Pharisees in the Bible

Meaning: set apart

Exact Match

Jesus left there and went into their [i.e., the Pharisees'] synagogues,

Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and Pharisees sit in the chair of Moses:

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

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

And it happened that he was reclining at table in his house; and many publicans and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many, and scribes of the Pharisees were also following him.

The Pharisees were watching Jesus closely to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him [in the Jewish high court].

Then He said to the Pharisees, "Is it permissible by the law of Moses to do something good, or something harmful on the Sabbath day? To save a life or to kill it?" But they did not reply.

And they asked him, saying, How is it that the Pharisees and scribes say that Elijah must come first?

When he was come to the other disciples, he found a great crowd about them, and the Pharisees disputing with them.

the Scribes and Pharisees upon hearing this consulted together how to destroy him; but they stood in awe of him, because all the people were strangely affected with his doctrine.

As Jesus was teaching in the Temple, He responded [to some Pharisees. See Matt. 22:41] by asking, "How is it that the experts in the law of Moses can say that the Christ is the son of David?

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

But the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees became furious and began discussing among themselves what they could do to Jesus.

And lo! a woman who was in the city, a sinner, learning that he was at table in the Pharisees house, brought an alabasterbottle of ointment,

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

Afterwards some of the Pharisees, who deny there is any resurrection, accosted him with this question,

Then certain of the Pharisees answered and said, "Master, thou hast well said."

And Jesus said to them [i.e., the Pharisees. See Matt. 22:41], "How is it that they [i.e., the experts in the law of Moses. See Mark 12:35] can say that the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one] is the son of David?

Then the officers returned to the chief priest and Pharisees,

Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

But these Jews [i.e., Pharisees] did not believe that the man had been blind and had received his sight back until they called his parents

The Pharisees said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he restore your sight?"

The man replied, "Is not that strange! You do not know where he came from and yet he restored my sight! [Note: The next sentence may be the beggar stating the Pharisees' argument. See verse 24].

Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

Thematic Bible



The Pharisees too, who were noted for avarice, heard all this discourse, and treated him with derision.


they dispatch'd therefore some of their disciples, together with the Herodians, who thus address'd themselves to him; master, we know that you are sincere, and faithfully teach the divine law without fear or flattery: for you have no regard to the outward quality of men.


In the mean time thousands of people being gather'd about him, so as to trample upon one another, he first address'd himself thus to his disciples, beware of the corrupt doctrine of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

When ye fast, don't put on a dismal air, as the hypocrites do, who look dejected, that men may take notice of their fasting: I assure you, they have their reward. but whenever you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face: that your fasting may not be observed by men, but by your father, who is with you in your retirement, and your father who observes what you do in private, shall give you a reward.

Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country. and when the fruit-season came on, he sent his servants to the tenants, to receive the fruits of it. but they seiz'd his servants, beat some, killed one, and stoned another. read more.
then he sent a greater number of servants, than at first: who met with the same treatment. but last of all, he sent his son, saying, they will reverence my son. but when the tenants saw the son, they said among themselves, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and then seize on his inheritance. so seizing upon him, they turn'd him out of the vineyard, and slew him. when the master therefore of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants? they answered, he will give those wretches no quarter, and will let out his vineyard to such as shall duly account for the profits thereof. Jesus reply'd, did ye never read in the scriptures, " that very stone which the builders rejected, is become the principal stone of the angle, this the Lord effected, and it is marvellous in our eyes." wherefore I declare to you, the gospel dispensation shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that shall make a proper use thereof. and whosoever shall stumble at this stone, shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, he shall be entirely crush'd. When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them. and they endeavoured to seize him, but were afraid of the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

therefore, when you give alms, do not make a proclamation of it as the hypocrites do, in their publick assemblies by sound of trumpet, that they may have the applause of men. for I assure you, they have their reward. but when you give alms, "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth:" that your alms may be secret: and your father who sees your secret actions, shall reward you. read more.
And when you pray, be not as the hypocrites are: for they chuse to stand praying in publick places, and at the corners of the streets, to be observ'd by men. I assure you, they have their reward. but you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut the door, pray to your father who is with you in your retirement, and your father who observeth the actions of your retirement shall reward you. When you pray, be not verbose, as the heathen are: for they think they shall be heard for their loquaciousness. don't therefore imitate them: for your father knows what you want, before you ask him.

