Pharisee definitions
| Word backwards | eesirahP |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "Pharisee" is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | Phar-i-see |
| Plural | The plural of the word Pharisee is Pharisees. |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (3) | a,i,e |
| Consonants (4) | p,h,r,s |
Pharisee refers to a member of an ancient Jewish sect, one of the three main religious groups of Judaism during the time of Jesus. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the traditional Jewish laws and practices, as well as their interpretation of the Torah.
One of the key beliefs of the Pharisees was the idea of the Oral Law, which they believed was passed down from Moses along with the written Torah. This Oral Law was seen as a guide for interpreting and applying the written law to everyday life.
Pharisee comes from a Hebrew word that means "separated ones" or "set apart." The Pharisees saw themselves as separate from the rest of society, striving to live in a way that was holy and in accordance with God's will.
Beliefs and Practices
The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead and the existence of angels and spirits, ideas that were not universally accepted among other Jewish groups at the time. They also emphasized the importance of prayer, study of the Torah, and acts of kindness and charity.
Interactions with Jesus
In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often portrayed as opponents of Jesus, challenging him on matters of Jewish law and tradition. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and outward displays of righteousness, urging them to focus on the true intent of the law and to show compassion and mercy to others.
Despite their conflicts with Jesus, some Pharisees are portrayed in a more positive light in the Gospels, such as Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to Jesus seeking spiritual guidance.
Lingering Influence
The legacy of the Pharisees can still be seen in modern Jewish practices and beliefs. Their emphasis on the study of the Torah, adherence to religious laws, and ethical behavior has had a lasting impact on Judaism as a whole.
Pharisee has also entered the broader lexicon to refer to someone who is self-righteous or hypocritical in their religious or moral beliefs, often used in a critical or negative sense.
Pharisee Examples
- The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to religious traditions.
- He acted like a Pharisee, judging others while ignoring his own faults.
- She accused him of being a Pharisee, pretending to be holier than thou.
- The Pharisees criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath.
- His Pharisee-like behavior alienated him from his peers.
- The Pharisee prayed loudly on street corners to be seen by others.
- She felt like a modern-day Pharisee, following rules without understanding their purpose.
- The Pharisees challenged Jesus' authority at every turn.
- He was compared to a Pharisee for his hypocrisy.
- The Pharisees were considered religious leaders in ancient Jewish society.