from γράφω; a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it):--scripture.
Transliteration:graphḗ
Pronunciation:graf-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word graphḗ (`{{G1124}}`) is derived from the verb graphō (`{{G1125}}`), meaning "to write." At its most basic level, graphḗ signifies "a writing," "a document," or "that which is written." However, in the New Testament, its semantic range is highly specialized, almost exclusively referring to "holy Writ," "Scripture," or "the Scriptures." It denotes the divinely inspired written revelation of God, encompassing specific passages, collections of sacred texts, or the entire body of canonical writings. This usage elevates the term beyond a mere document to a sacred text imbued with divine authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Graphḗ appears 51 times in the New Testament, predominantly referring to the Old Testament Scriptures, which were universally recognized as God's inspired Word.
* **Authoritative Source:** Jesus and the apostles consistently appeal to graphḗ as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. For instance, in [[Matthew 22:29]], Jesus rebukes the Sadducees, stating, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God." Similarly, [[John 5:39]] records Jesus urging, "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that testify about Me."
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The phrase "it is written" (a perfect passive of graphō), often introduces a citation from graphḗ to demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ. [[Luke 24:27]] and [[Luke 24:45]] illustrate Jesus explaining how "all the Scriptures" pointed to His sufferings and resurrection.
* **Divine Inspiration:** The most explicit statement regarding the nature of graphḗ is found in [[2 Timothy 3:16]]: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." Here, graphḗ is declared to be theopneustos (`{{G2316}}`), "God-breathed," underscoring its divine origin and inherent truthfulness.
* **New Testament as Scripture:** While primarily referencing the Old Testament, the New Testament writings themselves came to be recognized as graphḗ. A significant example is [[2 Peter 3:16]], where Peter refers to Paul's letters as "Scriptures," placing them on par with "the rest of the Scriptures," indicating an early recognition of the growing New Testament canon as divinely inspired.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **graphō (`{{G1125}}`):** The root verb "to write," emphasizing the written nature of God's revelation, distinguishing it from oral tradition.
* **theopneustos (`{{G2316}}`):** "God-breathed" or "inspired by God," a crucial theological descriptor applied exclusively to graphḗ in [[2 Timothy 3:16]], highlighting its divine origin.
* **logos (`{{G3056}}`):** "Word," a broader term for God's revelation, which can be spoken or written. While logos encompasses the entirety of God's communication, graphḗ specifically refers to the written form.
* **hieros grammata (`{{G2478}}` and `{{G1121}}`):** "Sacred writings" or "holy letters," used in [[2 Timothy 3:15]] to describe the Old Testament, reinforcing the sacred quality of graphḗ.
* **propheteia (`{{G4394}}`):** "Prophecy," much of which is recorded and preserved within graphḗ, demonstrating its role as the repository of God's foretelling and forth-telling.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of graphḗ is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Authority and Inerrancy:** The consistent New Testament appeal to graphḗ establishes its absolute and unquestionable authority. As "God-breathed," it is the infallible and inerrant Word of God, serving as the ultimate standard for truth, doctrine, and conduct.
* **Sufficiency:** [[2 Timothy 3:16-17]] asserts that graphḗ is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." This highlights the sufficiency of Scripture for all aspects of Christian life and ministry, providing all that is necessary for salvation and spiritual maturity.
* **Christocentricity:** A fundamental theological truth conveyed by the use of graphḗ is its testimony to Jesus Christ. The Old Testament graphḗ foreshadows His coming, and the New Testament graphḗ proclaims His person and work. Jesus Himself affirmed that the Scriptures "testify about Me" ([[John 5:39]]).
* **Continuity of Revelation:** The application of graphḗ to both Old and New Testament writings (e.g., [[2 Peter 3:16]]) demonstrates the unified nature of God's progressive revelation. It underscores the belief that God's truth, revealed in the past, continues to unfold and be recorded in new inspired writings.
### Summary
The Greek word graphḗ (`{{G1124}}`), derived from graphō ("to write"), denotes "a writing," but in the New Testament, it is almost exclusively used to refer to "holy Scripture" or "the Scriptures." This term is foundational to understanding the New Testament's view of the Bible as the divinely inspired, authoritative, and infallible written revelation of God. Its frequent use by Jesus and the apostles underscores its role as the ultimate source of truth and the standard for faith and life. The declaration in [[2 Timothy 3:16]] that "All Scripture is inspired by God" (`{{G2316}}`) solidifies its divine origin and establishes its sufficiency for equipping believers. Ultimately, graphḗ is presented as God's enduring Word, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ, providing continuous and complete revelation for humanity.
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