[Greek] ὑπογραμμός (hypogrammos), [Latin] exemplus, subscriptio: a wax tablet, a writing to be copied, an example, an underwriting, a copy for imitation, a writing copy, tracing tablet, something to write under, a pattern, a model for copying; 1Pet.2:21
The hypogrammos refers to the exact pattern of alphabetic letters, impressed on a wax tablet (tabula), which children copied or traced to learn the letters. (Contact Septimus Maximus’ Tabularium and Emporium while supplies last. Ask about our back-to-school specials!)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means educational tool, representation, description, standard, adornment, approximation, literary reference, official protocol, and that which follows or is written below. Plato’s Protagoras 326d states “Just as writing-masters first draw letter in faint outline with the pen for their less advanced pupils, and then give them the copy-book (wax tablet) and make them write according to the guidance of their lines, so the city sketches out for them the laws devised by good lawgivers of yore.” Plato’s Laws 711b states “ But what a monarch does need is to, lead the way himself first along a desired path, whether it be to urge the citizens towards virtue’s practices or the contrary; by his personal example he should first trace out the right lines, giving praise and honor to these things.” Polybius’ Histories 3.22.3 states “The best scholars among the Roman themselves have great difficulty in some parts in it [First Treaty between Rome and Carthage]. There shall be friendship between the Romans and their allies and the Carthaginians and their allies on these conditions.”
Old Testament: Interestingly, this term conveys these meanings in a verbal (active sense) rather than as a subject. These meanings convey providing an example (model), demanding an occasion, expressing a concern, specifying a criterion, and making a supposition. Antiochus writes a letter, underwritten by a notification, to the Jews that they must be loyal to his successor. The people confined their efforts in giving a summary outline of the story of Judas Maccabeus. Occasions (circumstances) dictate what Jews will do to defeat their enemies.
While we leave the responsibility for exact details to the original author, and confine our efforts to giving only a summary outline (2Macc.2:28). The Jewish nation will help them wholeheartedly, as the occasion shall demand (1Macc.8:25). The king granted their request at once and wrote the following letter for them to the generals in the cities, magnanimously expressing his concern (3Macc.6:41). So he lost hope for himself and wrote the following letter to the Jews in the form of a supplication. (2Macc.9:18).
New Testament: This term, occurring only once, means example or model. 1Pet. was written to the slaves who provided the labor for the cities in Asia Minor. The sense of freedom provided by the gospel was at odds with the Christian slaves. Christ, like a slave, suffered (died on the cross). The slaves are called to follow this example (model) of non-violence and respect for their masters. In following Christ, some are called to accept their vocation of suffering.
Scripture:
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His footsteps.” 1Pet.2:21
Christian slaves are called to respect their masters and accept their vocation in suffering.
Early Church: The Early Church makes reference to following Jesus’ example in good works and suffering. Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians 8.2 states “Let us imitators of His patience, and if we suffer for His name’s sake, let us glorify Him. For He has set us this example.” Clement’s 1st Letter to the Corinthians 1.16 states “You see, beloved, what is the example which has been given us; for if the Lord thus humbled Himself, what shall we do who have through Him come under His yoke.” Clement’s 1st Letter to the Corinthians 33.8 states “Having therefore such an example let us without delay accede to His will and let us work the work of righteousness with our whole strength.”
Conclusion:
Example, subscription, tablet
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover the various meanings of this term. In the arena of education, students used wax tablets in learning language. The Latin name for this wax tablet is tabula. A more nuanced meaning refers to following a virtuous path. A subscriptio refers to the writing at the bottom or the core principles of a contract.
In the Old Testament era, this term is used more in a situational context, pertaining to circumstances, contract stipulations, concerns, and criteria. The Jews often opposed their captors in various degrees. Some Jews upheld their faith up to the point of martyrdom. These Jews had set an example for other Jews to follow. Other Jews advocated revolution and violence.
In the New Testament era, this scripture was addressed to slaves who also experienced persecution and bondage. Jesus, as a slave, was seen to be an example in how to nonviolently respect their masters. I can imagine that some slaves would view this scripture with ambivalence or incredulity.
This scripture provides insight on the notion that perhaps that some people are called to experience persecution, affliction, and sickness as part of God’s will (vocation) for them. This scripture may possibly provide comfort or solace to those who experience these difficulties. Perhaps some are called to share in this suffering with Jesus. In a sense, this helps to provide some meaning with suffering. Even Paul mentions that he shares in his suffering with Jesus.
The Early Church experienced great persecution and suffering. Despite this, the Church flourished. These Christians, who stood up to their faith to the point of martyrdom, were great examples for others to follow.
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