The Semantic Range of Words

In biblical studies, semantic range refers to the full spectrum of meanings and nuances associated with a specific Hebrew or Greek word. Every word has a semantic range. The same word can mean different things depending on the context in which it is used. Some words have a broader range than others. For example, the English word “fresh” has a broad semantic range (recently made [describing food], full of energy [describing a person], recently discovered [describing evidence]), while the word “tree” has a more narrow range (a woody perennial plant). The word “phone" had a much more narrow range of meaning in the early 1980s, but now it can refer to a device you use to call someone, check one’s calendar, take a picture, etc. The “hand” of the human body is different from the “hand” on a clock or a “hand” of cards.

In like manner, to understand the meaning of a Greek word according to the inspired author’s original intent, context always has priority over lexical definitions. Let’s consider the Greek word γράμμα (gramma). It appears in the New Testament 14 times. The fact that the NKJV translated this word as “Scriptures” in 2 Timothy 3:15 does not mean that the inspired authors were speaking about the Hebrew Bible every time this Greek word appears in the New Testament. In fact, in most cases, this word is referring to a literary document other than the Old Testament Scriptures.

For example:

“There was also an inscription [gramma] over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’” (Luke 23:38).

“And they said to him, ‘We have received no letters [gramma] from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.’” (Acts 28:21)

The Greek word γράμμα (gramma) can mean a piece of writing, letter, or document. In John 5:46-47, the context warrants the conclusion that gramma be understood as referring to the Hebrew Bible (at least the Torah portion of it), but in this case, the NKJV, rather than use the English word “Scriptures” to translate gramma, simply renders it “writings.”

“But if you do not believe [Moses’] writings [gramma], how will you believe my words?”

In 2 Timothy 3:15, the surrounding context is clear that Paul was referring to the Hebrew Scriptures (see vs. 16). Paul uses the Greek word ἱερός (hieros), meaning “holy,” to describe gramma. It would have been more consistent, however, to translate gramma as “sacred writings,” as is the case in the ESV and NASB. Furthermore, in vs 16 Paul uses a different (albeit related) Greek word, γραφή (graphē), which is used throughout the New Testament as a technical word for the Hebrew Scriptures. Because it has a much more narrow semantic range in the New Testament, most translations (NASB, NLT, ESV, NIV, RSV, etc.) use the word “Scriptures” to translate graphē in 2 Timothy 3:16.

So when it comes to the meaning of words, dictionary definitions are not enough. It is necessary to observe the usage of that word in context.