from ἐν and γράφω; to "engrave", i.e. inscribe:--write (in).
Transliteration:engráphō
Pronunciation:eng-graf'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1449 (engráphō) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "on," and the verb γράφω (graphō, G1125), meaning "to write." The combination signifies a writing that is deeply embedded or inscribed *into* a surface, rather than merely superficial. Its base definition, "to 'engrave,' i.e., inscribe," captures this nuance of permanence and depth. Unlike simply "to write," engráphō implies a more deliberate and lasting form of inscription, akin to carving or etching. The semantic range thus extends from literal engraving on stone or metal to metaphorical inscription on the heart or mind, always carrying the connotation of something fixed and indelible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word engráphō appears only once in the New Testament, but this single occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[2 Corinthians 3:2]]**: "You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men."
* Here, Paul uses engráphō (ἐγγεγραμμένη) metaphorically to describe the Corinthian believers. They are not merely a letter written *by* Paul, but a letter written *on* Paul's heart. This vivid image speaks to the deep, personal connection Paul has with the Corinthians, whose transformed lives serve as a living testimony to the efficacy of his ministry. The passive voice ("written") implies a divine agent, foreshadowing the explicit mention of the Spirit in the subsequent verse. The use of "hearts" (καρδίαις, G2588) as the medium of inscription immediately calls to mind the prophetic promises of the New Covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **γράφω (G1125)**: The root verb "to write." engráphō specifies the manner and medium of writing, emphasizing inscription *in* or *on* something.
* **καρδία (G2588)**: "Heart." This is the crucial medium for the inscription in [[2 Corinthians 3:2]], contrasting sharply with the stone tablets of the Old Covenant.
* **πνεῦμα (G4151)**: "Spirit." In [[2 Corinthians 3:3]], Paul explicitly states that the letter is "written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of this deep, internal inscription.
* **The New Covenant**: The use of engráphō in the context of writing on "hearts" directly echoes Old Testament prophecies regarding the New Covenant. For instance, [[Jeremiah 31:33]] states, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts." Similarly, [[Ezekiel 36:26]] speaks of God giving a "new heart" and putting "a new spirit" within them. The concept of God's law being internalized and organically integrated into the believer's very being is central.
* **The Old Covenant**: The immediate context of [[2 Corinthians 3]] draws a stark contrast between the Old Covenant, written on "tablets of stone" (`{{H8451}}`, `{{G4091}}`), and the New Covenant, written on "tablets of human hearts." This highlights the shift from an external, condemnatory law to an internal, life-giving Spirit.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of engráphō in [[2 Corinthians 3:2]] carries profound theological weight, serving as a powerful illustration of the nature of the New Covenant and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
1. **Internalization of God's Law**: Unlike the Old Covenant, which was external and etched on stone, the New Covenant, mediated by Christ, is characterized by God's law being engráphō — inscribed deeply into the "fleshly tablets of the heart" ([[2 Corinthians 3:3]]). This signifies a radical shift from mere external obedience to an internal, Spirit-empowered desire to live according to God's will.
2. **The Believer as a Living Epistle**: The Corinthians themselves, through their transformed lives, become Christ's "letter" (ἐπιστολή, G1992), visibly written by the Spirit and ministered through Paul. Their very existence is an undeniable testimony to the truth and power of the gospel, read and known by all. This underscores the idea that Christian lives are meant to be legible demonstrations of God's grace.
3. **The Permanence of Spiritual Transformation**: The connotation of "engraving" implies a lasting, indelible mark. The work of the Spirit in inscribing Christ's truth on the heart is not temporary or superficial but profound and enduring. It speaks to the secure and permanent nature of the salvation and sanctification wrought by God.
4. **Superiority of the New Covenant**: Paul's use of engráphō powerfully articulates the superiority of the New Covenant's "ministry of the Spirit" over the Old Covenant's "ministry of death" ([[2 Corinthians 3:7-8]]). The former brings life and righteousness through an internal, Spirit-wrought transformation, while the latter, though glorious, brought condemnation and was temporary.
### Summary
The Greek word G1449 (engráphō) signifies "to engrave" or "to write in/on," emphasizing a deep, permanent inscription. Though appearing only once in the New Testament, in [[2 Corinthians 3:2]], its usage is highly significant. Paul employs engráphō metaphorically to describe the Corinthian believers as a "letter" `{{G1992}}` written "in our hearts" `{{G2588}}`. This single occurrence encapsulates a core theological truth: the New Covenant, unlike the Old Covenant written on stone `{{H8451}}`, is characterized by the Holy Spirit `{{G4151}}` inscribing God's truth and transforming power directly onto the hearts of believers. This highlights the internal, spiritual, and permanent nature of the Christian life, where believers themselves become living testaments to Christ's `{{G5547}}` saving work, known and read by all.
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