1124. graphé
Lexical Summary
graphé: Scripture, writing

Original Word: γραφή
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: graphé
Pronunciation: gra-FAY
Phonetic Spelling: (graf-ay')
KJV: scripture
NASB: Scripture, Scriptures
Word Origin: [(not given)]

1. a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
scripture.

A document, i.e. Holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it) -- scripture.

HELPS Word-studies

1124 graphḗ – properly, writing. 1124 (graphḗ) is used 51 times in the NT – always of holy Scripture, i.e. the inspired, inerrant writings of the Bible (the 66 books of Scripture, 39 in Hebrew, 27 in Greek).

[The NT generally uses 1124 (graphḗ) for the Hebrew Scriptures (the OT) – but see also 2 Tim 3:16 and 2 Pet 3:16. 1124 (graphḗ) was used for the Hebrew Scriptures as early as Aristeas (about 130 bc; so MM).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from graphó
Definition
a writing, scripture
NASB Translation
Scripture (31), Scriptures (20).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1124: γραφή

γραφή, γραφῆς, (γράφω, cf. γλυφή and γλύφω);

a. a writing, thing written (from Sophocles down): πᾶσα γραφή every scripture namely, of the O. T., 2 Timothy 3:16; plural γραφαί ἅγιαι, holy scriptures, the sacred books (of the O. T.), Romans 1:2; προφητικαι, Romans 16:26; αἱ γραφαί τῶν προφητῶν, Matthew 26:56.

b. γραφή, the Scripture κατ' ἐξοχήν, the holy scripture (of the O. T.) — and used to denote either the book itself, or its contents (some would restrict the singular γραφή always to a particular passage; see Lightfoot on Galatians 3:22): John 7:38; John 10:35; Acts 8:32; Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:22; Galatians 4:30; James 2:8; 1 Peter 2:6; 2 Peter 1:20; also in plural αἱ γραφαί: Matthew 21:42; Matthew 26:54; Mark 14:49; Luke 24:27; John 5:39; Acts 17:2, 11; Acts 18:24, 28; 1 Corinthians 15:3f; once αἱ γραφαί comprehends also the books of the N. T. already begun to be collected into a canon, 2 Peter 3:16; by metonymy, γραφή is used for God speaking in it: Romans 9:17; Galatians 4:30; γραφή is introduced as a person and distinguished from God in Galatians 3:8. εἰδέναι τάς γραφάς, Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24; συνιέναι, Luke 24:45.

c. a certain portion or section of holy Scripture: Mark 12:10; Luke 4:21; John 19:37; Acts 1:16. (Cf. B. D. under the word .)

Topical Lexicon
Scope and Distribution of the Term

Strong’s 1124 (γραφή) appears fifty-one times in the Greek New Testament, overwhelmingly designating the sacred writings already accepted as the Word of God and, by extension, the writings that would become the canonical New Testament. The term is found on the lips of Jesus (e.g., Matthew 22:29; John 10:35), in apostolic preaching (Acts 17:2; Acts 18:28), in doctrinal passages (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:16), and in pastoral instruction (1 Timothy 5:18). It occurs in narrative, didactic, polemical, and pastoral contexts, showing its comprehensive role in early Christian life and thought.

Scripture as Inspired and Authoritative

2 Timothy 3:16–17 stands as the programmatic declaration: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” Here γραφή is explicitly said to be breathed out by God, grounding its absolute authority and sufficiency for faith and practice. This conviction underlies every other New Testament use of the word.

Prophetic Fulfilment and the Ministry of Jesus

The term punctuates the passion narratives: “How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” (Matthew 26:54). Jesus’ repeated reference to γραφή locates His life, death, and resurrection within the prophetic storyline. Luke records, “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written about Himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). The Evangelists thus present Christ’s ministry as the embodiment and fulfilment of the written Word.

Foundation for Apostolic Preaching

In Acts, γραφή is the primary apologetic tool of the apostles. Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2), and Apollos “powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:28). The written Word validates the gospel proclamation and confronts both Jewish and Gentile audiences with divine authority.

Doctrinal Formulation and Clarification

Paul anchors core doctrines in γραφή. The death and resurrection of Christ occur “according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Romans employs the term to define justification (Romans 4:3), election (Romans 9:17), and the universality of the gospel (Romans 10:11). Galatians cites γραφή to demonstrate the covenantal inclusion of the nations: “The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith” (Galatians 3:8).

