Definition

1. Noun:
   • Sayings attributed to Jesus Christ that are not found in the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament: The term "agrapha" refers to a collection of isolated sayings or teachings ascribed to Jesus, which are preserved in other early Christian writings, manuscripts, or traditions outside the standard biblical texts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Scholars study the agrapha to understand the diversity of early Christian thought.
  • The saying "Be competent money-changers" is considered an agraphon.
  • This ancient manuscript contains several possible agrapha.

Advanced Usage

• "agraphon" (singular): The singular form of "agrapha," referring to one such uncanonical saying.
  • One famous agraphon is "Raise the stone, and there thou shalt find me."
• In academic discourse: The term is used almost exclusively in scholarly contexts related to biblical studies, patristics, and the history of early Christianity.
  • The professor's lecture focused on the authenticity and transmission of the agrapha.

Variants and Related Words

• Logion (n): A saying or maxim, often used specifically for the sayings of Jesus, which can include both canonical and non-canonical sayings.
• Apocrypha (n): Writings or reports of dubious authenticity. While related, "apocrypha" is a broader term for non-canonical texts, whereas "agrapha" specifically refers to isolated sayings of Jesus.

Synonyms

• Extra-canonical sayings: Sayings not included in the official canon.
• Unrecorded sayings: Sayings not written in the primary texts.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is highly specialized and is not used in general conversation. Its meaning is fixed within the field of theological and historical scholarship.
• It is important to distinguish "agrapha" from full apocryphal gospels or texts; "agrapha" are individual sayings, not complete narratives.

Noun

1. sayings of Jesus not recorded in the canonical Gospels