Meaning
primarily "a small book, a scroll, or any sheet on which something has been written;" hence, in connection with apostasion, "divorce," signifies "a bill of divorcement," Mat 19:7 (AV, "writing"); Mar 10:4. See BOOK, SCROLL, WRITING.
<2,,1121, gramma>
from grapho "to write" (Eng., "graph, graphic," etc.), in Luk 16:6, AV, is translated "bill." It lit. signifies that which is drawn, a picture; hence, a written document; hence, a "bill," or bond, or note of hand, showing the amount of indebtedness. In the passage referred to the word is in the plural, indicating perhaps, but not necessarily, various "bills." The bonds mentioned in rabbinical writings, were formal, signed by witnesses and the Sanhedrin of three, or informal, when only the debtor signed. The latter were usually written on wax, and easily altered. See LEARNING, LETTER, SCRIPTURE, WRITING.