Then the Scribes and Pharisees, who were of Jerusalem, came to him and said, why do your disciples violate the tradition of our ancestors, in not washing their hands when they eat bread? but he answered them, why do you violate the law of God to follow your tradition? read more.
for this is a commandment of God, "honour thy father and mother; and, he that curses father or mother, let him be punish'd with death." but your doctrine is this, if any man declares to his father or mother, that whatever he has to give for their relief is dedicated to the temple; he is not oblig'd to regard his father or his mother. thus have ye disannull'd the commandment of God by your tradition. the prophecy of Esaias exactly suits such hypocrites as you; "this people, says he, draw nigh to me, they honour me with their lips: while their hearts are far from me. but in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men."

Then the Pharisees and the Sadducees came, with a captious design, and desired him to show them some miracle in the sky. but he answered them, in the evening you foretel fair weather: when the sky is of a bright red. and in the morning, a foul day: when the sky is of a dusky red. hypocrites, can ye judge of the appearance of the sky, and yet not discern the signs of these times? read more.
a wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no miracle shall they have beside that of the prophet Jonas. and so leaving them, he went away. Now at their departure to go to the other side, his disciples had forgot to take bread. and Jesus said to them, have a care of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees. upon which they said to one another, this comes from our not taking any bread. which Jesus perceiving, he said, distrustful men, why do ye trouble your heads about forgetting the bread? where's your understanding? don't you remember the five loaves among five thousand and how many baskets ye took away? nor the seven loaves among the four thousand, and how many baskets ye carried away? why, can't you perceive, that in cautioning you to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees, I did not speak of bread? then they perceived, he did not caution them against the leaven of bread, but against the Pharisaick and Sadducean doctrine.

said, the Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's chair. therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another. for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation, read more.
their phylacterys are broader, and the fringes of their garments are larger than those of others: they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues, to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor. But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. don't stile any one among you, Father upon earth; for he alone is your father, who is in heaven. neither take the title of masters, for you have but one master, who is the Messias. he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. for whosoever exalts himself, shall be abased; and he that humbles himself, shall be exalted. Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?

