LAWYER (νομικός, G3788, expert in law). The name given to one learned in the law of Moses, both written and oral, of which he was the official interpreter. The term is used synonymously with νομοδιδάσκαλος, G3791, (teacher of the law) and with γραμματεύς, G1208, (scribe), as a comparison of the following passages shows: Matthew 22:35; Mark 12:28; Luke 5:17, 21; 10:25; 11:44-46.

Since every detail of Jewish life was expected to be regulated by the law, and since it was impossible for an ordinary Jew to become familiar with the multitude of legal requirements and to apply them in the new situations of daily life, it was absolutely necessary for some men to devote themselves to a study of the law. Those who did were the lawyers.

Among the leading duties of the lawyers were the following: to study, interpret, and expound the law; to teach the law in the schools and in the synagogues; to decide questions of law; to act as judges—as in the various Sanhedrins throughout the country.

The word is found once in Matthew (22:35), six times in Luke (7:30; 10:25; 11:45, 46, 52; 14:3); and once in Titus (3:13), where, however, it refers to a Rom. or a Gr., not a Jewish, lawyer.

As depicted in the gospels, the lawyers regularly showed themselves to be unsympathetic to Jesus, and they joined the Pharisees in opposing Him. They rejected the teaching of John the Baptist (Luke 7:30). Jesus denounced them in severe language for putting unbearable burdens upon men, refusing to help them in their need, and for actually hindering those who sought the truth (11:45-52). They opposed Jesus for healing upon the Sabbath day (14:3). During Passion Week one tried to embarrass Jesus by means of a difficult question (Matt 22:35).