Topical Bible: Scholar

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of the Bible, a scholar is an individual who is dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Scriptures. This role is often associated with a deep understanding of biblical texts, languages, history, and theology. Scholars play a crucial role in elucidating the meaning of Scripture, providing insights that aid in the teaching and application of biblical principles.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the role of a scholar can be seen in the work of the scribes and teachers of the Law. Ezra is a prominent example, described as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6). Ezra's dedication to studying and teaching the Law was instrumental in the spiritual renewal of the Israelites after the Babylonian exile. His scholarly work involved not only the transcription of texts but also the interpretation and application of the Law to the lives of the people.

The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, also reflects the scholarly pursuit of understanding. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, is traditionally credited with much of this literature. His quest for knowledge and understanding is evident in Ecclesiastes, where he explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:13).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, scholars are often associated with the Pharisees and teachers of the Law. While these groups are frequently depicted in opposition to Jesus, their role as scholars is evident in their dedication to the study and teaching of the Scriptures. Jesus Himself engaged with these scholars, challenging their interpretations and calling them to a deeper understanding of God's Word (Matthew 23:23).

The Apostle Paul is another key figure who exemplifies the role of a scholar. Educated under Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the Law (Acts 22:3), Paul possessed a profound understanding of the Scriptures. His epistles reflect a deep theological insight and a scholarly approach to the interpretation of the Old Testament in light of the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Role and Importance

The role of a scholar in the biblical context is not merely academic but deeply spiritual. Scholars are called to seek wisdom and understanding, not for their own sake, but to glorify God and edify His people. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." This underscores the belief that true scholarship is rooted in a reverence for God and a commitment to His truth.

In the early church, scholars contributed to the development of Christian doctrine and the defense of the faith. The Bereans are commended for their scholarly approach, as they "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11). This model of diligent study and discernment remains a hallmark of biblical scholarship.

Contemporary Application

Today, biblical scholars continue to play a vital role in the church and academia. Their work involves the critical study of biblical texts, the exploration of historical and cultural contexts, and the application of theological insights to contemporary issues. Through their scholarship, they provide resources for pastors, teachers, and laypeople to deepen their understanding of the Bible and live out its teachings.

In summary, the role of a scholar in the biblical tradition is one of dedication to the study and interpretation of God's Word, with the aim of fostering a deeper understanding and application of its truths in the life of the believer and the community of faith.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) One who attends a school; one who learns of a teacher; one under the tuition of a preceptor; a pupil; a disciple; a learner; a student.

2. (n.) One engaged in the pursuits of learning; a learned person; one versed in any branch, or in many branches, of knowledge; a person of high literary or scientific attainments; a savant.

3. (n.) A man of books.

4. (n.) In English universities, an undergraduate who belongs to the foundation of a college, and receives support in part from its revenues.

Greek

5378. Philologos -- "student, scholar," Philologus, a Christian
... "student, scholar," Philologus, a ... Word Origin from philos and logos Definition "student,
scholar," Philologus, a Christian NASB Word Usage Philologus (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5378.htm - 6k

3100. matheteuo -- to be a disciple, to make a disciple
... disciple, instruct, teach. From mathetes; intransitively, to become a pupil;
transitively, to disciple, ie Enrol as scholar -- be disciple, instruct, teach. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3100.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

8527. talmid -- a scholar
... a scholar. Transliteration: talmid Phonetic Spelling: (tal-meed') Short Definition:
pupil. Word Origin from lamad Definition a scholar NASB Word Usage pupil (1) ...
/hebrew/8527.htm - 6k

6030. anah -- to answer, respond
... give account, afflict (by mistake for anah), (cause to, give) answer, bring low
(by mistake for anah), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, X scholar, (give a ...
/hebrew/6030.htm - 6k

Library

Death of a Scholar.
... EARLY RELIGIOUS CULTURE. 759. " Death of a Scholar. 759. LM SS Choir.
Death of a Scholar. 1 We come our Sabbath hymn to raise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/759 death of a.htm