At another time Jesus was casting out a demon, that was dumb: and as soon as the demon was gone out, the dumb man spoke: and the people wondred. but some of them said, he casteth out demons by Beelzebub the prince of the demons. others, to try him, desir'd he would show some miraculous sign in the heaven. read more.
but Jesus perceiving their suspicions, said to them, every kingdom divided against itself will soon be desolate: one family divided against another, falls to ruin. so if satan be divided against himself, how can his kingdom subsist? for you assert, that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. but if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? wherefore they shall be your judges. but if I cast out demons by the finger of God, it follows, that the reign of the Messiah is now begun among you. when a man that is stout and well arm'd guards his palace, his possessions are safe. but if a stronger than he should assault, and overcome him, he will strip him of all his furniture on which he relyed, and divide the plunder. He that does not join with me, is against me: and he that is not active for me, is a deserter. When the impure spirit is gone out of a man, he wanders about the wilds in quest of some repose: but finding none, I will return, says he, to the abode I have quitted. and at his return he findeth it swept and garnished. then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself: they all enter in and dwell there, and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. As he was discoursing thus, a certain woman in the middle of the crowd lift up her voice, and said to him, happy the mother, who bare thee: happy the nurse, who gave thee milk. but rather, said he, happy are they who hear the word of God, and put it in practice. and as the crowd grew more numerous, he thus began, this is a degenerate race of men: they demand a miracle: but no miracle shall be exhibited, but such as happen'd in the person of Jonas the prophet. for as the case of Jonas was a miraculous instance to the Ninevites, so shall the son of man be to this generation. the queen of the south shall rise up in the day of judgment against this generation, and condemn it: for she came from the remote parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; but now, a greater than Solomon is here. the people of Nineve shall rise up in the day of Judgment, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; but now, a greater than Jonas is here. However, when a man has once lighted his lamp, he does not hide it in a by-place, or under a bushel; but sets it on a stand, that all who come in may have light. the eye is the light of the body: if therefore your eye be clear, every member of your body will have the benefit of the light: but if it be spoil'd, they must all rest in darkness. take care therefore, that the light which is in thee do not become darkness. for if thy whole body be enlightned, and no part dark, your whole conduct will be regulated, just as the light of a lamp directs all your motions. While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table. but the Pharisee was surprized to see that he did not wash before dinner. upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality. do you stupidly imagine that he, who made the outward man, did not make the inward too? be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you. but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other. wo unto you Pharisees, for you affect to have the first rank in the synagogue, and to be complimented in publick places. wo unto you: for you resemble subterraneous monuments, which men walk over, without perceiving them. Then a doctor of the law objected to him, saying, master, your discourse is an insult upon us also. but Jesus said, wo unto you likewise, doctors of the law; for you load men with insupportable burthens, the least part of which you will not yourselves bear: wo unto you, for you rebuild the sepulchres of those prophets, whom your fathers put to death: they were guilty of slaughter, and you raise monuments to their memory. agreeably to this, in the Wisdom of God 'tis said, "I will send them prophets and apostles: some they will kill, and others they will persecute: " so that the blood of all the prophets, which has been shed since the creation of the world, may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to that of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple: yes, I assure you, this generation shall be responsible for it all. wo unto you, doctors of the law; for after having taken the key of knowledge, you remain still in the dark, and hinder others, who desire to have light. As he was pursuing his discourse, the Scribes and Pharisees passionately urg'd him with many captious questions, in order to ensnare him, and draw something from his own mouth, that might be brought as evidence against him.

Then many of the Publicans, and people of a bad reputation gather'd about Jesus to hear him; at which the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, this man gives access to men of bad character, and eats with them. but he propos'd to them this parable. read more.
who of you that has an hundred sheep, will not, upon losing one, leave the ninety nine in the desart, to go after that which is lost, till he finds it? and when he hath found it, joyfully lay it upon his shoulders? and when he comes home, call his friends and neighbours together, and say to them, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep, that was lost? I tell you, that there shall likewise be greater joy in heaven for one sinner that repents, than for ninety nine just persons, that need no repentance. or if a woman, that has ten pieces of money, should lose one of them, will she not light a lamp, sweep the house, and carefully search, till she find it? and when 'tis found, will she not call her friends aud neighbours together, and say, rejoice with me, for I have found the piece, I had lost?


Then certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees said, master, we should be glad you would shew us some miracle. but he answered them, this wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no other miracle shall they have, except that of the prophet Jonas.

Thereupon his disciples drawing nigh, said, did you observe, how the Pharisees were scandalized at your discourse?

have any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees believed on him?


then he said, I am a Jew, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, but had my education in this city: at the feet of Gamaliel I was instructed in the law, and in the exact decisions of our fathers, and was as religiously zealous as you are at this time.

Now one of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, was there, a ruler of the Jews:

but some of the sect of the Pharisees who had embraced the faith, started up, pretending that the Gentiles ought to be circumcised, and observe the law of Moses.


Then the Scribes and Pharisees, who were of Jerusalem, came to him and said, why do your disciples violate the tradition of our ancestors, in not washing their hands when they eat bread? but he answered them, why do you violate the law of God to follow your tradition?

