χειρόγραφος (cheirographos)
cheirographos
writen record
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun cheirographon refers to a document written by one’s own hand, such as a personal note acknowledging a debt or a formal bond. In its literal sense, it describes any handwritten record where an individual takes responsibility for an obligation. The word combines terms for "hand" and "writing," emphasizing the physical act of signing one’s name to make the agreement binding.
In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Colossians 2:14. Paul uses it metaphorically to describe the "record of debt" that stood against humanity. This was not merely a list of sins but a legal certificate of guilt with its demands fully executed. Christ canceled this document by nailing it to the cross, effectively erasing the legal claim against believers.
The significance of this word lies in its legal weight. It represents a binding contract that could not be ignored. By removing this cheirographon, Jesus did not just forgive sins abstractly; He nullified the specific legal instrument that condemned people. This imagery highlights the completeness of redemption, showing that the penalty was paid and the record cleared entirely.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cheirographon describes a personal debt record, signed by hand to make an obligation binding. In Colossians, Paul uses this image to show how Christ dealt with our failures. He did not simply overlook them; He removed the legal evidence against us.
By nailing this certificate to the cross, Jesus paid every demand fully. This means your past mistakes no longer hold power over you. You are free from the weight of a record that once seemed permanent.
This truth offers deep comfort. You do not need to carry guilt or fear judgment. The debt is cleared, and you can walk in peace, knowing you are accepted by God through Christ’s work alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- handwriting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χειρόγραφον1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 2:14
wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us. He has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.
This verse shows the specific action of nailing the handwritten record to the cross, demonstrating the finality of Christ's payment for sin.