γράφω (graphō)
graphō
to write
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 194 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb graphō means to write, encompassing both the physical act of forming letters on a surface and the intellectual act of recording a message. In the New Testament it appears 194 times, often introducing Scripture as an established authority with the phrase “it is written,” as seen when Jesus cites Deuteronomy in Matthew 4:4 or when Paul references Habakkuk in Romans 1:17.
A notable feature of its usage is the distinction between the act of writing and the resulting text. While it describes Jesus tracing letters in the dust in John 8:6, it more frequently refers to the content itself, such as the title on the cross in John 19:19 or the sealed book in Revelation 5:1. This dual focus highlights how the word bridges human action and divine record.
The sources highlight a significant cultural parallel in papyri from the period, where graphō was used in legal contexts to denote documents with binding authority, such as marriage contracts or decrees. This background enriches the biblical usage, where “it is written” does not merely describe a past event but invokes a standing, authoritative standard that governs present reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word graphō simply means to write, yet its presence in Scripture carries significant weight. When Jesus or the apostles use the phrase “it is written,” they are not merely citing a historical record; they are invoking a living authority. In the ancient world, a written document often held legal binding power. Similarly, God’s written word serves as the final standard for faith and conduct, grounding our beliefs in something stable and enduring rather than shifting cultural trends.
This reality offers profound comfort. Whether you are facing temptation, as Jesus did in the wilderness, or seeking guidance in complex decisions, the Scriptures remain a reliable anchor. They do not change with the times. When we read that “it is written,” we are reminded that God has already spoken clearly into our human condition, providing wisdom that sustains us through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 194 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it has been written24×
- written23×
- it has been written:23×
- it was written10×
- I am writing10×
- to write9×
- It has been written9×
- written:7×
- do write:7×
- I have written7×
- I wrote5×
- wrote4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γέγραπται38×
- γέγραπται·26×
- ἔγραψα14×
- ἐγράφη14×
- γεγραμμένον11×
- γράφω10×
- γράψον·9×
- ἔγραψεν6×
- γράψον5×
- γράφειν5×
- γεγραμμένον·5×
- γεγραμμένα5×
Key Verses
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Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’”
Jesus uses this phrase to establish Scripture as the primary source of spiritual sustenance, surpassing physical needs.
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Mark 11:17
He taught, saying to them, “Isn’t it written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers!”
The word highlights the conflict between human corruption and God’s original, authoritative intent for worship.
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Luke 1:3
it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
This instance shows the careful, historical process behind recording the gospel, emphasizing the value of accurate testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does graphō mean in the New Testament?
Why is the phrase “it is written” so important?
Does graphō only refer to the Bible?
Every Occurrence (194 verses across 26 books)
Matthew 10 verses
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet,
Matthew 4:4But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s…
Matthew 4:6and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels…
Matthew 4:7Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall…
Matthew 11:10For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before…
Matthew 21:13He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers!”
Matthew 26:24The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would…
Matthew 26:31Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike…
Matthew 27:37They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”