Like Teacher, Like Scholar
... LIKE TEACHER, LIKE SCHOLAR. 'The disciple is not above his master, nor the
servant above his lord.26. It is enough for the disciple ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/like teacher like scholar.htm

Oh this Impatient Scholar! How Many Troubles do I Escape...
... [Way-2-3] Oh this impatient scholar! How many troubles do I escape?
Rusticus. Oh this impatient scholar! How many troubles ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-3 oh this impatient scholar.htm

A Scholar, Pitying the Blindness and Folly of those who Live to ...
... Address 55: A scholar, pitying the blindness and folly of those who live
to themselves in the? A scholar, pitying the blindness ...
/.../address 55 0 0 a scholar pitying.htm

On the Death of a Female Scholar.
... EARLY RELIGIOUS CULTURE. 761. " On the Death of a Female Scholar. 761. 8s.
& 7s. M. RC Waterston. On the Death of a Female Scholar. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/761 on the death.htm

Let Then the High Accomplished Scholar Reflect, that He Comes by ...
... Address 121: Let then the high accomplished scholar reflect, that he
comes by his wit? Let then the high accomplished scholar ...
/.../address 121 0 0 let then the.htm

The Duty of the Scholar.
... THE DUTY OF THE SCHOLAR. Die ihr, des Lebens edle zeit. O ye, who from your earliest
youth. Seek wisdom and would learn the truth,. Happy are ye if ye discern. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the duty of the scholar.htm

George Buchanan, Scholar
... GEORGE BUCHANAN, SCHOLAR. The scholar, in the sixteenth century, was a far
more important personage than now. The supply of learned ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/george buchanan scholar.htm

Hence it Is, that the Scripture-Scholar is Looked Upon as Having ...
... Address 94: Hence it is, that the scripture-scholar is looked upon as having
divine knowledge of its? Hence it is, that the scripture ...
/.../address 94 0 0 hence it is.htm

On the Other Hand, Show Me a Scholar as Full of Learning...
... Address 165: On the other hand, show me a scholar as full of learning?
On the other hand, show me a scholar as full of learning ...
/.../address 165 0 0 on the other.htm

Thesaurus

Scholar (3 Occurrences)
...Scholar (3 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). 1 Chronicles 25:8 They cast lots for their offices,
all alike, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar. ...
/s/scholar.htm - 7k

Disciple (38 Occurrences)
... A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matthew 9:14),
and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. ...
/d/disciple.htm - 22k

Pupil (4 Occurrences)
... See Iris. 2. (n.) A youth or scholar of either sex under the care of an instructor
or tutor. 3. (n.) A person under a guardian; a ward. ...
/p/pupil.htm - 7k

Student (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A person engaged in study; one who is devoted to learning; a learner; a
pupil; a scholar; especially, one who attends a school, or who seeks knowledge ...
/s/student.htm - 7k

Biblical
... Yet so conservative a scholar as Weiss gave Baur the credit of having "first made
it the problem of criticism to assign to each book of the New Testament its ...
/b/biblical.htm - 45k

Theology
... Yet so conservative a scholar as Weiss gave Baur the credit of having "first made
it the problem of criticism to assign to each book of the New Testament its ...
/t/theology.htm - 95k

Vulgate
... this translation proved to be to the West what the Septuagint had been to the East,
that it was prepared with great care by the greatest scholar whom Latin ...
/v/vulgate.htm - 38k

Commentaries
... Among the most conspicuous may be named Lucke (died 1855), who wrote on John; Bleek,
the Old Testament and New Testament critical scholar (died 1859), who has ...
/c/commentaries.htm - 57k

Nonimmersionist
... It is somewhat singular that no baptism of proselytes is forthcoming until about
the beginning of the 3rd century; and yet no competent scholar doubts its ...
/n/nonimmersionist.htm - 38k

Resources

What is a Bible scholar? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Desiderius Erasmus? | GotQuestions.org

What is historic premillennialism? | GotQuestions.org

Scholar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus