What Is Biblical Typology — In Biblical Context
Biblical typology is the study of Old Testament people, events, and institutions that foreshadow and prefigure their fulfillment in Christ and the New Testament.
Biblical typology is the study of Old Testament people, events, and institutions that foreshadow and prefigure their fulfillment in Christ and the New Testament.
"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come." — Romans 5:14 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Typology recognizes divinely intended patterns where Old Testament 'types' point to New Testament 'antitypes.' Adam is a type of Christ (Romans 5:14)—the first man brought death, the last Adam brought life. The Passover lamb typifies Christ's sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7). The bronze serpent in the wilderness foreshadows Christ lifted up on the cross (John 3:14). Jonah's three days in the fish prefigure Jesus' burial and resurrection (Matthew 12:40). The tabernacle, priesthood, and sacrificial system all point to Christ. Typology differs from allegory in that it involves real historical events with divinely intended connections, not arbitrary symbolic interpretations. Understanding typology reveals the Bible's remarkable unity and God's sovereign plan woven throughout salvation history.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Romans 5:14, sits inside Romans 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come."
Supporting Passages
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."
"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us."
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