☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G1924 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπιγράφω
epigraphō
Verb
to write upon, inscribe — engraving a name or message on a surface

Definition

Epigraphō combines epi (upon) + graphō (to write). It means to write upon, inscribe, or engrave on a surface. It appears 5 times in the NT, in contexts ranging from the inscription on the cross to the law written on hearts, and the altar inscription in Athens.

Usage & Theological Significance

The New Covenant is fundamentally about epigraphō — writing on hearts instead of stone. Hebrews 8:10 quotes Jeremiah 31:33: "I will put my laws in their minds and write [epigrapsō] them on their hearts." The cross itself bore an inscription: "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS" (John 19:19). And in Athens, Paul finds an altar inscribed "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD" — and declares this God known in Christ. The God who writes His name on hearts is the same God whose story is written across all creation.

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 8:10 'I will put my laws in their minds and write [epigrapsō] them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.'
Mark 15:26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Acts 17:23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription [epigegramenon]: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.
Revelation 21:12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates... On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jeremiah 31:33 I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️