Topical Bible: Example

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Usage in Scripture:

The term "example" in the Bible is often used to denote a pattern or model for behavior, character, or faith that believers are encouraged to follow. It is a concept that underscores the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus Christ, as well as the faithful individuals who have gone before us.

Old Testament Context:

While the specific word "example" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept is present through narratives and laws that set forth models of obedience and faithfulness. The lives of patriarchs like Abraham, Moses, and David serve as examples of faith and leadership. The Israelites were often reminded to follow the statutes and commandments of God as a model for righteous living (Deuteronomy 4:1-2).

New Testament Context:

In the New Testament, the concept of being an example is more explicitly addressed. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example for believers. His life, teachings, and sacrificial death are the perfect model of love, humility, and obedience to God. In John 13:15, Jesus says, "I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you" , referring to His act of washing the disciples' feet as a demonstration of servanthood.

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks about the importance of being an example to others. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he urges believers, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" . Paul emphasizes that his life is patterned after Christ, and thus, he serves as a model for others to follow. Similarly, in Philippians 3:17, Paul writes, "Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you" .

The pastoral epistles also highlight the importance of setting a good example, particularly for leaders in the church. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul advises Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity" . This underscores the responsibility of church leaders to live exemplary lives that inspire and guide others in their faith journey.

Theological Implications:

The concept of being an example is deeply rooted in the call to holiness and sanctification. Believers are called to be "salt and light" in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), living lives that reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. The examples set by Jesus, the apostles, and other faithful individuals serve as tangible demonstrations of how to live out one's faith in practical and impactful ways.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the call to be an example is both a privilege and a responsibility. It involves living a life that is consistent with biblical teachings, demonstrating love, integrity, and faithfulness in all areas. By doing so, Christians can positively influence others and draw them closer to Christ. The examples set by believers can serve as powerful testimonies to the truth and grace of the Gospel, encouraging others to seek and follow Jesus.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Of Christ (1 Peter 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Hebrews 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.

2. (n.) That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.

3. (n.) That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.

4. (n.) That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.

5. (n.) An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.

6. (v. t.) To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

EXAMPLE

eg-zam'-p'-l (tupos, "a pattern," hupodeigma, "copy" "representation" hupogrammos, "a writing-copy," example):

A typical, representative, or illustrative case; a pattern or model for imitation (hupodeigma, John 13:15 Hebrews 8:5 the King James Version; James 5:10; hupogrammos, 1 Peter 2:21; tupos, 1 Timothy 4:12 the King James Version) or warning (deigma, "a sample," "exhibition," Jude 1:7; compare 2 Peter 2:6; hupodeigma, Hebrews 4:11; tupos, 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11). "Ensample" (tupos, APC 2Macc 6:28, 31; Philippians 3:17 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) and "example" have the same meaning, but the former is always suggestive of goodness.

Greek

5261. hupogrammos -- a writing to be copied, an example
... a writing to be copied, an example. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
hupogrammos Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-og-ram-mos') Short Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5261.htm - 6k

5262. hupodeigma -- a figure, copy, example
... a figure, copy, example. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: hupodeigma
Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-od'-igue-mah) Short Definition: a figure, copy ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5262.htm - 6k

3856. paradeigmatizo -- to set forth as an example
... to set forth as an example. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: paradeigmatizo
Phonetic Spelling: (par-ad-igue-mat-id'-zo) Short Definition: I put to open ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3856.htm - 6k

5296. hupotuposis -- an outline, sketch, fig. an example
... an example. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: hupotuposis Phonetic
Spelling: (hoop-ot-oop'-o-sis) Short Definition: a pattern, example Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5296.htm - 6k

1164. deigma -- a thing shown, specimen
... a thing shown, specimen. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: deigma Phonetic
Spelling: (digh'-mah) Short Definition: an example, type Definition: an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1164.htm - 6k

