Scribes in the Bible: Difference between revisions
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[[ | <!-- interlanguage:start -->[[ko:서기관]]<!-- interlanguage:end -->A '''scribe''' in the [[Bible]] refers to a professional who [https://biblequestions.info/2020/06/20/how-careful-were-scribes-when-copying-the-bible/ copied], studied, and taught the Law. The term also applies to administrative officials responsible for preparing a nation’s official documents. After the [[Babylon|Babylonian]] exile, scribes took on a significant religious role, particularly in copying and teaching the [[The Old Testament|Scriptures]]—a tradition that continued into New Testament times. However, by the time of the New Testament, many scribes had become legalistic and hypocritical, emphasizing external rituals over the true spirit of the Law, which led to [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]]’ rebuke of them.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7%3A1-9&version=NIV |title=Mark 7:1–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
A '''scribe''' in the [[Bible]] refers to a professional who [https://biblequestions.info/2020/06/20/how-careful-were-scribes-when-copying-the-bible/ copied], studied, and taught the Law. The term also applies to administrative officials responsible for preparing a nation’s official documents. After the [[Babylon|Babylonian]] exile, scribes took on a significant religious role, particularly in copying and teaching the [[The Old Testament|Scriptures]]—a tradition that continued into New Testament times. However, by the time of the New Testament, many scribes had become legalistic and hypocritical, emphasizing external rituals over the true spirit of the Law, which led to [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]]’ rebuke of them.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7%3A1-9&version=NIV |title=Mark 7:1–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | |||
==Meaning of the Title, Scribe== | ==Meaning of the Title, Scribe== | ||
The Hebrew word for scribe is ''Sopher'' (סֹפֵר),<ref>[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5613.htm Strong's Hebrew: 5613. סָפַר], ''Bible Hub''</ref> derived from the verb ''Saphar'' (סָפַר),<ref>[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5608.htm Strong's Hebrew: 5608. סָפַר], ''Bible Hub''</ref> meaning “to write” or “to count.” This root forms the basis for terms like ''scribe'' or ''secretary.'' In Greek, the equivalent word is ''Grammateus'' (γραμματεύς).<ref>[https://biblehub.com/greek/1122.htm Strong's Greek: 1122. γραμματεύς], ''Bible Hub''</ref> In the Bible, the term most commonly refers to individuals who copied the Scriptures, particularly the Pentateuch, and taught [[Law of God|God’s law]]. In New Testament times, scribes were sometimes referred to as teachers of the law. Most of them were associated with the [[The Pharisees|Pharisees]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+23%3A9&version=NIV |title=Acts 23:9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and served as key figures in the [[Sanhedrin]], the Jewish ruling council. | The Hebrew word for scribe is ''Sopher'' (סֹפֵר),<ref>[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5613.htm Strong's Hebrew: 5613. סָפַר], ''Bible Hub''</ref> derived from the verb ''Saphar'' (סָפַר),<ref>[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5608.htm Strong's Hebrew: 5608. סָפַר], ''Bible Hub''</ref> meaning “to write” or “to count.” This root forms the basis for terms like ''scribe'' or ''secretary.'' In Greek, the equivalent word is ''Grammateus'' (γραμματεύς).<ref>[https://biblehub.com/greek/1122.htm Strong's Greek: 1122. γραμματεύς], ''Bible Hub''</ref> In the Bible, the term most commonly refers to individuals who copied the Scriptures, particularly the Pentateuch, and taught [[The Law of God|God’s law]]. In New Testament times, scribes were sometimes referred to as teachers of the law. Most of them were associated with the [[The Pharisees|Pharisees]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+23%3A9&version=NIV |title=Acts 23:9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and served as key figures in the [[Sanhedrin]], the Jewish ruling council. | ||
==The Role of Scribes in Biblical History== | ==The Role of Scribes in Biblical History== | ||
===Scribes in the Old Testament=== | ===Scribes in the Old Testament=== | ||
The title ''scribe'' first appeared among officials serving under King [[David]] after he established his kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+8%3A17&version=NIV |title=2 Samuel 8:17 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> It is also mentioned in lists of royal officials following David’s suppression of [https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?topic=BT0003812 Sheba]’s rebellion<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+20%3A23-26&version=NIV |title=2 Samuel 20:23–26 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and [[Solomon]]’s ascension to the throne.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+4%3A1-3&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 4:1–3 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | The title ''scribe'' first appeared among officials serving under King [[David]] after he established his kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+8%3A17&version=NIV |title=2 Samuel 8:17 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> It is also mentioned in the lists of royal officials following David’s suppression of [https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?topic=BT0003812 Sheba]’s rebellion<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+20%3A23-26&version=NIV |title=2 Samuel 20:23–26 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and [[Solomon]]’s ascension to the throne.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+4%3A1-3&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 4:1–3 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