Guidance for Christian Conduct

Beyond dogma, γραφή shapes ethics. James appeals to it to reinforce the royal law of love (James 2:8) and to rebuke pride (James 4:5). Peter cites γραφή to exhort believers to holiness, reminding them they are “a chosen and precious cornerstone” people (1 Peter 2:6).

Safeguard against Misuse

Peter warns that the “untaught and unstable distort” γραφή “to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). Such misuse necessitates diligent study and submission to the divine intent, for “no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). The text itself guards its integrity and demands reverent handling.

Continuity of the Testaments

Romans 15:4 affirms, “For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” γραφή links the covenant history of Israel with the eschatological hope of the Church, demonstrating the unity of God’s redemptive plan.

Liturgical and Pastoral Application

1 Timothy 5:18 pairs Deuteronomy 25:4 with Luke 10:7 and calls both “Scripture,” signaling the emerging recognition of New Testament writings as γραφή alongside the Old Testament. The term thus informs ecclesial practice—worship, discipline, and social justice—by providing an inspired rule.

Implications for Contemporary Ministry

1. Preaching: Expository proclamation remains the pattern modeled by Christ and the apostles.
2. Teaching and Discipleship: γραφή equips believers for maturity; systematic study is indispensable.
3. Apologetics: The authority and coherence of Scripture remain the primary evidential foundation.
4. Pastoral Care: Scriptural promises and commands sustain and direct the flock through every circumstance.

Summary

Strong’s 1124 portrays Scripture as the breathed-out, self-interpreting, prophetic, Christ-centered, and eschatologically fulfilling Word of God. From validating the messiahship of Jesus to governing the life of the Church, γραφή functions as the supreme norm for faith and obedience throughout the New Testament witness.

Forms and Transliterations
γραφαι γραφαί γραφαὶ γραφαις γραφαίς γραφαῖς γραφας γραφάς γραφὰς γραφη γραφή γραφὴ γραφῇ γραφην γραφήν γραφὴν γραφης γραφής γραφῆς γραφίδι γραφων γραφών γραφῶν graphai graphaí graphaì graphais graphaîs graphas graphás graphàs graphe graphē graphḗ graphḕ graphêi graphē̂i graphen graphēn graphḗn graphḕn graphes graphês graphēs graphē̂s graphon graphôn graphōn graphō̂n
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 21:42 N-DFP
GRK: ἐν ταῖς γραφαῖς Λίθον ὃν
NAS: read in the Scriptures, THE STONE
KJV: in the scriptures, The stone
INT: in the Scriptures [The] stone which

Matthew 22:29 N-AFP
GRK: εἰδότες τὰς γραφὰς μηδὲ τὴν
NAS: not understanding the Scriptures nor
KJV: knowing the scriptures, nor
INT: knowing the Scriptures nor the

Matthew 26:54 N-NFP
GRK: πληρωθῶσιν αἱ γραφαὶ ὅτι οὕτως
NAS: then will the Scriptures be fulfilled,
KJV: then shall the scriptures be fulfilled,
INT: should be fulfilled the Scriptures that thus

Matthew 26:56 N-NFP
GRK: πληρωθῶσιν αἱ γραφαὶ τῶν προφητῶν
NAS: to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.
KJV: that the scriptures of the prophets
INT: might be fulfilled the Scriptures of the prophets

Mark 12:10 N-AFS
GRK: Οὐδὲ τὴν γραφὴν ταύτην ἀνέγνωτε
NAS: read this Scripture: THE STONE WHICH
KJV: read this scripture; The stone which
INT: Not even the Scripture this did you read

Mark 12:24 N-AFP
GRK: εἰδότες τὰς γραφὰς μηδὲ τὴν
NAS: that you do not understand the Scriptures or
KJV: not the scriptures, neither
INT: knowing the Scriptures nor the

Mark 14:49 N-NFP
GRK: πληρωθῶσιν αἱ γραφαί
NAS: Me; but [this has] [taken place] to fulfill the Scriptures.
KJV: but the scriptures must
INT: might be fulfilled the Scriptures

