Understanding γράφω (graphō) Strong’s G1125: The Divine Act of Writing that Preserves God’s Eternal Word

Pronunciation Guide: grah-fō (with a soft ‘g’ as in “grape”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1125: γράφω (graphō) fundamentally means “to write” in the sense of forming letters, words, or symbols on a surface. It refers to the physical act of writing, recording, or inscribing text, particularly in contexts of authority and permanence. In Scripture, γράφω often carries the weighty connotation of divine authority, as it frequently appears in phrases like “it is written” to indicate the unchangeable, authoritative nature of God’s Word.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *gerbh- meaning “to scratch”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Historical narrative, epistolary literature, apocalyptic texts, and legal/authoritative declarations
• Word Family: Related to γραφή (graphē, “writing, Scripture”), γράμμα (gramma, “letter, written document”)
• Semantic Domain: Communication, documentation, divine revelation

γράφω Morphology:

• γράφω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I write/am writing
• γράφεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you write/are writing
• γράφει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it writes/is writing
• γέγραφα (perfect active indicative, 1st person singular) – I have written
• γέγραπται (perfect passive indicative, 3rd person singular) – it has been written/it stands written
• γραφήσεται (future passive indicative, 3rd person singular) – it will be written
• γράψον (aorist active imperative, 2nd person singular) – write! (command)
• γεγραμμένος (perfect passive participle, masculine nominative singular) – having been written

Origin & History

The word γράφω has ancient origins, dating back to Classical Greek where it initially referred to the physical act of scratching or carving letters into stone, clay, or wax tablets. In Homer’s works (8th century BCE), the term appears in reference to marking or scratching. By the time of Herodotus (5th century BCE), it had developed into the standard term for writing or recording information. The historian Thucydides frequently used γράφω when referring to his documentation of historical events.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures completed around the 2nd century BCE, γράφω gained heightened significance as it became the standard translation for the Hebrew כָּתַב (katav, “to write”). This elevated the term from merely recording information to conveying divine authority. The phrase “γέγραπται” (“it is written”) became particularly significant, representing the immutable authority of God’s revealed Word. This usage carried forward into the New Testament, where γράφω and its forms appear over 300 times, often in contexts emphasizing the divine authority and permanence of Scripture.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To physically inscribe or write – The basic act of forming letters or symbols on a surface
• To compose or author – The creative process of producing written content
• To record or document – The preserving of information, history, or revelation
• To prescribe or command in writing – The authoritative function of written directives
• To stand as written testimony – The enduring nature of what has been written, especially divine revelation

γράφω Translation Options:

• Write – The most direct translation, appropriate when describing the physical act (e.g., “John wrote a letter”)
• Record – Suitable when emphasizing documentation for posterity (e.g., “The prophet recorded God’s message”)
• Inscribe – Useful when highlighting permanence or formal declaration (e.g., “The law was inscribed on tablets”)
• Compose – Preferred when focusing on the creative authorship aspect (e.g., “Paul composed his epistle”)
• It stands written – Especially for the perfect tense γέγραπται, emphasizing ongoing authority and relevance of divine revelation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γράφω appears prominently in contexts that emphasize the authority and permanence of God’s Word. Its first appearance is in Matthew 2:5, where the chief priests and scribes respond to Herod by stating what was written by the prophet about the birthplace of the Messiah. This establishes an important pattern where γράφω connects prophetic fulfillment to the written Scriptures.

The Apostle Paul frequently uses γράφω and its forms to establish the authority of his teaching. In Romans 15:4, he explains that “whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction.” This usage underscores the enduring relevance of Scripture across generations. Similarly, in his epistles, John repeatedly uses the phrase “I write to you” (γράφω ὑμῖν) to emphasize the authoritative nature of his apostolic instruction and to establish personal connection with his readers. The perfect passive form γέγραπται (“it is written”) appears frequently in the Gospels, often on the lips of Jesus Himself as He appeals to Scripture as the final authority.

Key verses featuring γράφω:

• “For it is written [γέγραπται] in the book of the prophets concerning Bethlehem…” (Matthew 2:5)
• “For whatever was written [ἐγράφη] in earlier times was written for our instruction…” (Romans 15:4)
• “I am writing [γράφω] to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake.” (1 John 2:12)
• “These things I have written [ἔγραψα] to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
• “Moses writes [γράφει] that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.” (Romans 10:5)
• “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail, for it stands written [γέγραπται].” (Luke 16:17)
• “But these have been written [γέγραπται] so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God…” (John 20:31)

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, the ability to write was a specialized and highly valued skill. Professional scribes (γραμματεῖς) held significant social status, particularly in Jewish society where they were responsible for preserving and interpreting the Torah. The act of writing was considered almost sacred, especially when copying the Scriptures. Jewish scribes followed elaborate purification rituals before writing the Divine Name (יהוה, Yahweh), and would pronounce each word aloud before writing it to ensure accuracy.

