scribe

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