Brief Overview of Γραφή (G1124: Graphē)

Graphē (γραφή) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1124. The term is derived from the Greek verb γράφω (graphō), which means “to write.” Graphē primarily refers to a “writing” or “scripture.” In biblical contexts, Graphē is specifically used to denote the Holy Scriptures, referring to the sacred writings of the Old Testament. It is a term that emphasizes the authority and divine inspiration of the biblical texts. Graphē is often used in the New Testament to refer to the Hebrew Scriptures, affirming their role as the authoritative word of God.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Graphē is described as a writing, document, or more specifically, a sacred scripture. The lexicon highlights that in the New Testament, Graphē almost exclusively refers to the Holy Scriptures, the authoritative and inspired texts of the Old Testament. BDAG notes that this term is used in a reverential manner, acknowledging the divine origin and authority of the Scriptures.

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Thayer’s Lexicon concurs with BDAG, defining Graphē as “a writing” and, more particularly, “a sacred writing.” Thayer’s emphasizes the frequent use of Graphē in the New Testament to refer to the Scriptures, underscoring its significance as the written word of God. The lexicon also points out that Graphē is used to highlight the fulfillment of prophecies as recorded in the Scriptures.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon also supports this interpretation, defining Graphē as “writing” or “document.” However, in the context of the New Testament, LSJ emphasizes its specific application to the sacred writings of the Jewish tradition, which were considered divinely inspired.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Graphē as “a writing” or “scripture,” focusing on its use to refer to the Old Testament Scriptures. The concordance highlights that Graphē appears frequently in the New Testament, often in contexts where the authority of the Scriptures is being affirmed or where prophecies from the Scriptures are being cited as fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Examples of Graphē in the Bible include passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16, where Paul states, “All Scripture (πᾶσα γραφὴ) is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Another example is found in John 10:35, where Jesus says, “The Scripture (ἡ γραφὴ) cannot be broken,” affirming the inviolability and authority of the Scriptures.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Graphē is generally used to refer to any kind of writing or document. One example is in the works of Herodotus, where Graphē is used to describe written records or documents that were kept for official or historical purposes. This usage highlights the importance of writing in preserving historical accounts and official records.

Another example can be found in Plato’s dialogues, where Graphē is used in discussions about the nature of writing and its role in conveying knowledge and truth. Plato often contrasts written texts with oral tradition, using Graphē to explore the limitations and strengths of written communication.

A third example is from Aristotle, who uses Graphē in his works on logic and rhetoric to refer to written arguments or treatises. Aristotle’s use of the term underscores the significance of writing as a means of formalizing and communicating complex ideas.

Summary

Graphē (γραφή) is a Greek term that primarily refers to “writing” or “scripture,” derived from the verb γράφω (graphō), meaning “to write.” In the New Testament, Graphē is used almost exclusively to refer to the Holy Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament writings, which were regarded as divinely inspired and authoritative. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ consistently describe Graphē as encompassing the sacred texts that form the foundation of the Jewish and Christian faiths. In classical Greek literature, Graphē refers more broadly to any written document or text, illustrating the importance of writing in preserving knowledge, history, and legal or philosophical arguments. The use of Graphē in both biblical and classical contexts highlights its central role in communication, education, and the transmission of religious and cultural traditions.