The phrase “it is written” (γέγραπται) carried particular weight in Jewish legal contexts. It functioned as an appeal to the highest authority – the Torah and Prophets. When Jesus used this phrase in His wilderness temptation (Matthew 4:4,7,10), He was invoking the ultimate authority against the deceiver. This reflects the Jewish concept of “miqra” – Scripture not merely as written text but as a divine call demanding response. The perfect tense (γέγραπται) emphasizes that what was written in the past continues with full authority in the present, an especially significant theological concept when applied to God’s Word.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of γράφω extends far beyond the mechanical act of writing – it represents God’s choice to communicate His eternal truth in written form. Through the written word, the infinite, transcendent God makes Himself known in concrete, accessible ways to finite humans across all generations. The frequent New Testament use of γέγραπται (“it stands written”) emphasizes that Scripture isn’t simply a historical document but a living voice of God that retains its authority and relevance.

The Messiah Jesus demonstrated profound respect for the written Word, consistently appealing to what was “written” as the basis for His teaching and the validation of His identity and mission. In Luke 24:44-47, the risen Messiah explains how everything “written” about Him in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms required fulfillment. This establishes a fundamental principle in biblical theology: God’s redemptive plan, revealed through what was written, finds its culmination in the Messiah. The apostolic writers continued this emphasis, frequently using γράφω to connect Old Testament prophecies with their New Testament fulfillment, demonstrating the remarkable unity of God’s revelation and the faithfulness of יהוה (Yahweh) to His written promises.

Personal Application

Understanding the significance of γράφω invites us to approach Scripture with renewed reverence. When we read “it is written,” we’re encountering not simply ancient text but the living voice of God speaking with ongoing authority into our present circumstances. Just as the Messiah Jesus relied on “what was written” during His temptation, we too can find strength and guidance by treasuring God’s written Word in our hearts.

The permanence implied in γράφω also reminds us that God’s promises remain unshakable. In a world of constant change and uncertainty, what God has “written” stands firm. His plans, promises, and purposes – preserved in written form – provide an anchor for our souls. By regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture, allowing what is “written” to shape our thinking and transform our lives, we align ourselves with the unchanging truth that has guided believers for millennia. As we do so, we find that God’s Word is indeed “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), speaking with fresh relevance into every situation we face.

Related Words

• γραφή (graphē) [graf-AY] – Scripture, writing, sacred writing; refers specifically to the Holy Scriptures, emphasizing their divine inspiration and authority, whereas γράφω focuses on the act of writing. See G1124
• γράμμα (gramma) [GRAM-ma] – Letter, written document, record; often refers to the literal text or individual characters that comprise writing, sometimes with emphasis on the “letter of the law” versus its spirit. See G1121
• ἐπιγράφω (epigraphō) [epi-GRAF-oh] – To inscribe, write upon; specifically refers to writing on monuments, tablets, or other permanent surfaces, often in public view. See G1924
• ἀπογράφω (apographō) [apo-GRAF-oh] – To register, enroll, record officially; used of census registration and official documentation, emphasizing the legal and binding nature of what is written. See G583
• προγράφω (prographō) [pro-GRAF-oh] – To write beforehand, set forth publicly in writing; can refer to prophecy (written previously) or to public proclamations posted for all to see. See G4270

Did You Know?

• Our English word “graphic” derives directly from γράφω, reflecting the visual, tangible nature of writing. Similarly, hundreds of English words incorporate this Greek root, including photography (“light-writing”), biography (“life-writing”), geography (“earth-writing”), and calligraphy (“beautiful writing”). This linguistic heritage reminds us how fundamental the concept of writing has been to human civilization and knowledge transmission.
• The scribal profession in ancient Israel involved extraordinary attention to detail. When copying Torah scrolls, scribes would count every letter and word to ensure accuracy. If mistakes were made, the entire sheet would be discarded rather than corrected. This meticulous care reflects the profound reverence for the written Word of God, embodying the significance of γράφω in preserving divine revelation with absolute fidelity.
• When Jesus said “it is written” (γέγραπται) during His wilderness temptation, He was employing the standard rabbinic formula for citing authoritative Scripture. However, when teaching, He frequently contrasted “it was said” with “but I say to you” (Matthew 5:21-22), implicitly claiming authority equal to or greater than the written Torah itself – a claim that would have been shocking to His Jewish audience and points to His divine identity.

Remember This

γράφω reminds us that the God of the universe chose to communicate His eternal truth in written form, ensuring His revelation would transcend time and culture, standing as an unchangeable witness to His character and promises for all generations.