3402. mimetes -- an imitator
... emulates") -- properly, the positive imitation that arises by admiring the pattern
set by someone worthy of emulation, ie a mentor setting a proper example. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3402.htm - 7k

5179a. tupikos -- typically
... typically. Transliteration: tupikos Short Definition: example. Word Origin from
tupos Definition typically NASB Word Usage example (1). 5179, 5179a. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5179a.htm - 5k

4285. proegeomai -- to go before (as a leader)
... as a leader). Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: proegeomai Phonetic Spelling:
(pro-ay-geh'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I lead onward by example Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4285.htm - 7k

5179b. tupos -- the mark (of a blow), an impression, stamp (made ...
... 5179a, 5179b. tupos. 5180 . the mark (of a blow), an impression, stamp (made
by a die). Transliteration: tupos Short Definition: example. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5179b.htm - 5k

3761. oude -- and not, neither
... included in 100. Thus if "A" (100 in the previous example) is invalid,
so is what (statement "B" -- 90, 80, 70). [Regardless of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3761.htm - 8k

Strong's Hebrew

4929. mishmar -- place of confinement, jail, prison, guard, watch ...
... From shamar; a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (fig.); also
(as observed) a usage (abstr.), or an example (concr.) -- diligence, guard ...
/hebrew/4929.htm - 6k

1870. derek -- way, road, distance, journey, manner
... road, distance, journey, manner NASB Word Usage actions (1), acts (1), conduct
(11), course (2), crooked* (2), direction (4), distance (1), example (1), favors ...
/hebrew/1870.htm - 6k

Library

Home-Example.
... CHAPTER XX. HOME-EXAMPLE. "Example strikes All human hearts! A bad example more;
More still a father's!". Example has much to do with the interests of home. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

Example.
... LVIII. EXAMPLE. ... SUBJECT."Let us, to-day, consider the effect of the example of
parents on their children; and of teachers on their pupils. ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lviii example.htm

An Example of Faith
... GENESIS AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH. ... The call of Abram is the most important event in the
Old Testament, but it is also an eminent example of individual faith. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/an example of faith.htm

Example
... The Treasury of Sacred Song. Book First CCCXV EXAMPLE. We scatter seeds with careless
hand, And dream we ne'er shall see them more: But for a thousand years. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cccxv example.htm

By the Example of Judith is Shown that Courage is not Wanting in ...
... Concerning Widows. Chapter VII. By the example of Judith is shown that
courage is not wanting in widows? By the example of Judith ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii by the example.htm

The Example of Christ.
... Hymn 2:139. The example of Christ. 1 My dear Redeemer and my Lord, I read my duty
in thy word; But in thy life the law appears Drawn out in living characters. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 179861111 the example of.htm

The Example: of Christ and the Saints.
... the first and third lines of the stanza. Hymn 2:140. The example: of Christ
and the saints. 1 Give me the wings of faith to rise ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 180555556 the example of.htm

Example of Christ.
... CHRIST; HIS CHARACTER AND OFFICES. 238. " Example of Christ. 238. LM Watts.
Example of Christ. 1 My dear Redeemer, and my Lord ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/238 example of christ.htm

Youthful Example.
... EARLY RELIGIOUS CULTURE. 750. " Youthful Example. 750. CM William Cutter.
Youthful Example. 1 What if the little rain should ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/750 youthful example.htm

Example of the Saviour.
... CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE. 357. " Example of the Saviour. 357. LM Steele.
Example of the Saviour. 1 And is the gospel peace and love? ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/357 example of the.htm

Thesaurus

Example (54 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an
instance of; to instance. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EXAMPLE. ...
/e/example.htm - 26k

Instance (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A single occurrence or example. ... 6. (vt) To mention
as a case or example; to refer to; to cite; as, to instance a fact. ...
/i/instance.htm - 9k

Imitate (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To follow as a pattern, model, or example;
to copy or strive to copy, in acts, manners etc. 2. (vt ...
/i/imitate.htm - 10k

