Bible Dictionaries
Scribe

Holman Bible Dictionary

Person trained in writing skills and used to record events and decisions (Jeremiah 36:26; 1 Chronicles 24:6; Esther 3:12 ). During the Exile in Babylon educated scribes apparently became the experts in God's written word, copying, preserving, and teaching it. Ezra was a scribe in this sense of expert in teaching God's word (Ezra 7:6 ). A professional group of such scribes developed by New Testament times, most being Pharisees (Mark 2:16 ). They interpreted the law, taught it to disciples, and were experts in cases where people were accused of breaking the law of Moses. They led in plans to kill Jesus (Luke 19:47 ) and heard His stern rebuke (Matthew 23:1 ). See Government; Sanhedrin; Jewish Parties; Secretary .