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Shadow; Type

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Heb. 10:1)—a partial or anticipatory form that points beyond itself. Hebrews calls the Law “a shadow of the good things to come” rather than their complete image, because its repeated sacrifices could not perfect worshipers as Christ’s offering does. Christian typology likewise sees the Passover lamb, exodus, manna, and other persons or events as divinely ordered patterns fulfilled in Christ. A type is not false or worthless; it is real within its covenantal setting while awaiting fuller revelation. “Shadow” also retains its ordinary senses of darkness, shade, transience, and protective shelter (Ps. 17:8; Isa. 32:2).

Scripture cited

Hebrews 10:1Psalms 17:8Esaias 32:2

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