People & groups
Scribe
A literate specialist who copied, interpreted, or taught texts and law.
Also called · Teacher of the law · Expert in the law
What it means
Scribes first served broadly as writers and officials. Ezra exemplifies the later role of a learned interpreter and teacher of the law.
In the Gospels some scribes oppose Jesus, while others engage him seriously; the title does not by itself describe one party or moral character.
How it appears in the Bible
Because literacy and legal expertise were specialized, scribes could hold substantial religious and civic influence.