Jewish Vocabulary

A Pharisee was a member of a Jewish religious group during the time of Second Temple Judaism, known for their strict adherence to both the written law (Torah) and oral traditions. They were a prominent group during the 1st century BCE and CE, and their beliefs and practices significantly shaped the development of Rabbinic Judaism.

Key Beliefs and Practices:

Strict adherence to Jewish law: Pharisees emphasized the importance of both the written Torah and oral traditions, which they believed were passed down from Moses.

Oral law (Torah she-be-al peh): They believed that Moses also received oral laws not recorded in the written Torah, which they used to interpret and apply the written law.

Belief in resurrection and afterlife: Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead and a judgment after death, distinguishing them from the Sadducees, who did not share this belief.

Emphasis on ritual purity: Pharisees focused on maintaining ritual purity through various practices and interpretations of the law.

Messianic expectations: They believed in a future Messiah who would deliver Israel.

Relationship with Jesus and Others:

Conflicts with Jesus:

Jesus often clashed with the Pharisees, criticizing their hypocrisy and legalism, particularly their tendency to prioritize tradition over genuine faith and compassion.

Internal diversity:

The Pharisees were not a monolithic group, and some Pharisees, like Nicodemus and Gamaliel, are portrayed in the New Testament as being more open to Jesus’ teachings.

Influence on Rabbinic Judaism:

After the destruction of the Second Temple, Pharisaic beliefs and practices became the foundation for Rabbinic Judaism, which continues to be a major form of Judaism today.

In Modern Usage:

The term “Pharisee” is sometimes used pejoratively to describe someone who is sanctimonious, self-righteous, or hypocritical.

This usage is often based on the negative portrayal of Pharisees in the New Testament and can be a misrepresentation of the historical Pharisees, who were complex and diverse group.