γράμμα

a letter, writings, learning

Definition

γράμμα (gramma) primarily means a written character or letter of the alphabet. In the New Testament, it extends to denote any written document, such as a legal bill or promissory note (Luke 16:6-7), or an official inscription, like the title on Jesus' cross (Luke 23:38). More broadly, it refers to a body of writings or literature, as in the 'writings' of Moses (John 7:15) or the 'letter' of the law (Romans 2:27, 29). It can also signify formal learning or scholarship, as seen when Festus tells Paul his learning has driven him mad (Acts 26:24).

Biblical Usage

Used 13 times, γράμμα appears in various contexts across the Gospels, Acts, and Paul's letters. In Luke, it refers to concrete documents (Luke 16:6-7) and an inscription (Luke 23:38). In John and Acts, it denotes the Jewish Scriptures or formal education (John 7:15; Acts 26:24). Paul uses it most theologically, contrasting the 'letter' (γράμμα) of the law with the 'Spirit' (πνεῦμα) in Romans 2:27-29 and later in 2 Corinthians 3:6-7, establishing a key dichotomy between external observance and internal transformation.

Etymology

Derived from the verb γράφω (graphō, G1125), meaning 'to write' or 'to inscribe.' It is related to English words like 'grammar' and 'graphic.' The basic sense is something written or drawn, evolving from a single character to encompass documents, literature, and by extension, the knowledge contained in writings.

Semantic Range

γράμμα is theologically significant as it forms a critical contrast with πνεῦμα (pneuma, G4151) in Pauline theology, especially in Romans 2:27-29 and 2 Corinthians 3:6-7. Here, 'the letter' represents the external, written code of the Mosaic law, which condemns, while 'the Spirit' signifies the internal, life-giving power of the New Covenant. Understanding this contrast enriches reading by highlighting the transition from law-based righteousness to Spirit-empowered transformation in Christ.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish world, γράμμα carried weight as the embodiment of authority, contract, and tradition. Written documents, like the debt bills in Luke 16, were legally binding. Jewish reverence for the 'writings' (the Law and Prophets) as God's authoritative revelation meant γράμμα could signify the entire scriptural tradition and its scholarly study, a concept deeper than modern 'literature.'

γραφή (graphē, G1124) — specifically denotes Scripture or a sacred writing. νόμος (nomos, G3551) — the law, often overlapping with γράμμα but broader in scope, encompassing the concept and principles of law itself.

Word Details

Scripture References