Types

Biblical typology is the interpretive framework that identifies OT persons, events, and institutions as divinely designed prefigurations of NT realities — particularly the person and work of Christ. The Greek word typos ("pattern, impression") is used in this sense in Romans 5:14, where Adam is called "a type (typos) of the one who was to come" (Christ). Similarly, the bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness is a type of Christ lifted up on the cross (John 3:14), and the Passover lamb prefigures Christ our Passover (1 Cor. 5:7).

The Letter to the Hebrews is the NT's most sustained typological argument: the Levitical priesthood, tabernacle, and sacrificial system are "a shadow of the good things to come" (Heb. 10:1), all finding their fulfillment and supersession in Christ the high priest who entered the true heavenly sanctuary with his own blood (Heb. 9:11–12). Other prominent types include Melchizedek (prefiguring Christ's royal-priestly office, Heb. 7), Noah's ark (prefiguring baptism, 1 Pet. 3:21), and the manna in the wilderness (prefiguring the bread of life, John 6:31–35).