and patience. The early church recognized this word’s importance in establishing models of faith and conduct, seeing in it both the divine pattern for transformation and the human responsibility to become examples for others. Today, it continues to speak to the power of testimony and the importance of living as patterns of God’s transforming grace.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποτύπωσις, hupotuposis, hoo-po-TU-po-sis
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoó (as in “who”) – po (as in “post”) – TU (as in “too”) – po (as in “post”) – sis (as in “sister”)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hupo) – prefix meaning “under”
• τύπος (tupos) – root noun meaning “pattern, model”
• -σις (-sis) – suffix forming abstract nouns indicating action or process

D – Defining Meanings

• A pattern or model to be imitated
• An outline or sketch
• An example for instruction

For compound words:
The prefix ὑπό (under) combined with τύπος (pattern) and the abstract noun suffix -σις creates the concept of a fundamental or underlying pattern meant to guide others.

Translation Options:

• “pattern” – Emphasizes the exemplary nature
• “model” – Highlights the instructional aspect
• “example” – Captures the practical application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τύπος (tupos, TU-pos) – type, pattern, model
  See G5179
• ἀντίτυπος (antitupos, an-TI-tu-pos) – antitype, copy
  See G499
• ὑπόδειγμα (hupodeigma, hu-po-DEIG-ma) – example, pattern
  See G5262

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

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

Example forms:

• ὑποτύπωσις (nominative) – the pattern
• ὑποτυπώσεως (genitive) – of the pattern
• ὑποτυπώσει (dative) – to/for the pattern
• ὑποτύπωσιν (accusative) – pattern (direct object)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• Verb: ὑποτυπόω (hupotupoo)
• Adjective: τυπικός (tupikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical research reveals ὑποτύπωσις’s rich theological significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in educational contexts as a prototype or model. Thayer’s highlights its development from artistic sketching to moral exemplar. LSJ documents its use in rhetorical and philosophical writings for preliminary outlines. Vine’s connects it to the concept of divine patterns in salvation history. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in educational contexts. Strong’s emphasizes its role in providing concrete examples for imitation, while LEH notes its use in describing foundational patterns. This evidence points to a term that bridges theoretical models and practical examples.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Timothy 1:16 “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Messiah might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern [ὑποτύπωσις] to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.”

Additional References:
2 Timothy 1:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑποτύπωσις beautifully captures how God uses transformed lives as patterns of His grace. Paul’s use of this word to describe his own conversion story shows that no one is beyond the reach of divine mercy. This word proclaims the good news of King Jesus by demonstrating that His work in one life becomes a pattern of hope for countless others. It reminds us that our testimonies of transformation serve as living examples of Messiah’s power to save and change lives.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient art for preliminary sketches before final paintings.
2. In ancient education, it referred to basic outlines students would follow to learn writing.
3. Early church fathers used this word to describe how Scripture provides patterns for holy living.

Strong’s G5296: From hupo (under) and tupos (pattern), hupotuposis refers to an outline, pattern, or example to be followed. In NT usage, it specifically describes Paul’s conversion as a divine pattern showing Messiah’s perfect patience and transformative power for future believers.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: pattern, example, model, conversion, testimony, transformation, divine-mercy, paul’s-conversion, instruction, discipleship, imitation, spiritual-growth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​