Term · Bible dictionary
Pharisees
A devout Jewish group known for strict law-keeping, often in conflict with Jesus over the heart of true religion.
The Pharisees were respected teachers zealous for the law and tradition. Some sincerely sought God, but Jesus rebuked their hypocrisy and pride.
He warned that outward religion without a changed heart is empty—‘you clean the outside of the cup’—while some, like Nicodemus and Paul, came to faith.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Matthew 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity.” Luke 18:11 “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.”
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Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.