ἀντίτυπον

antítypon

G499 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root τυπ- pattern, model, mark, image

Definition

An impression corresponding to a model or prototype; that which corresponds as a counterpart or representation to something else, especially as a later or secondary reality matched to an original form. In broader usage, refers to that which reflects, matches, or fulfills the pattern set by another object or event, especially in ritual or symbolic contexts.

Semantic Range

corresponding copy, counterpart, representation, figure responding to a type, earthly copy of a heavenly reality, concrete fulfillment of a pattern

Root / Etymology

From ἀντί ('against, corresponding to, in place of') + τύπος ('mark, pattern, image'). Formed as the neuter of ἀντίτυπος, meaning literally 'made after a model' or 'corresponding to a pattern'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, the word is rare and does not appear prominently until the Hellenistic period. In Septuagintal and extra-biblical Jewish Greek, ἀντίτυπον is used for things corresponding or opposed to an original type (τύπος). In the New Testament, notably in Hebrews 9:24, it contrasts earthly ritual objects (the tabernacle) as an 'antitype' to the heavenly reality; in 1 Peter 3:21, it refers to baptism as the 'antitype' corresponding to the saving of Noah's family through water. The term suggests a relationship between an archetype and its corresponding fulfillment or manifestation, though it does not inherently imply 'fulfillment' in a prophetic sense. English translations often render it as 'figure,' 'copy,' or 'pattern,' which may underplay its function as an intentional correspondence. The later theological usage of 'antitype' as 'fulfillment' or 'reality' vis-à-vis 'type' develops from, but exceeds, the Greek usage in the Koine period. The word's signification is always relational: it gains meaning only with reference to the 'type' to which it corresponds.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a compound of ἀντί and τύπος; corresponding ("antitype"), i.e. a representative, counterpart:--(like) figure (whereunto).

Root Family

ἀντίτυπον (antitypon) — pattern, model, mark, image, counterpart

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G499-01 ἀντίτυπα antitupa ADJ.S ACC N PL corresponding copies 1
G499-02 ἀντίτυπον antitupon ADJ.S NOM N SG antitype corresponding counterpart 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G499-01 Hebrews 9:24 ἀντίτυπα antitupa ADJ.S ACC N PL corresponding copies
G499-02 1 Peter 3:21 ἀντίτυπον antitupon ADJ.S NOM N SG antitype corresponding counterpart