The terms lawyer and scribe are generally viewed as being interchangeable within the New Testament. These were educated, literate men who not only studied the Word, Wisdom, and Law of God, but were also responsible for defining and applying this Law within the religious community. They often settled minor religious disputes, wrote letters and documents, and were charged with the all-important task of copying the scriptures. The word for a scribe in Hebrew literally means, “man of letters.”
Scribes were seen as leaders in the Temple and commanded respect because of their learning. They, too, were often called “rabbi” (teacher) by the people, but were not actually part of the priestly order.
The Scribes, along with the Pharisees and Sadducees, were outwardly opposed to Jesus because He often exposed their hard-heartedness and petulant nature in “lording” their learning over the people. They also play a big role in the plot to condemn and crucify Christ.
