Scribe

Scribe - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

SCRIBE, n. [L. scriba, from scribo, to write; formed probably on the root of grave, scrape, scrub. The first writing was probably engraving on wood or stone.]

1. In a general sense, a writer. Hence,

2. A notary; a public writer.

3. In ecclesiastical meetings and associations in America, a secretary or clerk; one who records the transactions of an ecclesiastical body.

4. In Scripture and the Jewish history, a clerk or secretary to the king. Seraiah was scribe to king David.

2 Sam 8.

5. An officer who enrolled or kept the rolls of the army, and called over the names and reviewed them. 2 Chr 24. 2 Ki 25.

6. A writer and a doctor of the law; a man of learning; one skilled in the law; one who read and explained the law to the people. Ezra 8.

SCRIBE, v.t. To mark by a model or rule; to mark so as to fit one piece to another; a term used by carpenters and joiners.

Definition

Scribes were officials who were responsible for writing or copying important government or religious documents by hand. Another name for a Jewish scribe was “expert in Jewish law.”

• Scribes were responsible for copying and preserving the books of the Old Testament.
• They also copied, preserved, and interpreted religious opinions and commentary on the law of God.
• At times, scribes were important government officials.
• Important biblical scribes include Baruch and Ezra.
• In the New Testament, the term translated “scribes” was also translated as “teachers of the Law.”
• In the New Testament, scribes were usually part of the religious group called the “Pharisees,” and the two groups were frequently mentioned together.

(See also: law, Pharisee)

Bible References

• Acts 4:5
• Luke 7:29-30
• Luke 20:47
• Mark 1:22
• Mark 2:16
• Matthew 5:19-20
• Matthew 7:28
• Matthew 12:38
• Matthew 13:52

Word Data

• Strong’s: H5608, H5613, H7083, G11220