Word Study for G1924 (ἐπιγράφω)

epigráphō /ep-ee-graf'-o/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἐπί and γράφω

Meaningto inscribe (physically or mentally)

KJV usageinscription, write in (over, thereon).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of epigráphō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epigráphō, represented by G1924, means to inscribe, either physically or mentally. It is formed from the words ἐπί and γράφω. Appearing 5 times in 5 unique verses, this term is used for actions like "to write in," "write over," or "write thereon."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the scriptures, G1924 is used to describe both physical and metaphorical writing. It appears physically when describing the inscription on an altar "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD" Acts 17:23, the names written thereon the twelve gates of the new Jerusalem Revelation 21:12, and the superscription written over Jesus's accusation on the cross Mark 15:26. Metaphorically, it is used to describe God's new covenant, where He promises to write His laws on the hearts and in the minds of His people (Hebrews 8:10, Hebrews 10:16).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of inscribing:

G1923 epigraphḗ (an inscription): This noun is directly derived from G1924 and refers to the text that has been written. It is used for the superscription of Jesus's accusation Mark 15:26 and the text on a coin Matthew 22:20.
G2588 kardía (the heart): This term designates the location for the metaphorical writing described in the new covenant. God promises to write His laws in the hearts of His people Hebrews 8:10. The heart is presented as the location of thoughts and feelings.
G3551 nómos (law): This is the content that God inscribes. In the new covenant, God's laws are put into the mind and written on the heart (Hebrews 8:10, Hebrews 10:16). This law can refer to a principle or regulation, such as the "law of Christ" Galatians 6:2.

Theological Significance

The use of G1924 carries significant theological weight, particularly in its distinction between physical and spiritual inscription.

The New Covenant: The promise to write laws on the heart and mind is a cornerstone of the new covenant. This act signifies an internal transformation where God's law becomes an intrinsic part of a believer's being (Hebrews 8:10, Hebrews 10:16).
Public Testimony: The physical inscriptions serve as public declarations. The sign written over Jesus identifies him as "THE KING OF THE JEWS" Mark 15:26, while the inscription on the Athenian altar provides a starting point for Paul to declare the nature of the true God Acts 17:23.
Eternal Identification: In Revelation, the names written thereon the gates of the new Jerusalem establish the eternal identity and honor of the twelve tribes of Israel within God's kingdom Revelation 21:12.

Summary

In summary, G1924 epigráphō is a specific term for writing that encompasses both literal, physical inscriptions and profound, metaphorical ones. From the public accusation written over a cross to the promise of God's laws written on the human heart, the word highlights how text can define identity, declare truth, and signify the nature of God's covenant with His people.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 6 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Future Active Indicative 1st Singular 2×
Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 2×
Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Plural Neuter 1×
Pluperfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter: Neuter grammatical gender.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Future: Action yet to take place.
Perfect: A completed act whose results continue.
Pluperfect: An act completed before some past moment — "had done".
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (2 verses); never once in the other 23.

Mark

Acts

Hebrews

Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.