Typology, n.
1. The study of symbolic representation, esp. of the origin and meaning of
Scripture types; also transf. symbolic significance, representation, or
treatment; symbolism. (Earliest attested uses are mid-19th-century.)
Erich Auerbach:
"Figural interpretation establishes a connection between two events or persons in such a way that the first signifies not only itself but also the second, while second involves or fulfills the first. The two poles of a figure are separated in time, but both, being real events or persons, are within temporality. The are both contained in the flowing stream which is historical life, and only the comprehension, the intellectus spiritualis, of their interdependence is a spiritual act" (Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature).
Type (precursor/question) Antitype (fulfillment/answer)
Eve, imperfect woman, sins, creates the need for Salvation Mary, perfected woman, bears Jesus, the perfected man, in virginity
Adam, imperfect man, sins, creates the need for Salvation Jesus, man perfected, dies for humanity's sins and saves them
Moses in desert strikes rock with staff & water springs forth Roman soldier's spear pierces Jesus' side; blood & water spring forth
Jews cross the Jordan River into Promised Land Jesus baptized in the Jordan River into God's kingdom