Bible Question: What was the function of the Jewish scribes so frequently mentioned in the Gospels? Was a scribe also a rabbi? Were scribes also Pharisees? --Hank |
Bible Answer: According to the Harpers Bible Dictionary scribes is derived from the word "write" which acurately describes their job. They held a wide variety of offices and were usually had competence in some area such as law or economics. They were primarily concerned with the written records, politics and administation. They were considered leaders but also were considered part of the learned class. They were influential in the temple and in different areas of the government. In the NT they usually appeared along side of the high priests and elders and were always opponents of Jesus and later of Christianity. Scribes had to be very educated, have understanding of the law and be able to interpret the scriptures. Many times they interpreted the scriptures to fit what they or the priests or elders wanted them to say. |