What is the difference between the Pharisees and Sadducees?
The Pharisees were Jewish lay teachers who emphasized strict observance of the law and oral tradition; the Sadducees were a priestly aristocracy who accepted only the written Law of Moses and denied bodily resurrection. Jesus criticized both.
Pharisees were popular religious teachers focused on the Law and traditions of the elders. They were strict about ritual purity and tithing — and prone to legalism Jesus called out.
Sadducees were drawn from priestly and wealthy families and dominated the temple. They accepted only the first five books of the Bible and famously denied any resurrection.
Jesus said hard things to both: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" — and trapped the Sadducees in their own logic about the resurrection. Saving faith is not located in any party.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.