Model (9 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Anything which serves, or may serve, as an example for imitation; as, a
government formed on the model of the American constitution; a model of ...
/m/model.htm - 10k

Pattern (28 Occurrences)
... a machine. 2. (n.) A part showing the figure or quality of the whole; a
specimen; a sample; an example; an instance. 3. (n.) Stuff ...
/p/pattern.htm - 19k

Truth (380 Occurrences)
... shall be. 2. (n.) Conformity to rule; exactness; close correspondence with
an example, mood, object of imitation, or the like. 3. (n ...
/t/truth.htm - 57k

Ablution
... For example, the elders of the nearest village where some murder was committed were
required, when the murderer was unknown, to wash their hands over the ...
/a/ablution.htm - 18k

Ensample (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An example; a pattern or model for imitation.
2. (vt) To exemplify, to show by example. ... ENSAMPLE. en-sam'-p'-l. See EXAMPLE. ...
/e/ensample.htm - 8k

Person (807 Occurrences)
... the person of the Messiah was represented in the predictions of the Old Testament;
and it is a matter at least of interest to note, for example, the difficulty ...
/p/person.htm - 49k

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one make little of you because you are young, but be an example
to the church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, in holy living. ...
/b/behaviour.htm - 35k

Resources

What is the No True Scotsman fallacy? | GotQuestions.org

What is nominalism? What is a nominalist? | GotQuestions.org

To what extent should we strive to be like Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Example: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Example (54 Occurrences)

Matthew 1:19
Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS YLT)

Matthew 21:32
For John came to you observing all sorts of ritual, and you put no faith in him: the tax-gatherers and the notorious sinners did put faith in him, and you, though you saw this example set you, were not even afterwards sorry so as to believe him.
(WEY)

Matthew 23:3
All things, then, which they give you orders to do, these do and keep: but do not take their works as your example, for they say and do not.
(BBE)

Matthew 24:32
Now take an example from the fig-tree: when her branch has become soft and puts out its leaves, you are certain that the summer is near;
(BBE)

Mark 13:28
Take an example from the fig-tree: when its branches become soft and put out their leaves, you see that the summer is near;
(BBE)

John 13:15
For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 4:2
Being greatly troubled because they were teaching the people and preaching Jesus as an example of the coming back from the dead.
(BBE)

Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said,'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
(WEB WEY ASV BBE)

Romans 4:12
The father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.
(See RSV)

Romans 15:5
And may God, the giver of power of endurance and of that encouragement, grant you to be in full sympathy with one another in accordance with the example of Christ Jesus,
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 4:6
In writing this much, brethren, with special reference to Apollos and myself, I have done so for your sakes, in order to teach you by our example what those words mean, which say, "Nothing beyond what is written!" --so that you may cease to take sides in boastful rivalry, for one teacher against another.
(WEY BBE)

1 Corinthians 4:16
So my desire is that you take me as your example.
(BBE)

1 Corinthians 10:6
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
(Root in WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS NAS NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
(WEB ASV BBE WBS NAS NIV)

1 Corinthians 11:1
So take me for your example, even as I take Christ for mine.
(BBE NIV)

1 Corinthians 14:8
If the bugle--to take another example--gives an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?
(WEY)

2 Corinthians 9:2
For I have before made clear to those of Macedonia my pride in your ready mind, saying to them that Achaia has been ready for a year back; and a great number have been moved to do the same by your example.
(BBE)

Galatians 3:15
Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it.
(See RSV NIV)

Philippians 3:17
Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.
(WEB WEY BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Colossians 2:15
having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
(See RSV)

1 Thessalonians 1:6
And you took us and the Lord as your example, after the word had come to you in much trouble, with joy in the Holy Spirit;
(BBE)

1 Thessalonians 1:7
so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
(WEB BBE WBS NAS RSV)

1 Thessalonians 2:14
For you, brethren, followed the example of the Churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judaea; seeing that you endured the same ill-treatment at the hands of your countrymen, as they did at the hands of the Jews.
(WEY BBE)