Scribes were responsible for recording and managing documents,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+34%3A13&version=NIV |title=2 Chronicles 34:13 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> often serving as the king’s secretaries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+27%3A32&version=NIV |title=1 Chronicles 27:32 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Their role was first mentioned during the reign of King Joash in connection with the establishment of new regulations for temple repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+12%3A4-16&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 12:4–16 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> At that time, the term “scribe” retained its literal meaning of “writing and counting”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+24%3A11&version=NIV |title=2 Chronicles 24:11 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and was also used in the sense of a secretary.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2012%3A10&version=NIV 2 Kings 12:10]</ref> Under King [[Hezekiah]], the scribe Shebna was entrusted with an important mission—negotiating with the Assyrians.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+36%3A2-3&version=NIV |title=Isaiah 36:2–3, 22 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> During King [[Josiah]]’s reign, the scribe Shaphan acted as an accountant<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+22%3A3-6&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 22:3–6 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and read the rediscovered Book of the Law aloud to the king.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2034%3A15%E2%80%9318&version=NIV |title= 2 Chronicles 34:15–18 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | Scribes were responsible for recording and managing documents,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+34%3A13&version=NIV |title=2 Chronicles 34:13 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> often serving as the king’s secretaries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+27%3A32&version=NIV |title=1 Chronicles 27:32 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Their role was first mentioned during the reign of King Joash in connection with the establishment of new regulations for temple repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+12%3A4-16&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 12:4–16 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> At that time, the term “scribe” retained its literal meaning of “writing and counting”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+24%3A11&version=NIV |title=2 Chronicles 24:11 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and was also used in the sense of a secretary.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2012%3A10&version=NIV 2 Kings 12:10]</ref> Under King [[Hezekiah]], the scribe Shebna was entrusted with an important mission—negotiating with the Assyrians.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+36%3A2-3&version=NIV |title=Isaiah 36:2–3, 22 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> During King [[Josiah]]’s reign, the scribe Shaphan acted as an accountant<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+22%3A3-6&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 22:3–6 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and read the rediscovered Book of the Law aloud to the king.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2034%3A15%E2%80%9318&version=NIV |title= 2 Chronicles 34:15–18 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
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In ancient times, literacy was rare, requiring extensive education and training. Writing materials like papyrus and parchment were scarce and expensive, limiting literacy to a select educated upper class. | In ancient times, literacy was rare, requiring extensive education and training. Writing materials like papyrus and parchment were scarce and expensive, limiting literacy to a select educated upper class. | ||
Scribes used tools such as reed pens<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+8%3A8&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 8:8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | Scribes used tools such as reed pens,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+8%3A8&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 8:8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> stylographs,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+19%3A23-24&version=NIV |title=Job 19:23–24 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+17%3A1&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 17:1 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> a small knife (to cut papyrus),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+36%3A23&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 36:23 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> and Ink made from soot, ash, or liquid charcoal mixed with tree resin or oil<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+36%3A18&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 36:18 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> (though easily washed away with water). They wrote on materials such as animal skins, papyrus sheets, and cloth. | ||
===The Babylonian Exile and the Intertestamental Period=== | ===The Babylonian Exile and the Intertestamental Period=== | ||
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Following the [[Babylonian Captivity|Babylonian exile]], the returning Jews made great efforts to observe the [[The Law of Moses|Law of Moses]]. As a result, the influence of scribes—who were responsible for studying, copying, and teaching the Law—grew significantly within Jewish society.<ref>[https://biblehub.com/topical/s/scribes.htm Scribes], ''Bible Hub''</ref> | Following the [[Babylonian Captivity|Babylonian exile]], the returning Jews made great efforts to observe the [[The Law of Moses|Law of Moses]]. As a result, the influence of scribes—who were responsible for studying, copying, and teaching the Law—grew significantly within Jewish society.<ref>[https://biblehub.com/topical/s/scribes.htm Scribes], ''Bible Hub''</ref> | ||
One of the most prominent scribes after the exile was [[ | One of the most prominent scribes after the exile was [[Ezra (Bible)|Ezra]].<ref name="스 7:6-25">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+7%3A6-25&version=NIV |title=Ezra 7:6–25 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> He not only taught the Law to the people<ref name="스 7:6-25" /> but is also believed to have written the [[book of Ezra]], [[Book of Nehemiah|Nehemiah]], and [[Book of 1 Chronicles|1]] & [[Book of 2 Chronicles|2 Chronicles]].<ref>[https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-ezra/ Introduction to Ezra], ''ESV Bible'' </ref> This supports the biblical account that, as a priest, Ezra also fulfilled the roles of a scribe and a teacher of the Law of God. | ||
During the Intertestamental Period, [[Synagogue|synagogues]] became increasingly important, leading to the emergence of Jewish scholars dedicated to preserving and teaching the Law. Under Greek rule and amid various external pressures, scribes worked to safeguard the Law and ensure its application to daily life. As leaders of religious life well-versed in the Law, they earned deep respect among the people. | During the Intertestamental Period, [[The Synagogue|synagogues]] became increasingly important, leading to the emergence of Jewish scholars dedicated to preserving and teaching the Law. Under Greek rule and amid various external pressures, scribes worked to safeguard the Law and ensure its application to daily life. As leaders of religious life well-versed in the Law, they earned deep respect among the people. | ||
