### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιγράφω (epigráphō, `{{G1924}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epí, `{{G1909}}`), meaning "upon," "over," or "on," and the verb γράφω (gráphō, `{{G1125}}`), meaning "to write." The combination yields the primary sense of "to write upon," "to inscribe," or "to engrave." This implies a writing that is placed *on* a surface, often with an intent of permanence, public display, or identification. The base definition further expands this to include both physical inscription (like on a coin or a cross) and mental inscription (like the law written on the heart). The prefix ἐπί adds the nuance of superimposition or addition, indicating that the writing is placed *over* or *in addition to* something already existing, or that it is the primary mark *on* an object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιγράφω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but each occurrence carries significant weight:
* **Physical Inscriptions:**
* In the Synoptic Gospels and John, ἐπιγράφω is used to describe the inscription placed on the cross of Jesus: "And the inscription of the charge against Him was written above: 'THE KING OF THE JEWS.'" [[Mark 15:26]]. Similar accounts are found in [[Luke 23:38]] and [[John 19:19]], where the inscription states Jesus' identity or the charge against Him. This inscription served as a public declaration, fulfilling Roman custom for condemned criminals, but in this context, it ironically declared Jesus' true, albeit unrecognized, kingship.
* The term also describes the inscription on a Roman coin, specifically a denarius, when Jesus is questioned about paying taxes to Caesar: "He said to them, 'Whose image and inscription is this?'" [[Matthew 22:20]]. This is echoed in [[Mark 12:16]] and [[Luke 20:24]]. The inscription (and image) on the coin signified ownership and authority, prompting Jesus' profound response about rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.
* In Revelation, the angel shows John the New Jerusalem, whose gates have "names **inscribed**" (ἐπιγεγραμμένα) upon them, specifically the names of the twelve tribes of Israel [[Revelation 21:12]]. This signifies identity, belonging, and the continuation of God's covenant people.
* **Spiritual/Mental Inscriptions:**
* Perhaps most profoundly, ἐπιγράφω is used in the context of the New Covenant, quoting Jeremiah 31:33 (LXX): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds and **write them on their hearts**." [[Hebrews 8:10]]. This promise is reiterated in [[Hebrews 10:16]]. Here, the "writing" is not physical ink on parchment or stone, but a spiritual, internal inscription by God Himself, signifying an intimate, internal transformation and obedience that surpasses the external observance of the Old Covenant law. It speaks to a divine act of regeneration and sanctification.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to the noun form, ἐπιγραφή (epigraphē, `{{G1923}}`), which means "an inscription" or "a title," and is used to refer to the actual writing itself (e.g., [[Luke 23:38]]). The root verb γράφω (gráphō, `{{G1125}}`) is the general term for "to write," and ἐπιγράφω specifies the act of writing *upon* something. Other related terms include ἀναγράφω (anagráphō, `{{G333}}`, "to write up, record") and καταγράφω (katagráphō, `{{G2619}}`, "to write down").
Conceptually, ἐπιγράφω is linked to:
* **Authority and Ownership:** As seen with the coin inscription, which denoted Caesar's authority.
* **Identity and Declaration:** The inscription on the cross declared Jesus' identity, albeit mockingly, while the names on the gates of New Jerusalem signify identity and belonging.
* **Permanence and Covenant:** The divine inscription of the law on the heart signifies an enduring, internal covenant relationship, contrasting with the temporary nature of external, stone-tablet laws.
* **Divine Action:** In the context of the New Covenant, the act of inscription is solely God's, highlighting His sovereign work in the hearts of His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπιγράφω lies in its portrayal of authoritative and enduring declarations, particularly those made by God.
When God "inscribes" His laws on the hearts of His people, it signifies a profound shift from an external, conditional covenant to an internal, transformative relationship. This is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, spiritual internalization of God's will, enabling true obedience from within. It speaks to the efficacy of the New Covenant mediated by Christ, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live righteously. This divine inscription is permanent and indelible, reflecting God's faithfulness and the security of His covenant.
Furthermore, the inscriptions on the cross and the coin, though humanly executed, become theological statements. The cross inscription, intended to mock, inadvertently proclaimed Jesus' true kingship, underscoring divine sovereignty even amidst human sin. The coin's inscription, representing worldly authority, served as a springboard for Jesus to teach about ultimate allegiance to God. The names inscribed on the gates of the New Jerusalem reinforce the concept of a divinely ordered and eternally secure community, whose members are known and accounted for by God.
### Summary
The verb ἐπιγράφω (epigráphō, `{{G1924}}`) denotes the act of "writing upon" or "inscribing," whether physically or spiritually. Its New Testament occurrences highlight themes of authority, identity, and permanence. From the public declarations on the cross and the imperial authority on a coin to the names signifying belonging on the gates of the New Jerusalem, each use underscores the significance of such markings. Most profoundly, the divine act of God "writing" His laws on the hearts of His people in the New Covenant reveals an internal, transformative, and enduring relationship. This spiritual inscription signifies God's sovereign work in regeneration and sanctification, establishing a covenant of intimate obedience that surpasses external legalism. Thus, ἐπιγράφω consistently points to authoritative, often divinely ordained, declarations that shape identity, establish ownership, and secure lasting relationships.
TRV