Written (1125)(grapho from root graph- = primarily means to scratch on or engrave as on an ornament, reports, letters, etc; English = graph, graphic, etc) means to engrave or inscribe with a pen or stylus characters or letters on a surface which can be wood, wax, metal, leather, stone, parchment, dirt (John ), paper, etc. (Click to review all 191 uses of grapho in the NAS)
It is written occurs 76 times in the NAS (Click for these uses). When we were children and our parents told us to do something and we questioned "Why?", the answer was usually "Because I said so!". Why are we commanded to be holy? Because God said so! A popular saying is
God said it, I believe it, that settles it.
This sounds good but isn't accurate because God's Word is true, irregardless of whether we believe it or not. A more accurate "saying" would be
God said it, that settles it!
It is written should put a stop to every complaint or excuse. Paul is saying don't judge but remember you will appear before Me to give an account (as the next verse clarifies). This sobering thought should motivate us to obey this injunction.
The original sense of grapho was to carve or to engrave as deduced from uses in the Septuagint (where grapho occurs some 300 times usually for the Hebrew kathab 03789) such as the following...
Write (LXX = grapho) on them (LXX = lithos = stones) all the words of this law (Deut 27:3)
Then he (Solomon) carved (LXX = egkolapto = cut or carve) all the walls of the house round about with carved (Lxx = grapho) engravings of cherubim... (1Kings 6:29)
...You who carve (LXX = grapho) a resting place for yourself in the rock? (Isaiah 22:16)
NIDNTT has a historical note writing that...
grapho is found in its original sense in Homer, Il. 17, 599. In Herodotus, 4, 36 the word is used meaning to draw, of lines on maps; and scholars of the 3rd cent. B.C. used it of drawing of mathematical figures. In Homer grapho is already used in the sense of scratching signs on a tablet as a kind of letter (Il. 6, 169). From the time of Herodotus. it is used generally in the normal sense of to write, and from the time of Pindar in the derived sense of to prescribe, to order. From the practice of handing in a written accusation, grapho came in judicial language to mean to accuse (Plato, Euthyphro 2b). (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan)
The verb grapho is perfect tense (gegraphtai) signifying that God's Word has been written down at a point of time in the past (cf Lv 11:44, 19:2, 20:7 were originally inscribed with a stylus by Moses probably on clay tablets under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit circa 1500BC) and remains on record as the eternal, unchanging Word of God.
The perfect tense in this context also signifies the permanence of the written word of God. The phrase it is written (in perfect tense) is a regular "formula" in the New Testament (e.g., Mt 4:4, 4:6, 4:7, 4:10, 11:10 - some 60 times in all 4 gospels and by Paul and Peter) and always refers directly or indirectly to an Old Testament quotation and thus it carries great authority for the believer.
The idea is that this divine revelation was written down at a specific time in the past and stands written and effective. As Jesus declared...
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away. (Mt 24:35)
Warren Wiersbe commenting on the significance of the phrase it is written reminds us that
Our Lord used the Word of God to defeat Satan, and so may we (Mt 4:1-11; see Eph 6:17-note). But the Word of God is not only a sword for battle; it is also a light to guide us in this dark world (Ps 119:105 - Spurgeon's note; see 2Pe 1:19-note), food that strengthens us (Mt 4:4; 1Pe 2:2-note), and water that washes us (Eph 5:25, 26, 27-see notes Ep 5:25; 26; 27). The Word of God has a sanctifying ministry in the lives of dedicated believers (Jn 17:17). Those who delight in God’s Word, meditate on it, and seek to obey it will experience God’s direction and blessing in their lives (Ps 1:1, 3-(Ps 1:1-3 - see notes Ps1:1; 1:2; 1:3). The Word reveals God’s mind, so we should learn it; God’s heart, so we should love it; God’s will, so we should live it. Our whole being—mind, will, and heart—should be controlled by the Word of God....Does this mean that the Old Testament Law is authoritative today for New Testament Christians? Keep in mind that the early Christians did not even have the New Testament. The only Word of God they possessed was the Old Testament, and God used that Word to direct and nurture them. Believers today are not under the ceremonial laws given to Israel; however, even in these laws we see moral and spiritual principles revealed. Nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the Epistles, so we must obey them. (The Sabbath commandment was given especially to Israel and does not apply to us today. See Ro 14:1-9-notes) As we read and study the Old Testament, we will learn much about God’s character and working, and we will see truths pictured in types and symbols. first step toward keeping clean in a filthy world is to ask, “What does the Bible say?” In the Scriptures, we will find precepts, principles, promises, and persons to guide us in today’s decisions. If we are really willing to obey God, He will show us His truth (Jn 7:17). While God’s methods of working may change from age to age, His character remains the same and His spiritual principles never vary. We do not study the Bible just to get to know the Bible. We study the Bible that we might get to know God better. Too many earnest Bible students are content with outlines and explanations, and do not really get to know God. It is good to know the Word of God, but this should help us better know the God of the Word." (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor or Logos)
What was written? The passage Paul quotes from Isaiah 45 which was written and remains in effect. See below but for the full impact of this quote go back and read it in context (Isa 45:21-25)
Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. 22 "Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. 23 "I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. 24 "They will say of Me, 'Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him shall be put to shame. 25 "In the LORD all the offspring of Israel Will be justified, and will glory."
