[Greek] ἐγγράφω (engraphō), [Latin] superscribere: to record, to write on, to write in, to inscribe; 2Cor.2:2-3, Lk.10:20
Trajan’s Column, built in 113-107 AD, commemorates Trajan’s victory in the Dacian Wars
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to write, to inscribe, to post, to petition, to document, to engrave, and to paint on. Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 789 states “First, to you, Io, will I declare your much-vexed wandering, and may you engrave it on the recording tablets in your mind.” Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 3.3.52 states “If such sentiments are to be imprinted on men’s hearts and to be abiding, is it not necessary in the first place that laws be already in existence such that by them a life of freedom and honor shall be provided for the good.” Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.261 states “After getting yourself enrolled on the register of your parish, no one knows how you managed it. When you enrolled you most promptly chose a most generously occupation of clerk and errand boy.” Sophocles’ Trachiniae 157 states “For when lord Heracles set forth from home upon his latest undertaking, he left tablets behind, inscribed with words which he never deigned to tell me.”
Old Testament: This term means to prosecute (by means of documentation), to enroll, to inscribe, to record, to list, and to write. Inscriptions are found on altars, crowns, and breastplates. Philo, a Jewish Hellenistic philosopher, makes heavy use of the image inscribed of the list of citizens belonging to heaven (becoming citizens of God). These ideas are related to the ancient notion of the book of life, where God writes His people, scriptures, decrees, commandments, deeds (actions), and statues. This Old Testament background provides the context for Luke’s scripture stating that ‘your names are written in heaven’.
If any of you are qualified for enrollment in our service, let them be enrolled (1Macc.13:40). All these words that were written against Babylon (Jer.28:60). They shall not belong to the community of my people, nor be recorded in the register of the house of Israel (Eze.13:9). Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes (Exo.39:14). I will place My law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be My people (Jer.38:33). Now if you would only forgive their sin! But if you will not, then blot out of my book (Exo.32:32).
New Testament: This term means to write or to record. Luke, also influenced by Hellenism, draws from the Old Testament and Philo’s imagery that Jesus’ followers’ names are written in heaven (citizens of heaven). These persons belong to Jesus and God’s realm. God also writes these people. Paul draws upon the ancient expression “to inscribe on the heart.” The Corinthians are Jesus’ and Paul’s letter, written on their hearts and engraved on their affections for all to see. The Corinthians are a letter, written by the Holy Spirit, that comes from Christ which Paul delivers. Paul draws upon the Old Testament notion of the book that God that has written (Exo.32:32). The book of life references the list of God’s faithful people.
Scripture:
“Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Lk.10:20
This references the book of life. These names are the citizens of heaven.
“You are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by all.”2Cor.3:2
The Corinthians are the letter which comes from Christ, written by the Holy Spirit and delivered by Paul.
Conclusion:
Engrave, engraving, superscription
It was interesting to discover how engraving (writing) was used in different aspects of life in the Hellenistic era. Conquerors would often engrave permanent records of their accomplishments on pillars, posts, and tablets. This really speaks to the arrogance of such individuals. Patrons and choregos (choreographers), who won literary contests, also built monuments to themselves. Public adoptions were recorded in an official register. Criminal charges were written in public records in order to prosecute someone. Recording tablets in one’s mind is a flowery way of remembering something.
The Old Testament contributes a metaphorical sense of God as an author, writing the book of life. Citizens (names) were inscribe in lists, belonging to God and heaven, etc. Let’s not forget that Moses brings down the 10 Commandments engraved on two tablets.
Luke continues to use metaphorical imagery of names written in heaven. Luke was heavily influenced by Hellenism. The Corinthians are a letter written by Jesus and delivered by Paul. This letter was written on Paul’s and Jesus’ hearts. It also interesting to note that God is called the author of marriage, defining its traditional meaning.
A superscription is something written or engraved on the surface of or above something else. The superscription (on the top of the crucifix) “INRI” is the Latin translation of “Jesus, King of the Jews”. The words are Iesus Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm.
I must say that this post was very insightful and informative. I think this term will be engraved (etched) in my mind for a long time. (It is now recording on the hard drive of my brain).