Scribes in the biblical context were individuals who were skilled in writing and were often responsible for copying, preserving, and interpreting the Scriptures. Their role was crucial in the transmission of the biblical texts and in the religious and legal life of ancient Israel and later Jewish society.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, scribes were often associated with the priesthood and the monarchy. They served as secretaries, recorders, and advisors. One of the earliest mentions of a scribe is in the time of King David, where Seraiah is referred to as the scribe (2 Samuel 8:17). Scribes were responsible for recording royal decrees, genealogies, and other important documents.

The role of the scribe became more prominent during and after the Babylonian exile. Ezra, a priest and scribe, played a significant role in the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Ezra is described as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6), highlighting his expertise in the Scriptures and his authority in teaching the Law.

Intertestamental Period

During the intertestamental period, the role of scribes evolved further. They became more associated with the Pharisees and were regarded as experts in the Law. This period saw the development of the synagogue as a center for teaching and worship, where scribes often served as teachers and interpreters of the Law.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, scribes are frequently mentioned in the Gospels, often in association with the Pharisees and the chief priests. They were considered authorities on the Jewish Law and were responsible for teaching and interpreting it to the people. However, the Gospels also depict them as opponents of Jesus, often challenging His teachings and authority.

Jesus criticized the scribes for their hypocrisy and legalism. In Matthew 23, He warns the people about the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them" (Matthew 23:4). Jesus condemned their focus on outward appearances and neglect of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23).

Despite this criticism, not all scribes were opposed to Jesus. In Mark 12:28-34, a scribe approaches Jesus with a sincere question about the greatest commandment, and Jesus commends him for his understanding.

Role and Influence

Scribes held significant influence in Jewish society due to their knowledge of the Scriptures and their role in teaching and interpreting the Law. They were often involved in legal matters, serving as judges or advisors in religious and civil disputes. Their expertise in the Law made them respected figures, but their authority was also a source of tension, particularly in their interactions with Jesus and His followers.

The scribes' meticulous work in copying the Scriptures ensured the preservation of the biblical texts, which was vital for the continuity of Jewish religious life and the transmission of the Scriptures to future generations. Their dedication to the Law and its interpretation shaped Jewish tradition and practice, influencing both contemporary Judaism and the early Christian community.5613b. sopher -- enumerator, secretary, scribe
sopher or sopher. 5613a, 5613b. sopher or sopher. 5613c . enumerator, secretary,
scribe. Transliteration: sopher or sopher Short Definition: scribe. ...
/hebrew/5613b.htm - 5k

The Way to the Sea
... undone thee. Hotep," he continued, taking the scribe's hands, "let my father
know that I died not with the first-born. Also, thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

The Fan-Bearer's Quest
... He had in mind to try again to persuade his friend from his folly, for the scribe
was certain that Kenkenes was once more returning to his sacrilege and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxii the fan-bearers quest.htm

The Good Samaritan.
... This scribe was not, on the one hand, like Nicodemus, a meek receptive disciple,
prepared to drink the sincere milk of the word that he might grow thereby, nor ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xvii the good samaritan.htm

The Heir Intervenes
... At Tanis, the next day after the arrival of Meneptah, there came a messenger from
Thebes to Hotep, and the royal scribe retired to his apartments to read the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxvii the heir intervenes.htm

The Lady Miriam
... Meanwhile the scribe of the "double house of life," and the son of the royal sculptor
were taking comfort on the palace-top beneath the subdued light of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vi the lady miriam.htm

Heroic Faith
... And we came to Jerusalem.'"Ezra 8:22, 23, 31, 32. The memory of Ezra the
scribe has scarcely had fairplay among Bible-reading people. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/heroic faith.htm

Integrity and State of the Text.
... [68] There is clearly a slip in v. 35 of Daniel for Ambakouk, and probably in v.
11 of daktulo for daktulio, indicating some mistakes on the scribe's part, or ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/integrity and state of the 3.htm

Tee Advice of Hotep
... So the scribe purposed, even though the attempt were inevitably fruitless, to win
Kenkenes out of his dream. ... "Not too effectively," the scribe cried after him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xvi tee advice of.htm

The Life of Mr. Samuel Rutherford.
... principal business of this assembly was pretty well settled, Mr. Rutherford, on
October 24, 1647, moved that it might be recorded in the scribe's book, that ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr samuel.htm

The First-Born
... Exhausted by his frenzy, Meneptah leaned against his scribe. ... "Thou dost pardon
him, O Son of Ptah," the scribe said in the same quiet voice. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xl the first-born.htm

Scribe's (5 Occurrences)
...Scribe's (5 Occurrences). ... Jeremiah 36:21 So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the
roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. ...
/s/scribe's.htm - 8k

Scrip (7 Occurrences)

/s/scrip.htm - 10k

Loins (72 Occurrences)
... upper gate, that is facing the north, and each his slaughter-weapon in his hand,
and one man in their midst is clothed with linen, and a scribe's inkhorn at ...
/l/loins.htm - 33k

Jehu'di (3 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 36:21 And the king sendeth Jehudi to take the roll, and he taketh it out
of the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and Jehudi readeth it in the ears of ...
/j/jehu'di.htm - 7k

Gemariah (5 Occurrences)
... gem-a-ri'-a (gemaryahu, gemaryah, "Yahweh hath accomplished"): (1) Son of Shaphan
the scribe, one of the princes, from whose chamber Baruch read Jeremiah's ...
/g/gemariah.htm - 9k

Inkhorn (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 9:4 And He calleth unto the man who is clothed with linen, who hath the
scribe's inkhorn at his loins, and Jehovah saith unto him, 'Pass on into the ...
/i/inkhorn.htm - 10k

Firepot (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 36:23 and it cometh to pass, when Jehudi readeth three or four leaves,
he cutteth it out with the scribe's knife, and hath cast unto the fire, that 'is ...
/f/firepot.htm - 7k

Readeth (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 22:8 And Hilkiah the high priest saith unto Shaphan the scribe, 'A book
of the law I have found in the house of Jehovah;' and Hilkiah giveth the book ...
/r/readeth.htm - 12k

Elishama (17 Occurrences)
... David's sons; compare 2 Samuel 5:15. (4) A scribe of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah
36:12, 20, 21). (5) One "of the seed royal," grandfather ...
/e/elishama.htm - 13k

Elnathan (5 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 36:12 he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and
behold, all the princes were sitting there, to wit, Elishama the scribe, and ...
/e/elnathan.htm - 9k

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