Here you see the lovingkindness and merciful heart of our God. Here as is his usual practice instead of quoting the Hebrew, Paul quotes the Septuagint or LXX
AS I LIVE SAYS THE LORD: zo (1SPAI) ego, legei (3SPAI) kurios: (Numbers 14:21,28; Isaiah 49:18; Jeremiah 22:24; Ezekiel 5:11; Zephaniah 2:9)
Paul quotes verbatim from the last part of the Septuagint (Greek) translation of [Isaiah 45:23] Note that whereas the Septuagint or LXX in the first part has ''kat' emautou omnnuô'' "I swear by myself", Paul replaces that with as I live which is an idiom that signifies the giving of an irrevocable oath.
This verse alone should cause reasonable men and women to seek refuge in the Rock of our salvation while the day is still called "today". For those who have hidden in the cleft of this Rock, we should be highly motivated to
walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which (we) have been called" (Eph 4:1-note), cf notes Col 1:10-note; 1Thes 2:12-note)
EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE (confess openly) TO GOD : hoti emoi kampsei (3SFAI) pan gonu kai pasa glossa exomologesetai (3SFMI) to theo: (same verb kampto in Php 2:10, Ro 11:4, Eph 3:14) (Isa 45:22, 23, 24, 25 Ps 72:11 Php 2:10)
Every knee shall bow - In a parallel passage Paul writes that as a result of Jesus' obedience to His Father...
Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (See notes Philippians 2:9; 2:10; 2:11)
The fact that this event will transpire is used by Paul to motivate the saints at Philippi to walk in a many worthy of their calling...
So then (in light of the future event just described), my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out (present imperative = command to continuously make this their lifestyle) your salvation with fear and trembling (not shaking fear of punishment but fear that we might disappoint and bring the shame to the One Who emptied Himself of His divine prerogatives and became a bondservant unto to death, dying the death we should have died) for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (See notes Philippians 2:12; 2:13)
Every tongue shall give praise - Shall confess openly (ex) (with the accusative as in Mt 3:6 = confessed their sins). In this verse with the dative so the idea is give praise to or give gratitude to (Mt 11:25 Lu 16:2 see Rev 22:12-note)
Give praise (1843) (exomologeo from ek or ex = out or intensify meaning of + homos = same + lego = speak) means to speak the same thing that another speaks, to agree with someone else or to confess by way of giving praise.
Vincent writes that exomologeo means...
Primarily, to acknowledge, confess, or profess from (ek = out of) the heart. To make a confession to one’s honor; thence to praise.
Other NT uses relate to confession of sin (Mt 3:6, Mk 1:5,Acts 19:18, Jas 5:16), which is more than a mere acknowledgment of sin in one's life. It is an agreeing with God as to all the implications that enter into the fact that one has sinned. It is looking at sin from God’s point of view, and acting accordingly. It means the putting away of that sin. It means the determination to be done with that sin.
