Brief Overview of Γραπτός (G1123: Graptos)

Graptos (γραπτός) is a Greek adjective found under Strong’s Concordance number G1123. The term is derived from the Greek verb γράφω (graphō), which means “to write.” The word Graptos literally means “written” or “inscribed.” It denotes something that has been committed to writing, whether it be letters, words, or inscriptions. In biblical usage, Graptos often refers to what is written in the Scriptures, highlighting the authority and permanence of the written word.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Graptos is described as “written,” with a specific focus on its use in referring to written documents, inscriptions, or Scripture. BDAG emphasizes that Graptos is used in the New Testament to refer to something that has been recorded in writing, especially in the context of sacred texts. This aligns with its root, γράφω (graphō), which is fundamentally about the act of writing or recording information.

Thayer’s Lexicon supports this definition, describing Graptos as “written” or “inscribed.” Thayer’s highlights the word’s use in the New Testament to emphasize the authority of what has been written, particularly in Scripture. The lexicon notes that Graptos conveys a sense of something that is fixed and authoritative because it has been recorded in writing.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon also concurs with this interpretation, defining Graptos as “written” or “marked,” often used in the context of documents or inscriptions that have been officially recorded. LSJ points out that Graptos was commonly used in legal and official contexts to indicate something that had been formally written down and thus carried legal or authoritative weight.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Graptos as “written” or “inscribed,” focusing on its use in reference to the written word, particularly in the Scriptures. The concordance highlights that Graptos appears in contexts that emphasize the authority of what has been written, such as in the New Testament.

Graptos is directly mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:7, where Paul contrasts the “ministry of death, carved in letters (γραπτοῖς)” on stone with the ministry of the Spirit. Here, Graptos underscores the contrast between the written law, which was inscribed on stone, and the life-giving work of the Spirit.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Graptos is frequently used to describe anything that has been written or inscribed. One example is in Herodotus, where Graptos is used to refer to inscriptions on monuments or tablets that record important historical events. This usage highlights the significance of writing as a means of preserving history and knowledge.

Another example can be found in Plato’s dialogues, where Graptos is often used to refer to written texts or laws. Plato uses the term to discuss the authority and permanence of written laws compared to oral traditions, emphasizing the importance of the written word in governance and education.

A third example is from Aristophanes, where Graptos is used in a more comedic context to refer to something that has been written down, often with a humorous twist. This usage underscores the broader application of the term in everyday life, where written records played a key role in communication and official documentation.

Summary

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Graptos (γραπτός) is a Greek adjective meaning “written” or “inscribed,” derived from the verb γράφω (graphō), which means “to write.” The term is used in the New Testament to emphasize the authority and permanence of the written word, particularly in the context of Scripture. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ consistently describe Graptos as referring to something that has been recorded in writing, highlighting its significance in both religious and legal contexts. In classical Greek literature, Graptos is widely used to describe inscriptions, written laws, and official documents, underscoring the importance of writing in preserving knowledge, history, and governance. The use of Graptos in both biblical and classical contexts reflects its central role in establishing authority and ensuring the continuity of information across generations.