Countertype

/ˈkaʊntərtaɪp/ noun

Definition

Something that serves as an opposite or contrasting type to another, or in theology, a person or thing that fulfills the role typified by an earlier figure.

Etymology

From counter- + type. Type comes from Greek typos meaning 'impression or mark.' Countertype is used in theology to describe how New Testament figures fulfill Old Testament prophecies.

Kelly Says

Christian theologians use countertype to argue that Jesus was the countertype to Adam—where Adam's disobedience brought sin, Jesus's obedience brought redemption, perfectly reversing the original narrative.

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