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G1124 · Greek · New Testament
γραφή
graphe
Noun, feminine
writing, Scripture, a passage of Scripture

Definition

Graphe (γραφή) means a writing or document, but in the New Testament it almost always refers specifically to the sacred Scriptures — the Old Testament writings understood as authoritative divine communication. It appears about 51 times and is the standard New Testament term for Scripture.

Usage & Theological Significance

Graphe carries the weight of divine authority wherever it appears. Jesus frequently invokes it: 'Have you not read in the Scripture?' (Matthew 21:42); 'The Scripture cannot be broken' (John 10:35). Paul's foundational statement in 2 Timothy 3:16 — 'All Scripture [graphe] is God-breathed' — establishes the divine origin of the text. Peter confirms in 2 Peter 1:20 that no prophecy of graphe comes from private interpretation. In Luke 24:27, the risen Jesus 'beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures [graphais] concerning himself.' All of Scripture points to Christ, and Christ fulfills all of Scripture.

Key Bible Verses

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture [graphe] is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
John 10:35 If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came — and Scripture [graphe] cannot be set aside...
Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures [graphais]: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone...
Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures [graphais] concerning himself.
2 Peter 1:20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture [graphe] came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things.

Related Words

External Resources

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