Scribes in the Bible

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[[~~file~~:~~The Scribe at Work.jpg |thumb | 300px |''Portrait of Jean Miélot'' by Jean Le Tavernier, a Belgian painter, 15th century: Scribes in the Bible copied and studied the law and taught it.~~]]

[[ko:서기관]]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==

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==

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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>

One of the most prominent scribes after the exile was [[~~Book of~~ Ezra|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.

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, [[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.

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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]}}

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==

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-[[file:The Scribe at Work.jpg |thumb | 300px |''Portrait of Jean Miélot'' by Jean Le Tavernier, a Belgian painter, 15th century: Scribes in the Bible copied and studied the law and taught it.]]
+<!-- 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==
-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==
@@ Line 21: / Line 20: @@
 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 [[Book of Ezra|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.
+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, [[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.
@@ Line 46: / Line 45: @@
 {{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==

Scribes in the Bible: Difference between revisions