Typology in Scripture: Human Examples and Old/New Testament Characters
Typology in Scripture refers to the study of "types," which are persons, events, or institutions in the Old Testament that prefigure or foreshadow corresponding realities in the New Testament, particularly Christ and his work. The Greek word tupos is translated in various ways, including "figure," "fashion," "manner," "form," and "example" [1]. It fundamentally means a "model" or "pattern" [1].
The New Testament itself identifies several Old Testament figures and events as types. For instance, Romans 5:14 states that Adam was a "type" of the one who was to come, referring to Christ [4]. This highlights a foundational typological connection where Adam's headship over humanity and the consequences of his actions find a parallel, though reversed, in Christ's headship and redemptive work.
Numerous Old Testament characters are identified as types of Christ:
- Adam is a type of Christ [4].
- Abel is seen as a type of Christ [4].
- Abraham is also considered a type [4].
- Aaron, as the high priest, serves as a type of Christ's priestly ministry [4].
- David, the king, is a type of Christ as the ultimate king [4].
Beyond individuals, certain Old Testament institutions and events also function as types:
- The Paschal Lamb is a significant type of Christ [2]. Its characteristics—a male of the first year, without blemish, taken from the flock, chosen beforehand, and its blood shed—are seen as directly foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice [2].
- The ark of Noah is considered a type [4].
- The brazen serpent lifted in the wilderness is a type of Christ lifted up on the cross (Numbers 21:9; John 3:14-15) [4].
- The sacrifices offered on the Day of Atonement are types of Christ's atoning work [4].
- The cities of refuge are also typological, pointing to the refuge found in Christ [4].
The concept of "example" (tupos) extends beyond Christological types to include moral and spiritual lessons. The experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness are presented as "examples" for believers, serving as warnings against disobedience (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11) [1]. Similarly, Christ himself is an example for believers to follow (1 Peter 2:21; John 13:15), as are pastors to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 5:3) [3]. The prophets are also presented as examples of suffering affliction (James 5:10) [3].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Type — Occurs only once in Scripture (1 Cor. 10:11, A.V. marg.). The Greek word tupos is rendered "print" (John 20:25), "figure" (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14), "fashion" (Acts 7:44), "manner" (Acts 23:25), "form" (Rom. 6:17), "example" or "ensample" (1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:7; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12). It properly means a "model" or "pattern" or "mould" into which clay or wax was pressed, that it might take the figure or exact shape of the mould. The word "type" is generally used to denote a resemblance between something present and something future, which”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Paschal Lamb, Typical Nature Of — A type of Christ -- Ex 12:3; 1Co 5:7. A male of the first year -- Ex 12:5; Isa 9:6. Without blemish -- Ex 12:5; 1Pe 1:19. Taken out of the flock -- Ex 12:5; Heb 2:14,17. Chosen before-hand -- Ex 12:3; 1Pe 2:4. Shut up four days that it might be closely examined -- Ex 12:6; Joh 8:46; 18:38. Killed by the people -- Ex 12:6; Ac 2:23. Killed at the place where the Lord put his name -- De 16:2,5-7; 2Ch 35:1; Lu 13:33. Killed in the evening -- Ex 12:6; Mr 15:34,37. Its blood to be shed -- Ex 12:7; Lu 22:20. Blood of, sprinkled on lintel an”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Types of Christ — Adam -- Ro 5:14; 1Co 15:45. Abel -- Ge 4:8,10; Heb 12:24. Abraham -- Ge 17:5; Eph 3:15. Aaron -- Ex 28:1; Heb 5:4,5; Le 16:15; Heb 9:7,24. Ark -- Ge 7:16; 1Pe 3:20,21. Ark of the Covenant -- Ex 25:16; Ps 40:8; Isa 42:6. Atonement, sacrifices offered on the day of -- Le 16:15,16; Heb 9:12,24. Brazen serpent -- Nu 21:9; Joh 3:14,15. Brazen altar -- Ex 27:1,2; Heb 13:10. Burnt offering -- Le 1:2,4; Heb 10:10. Cities of refuge -- Nu 35:6; Heb 6:18. David -- 2Sa 8:15; Eze 37:24; Ps 89:19,20; Php 2:9. Eliakim -- Isa 22:20-22; Re 3:7. First-fruits -- Ex 22”