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Gegraptai is also one of those verb forms that are stronger in Greek.
This verb is the perfect passive form of GRAPHOO.
Why not just use the Aorist? Perhaps Luke is trying to stress the link between past and present?
The quote is a written thing continuously in use. Remember the Aorist is a Complete Action but Perfect forms are not just used for past actions in Greek but also present actions for states.
IT IS WRITTEN appears in Luke 3.4 before a quote from the Prophet Isaiah then in 4.4 and 4.8 a quote from Dt 8.3, and then in 4.10, a quote from the Psalms, and in 4.11 another Psalms quote and again in 4.12 a quote from Dt 6.16, then again in 4.11
While the famous quote from Jesus about fulfilling the laws and prophets appears in Matthew 5.17 Luke's opening chapters particularly cite prior prophecies as evidence of Jesus' special status and role and the use of the perfect passive and its repetition strengthens this link to the Old Testament.
Another reason I want you to be more aware of the Greek ... it sounds so much better in Greek than English. Compare GEGRAPTAI being used to rebuke the Devil to the English it is written !
However remember also what Jesus said about AGAPE being the core of the commandments.
He didn't punish the Devil smiting him with divine fire he simply used a quote, words of power to deny temptation.
Now I must go as the local cockatoos are outside trying to tempt me to pay more attention to them than blogging. They're sitting on the railing where they know I can see and hear them. Yes I will refill your water bowl! Practical actions of agape !
