"a token, intimation; an example, model, proposed for imitation or admonition, Jn. 13:15; Heb. 4:11; Jas. 5:10; 2 Pet. 2:6; a copy, Heb. 8:5; 9:23*"
Definition and meaning
a token, intimation; an example, model, proposed for imitation or admonition, Jn. 13:15; Heb. 4:11; Jas. 5:10; 2 Pet. 2:6; a copy, Heb. 8:5; 9:23*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὑπόδειγμα
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of hypodeigma (G5262) across the King James Bible.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
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Common questions
Strong's G5262 (hypodeigma) is a Greek word that means: a token, intimation; an example, model, proposed for imitation or admonition, Jn. 13:15; Heb. 4:11; Jas. 5:10; 2 Pet. 2:6; a copy, Heb. 8:5; 9:23* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word hypodeigma (G5262) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5262 is hypodeigma, a Greek word defined as: a token, intimation; an example, model, proposed for imitation or admonition, Jn. 13:15; Heb. 4:11; Jas. 5:10; 2 Pet. 2:6; a copy, Heb. 8:5; 9:23*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
hypodeigma is a Greek word found in the New Testament.