Dictionary entry

γράμμα

G. Abbott-Smith's A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament

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: Ga 6:11;

(2) a writing, a written document;

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

(b) a letter: Ac 28:21;

(c) τὰ ἱερὰ γ., the sacred writings, i.e. the OT: II Ti 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: Ro 2:27, 297:6, II Co 3:6, 7;

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