Scribes

Prior to the Second Temple period (pre-516 bc), scribes served as little more than secretaries—writing down the king’s decrees and keeping a record of the events that occurred during each reign (2 Kgs 22:10; 1 Chr 24:6; see also Ezra 4:8). Their access to the monarch also meant that they often served as the king’s confidants, messengers, treasurers, or even military commanders (2 Kgs 18:17–19:7; 25:19; 2 Chr 24:11; 26:11). Scribes were often employed at courts throughout the Persian Empire.

Beginning around the time of Ezra (ca. 458 bc; Ezra 7:6, 11), the position of scribe took on far greater importance. Scribes became students of the law and were primarily responsible for copying, writing, and teaching.

By the time of the New Testament, scribes wielded significant power throughout Israel and were routinely found among the ranks of the Sanhedrin. They served as the copyists of the law—a duty which also involved interpreting it. For this reason, some translations refer to them as teachers of the law. When the law did not speak to a specific case, the scribes created precedent. The basic duty of scribes in the New Testament period was to make sure that every Israelite was acquainted with the law’s rules and regulations. In this regard, scribes also served in a judicial capacity, passing sentence in Jewish court. Their knowledge of and skill in interpreting the law made them ideal candidates for the position of judge.

Israel P. Loken

Further Reading

Sanhedrin CLBD

Scribe CLBD

Pharisees CLBD