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G5261 (ὑπογραμμός)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G5261
Original Word: ὑπογραμμός
Transliteration: hypogrammós
Pronunciation: hoop-og-ram-mos'
Part of Speech: noun
Root / Etymology: from a compound of G5259 (ὑπό) and G1125 (γράφω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1004

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 an underwriting, i.e. copy for imitation (figuratively)

example

from a compound of G5259 (ὑπό) and G1125 (γράφω);

Commentary

Contributors:

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.

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:

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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

Author: Work	Text
Clement of Alexandria: Paedagogus	"The teacher provided a [ὑπογραμμός] pattern for the students to trace."
Plutarch: Education	"Children learn by following the [ὑπογραμμός] writing copy beneath the page."
Quintilian: Institutes	"The best method uses a [ὑπογραμμός] guide for forming letters correctly."

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

Part of speech: Noun

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

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