### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gráphō**, represented by `{{G1125}}`, fundamentally means to "grave" or, more commonly, to **write**. It appears 217 times in 197 verses, highlighting its importance in a faith centered on revealed texts. Its usage extends from the simple act of writing a letter to the divine act of recording names in the book of life and establishing the authority of scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Bible, `{{G1125}}` is frequently used to introduce quotations from the Old Testament with the authoritative phrase "It is **written**." This formula is used by Jesus to rebut Satan ([[Matthew 4:4]], 7, 10) and by the apostles to establish doctrine [[Romans 1:17]]. The word also signifies a specific purpose behind the writing. John states that his account was **written** so that readers might believe Jesus is the Christ and have life [[John 20:31]]. Furthermore, it carries eschatological weight, referring to the names of the redeemed being **written** in the Lamb's book of life [[Revelation 13:8]] and the record of deeds from which the dead are judged [[Revelation 20:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the full scope of communication in scripture:
* `{{G3004}}` **légō** (to relate in words): This word for speaking is often used for a set discourse or to quote what someone says. It appears in the phrase "saith the Lord" following a citation of what is **written** [[Romans 12:19]], distinguishing the written text from the divine speaker.
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (something said; word): This refers to the content or message itself. The **words** (lógos) that Jesus spoke were to be fulfilled according to what was **written** (gráphō) in the Law and Prophets [[Luke 24:44]].
* `{{G314}}` **anaginṓskō** (to read): As the direct counterpart to writing, this term describes the act of receiving the written word. A blessing is pronounced on the one who **reads** (anaginōskō) and those who hear the words of the prophecy that are **written** (gráphō) in the book of Revelation [[Revelation 1:3]].
* `{{G2036}}` **épō** (to speak or say): This verb is often used in narrative to introduce a spoken statement. It frequently appears alongside gráphō, as when Jesus **answered** and **said**, "it is written" [[Matthew 4:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1125}}` is profound, grounding New Testament faith in recorded revelation.
* **Scriptural Authority:** The recurring phrase "it is **written**" serves as the ultimate appeal to authority, demonstrating that the life of Christ and the doctrines of the church are the fulfillment of God's established word ([[Luke 24:44]]; [[Romans 3:4]]). One must not think "above that which is **written**" [[1 Corinthians 4:6]].
* **Divine Record-Keeping:** God is portrayed as keeping definitive records. Salvation is linked to having one's name **written** in the book of life [[Revelation 21:27]], while judgment is executed based on the things **written** in other books [[Revelation 20:12]].
* **Purposeful Revelation:** Scripture was not written arbitrarily. The apostles **write** to give instruction [[1 Corinthians 5:11]], to provide assurance of salvation [[1 John 5:13]], to send exhortations [[Jude 1:3]], and to reveal the person of Christ [[John 20:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1125}}` transcends the mere mechanical act of putting pen to paper. It is the verb of divine revelation, apostolic instruction, and eternal documentation. From establishing the authority of Old Testament prophecy to recording the names of the saints in heaven, **gráphō** confirms that the Christian faith is anchored to a message that has been deliberately and authoritatively **written**.
TRV