Handwriting
TextsWhat is the meaning of Handwriting in the Bible?
The Greek term cheirographon, translated as 'handwriting' in Colossians 2:14, refers to a handwritten certificate of debt or legal bond that acknowledged obligations under the Mosaic Law.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing cheirographon as a legal document clarifies the metaphor of debt cancellation in Colossians, showing how the removal of the written record of requirements signifies the transition from legalistic adherence to the new covenant.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Handwriting functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Handwriting in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Handwriting clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Colossians 2:14
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Handwriting." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/handwriting/