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In chapter 7, what is the handwriting in the handwriting in the decree? The decree, from Colossians 2:14, would seem to be that charge which condemned mankind to the punishment merited by sin. The meaning of handwriting is not clear.

The "apostles reference to handwriting" is really what I'm struggling to see the meaning of. Colossians 2:14, and thus Paul, makes no mention of the handwriting of the decree in any way I can see.

"13  And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it."

The New King James Version. (1982). (Col 2:13��15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

I'll look up the Greek text.

14 ἐξαλείψα�� τ�� καθʼ ἡμῶν χει��όγ��αφον ⸋τοῖς δόγμασιν�� �� ἦ�� ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν,* κα�� αὐτὸ ἦρκε�� ἐ�� το�� μέσου προσηλώσας αὐτὸ τ�� σταυρῷ��*

Aland, K., Aland, B., Karavidopoulos, J., Martini, C. M., & Metzger, B. M. (2012). Novum Testamentum Graece (28th Edition, Col 2:14). Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft.

It appears that the document or whatever it was is in the Greek "χει��όγ��αφον τοῖ�� δόγμασιν," the first word of which comes from two roots, "γραφω" to write, and "χειρ" hand. NKJV translated it as "the handwriting of requirements," Somebody else translated it "certificate of indebtedness." Less literal, but it seems the overall idea is that it's some sort of formal statement of the charges against us, or of the debt, or something similar.

We see one of the roots in enchiridion, which is a handbook or manual -- "From Ancient Greek ἐγχειρίδιο�� (enkheirídion), from ἐ�� (en, “in��) + χείρ (kheír, “hand��) + a neuter suffix."

Everybody, one way to look up some stuff like this is to get the free Olive Tree app and the free SBL Greek NT from them.

I'm not currently using the Olive Tree app but I used it for many years and I think very highly of it. I'm glad to answer questions about it or to help people use it.

FWIW, the Latin version that Anselm probably used has this: "13 Et vos cum mortui essetis in delictis, et præputio carnis vestræ, convivificavit cum illo, donans vobis omnia delicta: 14 delens quod adversus nos erat chirographum decreti, quod erat contrarium nobis, et ipsum tulit de medio, affigens illud cruci: 15 et expolians principatus, et potestates traduxit confidenter, palam triumphans illos in semetipso."

Biblia Sacra juxta Vulgatam Clementinam. (2005). (Ed. electronica, Col 2:13��15). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

"chirographum" is basically a transliteration of the Greek word into Latin. "decreti" seems to match the Greek "δόγμα."

Here's a link to the free Olive Tree Latin Vulgate:

It occurred to me we have a parallel word in English, writ:
writ

1 : something written : WRITING
Sacred Writ

2
a : a formal written document
specifically : a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch

b : an order or mandatory process in writing issued in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein

writ of detinue
writ of entry
writ of execution