γράμμα

γράμμα, -τος, τό

(γράφω), [in LXX for סֵפֶר, etc. ;]

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

2. that which is written;

(1) a character, letter: Gal 6,11

(2) a writing, a written document;

(a) a bill or account: Luk 16,6, 7;

(b) a letter: ApG 28,21

(with) τὰ ἱερὰ γ., the sacred writings, i.e. the OT: 2 Tim 3,15 (so in Philo, Vit. Mos., iii, 39) ;

(d) τὸ γ., the letter, the written word as an external authority in contrast with the direct influence of the Spirit as manifested in the new Covenant: Rom 2,27, 29; 7,6, 2 Kor 3,6, 7;

(3) τὰ γ., letters, i.e. learning: Joh 7,15, ApG 26,24. (In π. an illiterate person is very frequently referred to as γράμματα μ᾽̀ εἰδότης, and this "never means anything else than inability to write": MM, Exp., x; but see also Cremer, 166; DCG, i, 202; ii, 584.)

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