from γράμμα. a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary:--scribe, town-clerk.
Transliteration:grammateús
Pronunciation:gram-mat-yooce'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term γραμματεύς (G1122) is derived from `{{G1121}}` *gramma*, meaning "a letter of the alphabet," "writing," or "a written document." Fundamentally, γραμματεύς denotes one who deals with *grammata*. Its semantic range in the New Testament encompasses two primary professional roles:
1. **Scribe (Religious/Legal Expert):** This is the predominant usage, referring to highly educated Jewish men who were experts in the Mosaic Law. Their responsibilities included copying and preserving the sacred texts, interpreting the Law, and teaching it to the people. They were often associated with the Pharisees and were influential members of the Sanhedrin.
2. **Secretary/Clerk (Public Official):** In a more secular context, γραμματεύς could refer to a public official responsible for writing, maintaining records, and managing civic affairs, akin to a town-clerk or city secretary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
γραμματεύς appears 63 times in the New Testament. The vast majority of these occurrences refer to the religious scribes of Judaism.
* **As Opponents of Jesus:** Scribes are frequently depicted alongside the chief priests and elders as part of the established religious authority that opposes Jesus. They challenge His teachings and authority ([[Matthew 9:3]], [[Mark 2:6]], [[Luke 5:21]]), seek to trap Him with questions ([[Matthew 22:35]], [[Mark 12:28]]), and are instrumental in His condemnation and crucifixion ([[Matthew 16:21]], [[Mark 8:31]], [[Luke 9:22]]). Jesus often rebukes them for their hypocrisy and external religiosity ([[Matthew 23:13-36]]).
* **As Teachers of the Law:** They were recognized as authoritative interpreters and teachers of the Law ([[Matthew 7:29]], [[Mark 1:22]]). Their expertise was in the written tradition, and they were often consulted on matters of doctrine and practice ([[Matthew 2:4]]).
* **The "Town-Clerk" of Ephesus:** In a singular but significant instance, γραμματεύς refers to the "town-clerk" (or city secretary) of Ephesus in [[Acts 19:35]]. This individual was a high-ranking civic official responsible for maintaining order and official records, demonstrating the secular application of the term in Roman provincial administration.
* **The "Scribe Trained for the Kingdom":** Jesus Himself uses the term in a positive light in [[Matthew 13:52]], stating, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." This suggests that intellectual rigor and deep knowledge of the Scriptures, when consecrated to Christ and illuminated by the Holy Spirit, can be invaluable for understanding and proclaiming the truths of the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G1121}}` (gramma):** The root word, meaning "letter," "writing," or "written document." This direct etymological link highlights the scribe's fundamental connection to literacy and written texts.
* **`{{G3544}}` (nomikos):** Often translated "lawyer" or "expert in the Law," this term is sometimes used interchangeably with γραμματεύς or refers to a distinct, but closely related, category of legal expert ([[Luke 7:30]], [[Luke 10:25]]). Both terms emphasize a deep engagement with the Mosaic Law.
* **Pharisees:** While not all scribes were Pharisees, there was significant overlap. Scribes often shared the Pharisees' rigorous adherence to the Law and oral traditions.
* **Sanhedrin:** Scribes were prominent and influential members of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish judicial and religious council.
* **Old Testament Counterparts:** The Hebrew equivalent is `{{H5608}}` (*sopher*), denoting a writer, scribe, or secretary. Ezra, described as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" ([[Ezra 7:6]], [[Ezra 7:11]]), serves as a prime example of the esteemed role of the scribe in ancient Israel. This continuity underscores the long-standing importance of those who preserved and interpreted God's written revelation.
### Theological Significance
The role of the γραμματεύς holds profound theological significance in the New Testament:
* **Guardians of Revelation:** Scribes were the primary custodians and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, the very revelation of God to Israel. Their meticulous work ensured the preservation and transmission of the sacred texts.
* **Clash of Authorities:** The frequent opposition between Jesus and the scribes highlights the tension between rigid adherence to established religious tradition and the dynamic, living truth embodied in Christ. Their reliance on external observance and human interpretation often blinded them to the spiritual essence of the Law and the true identity of the Messiah.
* **Warning Against Spiritual Blindness:** Despite their profound knowledge of Scripture, many scribes failed to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecies they studied. This serves as a potent warning that intellectual understanding of divine truth, if not accompanied by spiritual humility and openness to God's Spirit, can lead to spiritual blindness and rejection of Christ.
* **Critique of Hypocrisy:** Jesus' most severe denunciations of the scribes (and Pharisees) were often directed at their hypocrisy, their outward show of piety contrasting sharply with their inner corruption and their imposition of heavy burdens on others without bearing them themselves ([[Matthew 23]]). This underscores the New Testament's emphasis on genuine internal righteousness over mere external observance.
* **Potential for Kingdom Service:** The unique reference in [[Matthew 13:52]] offers a redemptive perspective. It suggests that individuals with deep scriptural knowledge and intellectual rigor, when transformed by the Gospel, can become powerful instruments for the Kingdom of God, capable of drawing forth both the ancient truths of God's revelation and the new insights brought by Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word γραμματεύς (G1122) primarily designates a "scribe" or "writer," stemming from `{{G1121}}` *gramma* (writing). In the New Testament, its most frequent application refers to the Jewish religious experts who meticulously copied, preserved, and interpreted the Mosaic Law. These scribes often represented the established religious authority, frequently engaging in conflict with Jesus over His teachings and authority, and were sternly rebuked by Him for their hypocrisy. An important secular usage is seen in the "town-clerk" of Ephesus ([[Acts 19:35]]), indicating the term's broader application to civic officials. Theologically, the γραμματεύς highlights the critical tension between rigid adherence to tradition and the living truth revealed in Christ, serving as a cautionary example of how profound scriptural knowledge can paradoxically lead to spiritual blindness. Yet, Jesus' metaphor of the "scribe trained for the kingdom of heaven" ([[Matthew 13:52]]) also illuminates the transformative potential of such expertise when consecrated to God's redemptive purposes.
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