γραπτός
graptós
G1123 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Carved or inscribed; primarily refers to something that has been written down by being engraved, carved, or marked, typically on a durable surface such as stone, metal, or parchment. In broader usage, it can refer to anything fixed in writing or script, whether literal (as in inscriptions or engraved edicts) or, more rarely, figurative (as in something established or decreed).
Semantic Range
inscribed, engraved, carved, written, recorded, fixed in writing or inscription
Root / Etymology
Derived from the verb γράφω ('to write, inscribe, engrave'), with the ending -τός forming a verbal adjective that denotes the result of the action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, γραπτός mainly describes something that has been written or inscribed, especially by carving or engraving, such as official decrees, laws, or epitaphs. In Hellenistic and later Koine usage (including the Septuagint and New Testament), it often contrasts with spoken or oral traditions—'what is written' versus 'what is said.' In the Septuagint, γραπτός can refer to commandments or laws that are inscribed on tablets, echoing the language of inscriptions. In New Testament use, it typically denotes what has been written, especially with reference to sacred texts or legal decrees. English translations usually render γραπτός as 'written' or 'inscribed,' but 'carved' or 'engraved' may better capture the term’s sense when the context specifically involves stone or permanent media. The figurative or extended sense (e.g., fixed, ordained) is rare but possible when the idea of permanence is emphasized. Standard English 'written' sometimes fails to convey the physicality of inscription when the Greek intended engraved permanence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from γράφω; inscribed (figuratively):--written.
Root Family
γραφ- (grámma) — to write, to inscribe
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1121 | γράμμα | written mark |
| G1124 | γραφή | Sacred Writings |
| G1126 | γραώδης | old-woman-like (masculine accusative plural) |
| G1449 | ἐγγράφω | having been inscribed |
| G1923 | ἐπιγραφή | inscription |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1123-01 |
γραπτὸν | grapton | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
written | inscribed thing | inscribed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1123-01 |
Romans 2:15 | γραπτὸν | grapton | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
written | inscribed thing | inscribed |