Brief Overview of Γραμματεύς (G1122: Grammateus)

Grammateus (γραμματεύς) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1122. The word is derived from the Greek root γράμμα (gramma), meaning “letter” or “writing,” and the suffix -εύς (-eus), which typically denotes a person involved in a specific activity or profession. Thus, Grammateus literally means “a scribe” or “a writer.” In biblical and historical contexts, Grammateus refers to a scribe, an expert in the law, or an official who was responsible for recording, copying, and interpreting legal and religious texts. The term is most commonly associated with the Jewish scribes who played significant roles in interpreting the Law of Moses and were often part of the religious leadership in Israel.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Grammateus is described as a scribe, a learned person skilled in the art of writing, particularly in the context of Jewish law. The lexicon emphasizes that in the New Testament, Grammateus typically refers to Jewish religious leaders who were experts in the Mosaic Law. These scribes were responsible for teaching the law, copying scriptures, and sometimes serving as legal advisors or judges. BDAG notes that the term also carries connotations of religious authority and influence, particularly in passages where the scribes are depicted as opponents of Jesus.

Thayer’s Lexicon agrees with BDAG, defining Grammateus as a scribe, public servant, or secretary. Thayer’s highlights the dual role of the scribe as both a teacher of the law and a public official. The lexicon emphasizes the scribe’s role in Jewish society as a guardian and interpreter of the sacred texts.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon supports this interpretation, noting that Grammateus can refer to a secretary, clerk, or recorder in a more general sense, but in Jewish and early Christian contexts, it is specifically used for scribes and teachers of the law. LSJ also mentions that in Greek cities, the Grammateus could be a public official responsible for keeping records or managing correspondence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Grammateus as a scribe or secretary, emphasizing its use in the New Testament to refer to Jewish legal experts. The concordance points out that Grammateus appears frequently in the Gospels, often in connection with the Pharisees and the religious leadership of Israel.

In the Bible, Grammateus is mentioned numerous times, such as in Matthew 23:2, where Jesus speaks about the scribes and Pharisees who “sit on Moses’ seat.” In Mark 2:6, Grammateus refers to the scribes questioning Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. These references highlight the scribes’ significant role in the religious and legal life of Israel.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Grammateus is used more broadly to refer to scribes, secretaries, and public officials responsible for writing and record-keeping. Herodotus mentions a Grammateus in his historical accounts, where the term refers to a secretary or clerk involved in recording official proceedings and decrees, highlighting the importance of accurate record-keeping in governance.

Another example comes from Xenophon, who uses Grammateus in his writings to refer to individuals tasked with maintaining records or managing written correspondence in a military or governmental context. This usage emphasizes the administrative and bureaucratic functions of the Grammateus in ancient Greek society.

A third example is found in the works of Plutarch, where Grammateus refers to a public official or secretary who is responsible for keeping records and managing the public treasury. This usage underscores the trusted role of the Grammateus in handling important civic duties.

Summary

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Grammateus (γραμματεύς) is a Greek term that refers to a scribe, writer, or public official responsible for recording and interpreting written texts. Rooted in γράμμα (gramma), meaning “writing,” the term is closely associated with those who were experts in the law, particularly within the context of Jewish religious leadership. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ describe Grammateus as encompassing roles ranging from legal experts and teachers to public officials responsible for record-keeping. In the New Testament, Grammateus is frequently mentioned in connection with the religious scribes who were often critical of Jesus, highlighting their influence and authority in Jewish society. The term’s usage in classical Greek literature further illustrates its importance in administrative and bureaucratic functions, demonstrating its broad application across different cultural and historical contexts.