Perfect Pattern: ὑπογραμμός (Strong’s G5261: hypogrammos) Models Messiah’s Example

Strong’s G5261: A noun derived from hypo (under) and graphō (to write), literally meaning a writing copy or pattern to trace. In biblical usage, it refers to the perfect example of the Messiah’s life as a pattern for believers to follow.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπογραμμός (hypogrammos) originally referred to a writing pattern that students would trace to learn proper letter formation. In 1 Peter 2:21, this educational metaphor is beautifully applied to the Messiah’s example for believers to follow. This image would have been immediately recognizable to first-century readers familiar with basic education practices. The early church frequently used this term to emphasize the practical imitation of the Messiah’s life, particularly in contexts of suffering and service. Today, it reminds us that discipleship involves careful attention to and replication of our Lord’s example.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπογραμμός, hypogrammos, hoop-o-GRAM-mos
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + gram (as in “gram”) + mos (as in “moss”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• γράφω (graphō) – verb meaning “to write”
• -μος (-mos) – noun-forming suffix
  Combined to mean “writing pattern” or “copy to trace”

D – Defining Meanings

• Pattern to follow
• Example to imitate
• Model for conduct

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates position under or subordination
• γράφω contributes the concept of writing or inscription
• -μος makes it a concrete noun

Translation Options:

• “Pattern” – emphasizes the template aspect
• “Example” – highlights the model to follow
• “Copy” – maintains the original writing metaphor

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τύπος (typos, TOO-pos) – “type, pattern” – more general pattern
  See G5179
• ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma, hoop-o-DAYG-mah) – “example, pattern”
  See G5262
• εἰκών (eikōn, ay-KONE) – “image, likeness”
  See G1504

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, ὑπογραμμός exhibits these features:

• Case: Various (nominative, genitive, etc.)
• Number: Singular or Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: ὑπογραμμός
• Genitive: ὑπογραμμοῦ
• Dative: ὑπογραμμῷ
• Accusative: ὑπογραμμόν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπογραμμός. BDAG emphasizes its educational origin as a writing pattern and its metaphorical application to moral example. Thayer’s highlights its development from penmanship to ethical imitation. LSJ traces its use in ancient education. Vine’s connects it specifically to the Messiah’s example. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature and writing connection. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in ancient educational contexts, particularly in teaching writing. The lexicons collectively emphasize both its concrete origin and spiritual application.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you were called, because the Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an [ὑπογραμμός] example, that you should follow His steps.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπογραμμός beautifully captures the essence of discipleship as following the perfect pattern of the Messiah. Just as students carefully traced letters to learn proper writing, we are called to carefully study and follow our Lord’s example. The good news is that King Jesus not only provided the perfect pattern through His life but also empowers us through His Spirit to follow His example.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπογραμμός was a technical term in ancient education
• Writing patterns were often wax tablets with letters carved for tracing
• The word influenced early Christian teaching about discipleship

Strong’s G5261: A noun derived from hypo (under) and graphō (to write), literally meaning a writing copy or pattern to trace. In biblical usage, it refers to the perfect example of the Messiah’s life as a pattern for believers to follow.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: example, pattern, discipleship, imitation, education, Christ’s example, suffering, following Jesus, model, Christian life​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​