Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group in Judea during the Second Temple period, particularly from the second century BC to the first century AD. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they often appear in opposition to Jesus Christ and His teachings. The term "Pharisee" is believed to derive from the Hebrew word "perushim," meaning "separated ones," which reflects their emphasis on ritual purity and separation from what they considered to be unclean or impure.Historical Background The Pharisees emerged during the Hasmonean period as a distinct group within Judaism. They were known for their strict adherence to the Torah and the oral traditions that they believed were handed down from Moses. Unlike the Sadducees, another Jewish sect of the time, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of a Messiah. They held significant influence over the common people and were respected for their piety and dedication to the Law. Beliefs and Practices The Pharisees placed a strong emphasis on the observance of the Law, both written and oral. They believed that the oral traditions, later codified in the Mishnah, were essential for interpreting the written Torah. This led to a complex system of rules and regulations governing daily life, including dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and ritual purity. In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as legalistic and hypocritical, focusing on external observance rather than the heart's condition. Jesus frequently criticized them for their emphasis on tradition over the commandments of God. In Matthew 23:23-24 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." Interactions with Jesus The Pharisees are often portrayed in the Gospels as opponents of Jesus, challenging His authority and seeking to trap Him in His words. They questioned His association with sinners and tax collectors, His interpretation of the Law, and His claims of divinity. In Mark 2:16-17 , the Pharisees question Jesus' disciples, "Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus responds, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Despite their opposition, some Pharisees were sympathetic to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, came to Jesus by night to seek understanding (John 3:1-21). After Jesus' crucifixion, Nicodemus assisted in His burial (John 19:39-40). Legacy and Influence The Pharisees' emphasis on the oral law and their interpretative traditions significantly influenced Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. Their teachings laid the groundwork for the development of the Talmud and continue to impact Jewish thought and practice today. In Christian theology, the Pharisees often serve as a cautionary example of the dangers of legalism and self-righteousness. Their interactions with Jesus highlight the importance of inner transformation and the spirit of the Law over mere external compliance. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One of a sect or party among the Jews, noted for a strict and formal observance of rites and ceremonies and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretensions to superior sanctity led them to separate themselves from the other Jews.Greek 5330. Pharisaios -- a Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious sect ... a Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious sect. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Pharisaios Phonetic Spelling: (far-is-ah'-yos) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5330.htm - 7k 139. hairesis -- choice, opinion 1059. Gamaliel -- Gamaliel, a renowned teacher of the law 4523. Saddoukaios -- a Sadducee, a member of a Jewish religious ... Library The Pharisee and Publican The Pharisee and the Tax-Gatherer. The Pharisee and the Publican. The Pharisee and the Publican, Luke 18 10 &C. A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... Wherein the Pharisee Sinned when He Thanked God; to God's Grace ... The Pharisee and Publican. Luke 18:10Ff. The Pharisee And Publican The Pharisee and the Publican. Thesaurus Pharisee (14 Occurrences)...Pharisee (14 Occurrences). Matthew 23:26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also. ... /p/pharisee.htm - 11k Pharisee's (2 Occurrences) Gamaliel (7 Occurrences) Noticing (5 Occurrences) Invited (49 Occurrences) Meal (288 Occurrences) Sanhedrim (20 Occurrences) Meat (387 Occurrences) Touching (121 Occurrences) Seat (256 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.org Pharisee: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pharisee (14 Occurrences)Matthew 23:26 Mark 2:16 Luke 7:36 Luke 7:37 Luke 7:39 Luke 11:37 Luke 11:38 Luke 14:1 Luke 18:10 Luke 18:11 Acts 5:34 Acts 23:6 Acts 26:5 Philippians 3:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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