Luke 16:6

Abbott-Smith NT Greek Lexicon:

1. that which is traced or drawn, a picture.

2. that which is written;

The LSJ Lexicon provides a detailed explanation of the verb γράφω and its various forms, usages, and meanings. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Primary Meaning: "To Draw"

• The verb γράφω (with various forms such as ἔγραψα, γράφω, ἐγραψάμην, ἐγράφην, etc.) primarily means "to draw" in the sense of marking, scratching, or inscribing, derived from the action of making marks on a surface.

• In Homer, it is used to mean "scratch" or "graze," as seen in Iliad 17.599, where the word describes a point made by a spear ("αἰχμὴ γράψεν οἱ ὀστέον ἄχρις").

Meaning of "To Represent by Lines"

• The verb γράφω also means to represent by lines (i.e., to draw or depict visually), which later evolved into meanings related to painting or art. This sense appears in later works:

  • Herodotus (2.41) uses the term in the sense of drawing.

  • Plato, in the Republic (377e), uses it for creating depictions such as in maps or drawings.

Drawing Maps or Creating Visual Representations

• Drawing maps is one of the later senses, as in Herodotus 4.36, where it refers to drawing a map of the earth's boundaries.

• Similarly, it is used for creating images such as a statue or figure: "ἀνδριάντα γ.," which means to sculpt a statue, found in Plato, Republic 420c.

In the Context of Art

• ζῷα γ. means to draw or paint animals (i.e., creating artistic depictions), which is synonymous with the later Greek term ζωγραφεῖν (to paint or to create pictures).

• Passively, it could also refer to a painting or image being created: "εἰκὼν γεγραμμένη," meaning "a painted image" (Aristophanes, Ran. 537).

Mathematical and Scientific Uses

• In the context of geometry, γράφω means "to describe" a figure, as in Euclid's "Postulates" and Archimedes' "On the Sphere and Cylinder." This is a more technical use where it signifies creating geometric shapes or curves.

• Generating a figure is another use, as in Aristotle (Mechanics) where a point or line in motion "generates" a geometric figure.

Passives and Middle Forms

• The verb γράφω is used in various middle and passive forms to convey the action of being drawn or written:

  • Future passive: γράφησομαι (e.g., Hippocrates, Acut. 26) or γεγράφησομαι (e.g., Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 411).

  • Aorist passive: ἐγράφην (e.g., Herodotus 4.91, Plato, Protagoras 128c).

  • The verb also appears in a middle form with reflexive meaning, as in γεγράφαται (e.g., in Oppian's "Cynic").

Metaphorical Uses

• In memory: A metaphorical use appears in Pindar (O. 10(11).3), where it refers to something written in the "leaf of memory" or as a mental inscription, symbolizing the idea of memory as a form of written record.

Writing and Inscribing Texts

• The verb γράφω also has the meaning of writing texts, whether they are documents, letters, or contracts. For example:

  • Writing a will: "γ. διαθήκην," as in Plato, Laws 923c.

  • Writing on materials such as wax, gold, or papyrus (Plato, Phaedrus 276c).

  • Writing in water or ash, referring to temporary or symbolic writing.

Branding or Marking

• γράφω can also mean to brand or mark something, such as branding cattle or marking objects in a distinguishable way, as in Oppian's "Cynegetica" (1.326).

In summary, γράφω in its primary sense means to draw or inscribe, initially in a literal sense (scratching or marking), but later evolving to encompass artistic and mathematical uses, such as drawing pictures or creating geometric figures. It also extends metaphorically to the idea of writing and marking in both physical and abstract contexts.

(cf. Logeion γράφω)