Bible Dictionary
Doctor
A doctor in the biblical context was a teacher, especially a teacher of the law. Jewish doctors taught and answered questions in synagogues and other public settings.
Definition
A doctor, in the biblical usage of this entry, was a teacher, especially a teacher of the law. The term is translated “teacher” in some passages.
Biblical Usage
Jewish doctors taught and disputed in synagogues and other public places. Their disciples could ask them questions, and doctors of the law were principally associated with the Pharisees.
Historical Background
These teachers assumed their office without formal appointment. After the destruction of Jerusalem, schools were established at Babylon and Tiberias; teachers from Tiberias were called rabbis and those from Babylon masters.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Luke 2:46; 5:17; Acts 5:34), a teacher. The Jewish doctors taught and disputed in synagogues, or wherever they could find an audience. Their disciples were allowed to propose to them questions. They assumed the office without any appointment to it. The doctors of the law were principally of the sect of the Pharisees. Schools were established after the destruction of Jerusalem at Babylon and Tiberias, in which academical degrees were conferred on those who passed a certain examination. Those of the school of Tiberias were called by the title “rabbi,” and those of Babylon by that of “master.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dok'-ter: (In Lu 2:46 didaskalos) "doctor" is equivalent to "teacher," which latter is the translation of the Revised Version (British and American). So in Lu 5:17; Ac 5:34, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) "doctors," "doctor," of the law (nomodidaskalos). See EDUCATION; RABBI; SCRIBES.</p>