Lexical Summary epigraphó: To write upon, inscribe Original Word: ἐπιγράφω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance inscription, write in. From epi and grapho; to inscribe (physically or mentally) -- inscription, write in (over, thereon). see GREEK epi see GREEK grapho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and graphó Definition to write upon NASB Translation inscription (1), read (1), write (2), written (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1924: ἐπιγράφωἐπιγράφω: future ἐπιγράψω; perfect passive participle ἐπιγεγραμμενος; pluperfect 3 person singular ἐπεγέγραπτο; to write upon, inscribe: ἐπιγραφήν, Mark 15:26 and L Tr brackets in Luke 23:38; ὀνόματα, Revelation 21:12; ἐν τίνι, Acts 17:23; figuratively, to write upon the mind, i. e. to fix indelibly upon it, cause to cleave to it and to be always vividly present to it: νόμους ἐπί καρδίας (καρδίαν T WH marginal reading), Hebrews 8:10; ἐπί τῶν διανοιῶν, Hebrews 10:16 R G, ἐπί τήν διάνοιαν, ibid. L T Tr WH (τούς λόγους ἐπί τό πλάτος τῆς καρδίας, Proverbs 7:3). (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1924 describes the act of writing or engraving upon something. Across its five New Testament occurrences the term moves from literal stone and wood to the human heart, charting a redemptive trajectory from external identification to internal transformation. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Mark 15:26 – the placard above the crucified Christ. Cultural and Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world public inscriptions validated ownership, commemorated victories, or stated legal charges. Crucifixion victims routinely had their crimes posted above them; temples bore dedications; city gates announced patron deities or donors. The New Testament writers draw on these familiar practices to communicate divine truth: • The titulus over Jesus demonstrates Rome’s legal procedure while, paradoxically, proclaiming His royal identity. Theological Themes Identification and Revelation Mark 15:26 reveals that what earthly authorities meant as derision becomes, through the Spirit, a true proclamation: “The inscription of the charge against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS”. The verb underscores that Christ’s kingship is publicly, permanently declared even in His humiliation. Common Grace and Evangelism Paul seizes a pagan inscription to launch gospel proclamation: “I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” (Acts 17:23). The word links cultural artifacts to revealed truth, showing that every genuine yearning can point to Christ when properly interpreted. Covenantal Transformation Hebrews twice cites the divine pledge: “I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts” (Hebrews 8:10; 10:16). Here inscription moves inward. The locus of divine writing shifts from tablets of stone (Exodus 31:18) to the believer’s very being, fulfilling Ezekiel 36:26–27 and securing obedience by regeneration rather than external compulsion. Eschatological Assurance Revelation 21:12 records gate-inscriptions that ensure perpetual remembrance of the twelve tribes: continuity without compromise. What God engraves endures into the new creation, affirming both the integrity of His promises and the unity of redeemed Israel and the Church. Christological Implications The written charge above Jesus’ head becomes a providential banner declaring His messianic office. At Calvary the world inscribes a crime, yet heaven inscribes a coronation. The irony illustrates Isaiah 53:3–5: rejection turned to exaltation. The cross is thus the pivot where sinful handwriting (Colossians 2:14) is nailed and canceled, while divine handwriting inaugurates a new humanity. Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching and Apologetics: Like Paul in Athens, believers can start with cultural “inscriptions”—art, slogans, social media tags—and redirect them toward the known God. Related Old Testament Concepts • Exodus 32:15-16 – tablets written by the finger of God. Conclusion Strong’s 1924 traces a profound arc: from a Roman placard to an Athenian altar, from heavenly city gates to the believer’s heart. What God writes cannot be erased; what He inscribes, He fulfills. The verb thus serves as a quiet yet powerful witness to the permanence of divine truth, the sufficiency of Christ’s work, and the inward work of the Holy Spirit in all who belong to the New Covenant. Forms and Transliterations επεγεγραπτο επεγέγραπτο ἐπεγέγραπτο επιγεγραμμενα επιγεγραμμένα ἐπιγεγραμμένα επιγεγραμμενη επιγεγραμμένη ἐπιγεγραμμένη επιγράψει επιγράψεις επίγραψον επιγραψω επιγράψω ἐπιγράψω epegegrapto epegégrapto epigegrammena epigegramména epigegrammene epigegrammenē epigegramméne epigegramménē epigrapso epigrapsō epigrápso epigrápsōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 15:26 V-RPM/P-NFSGRK: αἰτίας αὐτοῦ ἐπιγεγραμμένη Ο ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ NAS: of the charge against Him read, THE KING KJV: was written over, THE KING INT: accusation against him read The King Acts 17:23 V-LIM/P-3S Hebrews 8:10 V-FIA-1S Hebrews 10:16 V-FIA-1S Revelation 21:12 V-RPM/P-ANP Strong's Greek 1924 |
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