[Greek] γράμμα (gramma), [Latin] cautionem, [Latin] littera: that which is drawn or written, a letter, a writing, a note, and epistle, a book, a scripture, a record, a character, a letter of the alphabet, a record of debts, a written statement of accounts, a bill, a document; Gal. 6:11, 2 Cor.3:6-7, Jn. 5:47, Rom.2:27,29, Rom. 7:6, 2Tim.3:15, Act.28:21, Lk. 16:6,7, Jn. 7:15, Act. 26:24
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: Although used in many contexts, this term essentially means what is inscribed or written. Examples include inscribed tattoos, engraved symbols on gold headbands, names inscribed on a breastplate, and hieroglyphics. Written documents can include royal decrees and letters, letters of reference, contracts, bills of deeds, law suit proceedings, and deeds of gifts. In some situations written records were used in contrast with unwritten national customs and divine law. This term, also referring to education, includes reading, instruction, writing, knowledge, and interpretation of the law.
Old Testament: This term refers to reading and the instruction of the Law, epithets, and specific books. The scribes take on the important role of inscribing, interpreting, and instructing scripture and the Law. Several examples are epithets of heroes (and notable figures) in scripture and classical literature. While not referring to scripture as a whole, this term can refer to individual books of the Pentateuch. The plate of the sacred diadem was made of pure gold and inscribed, as on a seal engraving: “Sacred to the Lord.” (Ex.39:30). The passage occurred in which Mordecai reported Bagathan and Teresh, two of the royal eunuchs who guarded the entrance, for seeking to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. (Est 6:2). At their prescribed times, you will be careful to present to me the food offerings that are due me (Num. 28:2). You shall levy a tax for the Lord on the warriors who went out to combat (Num.31:28).
New Testament: This term, presented in a varied and nuanced manner, can mean an alphabet letter, the mode of education/instruction, a letter, scriptures, and writing. This term is tied to another similar Greek word γραφή (writing). The Old Testament is properly defined by its prescriptions rather than its writings. Knowledge of these different terms provides a better understanding of how the Old Testament laws are superseded by the New Testament teachings of Jesus.
Scripture:
“The Jews were amazed and said, ‘How does He know scripture without having studied?’” Jn. 7:15
Education and instruction in the Law are very closed related in Judaism. The disparagement of Jesus implies that He is not fit to teach. This scripture speaks more to the attitudes of the Jews who mock Jesus.
“But if you do not believe his (Moses) writing, how will you believe My words?” Jn. 5:47
It is presupposed that the authoritative Moses Old Testament scriptures bear witness to Christ. If the Jew does not accept the authority, he then will not accept the authority (word) of Christ.
“Indeed, those who are physically uncircumcised but carry out the law will pass judgment on you, with your written law and circumcision, who break the law.” Rom. 2:27
The meaning of the Law cannot be just defined by the Letter of this Law. The true meaning is prescription of the Law, which characterized why was is written or prescribed.
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is the word of faith that we preach),” Rom. 10:8
The word which is near is not writing in the convention sense, but the Word, guided by the Spirit of Christ. Paul speaks the legal and moral authority of the Old Testament which has been superseded.
Etymology: The Latin noun cautionem means a bill, guarantee, or pledge. This noun is related to the Latin cavere, meaning to be on guard. By the 1650’s, this noun becomes a word of warning.
Conclusion:
Grammar, grammatical, caution, letter, literal
It is not surprising that this term would play an important role in the instruction, teaching, and interpretation of the Law. There is strong evidence that the scribes did much of the work in recording the Old Testament. They were given the responsibility of recording the inspired words of God. Like the New Testament, this term can refer to a book of scripture (Old Testament).
It is very significant to note that Paul makes a distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Paul refers to the Old Testament not only as γράμμα (letter), but also as a prescription of the Law with moral and legal authority. Yet, Paul refers to the New Testament as γραφή (writing) as a new form of authority (from Christ) which surpasses the Old Testament message.
It is also important to remember, that during the New Testament times, the only existing scriptures were the Old Testament. The New Testament was not yet put into written form nor yet canonized. That process to determine the inspired books of the New Testament will come centuries later. The transmission of faith (church teachings) was carried out by oral stories and given (spoken) to later generations of people through oral tradition. This is why Apostolic Tradition (big T) has become one of the three pillars of the Church. This is in contrast to normal tradition (small t).