Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "writ" generally refers to a written document or a piece of writing, often with legal or authoritative significance. The concept of a writ is deeply embedded in the Judeo-Christian tradition, where the written word is considered a primary means of divine communication and legal codification.Biblical Context The Bible itself is often referred to as "Holy Writ," underscoring its status as a sacred and authoritative collection of texts. The importance of written documents is evident throughout the Scriptures, where God’s commandments, laws, and revelations are frequently inscribed for posterity and guidance. Old Testament In the Old Testament, the significance of written documents is highlighted in several instances. The Ten Commandments, for example, were inscribed by the finger of God on tablets of stone (Exodus 31:18: "When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God"). This act of divine writing underscores the permanence and authority of God's law. The role of scribes and the importance of maintaining written records are also evident in the Old Testament. Ezra, a priest and scribe, is noted for his dedication to studying and teaching the Law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel"). New Testament In the New Testament, the concept of writ continues to hold significance. Jesus Himself refers to the Scriptures as authoritative writings. In Matthew 4:4 , Jesus responds to Satan's temptation by quoting Scripture: "But Jesus answered, 'It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’" The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of the written word in his epistles. In 2 Timothy 3:16 , he writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This passage highlights the divine inspiration and practical utility of the Scriptures. Legal and Covenantal Aspects Writs in the biblical sense often carry legal and covenantal implications. The Mosaic Law, as recorded in the Pentateuch, serves as a legal code for the Israelites, governing their religious, moral, and social conduct. The written covenants between God and His people, such as the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, are foundational to the biblical narrative and underscore the binding nature of divine promises and commands. Prophetic and Apocalyptic Writings The prophetic books of the Old Testament and the apocalyptic literature found in both Testaments also emphasize the importance of written revelation. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah were commanded to write down their visions and messages (Isaiah 30:8: "Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness"). The Book of Revelation, a key apocalyptic text, begins with a command to write (Revelation 1:11: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches"). Conclusion The concept of writ in the Bible underscores the importance of the written word as a means of divine communication, legal authority, and covenantal relationship. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, written documents serve as a testament to God's enduring promises and commands, providing guidance and instruction for His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (obs.) 3d pers. sing. pres. of Write, for writeth.2. (v.) imp. & p. p. of Write. 3. (n.) That which is written; writing; scripture; -- applied especially to the Scriptures, or the books of the Old and New testaments; as, sacred writ. 4. (n.) An instrument in writing, under seal, in an epistolary form, issued from the proper authority, commanding the performance or nonperformance of some act by the person to whom it is directed; as, a writ of entry, of error, of execution, of injunction, of mandamus, of return, of summons, and the like. 5. (Archaic imp. & p. p.) of Write Greek 1124. graphe -- a writing, scripture ... scripture. A document, ie Holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it) -- scripture. (graphai) -- 3 Occurrences. (graphais) -- 4 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1124.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 5612. sepher -- a missive, document, writing, book... 3), deed (6), deeds (3), illiterate* (1), indictment (1), letter (14), letters (15), literate* (1), literature (2), read* (1), scroll (6), scroll* (3), writ (1 ... /hebrew/5612.htm - 6k Library Whether Knowledge of all Holy Writ is Required? Whether in Holy Scripture a Word May have Several Senses? Whether it is Suitable for the Articles of Faith to be Embodied in ... Whether Every Lie is a Sin? Whether Holy Scripture Should Use Metaphors? Whether it must be Said that the Three Persons are of one Essence? Whether to Swear is to Call God to Witness? Whether the Object of Faith is the First Truth? Whether the Order of Charity is Included in the Precept? Whether this Sacrament Has a Form? Thesaurus Writ (3 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) That which is written; writing; scripture; -- applied especially to the Scriptures, or the books of the Old and New testaments; as, sacred writ. ... /w/writ.htm - 7k Return (499 Occurrences) Injunction (8 Occurrences) Extend (35 Occurrences) Brief (7 Occurrences) Abate (2 Occurrences) Attach (12 Occurrences) Write (865 Occurrences) Wrists (5 Occurrences) Variance (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the word bible mean? | GotQuestions.org What is Renovaré / the Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible / the Life with God Bible? | GotQuestions.org Writ: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Writ (3 Occurrences)Romans 1:2 Romans 2:24 Jeremiah 3:8 Subtopics Related Terms Maher-shalal-hash-baz (2 Occurrences) |
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