Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaios)

Pharisaios

Pharisee

G5330 · Greek · New Testament · 96 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 96 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The noun Pharisaios refers to a member of the Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect that emerged after the exile. The term derives from an Aramaic root meaning "separatist," reflecting their commitment to strict religious distinctiveness. In the New Testament, they appear frequently in Matthew, Luke, and John, often interacting with Jesus alongside scribes or Sadducees.

Historical sources describe them as a group that valued oral tradition alongside Scripture, emphasizing ceremonial washings, fasting, and almsgiving. They held strong beliefs in angels, the Messiah, and bodily resurrection, and they maintained significant influence among the common people. While they opposed foreign domination, Jesus frequently rebuked them for prioritizing outward piety over genuine inner devotion.

The Gospels record numerous encounters where this group challenges or observes Jesus, such as when they question his disciples about eating with tax collectors in Matthew 9:11 or debate him on signs in Matthew 16:1. These interactions highlight the theological and social tensions of the time, portraying the Pharisees not merely as opponents but as serious seekers of religious truth who ultimately clashed with Jesus’ message of grace.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word Pharisee comes from a root meaning "separatist," describing a group dedicated to strict religious observance and distinctiveness. In the Gospels, they appear frequently as serious students of Scripture who debated Jesus on matters of law, tradition, and purity. Their presence highlights the tension between external ritual and internal faith, showing that even those committed to God can miss the heart of His message when they prioritize rules over people.

For your own life, this word invites reflection on where you place your trust. It is easy to focus on outward appearances or religious performance, yet Jesus consistently pointed toward genuine righteousness that flows from within. This challenges us to examine our motives, ensuring that our faith is rooted in love and truth rather than mere habit or social expectation.

Ultimately, the encounters with Pharisees remind us that God looks at the heart. They sought truth but often missed it because they were blinded by pride. We are invited to approach God with humility, seeking a relationship defined by grace rather than a checklist of duties. This perspective frees us from the burden of perfection and allows us to rest in His mercy.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 96 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Pharisees69×
the Pharisees6×
Pharisees,6×
a Pharisee4×
Pharisee4×
Pharisees;3×
to [the] Pharisees1×
the Pharisee1×
of Pharisees;1×
of Pharisees1×
a Pharisee;1×
a Pharisee,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

Φαρισαῖοι48×
Φαρισαίων24×
Φαρισαῖος6×
Φαρισαῖοι·3×
Φαρισαίων,3×
Φαρισαίους3×
Φαρισαίους,2×
Φαρισαίοις,2×
Φαρισαῖός1×
Φαρισαῖος·1×
Φαρισαῖος,1×
Φαρισαῖοι,1×

Key Verses

Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus uses this group to define the high standard of righteousness required for entry into the Kingdom, contrasting external compliance with internal transformation.
Matthew 16:12
Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Here Jesus clarifies that the danger lies not in their rituals but in their teaching, warning believers against adopting their hypocritical mindset.
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.

This verse highlights their meticulous attention to minor laws while neglecting the more important matters of justice and mercy, illustrating misplaced priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word Pharisee mean?

The term comes from an Aramaic root meaning "separatist." It referred to a prominent Jewish group in the first century known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. They were distinct from other groups like the Sadducees by their belief in resurrection and angels.

Why are Pharisees often criticized in the Gospels?

Jesus frequently rebuked them for prioritizing outward religious rituals over genuine inner devotion and love for others. While they were serious about God, their criticism often stemmed from a lack of humility and a tendency to judge others rather than show mercy.

Were all Pharisees bad people?

The Gospels portray them as a diverse group with varying attitudes toward Jesus. Some, like Nicodemus in John 3, sought truth and showed respect for Jesus. The criticism is directed at the leadership’s hypocrisy and legalism, not necessarily every individual member.

Every Occurrence (96 verses across 6 books)

Matthew 31 verses

Matthew 3:7

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers,…

Matthew 5:20

For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter…

Matthew 9:11

When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Matthew 9:14

Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?”

Matthew 9:34

But the Pharisees said, “By the prince of the demons, he casts out demons.”

Matthew 12:2

But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, “Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”

Matthew 12:14

But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how they might destroy him.

Matthew 12:24

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul, the prince of the…

Matthew 12:38

Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

Matthew 15:1

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying,

Matthew 15:12

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

Matthew 16:1

The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

Matthew 16:6

Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Matthew 16:11

How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees…

Matthew 16:12

Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and…

Matthew 19:3

Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”

Matthew 21:45

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them.

Matthew 22:15

Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.

Matthew 22:34

But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together.

Matthew 22:41

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,

Matthew 23:2

saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.

Matthew 23:13

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers.…

Matthew 23:14

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you…

Matthew 23:15

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he…

Matthew 23:23

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier…

Matthew 23:25

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within…

Matthew 23:26

You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.

Matthew 23:27

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but…

Matthew 23:29

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the…

Matthew 27:41

Likewise the chief priests also mocking with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said,

Matthew 27:62

Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered…

Mark 11 verses

Luke 27 verses

John 19 verses

Acts 7 verses

Philippians 1 verse