Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pharisee
Phar′i-see
(făr′ĭ-sē)
, Noun.
[L.
Pharisaeus
, Gr. Φαρισαῖος
, from Heb. pārash
to separate.] 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pharisee
PHAR'ISEE
,Noun.
Definition 2024
Pharisee
Pharisee
English
Noun
Pharisee (plural Pharisees)
- A member of a ancient Jewish political party, a social movement, and a school of thought among Jews that flourished during the Second Temple Era (536 BCE–70 CE). The movement was ultimately the basis for most contemporary forms of Judaism.
- (figuratively, by extension) A person who values the letter of the law over its spirit or intention.
- 1611, Authorized Version
- Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
- circa 1870, Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening,
- The spider fattens himself on flies, and the Pharisee has his reward. Foolish persons are easily entrapped by the loud professions of pretenders, and even the more judicious cannot always escape.
- 1611, Authorized Version
Coordinate terms
Derived terms
Translations
member of an ancient Jewish political party, social movement, etc
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person who values form over content
References
- Ernest Klein, Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the Hebrew Language.