Here are the 180 NT verses that use grapho...
Matthew 2:5 And they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet,
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"
6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'He will give His angels charge concerning You'; and 'On their hands they will bear You up, Lest You strike Your foot against a stone.'"
7 Jesus said to him, "On the other hand, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
10 Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'"
Matthew 11:10 "This is the one about whom it is written, 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'
Matthew 21:13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a robbers' den."
Matthew 26:24 "The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."
31 Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.'
Matthew 27:37 And they put up above His head the charge against Him which read, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
Mark 1:2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way;
Mark 7:6 And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me.
Mark 9:12 And He said to them, "Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He should suffer many things and be treated with contempt?
13 "But I say to you, that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written of him."
Mark 10:4 And they said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."
5 But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
Mark 11:17 And He began to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations '? But you have made it a robbers' den."
Mark 12:19 "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, and leaves behind a wife, and leaves no child, his brother should take the wife, and raise up offspring to his brother.
Mark 14:21 "For the Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."
27 And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, because it is written, 'I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.'
Luke 1:3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus;
63 And he asked for a tablet, and wrote as follows, "His name is John." And they were all astonished.
Luke 2:23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every first-born male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord "),
Luke 3:4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.
Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'"
8 And Jesus answered and said to him, "It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'"
10 for it is written, 'He will give His angels charge concerning You to guard You,'
17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
Luke 7:27 "This is the one about whom it is written, 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'
Luke 10:26 And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?"
Luke 16:6 "And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.'
7 "Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'
Luke 18:31 And He took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.
Luke 19:46 saying to them, "It is written, 'And My house shall be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a robbers' den."
Luke 20:17 But He looked at them and said, "What then is this that is written, 'The stone which the builders rejected, This became the chief corner stone'?
28 and they questioned Him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should take the wife and raise up offspring to his brother.
Luke 21:22 because these are days of vengeance, in order that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Luke 22:37 "For I tell you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'And He was numbered with transgressors'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment."
Luke 24:44 Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."
46 and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day;
John 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Thy house will consume me."
John 5:46 "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote of Me.
John 6:31 "Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.'"
45 "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.
John 8:8 And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
17 "Even in your law it has been written, that the testimony of two men is true.
John 10:34 Jesus answered them, "Has it not been written in your Law, 'I said, you are gods '?
John 12:14 And Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written,
16 These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him.
John 15:25 "But they have done this in order that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their Law, 'They hated Me without a cause.'
John 19:19 And Pilate wrote an inscription also, and put it on the cross. And it was written, "JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS."
20 Therefore this inscription many of the Jews read, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and in Greek.
21 And so the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews'; but that He said, 'I am King of the Jews.'"
22 Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."
John 20:30 Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
31 but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
John 21:24 This is the disciple who bears witness of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his witness is true.
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written.
Acts 1:20 "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his homestead be made desolate, And let no man dwell in it'; and, 'His office let another man take.'
Acts 7:42 "But God turned away and delivered them up to serve the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'It was not to Me that you offered victims and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, was it, O house of Israel?
Acts 13:29 "And when they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb.
33 that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, 'Thou art My Son; today I have begotten Thee.'
Acts 15:15 "And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,
23 and they sent this letter by them, "The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings.
Acts 18:27 And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he helped greatly those who had believed through grace;
Acts 23:5 And Paul said, "I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
25 And he wrote a letter having this form:
Acts 24:14 "But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and that is written in the Prophets;
Acts 25:26 "Yet I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write.
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith."
Romans 2:24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it is written.
Romans 3:4 May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, "That Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, And mightest prevail when Thou art judged."
10 as it is written, "There is none righteous, not even one;
Romans 4:17 (as it is written, "A father of many nations have I made you") in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
23 Now not for his sake only was it written, that it was reckoned to him,
Romans 8:36 Just as it is written, "For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
Romans 9:13 Just as it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
33 just as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed."
Romans 10:5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!"
Romans 11:8 just as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day."
26 and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob."
Romans 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 14:11 For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God."
Romans 15:3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached Thee fell upon Me."
4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, "Therefore I will give praise to Thee among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Thy name."
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