Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, scribes played a crucial role in the religious, legal, and social life of Israel. The term "scribe" refers to individuals who were skilled in writing and were responsible for recording, copying, and interpreting texts. Their expertise was essential in a society where literacy was not widespread.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, scribes are first mentioned in the context of royal administration. They served as secretaries or recorders for kings, as seen in the reign of David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Kings 4:3). Their duties included documenting official decrees, military records, and genealogies. The role of the scribe evolved over time, becoming more associated with religious duties, particularly after the Babylonian exile. Ezra, a prominent figure in the post-exilic period, is described as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6). He played a pivotal role in the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of the Law and its observance. Ezra's work highlights the scribe's function as a teacher and interpreter of the Scriptures. Intertestamental Period During the intertestamental period, the role of scribes expanded further. They became influential in the development of Jewish religious thought and practice. Scribes were often associated with the Pharisees, a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. This period saw the rise of the synagogue as a center for teaching and worship, where scribes would have been active in educating the people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, scribes are frequently mentioned in the Gospels, often in conjunction with the Pharisees and other religious leaders. They are depicted as experts in the Law, responsible for teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. Jesus frequently engaged with scribes, challenging their interpretations and practices. In Matthew 23:2-3 , Jesus acknowledges their authority, saying, "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." Scribes were often criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and legalism. In Mark 12:38-40 , He warns, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces, and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." Despite these criticisms, not all scribes were opposed to Jesus. Some, like the scribe in Mark 12:28-34, showed genuine interest in His teachings and were commended for their understanding of the Law. Role and Influence Scribes were instrumental in preserving and transmitting the biblical texts. Their meticulous work ensured the accuracy and consistency of the Scriptures over generations. The Masoretic scribes, for example, were responsible for the transmission of the Hebrew Bible, developing a system of vowel notation and textual notes to preserve the pronunciation and interpretation of the text. In addition to their role as copyists, scribes were also educators and legal experts. They taught the Law to the people, ensuring that the community understood and adhered to God's commandments. Their influence extended to the judicial system, where they served as judges and legal advisors. Legacy The legacy of the scribes is evident in the continued reverence for the Scriptures within the Judeo-Christian tradition. Their dedication to the preservation and interpretation of the biblical texts laid the foundation for the theological and ethical teachings that have shaped the faith and practice of believers throughout history. ATS Bible Dictionary ScribeIn the earlier Hebrew writings, was one skilled in writing and accounts, Exodus 5:6 Jud 5:14 Jeremiah 52:25; the person who communicated to the people the commands of the king, like the modern Secretary of State, 2 Samuel 8:17 20:25. In the later times of the Old Testament, especially after the captivity, and in the New Testament, a scribe is a person skilled in the Jewish law, a teacher or interpreter of the law. So Ezra was "a ready scribe in the laws of Moses," Ezra 7:6 1 Chronicles 27:32. The scribes of the New Testament were a class of men educated for the purpose of preserving and expounding the sacred books. They had the charge of transcribing them, of interpreting the more difficult passages, and of deciding in cases which grew out of the ceremonial law, Matthew 2:4, and were especially skilled in those glosses and traditions by which the Jews made void the law, Matthew 15:1-6. Jewish writers speak of them as the schoolmasters of the nation; and one mode in which they exercised their office