Lexical Summary graptos: Written Original Word: γραπτός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance written. From grapho; inscribed (figuratively) -- written. see GREEK grapho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom graphó Definition written NASB Translation written (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1123: γραπτόςγραπτός, Γραπτή, γραπτόν, written: Romans 2:15. (Gorgias, Apology Palam., p. 190 under the end; the Sept.; others.) Topical Lexicon Terminology and Background The adjective γραπτός describes something that has been committed to writing or engraving, thereby setting it in a fixed, enduring form. In the Greco-Roman world writing was viewed as a means of preserving truth beyond the limits of memory or oral transmission. When Paul selects this word, he draws on that cultural notion of permanence to underscore the abiding reality of what God has placed inside human beings. Biblical Usage Romans 2:15 is the sole New Testament occurrence: “They show that the work of the Law is written in their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately accusing or defending them”. Paul’s argument addresses Gentiles who do not possess the Mosaic code, yet demonstrate an internal, divinely crafted moral compass. The single use of γραπτός therefore anchors an entire theology of internal revelation. Theological Significance: Law Inscribed on the Heart 1. Universality of Accountability. By portraying the Law as “written” on the heart, Paul affirms that every person, Jew and Gentile alike, stands accountable before God (Romans 2:12-16). Relation to Old Testament Revelation • Stone to Flesh: Exodus 34:1 contrasts with Jeremiah 31:33’s “I will put My Law within them and write it on their hearts.” Paul sees this promise partially realized even among the un-evangelized. Implications for Evangelism and Missions 1. Common Ground. Missionaries can appeal to the moral awareness already present in every culture, confident that it resonates with God’s inward writing. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Cultivating a Tender Conscience. Believers are urged to keep the heart receptive to Scripture so that the Spirit can deepen what God has already inscribed (Hebrews 8:10; 10:16). Systematic Theology Connections • General Revelation: Romans 2:15 is a cornerstone text demonstrating that knowledge of God’s moral standards is universally accessible. Historical and Patristic Reflection Early Christian apologists such as Justin Martyr and Tertullian appealed to the moral law “written in hearts” to argue that the gospel fulfills, rather than contradicts, universal ethical intuitions. Augustine traced the restlessness of the human soul back to this inward inscription, teaching that the Law written within prepares us to seek grace without. Ministry Significance Today The lone occurrence of γραπτός in Romans 2:15 magnifies the integrity of God’s redemptive plan: His externally written Word and His internally written Law converge to lead sinners to Christ. Pastors, missionaries, and believers alike can minister with confidence that every human heart already bears the imprint of divine truth, awaiting the clarifying light of the gospel. Forms and Transliterations γραπτον γραπτόν γραπτὸν γραπτώ γραφείω grapton graptònLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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