tupos denotes an example to follow, a prescribed pattern, or a visible mark or image in Scripture.

The dominant use identifies a person or event as an example or model for others; other occurrences refer to a pattern governing what is made or taught, and to visible marks or images.

1. Example or model for conduct and imitation · dominant

   The noun appears in clauses that set persons or events before others: in 1 Corinthians 10:6 the APB renders the plural as “examples” in a warning against desiring evil, while in 1 Thessalonians 1:7 and 1 Timothy 4:12 it describes an example for believers. In 2 Thessalonians 3:9, Philippians 3:17, and Titus 2:7, the clause concerns presenting oneself or others as a model to imitate in conduct.

   1 Corinthians 10:61 Thessalonians 1:71 Timothy 4:122 Thessalonians 3:9Philippians 3:17Titus 2:7
2. Pattern governing a form or teaching · common

   In Acts 7:44 and Hebrews 8:5, the accusative singular occurs with making the tent according to a pattern shown to Moses. Romans 6:17 places it with the “pattern of teaching” obeyed from the heart, and Acts 23:25 uses it in the statement that a letter was written with particular wording.

   Acts 7:44Hebrews 8:5Romans 6:17Acts 23:25
3. Visible mark or made image · occasional

   In John 20:25, the accusative singular is located in Jesus' hands as the mark of the nails. In Acts 7:43, the accusative plural occurs in the clause about images made for worship.

   John 20:25Acts 7:43

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the term with “examples,” “example,” and “model” in imitation and conduct contexts, and with “pattern,” “wording,” “mark,” and “images” in other clauses. These renderings reflect whole-verse translation.