### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective `{{G1123}}` *graptós* (γραπτός) is derived directly from the verb `{{G1125}}` *graphō* (γράφω), meaning "to write, engrave, record, or draw." As a verbal adjective, *graptós* denotes something that *has been written* or *is in written form*. Its core meaning is "inscribed" or "recorded," emphasizing the state of having been committed to a medium through writing. While it can refer to any physical inscription, its biblical usage, as indicated by the base definition "figuratively:--written," primarily points to the authoritative nature of what is written, particularly divine revelation or law. It signifies that which possesses the quality of being a "writing," often with an implication of permanence or divine origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1123}}` *graptós* appears in two significant passages within the New Testament, both in Pauline epistles, where it carries profound theological weight.
1. **[[Romans 2:15]]**: "who show the work of the law *written* in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another." Here, *graptós* describes the moral law as being "written" or "inscribed" not on physical tablets, but on the human heart. This refers to an innate, God-given moral consciousness that even Gentiles possess, enabling them to discern right from wrong. This internal inscription stands in contrast to the external, codified Mosaic Law given to Israel. The use of *graptós* here underscores the universality of God's moral demands, suggesting a divine authorship that transcends specific covenants.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 3:2-3]]**: "You yourselves are our letter, *written* in our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, *written* not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." This passage presents a rich theological contrast.
* In [[2 Corinthians 3:2]], the Corinthians themselves are described as a "letter *written* in our hearts," signifying their transformed lives as a living testimony to Paul's apostolic ministry, inscribed on his affections and memory.
* In [[2 Corinthians 3:3]], *graptós* is used twice to draw a sharp distinction between the Old Covenant and the New. The Old Covenant was characterized by the law "written" on "tablets of stone" (`{{G1122}}` *gramma*), an external code that brought condemnation. In stark contrast, the New Covenant is characterized by the Spirit of the living God "writing" on "tablets of human hearts." This "writing" is not with ink, a perishable medium, but by the divine Spirit, making the believers themselves living epistles of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G1125}}` *graphō* (to write):** The root verb from which *graptós* is derived. Understanding the act of writing is fundamental to comprehending that which is written.
* **`{{G1124}}`*graphē* (writing, scripture):** The noun form, frequently used to denote the sacred Scriptures. *Graptós* describes something that *is* a *graphē* in its essence, emphasizing its status as a written document.
* **`{{G1122}}` *gramma* (letter, writing, written document, the letter of the law):** This noun is particularly relevant in 2 Corinthians 3, where Paul contrasts the "letter" (the written code of the Old Covenant) with the "Spirit." *Graptós* in this context highlights the medium of inscription, whether stone or heart.
* **Old Covenant vs. New Covenant:** The concept of the Law "written on stone" (Old Covenant) versus the Law "written on hearts" (New Covenant) is a central theme in Jeremiah 31:33 and Ezekiel 36:26-27, which are echoed and fulfilled in the New Testament passages using *graptós*.
* **Conscience:** In Romans 2, the "work of the law written in their hearts" is intrinsically linked to the function of the conscience, which bears witness to this internal moral standard.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1123}}` *graptós* lies primarily in its connection to divine authorship and the transformative power of God's Spirit.
1. **Divine Inscription and Universal Moral Law:** In [[Romans 2:15]], *graptós* underscores the truth that God has inscribed a fundamental moral law upon the human heart. This internal, inherent knowledge of right and wrong testifies to God's universal sovereignty and serves as a basis for accountability, even for those without the Mosaic Law. It points to a pre-existing divine standard embedded within humanity.
2. **The Superiority of the New Covenant:** The most profound theological impact of *graptós* is found in [[2 Corinthians 3:3]]. Here, it vividly portrays the qualitative difference between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant, with its law "written on stone" by God's finger (`{{H3027}}` *yad*), brought condemnation because it exposed sin without providing the power to overcome it. The New Covenant, however, involves God's Spirit "writing" His will directly onto "human hearts." This is not merely an external command but an internal transformation that empowers obedience and brings life. The medium of inscription shifts from inanimate stone to living hearts, signifying a move from external regulation to internal regeneration.
3. **Believers as Living Epistles:** The concept of believers being "letters from Christ, *written*... by the Spirit of the living God" ([[2 Corinthians 3:3]]) is a powerful theological statement. It signifies that the transformed lives of Christians are themselves a visible, readable testimony to the power of the Gospel and the reality of Christ's work through the Holy Spirit. Their lives embody the new covenant, demonstrating God's grace and truth to the world more effectively than any mere written document.
### Summary
`{{G1123}}` *graptós* (γραπτός) denotes something "written" or "inscribed," stemming from {{G1125}}` *graphō* (to write). Its usage in the New Testament carries significant theological weight, particularly in highlighting divine authorship and the nature of God's law. In [[Romans 2:15]], it refers to the moral law divinely "written" on the human heart, establishing a universal standard of conscience. More profoundly, in [[2 Corinthians 3:2-3]], *graptós* is central to Paul's contrast between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant's law was "written on tablets of stone," bringing condemnation; the New Covenant, however, sees the Spirit of the living God "writing" His will on "tablets of human hearts," transforming believers into "living letters" of Christ. Thus, *graptós* underscores the shift from an external, condemning code to an internal, life-giving inscription by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating God's active and transformative work in the lives of His people.
TRV