Sacred Example: ὑπολιμπάνω (Strong’s G5277: hypolimpanō) Models Messiah’s Pattern

Strong’s G5277: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with limpanō (to leave), meaning to leave behind as an example or pattern. In biblical usage, it specifically refers to the Messiah leaving an example of suffering for believers to follow.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπολιμπάνω (hypolimpanō) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with λιμπάνω (limpanō, “to leave”), creating a term that emphasizes leaving behind a pattern for others. In 1 Peter 2:21, it describes the Messiah’s example of suffering as a model for believers. The early church saw this word as particularly significant in contexts of persecution and faithful endurance. Today, it continues to remind believers that following Christ involves following His pattern, particularly in facing opposition and suffering.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπολιμπάνω, hypolimpanō, hoop-o-lim-PAN-o
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + lim (as in “limb”) + pan (as in “pan”) + o (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• λιμπάνω (limpanō) – verb meaning “to leave”
  Combined to mean “to leave as pattern”

D – Defining Meanings

• To leave behind
• To leave as example
• To bequeath a pattern

For compound words:

• ὑπό suggests foundational purpose
• λιμπάνω contributes the aspect of leaving behind

Translation Options:

• “Leave as example” – emphasizes purpose
• “Leave as pattern” – highlights imitation aspect
• “Bequeath” – captures intentional transmission

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καταλείπω (kataleipō, kat-al-AY-po) – “to leave behind”
  See G2641
• ὑπογραμμός (hypogrammos, hoop-o-GRAM-mos) – “pattern, example”
  See G5261
• τύπος (typos, TOO-pos) – “pattern, model”
  See G5179

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑπολιμπάνω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (participle)
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Imperfective

Word morphing in English:

• Present: leaves behind
• Past: left behind
• Perfect: has left behind
• Future: will leave behind

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons emphasize ὑπολιμπάνω’s unique usage. BDAG highlights its specific application to Christ’s example. Thayer’s notes its intentional aspect of leaving a pattern. LSJ traces its development in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to discipleship themes. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature suggesting purposeful example-setting. Moulton and Milligan document its use in inheritance contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, [ὑπολιμπάνω] leaving us an 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

ὑπολιμπάνω powerfully expresses the intentional nature of Christ’s example. The Messiah not only suffered but purposefully left a pattern for believers to follow. The good news is that our suffering has meaning when viewed through the lens of His example. By following His pattern, we participate in His ministry and witness to His transforming power.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in ancient inheritance documents
• It implies intentional, purposeful example-setting
• Early martyrs saw it as validation of their suffering

Strong’s G5277: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with limpanō (to leave), meaning to leave behind as an example or pattern. In biblical usage, it specifically refers to the Messiah leaving an example of suffering for believers to follow.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: example, pattern, suffering, imitation, Christ’s example, discipleship, inheritance, persecution, faithfulness, following Jesus​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​