Introduction: The Authority of What “Is Written”
In Mark 1:2, the evangelist introduces a prophetic quotation with the phrase Ὡς γέγραπται ἐν τοῖς προφήταις — “As it is written in the prophets.” The central verb γέγραπται {gegraptai}, from γράφω {graphō}, appears in the perfect passive indicative, a tense-voice-mood combination with both grammatical precision and theological weight.
This participial-like verb, common in scriptural formulae, does more than report a past action—it asserts ongoing relevance and authority. This article explores the morphology, syntax, semantics, and theological freight of γέγραπται, as well as its discourse role as a formula that roots the Gospel’s beginning in prophetic anticipation.
Ὡς γέγραπται ἐν τοῖς προφήταις· Ἰδού, ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου πρὸ προσώπου σου, ὃς κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου.
In this verse (Mark 1:2 in the Greek), the phrase Ὡς γέγραπται ἐν τοῖς προφήταις introduces a prophetic citation. For this lesson, we will focus on the perfect passive indicative form γέγραπται and its formulaic, theological, and grammatical function in scriptural citation.
Morphological Breakdown of γέγραπται
- γέγραπται {gegraptai} –
Root: γράφω {graphō} (“to write”);
Form: perfect passive indicative, 3rd person singular;
Tense: perfect (completed action with ongoing result);
Voice: passive (the subject receives the action);
Mood: indicative (statement of fact);
Meaning: “it has been written” or more idiomatically, “it stands written.”
Syntactical Analysis: Verbal Formula of Citation
The verb γέγραπται functions as the main verb of the introductory clause Ὡς γέγραπται ἐν τοῖς προφήταις, forming a formulaic citation construction. This is syntactically equivalent to “as it is written in the prophets,” where:
– Ὡς introduces a comparative clause (“just as…” or “as…”).
– ἐν τοῖς προφήταις specifies the locus of the writing—“in the prophets.”
This type of construction is common in Jewish and early Christian texts to ground an action or teaching in Scripture. The use of the perfect tense rather than a past tense (like aorist) implies that the writing remains authoritative and present.
Semantic and Theological Implications of the Perfect Passive
The perfect tense of γέγραπται is crucial. It expresses:
– A completed past event (the act of writing)
– With continuing results (the writing still stands with full authority)
Thus, the verb suggests not only that the prophecy was written, but that it remains valid and in force. The passive voice highlights divine agency—God is the implied agent of the writing, even though humans were the scribes.
In this context, γέγραπται functions as a legal-theological signal: what follows is not opinion, tradition, or innovation—it is grounded in unchanging divine word.
Literary or Discourse Significance of γέγραπται
Mark begins his Gospel not with narrative, but with a prophetic anchor. The use of γέγραπται sets the tone: this is a fulfillment Gospel. The placement of γέγραπται at the very beginning of Jesus’ public story shows that Scripture precedes and authorizes the events to come.
From a discourse perspective, γέγραπται:
– Connects the Old Covenant prophets with the New Covenant fulfillment
– Marks the Gospel as continuity, not rupture
– Gives the narrative divine legitimacy from its very first sentence
Additionally, by using ἐν τοῖς προφήταις, the evangelist alludes to a composite citation (likely Malachi and Isaiah), reinforcing the idea that all prophets speak with one voice—God’s.
“It Stands Written”: The Ongoing Authority of Scripture
The verb γέγραπται is more than a grammatical form—it is a theological declaration. It claims that what follows is not new, but preordained; not merely narrative, but Scripture come to life.
By choosing the perfect passive, the evangelist implies that divine speech recorded in Scripture does not expire. It lives, it speaks, and it validates the unfolding ministry of Yeshuʿ.
In just one word—γέγραπται—Mark opens a portal between past prophecy and present fulfillment, rooting the Gospel in the eternal voice of God.