The Pharisees, and certain Scribes from Jerusalem, came in a body to Jesus; when observing that some of his disciples were eating with profane hands, that is, without having wash'd them, they found fault. for the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, in pursuance of their antient traditions, never eat till they have wash'd their hands up to their elbows. read more.
nay, when they have been at any publick place, they never eat till they have washed. they observe besides several traditions, such as the washing of cups, pots, brass vessels, and beds. the Pharisees, and Scribes therefore ask'd Jesus, why don't your disciples observe the tradition of the antients? why do they take their meals without washing their hands? Jesus answered, to such hypocrites as you may well be applied those words of the prophet Esaias, "this people honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men." for laying aside what is of divine appointment, you stick to their human traditions, about the washing of pots, and cups, and many other the like practices. You are in the right, said he, to abolish the laws of God, to make way for such traditions. Moses said, "honour thy father and thy mother;" and, if any one speak contemptibly of his father, or his mother, let him be put to death. but your doctrine is this, if any one shall tell his father or his mother, that what he could bestow for their relief, is corban, that is, to be given to the temple; you discharge him from the obligation of doing any thing for his father or his mother. by such traditions, and such a number of practices, as you have settled, the word of God is stript of all its authority. Then Jesus having called all the people to him, said, attend every one of you, and understand. there is nothing from without, that entring into a man can defile him: but that which originally proceeds from the man, is what defiles him.


One sabbath-day, Jesus went to dine with a Pharisee of the first distinction, where he was strictly observ'd.

Jesus being invited to dinner at a certain Pharisee's house, he went home with him, and sat down to table.

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table.


Then John's disciples came to him and said, why do the Pharisees, as well as we, observe so many fasts, and your disciples keep none?

I fast twice a week, and I pay the tythe of all I possess.


The Pharisees likewise came to him, and maliciously propos'd this question, may a man lawfully put away his wife at discretion?

Upon this the Pharisees withdrew, and consulted how they might insnare him in his discourse. they dispatch'd therefore some of their disciples, together with the Herodians, who thus address'd themselves to him; master, we know that you are sincere, and faithfully teach the divine law without fear or flattery: for you have no regard to the outward quality of men. tell us therefore, what is your opinion? is it lawful to pay tribute to Cesar, or no? read more.
but Jesus perceiving their malice, said, why, hypocrites, would you insnare me? shew me the tribute money. and they brought him a penny. and he said unto them, whose image and inscription is this? they answer'd, Cesar's. then said he to them, render therefore unto Cesar, the things which are Cesar's: and unto God, the things that are God's. on hearing this, they were filled with admiration, and so leaving him, they went their way.


But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead."

they can testify, if they will, that I early profess'd myself a Pharisee, a member of the most rigorous sect of our religion:


which the Pharisees observing, why, said they to his disciples, is your master so familiar with publicans and such loose people? Jesus hearing that, said to them, they that are in health don't want a physician, but they that are sick. go then and learn the meaning of that expression, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice:" for I am not come to call saints, but sinners.


for this is a commandment of God, "honour thy father and mother; and, he that curses father or mother, let him be punish'd with death." but your doctrine is this, if any man declares to his father or mother, that whatever he has to give for their relief is dedicated to the temple; he is not oblig'd to regard his father or his mother. thus have ye disannull'd the commandment of God by your tradition. read more.
the prophecy of Esaias exactly suits such hypocrites as you; "this people, says he, draw nigh to me, they honour me with their lips: while their hearts are far from me. but in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men."


the Pharisees seeing that, said to him, see, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath-day. he answer'd them, have ye not read what David and the rest of the company did when they were hungry, how he entred into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which it was not lawful either for him or his company to eat, but only for the priests? read more.
or have ye not observed in the law, what a work the priests made in the temple on the sabbath-day, without being blamed? now I tell you, that the work now in hand, is of greater consequence than that of the temple. if ye had known the meaning of that expression, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice," ye would not have condemned the guiltless. for the sabbath is subservient to men.


but when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his baptism, he said to them, "Ye brood of vipers, who has warned you to fly from the wrath to come? Let your actions then show your repentance: and don't pretend to say within your selves, We have Abraham for our father: for I tell you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham: read more.
the ax is already laid to the root of the trees: every tree then which does not produce good fruit, will be hewn down, and cast into the fire.