===Scribes in the New Testament=== | ===Scribes in the New Testament=== | ||
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==Jesus and the Scribes== | ==Jesus and the Scribes== | ||
===Jesus Rebuked the Scribes as Hypocrites=== | ===Jesus Rebuked the Scribes as Hypocrites=== | ||
[[file:Brooklyn Museum - The Scribe Stood to Tempt Jesus (Le scribe se leva pour tenter Jésus) - James Tissot - overall.jpg |thumb| 300px |''The Scribe Stood to Tempt Jesus'' by James Tissot, 19th-century French artist ]] | [[file:Brooklyn Museum - The Scribe Stood to Tempt Jesus (Le scribe se leva pour tenter Jésus) - James Tissot - overall.jpg |thumb| 300px |''The Scribe Stood to Tempt Jesus'' by James Tissot, a 19th-century French artist ]] | ||
The scribes were hostile toward Jesus, constantly seeking to find faults in His teachings and criticize Him.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+21%3A15&version=NIV |title=Matthew 21:15 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A7&version=NIV |title=Luke 6:7 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A53-54&version=NIV |title=Luke 11:53–54 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Some considered Him blasphemous for declaring the forgiveness of sins.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https:// | The scribes were hostile toward Jesus, constantly seeking to find faults in His teachings and criticize Him.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+21%3A15&version=NIV |title=Matthew 21:15 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A7&version=NIV |title=Luke 6:7 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A53-54&version=NIV |title=Luke 11:53–54 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Some considered Him blasphemous for declaring the forgiveness of sins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew 9:2–3 |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209%3A2%E2%80%933&version=NIV |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> Others falsely accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A22&version=NIV |title=Mark 3:22 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Additionally, the scribes actively conspired with the [[The Sadducees|Sadducean]] priests to have Jesus [[Cross|crucified]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Luke 22:2, 66 |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A2%2C%2066&version=NIV |publisher= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ko.wikisource.org/wiki/개역한글판/Luke#23장 |title= Luke 23:10 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Even after Jesus’ death and resurrection, they continued to persecute the early Church, playing a key role in the harassment of Peter and [[John (Apostle)|John]] and the execution of [[Stephen]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acts 4:5–18 |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%204%3A5%E2%80%9318&version=NIV |publisher= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ko.wikisource.org/wiki/개역한글판/Acts#6장 |title= Acts 6:10–7:60 |quote= }}</ref> However, a few scribes recognized Jesus’ teachings and chose to follow Him.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+20%3A38-40&version=NIV |title=Luke 20:38–40 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A19&version=NIV |title=Matthew 8:19 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Some even supported [[Paul]] in discussions regarding the [[soul]].<ref name=":0" /> | ||
Jesus taught the people to accept the correct aspects of the scribes’ teachings but warned them not to follow their example, as they did not practice what they preached.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ko.wikisource.org/wiki/개역한글판/Matthew#23장 |title= Matthew 23:1–3 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> He strongly rebuked their hypocrisy, declaring that they who constantly opposed and slandered the gospel were shutting the door of the kingdom of heaven | Jesus taught the people to accept the correct aspects of the scribes’ teachings but warned them not to follow their example, as they did not practice what they preached.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ko.wikisource.org/wiki/개역한글판/Matthew#23장 |title= Matthew 23:1–3 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> He strongly rebuked their hypocrisy, declaring that they who constantly opposed and slandered the gospel were shutting the door of the kingdom of heaven | ||
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{{quote5 |내용= He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” |출처= [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A52&version=NIV Matthew 13:52]}} | {{quote5 |내용= He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” |출처= [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A52&version=NIV Matthew 13:52]}} | ||
A scribe refers to a person who copies the Bible and teaches the words of God. However, in Jesus’ time, many scribes took pride in their knowledge and rejected [[Teachings of Jesus Christ|Christ’s teachings]]. As a result, in God’s eyes, they became those who neither enter the kingdom of heaven nor allow others to.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23%3A13-15&version=NIV |title=Matthew 23:13–15 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> In contrast, the scribes who are disciples of heaven are those who accept the [[Gospel of the Kingdom|gospel of the kingdom]] preached by Christ and teach God’s word accordingly. Jesus compared such a scribe to a householder who brings out both new and old treasures from his storeroom. This signifies that a true worker of the gospel properly applies both the new teachings given by God and the previous ones, effectively spreading the message of the kingdom of heaven. | A scribe refers to a person who copies the Bible and teaches the words of God. However, in Jesus’ time, many scribes took pride in their knowledge and rejected [[The Teachings of Jesus Christ|Christ’s teachings]]. As a result, in God’s eyes, they became those who neither enter the kingdom of heaven nor allow others to.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23%3A13-15&version=NIV |title=Matthew 23:13–15 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> In contrast, the scribes who are disciples of heaven are those who accept the [[Gospel of the Kingdom|gospel of the kingdom]] preached by Christ and teach God’s word accordingly. Jesus compared such a scribe to a householder who brings out both new and old treasures from his storeroom. This signifies that a true worker of the gospel properly applies both the new teachings given by God and the previous ones, effectively spreading the message of the kingdom of heaven. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||