γραφή (graphē)
graphē
a writing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 50 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun graphē literally means a writing or something that has been written. In the New Testament, it serves as the standard term for Scripture, referring either to the sacred writings as a whole or to a specific passage. The sources note a clear distinction in usage: when plural, it typically denotes the entire body of Old Testament texts, while the singular often points to a particular verse or prophecy being fulfilled.
This pattern is visible throughout the Gospels and Epistles. Jesus cites the singular form when identifying a specific text, such as declaring that Isaiah’s words were fulfilled in Luke 4:21 or referencing Psalm 22 in John 19:24. Conversely, plural forms appear when discussing the collective authority of Scripture, as seen in John 5:39 or Romans 15:4.
The word derives from the verb graphō, meaning to write. Its adoption into Christian theology reflects a continuity with the Hebrew concept of ketav, emphasizing that these writings are not merely human compositions but authoritative divine records. Translators consistently render it as "Scripture" or "the scriptures," preserving its unique status as the written word of God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word graphē points us to something far greater than a simple text on a page. It represents the living, authoritative voice of God recorded in history. When you encounter this term, you are meeting the divine record that guides faith and reveals truth. It is not just ancient literature; it is the very message God intended for His people to hear.
Consider how Jesus used these writings. In Luke 4:21, He stood in a synagogue and declared, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” This moment shows that the Bible is not static history but active truth. The words written long ago were coming alive in His presence, speaking directly to those listening.
For you today, this means your faith rests on a solid foundation. The Scriptures are reliable because they come from God. They do not merely inform your mind; they transform your heart. As you read, you can trust that these words carry the power to guide your steps and comfort your soul in every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 50 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Scripture19×
- Scriptures12×
- Scripture;3×
- Scripture,3×
- Scriptures.2×
- Scriptures,2×
- Scripture:2×
- scripture1×
- of Scripture1×
- [the] Scriptures1×
- Scriptures?1×
- Scriptures:1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γραφὴ15×
- γραφὰς7×
- γραφή,4×
- γραφῆς3×
- γραφὴν3×
- γραφῶν2×
- γραφή·2×
- γραφαῖς2×
- γραφαὶ2×
- γραφῶν,1×
- γραφῇ·1×
- γραφῇ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 4:21
He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the fulfillment of the prophetic text, showing that Scripture points directly to Him.
-
John 5:39
“You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.
This verse highlights the primary purpose of the Scriptures: they testify about Christ rather than offering life apart from Him.
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Luke 24:45
Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.
It shows that understanding Scripture requires divine illumination, as Jesus opened His disciples' minds to grasp its meaning.
-
John 10:35
If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture can’t be broken),
Jesus describes the Scripture as unbreakable, emphasizing its absolute authority and reliability in spiritual matters.
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Matthew 26:54
How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?”
Here, Jesus uses Scripture to frame His arrest not as a defeat, but as the necessary fulfillment of God’s plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does graphē mean in the New Testament?
Is there a difference between singular and plural uses?
Why is graphē considered authoritative?
How does graphē relate to Jesus?
Every Occurrence (50 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of…
Matthew 22:29But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
Matthew 26:54How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?”
Matthew 26:56But all this has happened that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and…