2 Thessalonians 3:7
For you yourselves know that it is your duty to follow our example. There was no disorder in our lives among you,
(WEY BBE NAS NIV)

2 Thessalonians 3:9
not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
(WEB WEY BBE DBY NAS RSV)

1 Timothy 1:16
However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.
(WEB WEY BBE NAS RSV NIV)

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
(WEB KJV WEY BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Timothy 3:10
But you took as your example my teaching, behaviour, purpose, and faith; my long waiting, my love, my quiet undergoing of trouble;
(BBE)

Titus 2:7
in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,
(WEB BBE NAS NIV)

Titus 3:8
This is a faithful saying, and on these various points I would have you insist strenuously, in order that those who have their faith fixed on God may be careful to set an example of good actions. For these are not only good in themselves, but are also useful to mankind.
(WEY)

Titus 3:14
And let our people too learn to set a good example in following honest occupations for the supply of their necessities, so that they may not live useless lives.
(WEY)

Hebrews 4:11
Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Hebrews 6:12
So that you may not be slow in heart, but may take as your example those to whom God has given their heritage, because of their faith and their long waiting.
(BBE)

Hebrews 8:5
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
(KJV WBS YLT)

James 3:4
Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.
(See NIV)

James 5:10
Take, brothers, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Peter 2:21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps,
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Peter 2:6
and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly;
(WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Peter 2:22
They are an example of that true saying, The dog has gone back to the food it had put out, and the pig which had been washed to its rolling in the dirty earth.
(BBE)

Jude 1:7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, having, in the same way as these, given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 18:9
When you have come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, do not take as your example the disgusting ways of those nations.
(BBE)

Deuteronomy 19:5
For example, if a man goes into the woods with his neighbour for the purpose of cutting down trees, and when he takes his axe to give a blow to the tree, the head of the axe comes off, and falling on to his neighbour gives him a wound causing his death; then the man may go in flight to one of these towns and be safe:
(BBE)

Deuteronomy 20:18
So that you may not take them as your example and do all the disgusting things which they do in the worship of their gods, so sinning against the Lord your God.
(BBE)

Deuteronomy 28:25
Yahweh will cause you to be struck before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them, and shall flee seven ways before them: and you shall be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth.
(See NAS)

1 Kings 9:7
Then I will have Israel cut off from the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have made holy for myself, I will put away from before my eyes; and Israel will be a public example, and a word of shame among all peoples.
(BBE)

2 Kings 14:3
He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, yet not like David his father: he did according to all that Joash his father had done.
(See NIV)

2 Chronicles 7:20
Then I will have this people uprooted out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have made holy for my name, I will put away from before my eyes, and make it an example and a word of shame among all peoples.
(BBE)

2 Chronicles 17:3
Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn't seek the Baals,
(See NAS)

Proverbs 3:31
Have no envy of the violent man, or take any of his ways as an example.
(BBE)

Ecclesiastes 4:7
Then I came back, and I saw an example of what is to no purpose under the sun.
(BBE)

Ecclesiastes 9:13
This again I have seen under the sun as wisdom and it seemed great to me.
(See RSV NIV)

Lamentations 2:13
What example am I to give you? what comparison am I to make for you, O daughter of Jerusalem? what am I to make equal to you, so that I may give you comfort, O virgin daughter of Zion? for your destruction is great like the sea: who is able to make you well?
(BBE)

Ezekiel 5:15
And you will be a name of shame and a cause of bitter words, an example and a wonder to the nations round about you, when I give effect to my judging among you in wrath and in passion and in burning protests: I the Lord have said it:
(BBE)

Ezekiel 14:8
and I will set my face against that man, and will make him an astonishment, for a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Example

Example: Bad, Admonitions Against

The Example of Christ is Perfect

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Progressive

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Being Guileless

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Being not of the World

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Benevolence