But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead."

for the Sadducees maintain, there is neither resurrection, nor angel, or spirit, whereas the Pharisees acknowledge both: the clamour was great,


but the Pharisees and the doctors of the law rejected the divine offers made to them, refusing to be baptized by John.


but in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men."


but some of the sect of the Pharisees who had embraced the faith, started up, pretending that the Gentiles ought to be circumcised, and observe the law of Moses.


and they endeavoured to seize him, but were afraid of the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Upon this the Pharisees went out of the synagogue, and form'd a conspiracy against his life.

upon this the chief priests and the Pharisees being assembled in council, said, what shall we do? for this man performs many miracles.

from that day therefore, they consulted together to put Jesus to death.

now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had publish'd an order, that if any man knew where he was, he should give information in order to have him seized.


The Pharisees likewise came to him, and maliciously propos'd this question, may a man lawfully put away his wife at discretion?

In the mean time one of them, a Doctor of the law, to try him, started this question, master,

Upon this the Pharisees withdrew, and consulted how they might insnare him in his discourse. they dispatch'd therefore some of their disciples, together with the Herodians, who thus address'd themselves to him; master, we know that you are sincere, and faithfully teach the divine law without fear or flattery: for you have no regard to the outward quality of men.


The Pharisees too, who were noted for avarice, heard all this discourse, and treated him with derision.

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

Thereupon his disciples drawing nigh, said, did you observe, how the Pharisees were scandalized at your discourse?


for the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, in pursuance of their antient traditions, never eat till they have wash'd their hands up to their elbows.

and that I made a greater proficiency in Judaism than many my contemporaries of my own nation, being an extraordinary zealot for the traditions of my forefathers.

the Pharisees, and Scribes therefore ask'd Jesus, why don't your disciples observe the tradition of the antients? why do they take their meals without washing their hands? Jesus answered, to such hypocrites as you may well be applied those words of the prophet Esaias, "this people honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men." read more.
for laying aside what is of divine appointment, you stick to their human traditions, about the washing of pots, and cups, and many other the like practices.


which the Pharisee, who had invited him, observing, he thus argued with himself, if this man were a prophet, he could not but know that the woman, who is so busy with him, is a person of a loose character.

which the Pharisees observing, why, said they to his disciples, is your master so familiar with publicans and such loose people?

Then many of the Publicans, and people of a bad reputation gather'd about Jesus to hear him; at which the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, this man gives access to men of bad character, and eats with them.


and Jesus said to them, have a care of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees.

why, can't you perceive, that in cautioning you to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees, I did not speak of bread? then they perceived, he did not caution them against the leaven of bread, but against the Pharisaick and Sadducean doctrine.


when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time.

and the Scribes taking part with the Pharisees, grew warm in the debate, and said, "we find no harm in this man; perhaps a spirit or an angel has spoke to him."

Now one of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, was there, a ruler of the Jews:


the Pharisee in a standing posture pray'd thus by himself, O God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men, a robber, a cheat, an adulterer, or like that Publican.

being circumcised the eighth day, of the family of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew by descent, by sect a Pharisee. if zeal is to be regarded, I persecuted the church; if the integrity prescrib'd by the law, I am without reproach;


ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle.

ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred?


Then the Pharisees and the Sadducees came, with a captious design, and desired him to show them some miracle in the sky.

Then certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees said, master, we should be glad you would shew us some miracle.


but the Pharisees said, he casteth out devils by the authority of the prince of the devils.

but the Pharisees upon hearing this said, he exorcizes devils, by virtue only of Beelzebub the prince of the devils.


being circumcised the eighth day, of the family of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew by descent, by sect a Pharisee.

but some of the sect of the Pharisees who had embraced the faith, started up, pretending that the Gentiles ought to be circumcised, and observe the law of Moses.


The Pharisees too, who were noted for avarice, heard all this discourse, and treated him with derision.

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would.


and likewise those of the Pharisees, are frequently fasting and praying, while yours are employed in eating and drinking?

I fast twice a week, and I pay the tythe of all I possess.


