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Bible Lexicons
Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the Bible Bullinger's Figures of Speech
Type
A figure or ensample of something future and more or less prophetic, called the "Antitype"
Type. Greek, τύπος (typos). The verb τύπτειν (tuptein), to strike, make an impress. Hence Type means primarily a blow; then, the impress or mark left by a blow; then, a mark, print, or impress of any kind.
In the New Testament the word occurs in several of these senses. It is rendered:-
1. A print or mark (John 20:25).* [Note: The second occurrence in this verse is read τόπος, the place, by Lachmann, Tischendorf, Tregelles (margin).]
2. Figure (Acts 7:43. Romans 5:14).
3. Form (Romans 6:17).
4. Fashion (Acts 7:44).
5. Manner (Acts 23:25).
6. Pattern (Titus 2:7. Hebrews 8:5).
7. Ensample (1 Corinthians 10:11. Philippians 3:17. 1 Thessalonians 1:7).† [Note: According to the best texts, this is singular, as in R.V., not plural.] 2 Thessalonians 3:9. 1 Peter 5:3
8. Example (1 Corinthians 10:6. 1 Timothy 4:12).
The Greeks used it of the symptoms of a disease. Galen wrote a medical work entitled περὶ τῶν τύπων, concerning symptoms. In a Legal sense it was used of what we technically cite as a "case."
It will thus be seen that the special and technical sense which has been given to it by Theologians is not exactly equivalent to any of these usages: the nearest being Romans 5:14, where Adam is spoken of as a type of the Coming One.
The theological use of the word agrees more with what in the New Testament is called σκιά (skia), a shadow (Hebrews 10:1-39 i. Colossians 2:17).
There is, therefore, not much profit in following out what have been called types by men. Many are merely illustrations; and it would be better so to call them; inasmuch as they did not and do not of themselves teach the truths, but only illustrate those truths which are elsewhere clearly revealed. We should never have called them types but for such subsequent revelation; and therefore they are only illustrations so far as their teaching agrees with clear revelation afterward made.
