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Scribes

Scribes were copyists of the Scripture. It was a calling of very early origin. Their business was to study and interpret, as well as copy, the Scriptures. Because of their minute acquaintance with the law they were also called lawyers, and were recognized authorities. The decisions of leading scribes became oral law, or "tradition." They were quite numerous in the Maccabean period, and became very influential among the people. A vocation of great importance before the days of printing.