Bible Dictionary
Adam, a type
Adam is called a type or figure of Christ because Adam’s actions affected those represented by him, while Christ brings righteousness and life to those united to Him. Paul develops this comparison in Romans 5.
Definition
Adam is called a figure or type of Christ because the apostle Paul compares Adam with the One who was to come. Adam’s representative relation is set against Christ’s saving work; consequently Christ is sometimes called the second Adam.
Biblical Usage
Paul develops this typical comparison in Romans 5:14-19, where Adam and Christ are set in relation to the consequences of transgression and the work of righteousness.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The apostle Paul speaks of Adam as “the figure of him who was to come.” On this account our Lord is sometimes called the second Adam. This typical relation is described in Rom. 5:14-19.