Hebrews 1 (WEB)

Type

Word Study· Steve Stanley
τύπος týpos ·Strong's G5179

This word refers to an “image, pattern, model,” and can also be used to describe the “content” of a document. It has an important theological usage, as in this verse, referring to a person, thing or event that foreshadows a later and greater fulfillment in redemptive history. With this meaning, the word is simply transliterated as “type.” In Rom 5:14, Adam is a type or foreshadowing of Jesus: as Adam’s choice affects the many, so does Jesus’ work. Another example of a type is the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Covenant, which looks forward to, even predicts the greater sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Typology assumes the doctrine of the progress of revelation (Heb 1:1-4): God reveals Himself and His plan with more and more detail and clarity throughout redemptive history (Scripture), with the incarnation of Jesus being God’s best revelation to date. Types show that God deliberately anticipates and paints pictures in earlier revelation of realities that would only be revealed and experienced later, for example, the picture of the OT priest that would later find its ultimate expression and fulfillment in Jesus as priest.

Hebrews 1 (WEB)

1God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. 3His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much better than the angels as the more excellent name he has inherited is better than theirs. 5For to which of the angels did he say at any time,

“You are my Son.

Today I have become your father?”

and again,

“I will be to him a Father,

and he will be to me a Son?”

6When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” 7Of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels winds,

and his servants a flame of fire.”

8But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.

The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.

9You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity;

therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”

10And,

“You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth.

The heavens are the works of your hands.

11They will perish, but you continue.

They all will grow old like a garment does.

12You will roll them up like a mantle,

and they will be changed;

but you are the same.

Your years won’t fail.”

13But which of the angels has he told at any time,

“Sit at my right hand,

until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?”

14Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Type