Mark 15:28 Noun-NFS
GRK: ἐπληρώθη ἡ γραφὴ ἡ λέγουσα
KJV: And the scripture was fulfilled, which
INT: was fulfilled the Scripture which says

Luke 4:21 N-NFS
GRK: πεπλήρωται ἡ γραφὴ αὕτη ἐν
NAS: this Scripture has been fulfilled
KJV: is this scripture fulfilled in
INT: is fulfilled the Scripture this in

Luke 24:27 N-DFP
GRK: πάσαις ταῖς γραφαῖς τὰ περὶ
NAS: Himself in all the Scriptures.
KJV: all the scriptures the things concerning
INT: all the Scriptures the things concerning

Luke 24:32 N-AFP
GRK: ἡμῖν τὰς γραφάς
NAS: He was explaining the Scriptures to us?
KJV: he opened to us the scriptures?
INT: to us the Scriptures

Luke 24:45 N-AFP
GRK: συνιέναι τὰς γραφάς
NAS: to understand the Scriptures,
KJV: that they might understand the scriptures,
INT: to understand the Scriptures

John 2:22 N-DFS
GRK: ἐπίστευσαν τῇ γραφῇ καὶ τῷ
NAS: and they believed the Scripture and the word
KJV: they believed the scripture, and
INT: believed the Scripture and the

John 5:39 N-AFP
GRK: ἐραυνᾶτε τὰς γραφάς ὅτι ὑμεῖς
NAS: You search the Scriptures because
KJV: Search the scriptures; for in
INT: You search the Scriptures for you

John 7:38 N-NFS
GRK: εἶπεν ἡ γραφή ποταμοὶ ἐκ
NAS: He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said,
KJV: me, as the scripture hath said, out of
INT: said the Scripture rivers out of

John 7:42 N-NFS
GRK: οὐχ ἡ γραφὴ εἶπεν ὅτι
NAS: Has not the Scripture said
KJV: Hath not the scripture said, That
INT: Not the Scripture has said that

John 10:35 N-NFS
GRK: λυθῆναι ἡ γραφή
NAS: came (and the Scripture cannot
KJV: and the scripture cannot
INT: be broken the Scripture

John 13:18 N-NFS
GRK: ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ Ὁ
NAS: I have chosen; but [it is] that the Scripture may be fulfilled,
KJV: that the scripture may be fulfilled,
INT: that the Scripture might be fulfilled He that

John 17:12 N-NFS
GRK: ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ
NAS: so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
KJV: that the scripture might be fulfilled.
INT: that the Scripture might be fulfilled

John 19:24 N-NFS
GRK: ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ ἡ
NAS: it shall be; [this was] to fulfill the Scripture: THEY DIVIDED
KJV: that the scripture might be fulfilled,
INT: that the Scripture might be fulfilled which

John 19:28 N-NFS
GRK: τελειωθῇ ἡ γραφὴ λέγει Διψῶ
NAS: to fulfill the Scripture, said,
KJV: that the scripture might be fulfilled,
INT: might be fulfilled the Scripture he says I thirst

John 19:36 N-NFS
GRK: ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ Ὀστοῦν
NAS: to fulfill the Scripture, NOT A BONE
KJV: that the scripture should be fulfilled,
INT: that the Scripture might be fulfilled bone

John 19:37 N-NFS
GRK: πάλιν ἑτέρα γραφὴ λέγει Ὄψονται
NAS: another Scripture says,
KJV: another scripture saith,
INT: again another Scripture says They will look

John 20:9 N-AFS
GRK: ᾔδεισαν τὴν γραφὴν ὅτι δεῖ
NAS: they did not understand the Scripture, that He must
KJV: they knew not the scripture, that he
INT: understood they the Scripture that it behoves

Acts 1:16 N-AFS
GRK: πληρωθῆναι τὴν γραφὴν ἣν προεῖπεν
NAS: Brethren, the Scripture had
KJV: this scripture must
INT: to have been fulfilled the Scripture which spoke beforehand

Strong's Greek 1124
51 Occurrences


γραφαὶ — 3 Occ.
γραφαῖς — 4 Occ.
γραφὰς — 9 Occ.
γραφὴ — 24 Occ.
γραφὴν — 4 Occ.
γραφῆς — 3 Occ.
γραφῶν — 4 Occ.

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