was by meeting the people from time to time, in every town, for the purpose of holding familiar discussions, and raising questions of the law for debate. Their influence was of course great; many of them were members of the Sanhedrin, and we often find them mentioned in connection with the elders and chief priests, Matthew 5:20 7:29 12:38 20:18 21:15. Like the Pharisees, they were bitterly opposed to Christ, and joined with the priests and counselors in persecuting him and his followers, having little knowledge of Him concerning whom Moses and the prophets did write. The same persons who are termed scribes, are in parallel passages sometimes called lawyers and doctors of the law, Matthew 22:35 Mark 12:28. Hence "scribe" is also used for a person distinguished for learning and wisdom, 1Co 1...20. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who writes; an offical or public writer; a notary; a copyist.2. (n.) A writer and doctor of the law; one skilled in the law and traditions; one who read and explained the law to the people. 3. (v. t.) To write, engrave, or mark upon; to inscribe. 4. (v. t.) To cut (anything) in such a way as to fit closely to a somewhat irregular surface, as a baseboard to a floor which is out of level, a board to the curves of a molding, or the like; -- so called because the workman marks, or scribe, with the compasses the line that he afterwards cuts. 5. (v. t.) To score or mark with compasses or a scribing iron. Greek 1122. grammateus -- a writer, scribe ... a writer, scribe. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: grammateus Phonetic Spelling: (gram-mat-yooce') Short Definition: a scribe, town-clerk, man ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1122.htm - 7k 3544. nomikos -- relating to law, learned in the law Strong's Hebrew 5613. capher -- a secretary, scribe... 5612, 5613. capher. 5613a . a secretary, scribe. Transliteration: capher Phonetic Spelling: (saw-fare') Short Definition: scribe. scribe ... /hebrew/5613.htm - 5k 5613b. sopher -- enumerator, secretary, scribe 5613a. saphar -- a secretary, scribe 2951. tiphsar -- a scribe, marshal 8124. Shimshay -- a scribe who opposed Isr. 5608. saphar -- to count, recount, relate 5618. Sophereth -- father of some returning exiles 7860. shoter -- official, officer 2710. chaqaq -- to cut in, inscribe, decree Library Postscript by a Scribe Ezra, the Priest and Scribe The Discerning Scribe On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 52, "Therefore Every ... The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... The Fan-Bearer's Quest The Disciples as Scribes. The Lady Miriam Reading the Law with Tears and Joy Heroic Faith Thesaurus Scribe (55 Occurrences)... as a baseboard to a floor which is out of level, a board to the curves of a molding, or the like; -- so called because the workman marks, or scribe, with the ... /s/scribe.htm - 27k Scribe's (5 Occurrences) Secretary (34 Occurrences) Shaphan (26 Occurrences) Readeth (19 Occurrences) Ar-ta-xerx'es (14 Occurrences) Administrator (8 Occurrences) Eli'akim (12 Occurrences) Elishama (17 Occurrences) Eliakim (14 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.org Who is my neighbor, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org Scribe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scribe (55 Occurrences)Matthew 8:19 Matthew 13:52 Mark 12:32 Mark 12:34 1 Corinthians 1:20 2 Samuel 8:17 2 Samuel 20:25 2 Kings 12:10 2 Kings 18:18 2 Kings 18:37 2 Kings 19:2 2 Kings 22:3 2 Kings 22:8 2 Kings 22:9 2 Kings 22:10 2 Kings 22:12 2 Kings 25:19 1 Chronicles 18:16 1 Chronicles 24:6 1 Chronicles 27:32 2 Chronicles 24:11 2 Chronicles 34:15 2 Chronicles 34:18 2 Chronicles 34:20 Ezra 4:8 Ezra 4:9 Ezra 4:17 Ezra 4:23 Ezra 7:6 Ezra 7:11 Ezra 7:12 Ezra 7:21 Nehemiah 8:1 Nehemiah 8:4 Nehemiah 8:9 Nehemiah 8:13 Nehemiah 12:26 Nehemiah 12:36 Nehemiah 13:13 Psalms 45:1 Isaiah 33:18 Isaiah 36:3 Isaiah 36:22 Isaiah 37:2 Jeremiah 36:10 Jeremiah 36:12 Jeremiah 36:20 Jeremiah 36:21 Jeremiah 36:26 Jeremiah 36:32 Jeremiah 37:15 Jeremiah 37:20 Jeremiah 51:27 Jeremiah 52:25 Daniel 2:10 Subtopics Scribe(s): A Writer and Transcriber of the Law Scribe(s): Conspire Against Jesus Scribe(s): Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Scribe(s): Instructors in the Law Scribe(s): Members of the Council (Sanhedrin) Scribe(s): The King's Secretary (Official Recordist) Scribe(s): The Mustering officer of the Army Scribe(s): They Test Jesus With Questions, Bringing to Jesus a Woman Caught in the Act of Adultery Related Terms |
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