The Greek word entypóō, represented by G1795, means to enstamp, i.e. engrave. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. This term specifically refers to the act of physically carving or impressing an image or text onto a hard surface, creating a permanent inscription.
The sole use of G1795 is found in 2 Corinthians 3:7, where it describes the Ten Commandments. Paul refers to the "ministration of death" G1248 G2288 as being engraven in stones G3037. This ministry, associated with the law given to Moses G3475, possessed a real glory G1391. The glory was so intense that the children of Israel G2474 could not stedfastly behold G816 the face G4383 of Moses. However, this glory was temporary and was to be done away G2673, setting up a contrast with the more glorious ministry of the Spirit.
Several related words expand upon the concept of the law and its glory:
- G1121 grámma (a writing, i.e. a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning): Used alongside "engraven," it refers to the written code. Paul contrasts this "letter" which killeth with the Spirit which giveth life 2 Corinthians 3:6.
- G3037 líthos (a stone (literally or figuratively)): This is the material upon which the law was engraven. While the old covenant was on stones, believers are described as "lively stones" being built up a spiritual house 1 Peter 2:5.
- G1248 diakonía (attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate)): This describes the "ministration" or "service" of the law. While the law was a "ministration of death" 2 Corinthians 3:7, believers now have the "ministry of reconciliation" 2 Corinthians 5:18.
- G1391 dóxa (glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)): The engraved law had a fading "glory," but the New Covenant reveals a greater, lasting "glory" in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 4:6 and changes believers from "glory to glory" 2 Corinthians 3:18.
The theological weight of G1795 is significant, despite its single use.
- The Inscribed Law: The act of engraving G1795 onto stone G3037 highlights the permanent and fixed nature of the Mosaic law. It was physically and indelibly marked as a testament.
- A Ministry of Death: The object that was "engraven" is explicitly identified as the "ministration of death" G1248 G2288. This underscores the theological point that the law, while from God, brings knowledge of sin and ultimately results in death Romans 6:23.
- Contrasting Glories: The glory G1391 associated with the "engraven" law was real but ultimately temporary, as it was "to be done away" G2673. This serves to magnify the surpassing and permanent glory of the New Covenant, which is not written on stone but in the heart Hebrews 8:10.
In summary, G1795 is a highly specific verb used only once to describe the physical inscription of the law on stone tablets. This single use provides a powerful visual anchor for Paul's argument in 2 Corinthians 3. It represents a ministry that was tangible and glorious, yet also one of death whose glory would fade. The act of being engraven thus symbolizes the entire Old Covenant system, which was superseded by the superior glory and life-giving ministry of the Spirit.
TRV