Introduction:

In Biblical studies, the exploration of Greek verbs is essential for understanding the nuances of actions and processes described in the New Testament. One such verb, ἐγγράφω (G1449: engráphō), is significant as it relates to the act of writing or inscribing something, typically in a formal or official manner. This word is relevant to New Testament interpretation because it often appears in contexts involving legal or formal records, symbolizing the permanence and authority of what is written. Understanding ἐγγράφω provides insight into the practices of record-keeping, documentation, and the cultural importance of written texts in ancient Greek society, including how these practices are reflected in the Biblical narrative.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐγγράφω (engráphō) [eng-raf’-o]
• Etymology: The word ἐγγράφω is composed of the prefix ἐν- (en-), meaning “in” or “on,” and γράφω (gráphō), meaning “to write.” Thus, ἐγγράφω literally means “to write in” or “to inscribe.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To Inscribe: This is the primary meaning of ἐγγράφω, indicating the act of writing or engraving something onto a surface.
• To Enroll or Register: In many contexts, ἐγγράφω is used to describe the action of entering names or information into a formal register or record, such as a census or legal document.

Similar Words:

• γράφω (gráphō) [graf’-o]: Meaning “to write,” this is the root verb from which ἐγγράφω is derived. While γράφω is a general term for writing, ἐγγράφω specifically refers to writing in or inscribing something formally.
• καταγράφω (katagráphō) [kat-ag-raf’-o]: This word means “to write down” or “to record,” and is similar in meaning to ἐγγράφω but often implies a more detailed or comprehensive recording.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἐγγράφω is a regular Greek verb that follows the typical conjugation patterns in the present, imperfect, and aorist tenses. It is often used in contexts that imply a formal or official action of writing, such as inscribing names in a registry or recording information in a legal document.
• The verb can be used in various moods, including the imperative, indicating a command to inscribe or register something.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: ἐγγράφω is defined as “to inscribe” or “to enter in a list or record,” with the lexicon noting its use in contexts involving formal documentation, such as enrolling names in a register or recording legal information. It emphasizes the word’s significance in conveying the permanence and formality of what is written.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐγγράφω as “to write in” or “to inscribe,” focusing on its usage in New Testament passages that involve the creation of official records or documents. The lexicon highlights the importance of this verb in contexts where legal or formal actions are being described.

Vine’s: ἐγγράφω is noted as a verb that means “to inscribe” or “to record,” with a special focus on its application in the New Testament for documenting names, events, or decisions in a formal manner. Vine’s discusses the theological implications of this verb in passages where it symbolizes the permanence of divine records or decrees.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐγγράφω is recognized as a verb meaning “to write in” or “to inscribe,” commonly used in various contexts, including official registers, legal documents, and public inscriptions.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἐγγράφω is listed as “to write in” or “to inscribe,” with emphasis on its Biblical usage to describe the formal recording of names, information, or legal matters.

Scripture References:

• Hebrews 12:23: “To the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled (ἐγγεγραμμένων) in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”
• Luke 10:20: “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written (ἐγγέγραπται) in heaven.”
• Jeremiah 17:13 (LXX): “O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written (ἐγγράφω) in the earth, for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐγγράφω (G1449: engráphō):

The verb ἐγγράφω (G1449: engráphō) is an important term in the New Testament, used to describe the act of inscribing or writing something into a formal record or register. This word carries the connotation of permanence and officiality, often appearing in contexts where names are recorded in heaven or in legal documents. Understanding ἐγγράφω provides insight into the practices of documentation and record-keeping in ancient Greek culture and highlights the theological significance of being “written” in the book of life or divine registers. The term also connects to classical Greek literature, where it was used in a variety of contexts involving official inscriptions and records, further illustrating its importance in both sacred and secular texts.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The use of ἐγγράφω in the New Testament often symbolizes the eternal security of those whose names are “written” in heaven. This concept is rooted in Jewish and Christian traditions, where being inscribed in the book of life or the heavenly register represents salvation and divine favor, offering assurance of one’s place in the eternal kingdom.