Then he propos'd this parable, concerning those who had a great opinion of their own justice, and look'd with contempt upon others.

but he said to them, you pretend to piety before men, which, however they may admire, is an abomination to God, who knows your real temper.


Jesus being invited to dinner at a certain Pharisee's house, he went home with him, and sat down to table.

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table.


(the Pharisees being inform'd what the people rumour'd concerning him, they and the chief priests sent their officers to seize him.)

when the officers return'd to the chief priests and Pharisees, they asked them, why have ye not brought him?


This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, who he was.

Now the messengers were of the sect of the Pharisees, and they asked him,


then he said, I am a Jew, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, but had my education in this city: at the feet of Gamaliel I was instructed in the law, and in the exact decisions of our fathers, and was as religiously zealous as you are at this time.

and likewise those of the Pharisees, are frequently fasting and praying, while yours are employed in eating and drinking?


Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. read more.
wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?


to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor. But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. don't stile any one among you, Father upon earth; for he alone is your father, who is in heaven. read more.
neither take the title of masters, for you have but one master, who is the Messias.


wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters.


wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves.


but he answered them, this wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no other miracle shall they have, except that of the prophet Jonas.


ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?


wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth.


to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor.


they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues,


for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation,


for I declare to you, that except your righteousness shall exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not enter into the heavenly kingdom.


their phylacterys are broader, and the fringes of their garments are larger than those of others:


but when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his baptism, he said to them, "Ye brood of vipers, who has warned you to fly from the wrath to come?


Saul still breathing out nothing but threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and demanded letters for the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any of this sect, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.


Jesus therefore knowing the Pharisees had heard that he made more disciples, and baptized more than John, (though Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples) he left Judea, and returned into Galilee.


wo unto you: for you resemble subterraneous monuments, which men walk over, without perceiving them.


they can testify, if they will, that I early profess'd myself a Pharisee, a member of the most rigorous sect of our religion:


have any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees believed on him?


but the Pharisees and the doctors of the law rejected the divine offers made to them, refusing to be baptized by John.


for the Sadducees maintain, there is neither resurrection, nor angel, or spirit, whereas the Pharisees acknowledge both: the clamour was great,


But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead."


now the Scribes and Pharisees were upon the watch to see if he would work a cure upon the sabbath-day, and so have matter of accusation against him.


The Pharisees too, who were noted for avarice, heard all this discourse, and treated him with derision.


two men went to the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a Publican.

Then the Pharisees and the Sadducees came, with a captious design, and desired him to show them some miracle in the sky.

The Pharisees likewise came to him, and maliciously propos'd this question, may a man lawfully put away his wife at discretion?

but the Pharisees and the doctors of the law rejected the divine offers made to them, refusing to be baptized by John.

But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead."

when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time.

but when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his baptism, he said to them, "Ye brood of vipers, who has warned you to fly from the wrath to come?

said, the Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's chair.

Then the Scribes and Pharisees, who were of Jerusalem, came to him and said,


However, when a man has once lighted his lamp, he does not hide it in a by-place, or under a bushel; but sets it on a stand, that all who come in may have light. the eye is the light of the body: if therefore your eye be clear, every member of your body will have the benefit of the light: but if it be spoil'd, they must all rest in darkness. take care therefore, that the light which is in thee do not become darkness. read more.
for if thy whole body be enlightned, and no part dark, your whole conduct will be regulated, just as the light of a lamp directs all your motions. While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table. but the Pharisee was surprized to see that he did not wash before dinner. upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality. do you stupidly imagine that he, who made the outward man, did not make the inward too? be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you. but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other. wo unto you Pharisees, for you affect to have the first rank in the synagogue, and to be complimented in publick places. wo unto you: for you resemble subterraneous monuments, which men walk over, without perceiving them. Then a doctor of the law objected to him, saying, master, your discourse is an insult upon us also. but Jesus said, wo unto you likewise, doctors of the law; for you load men with insupportable burthens, the least part of which you will not yourselves bear: wo unto you, for you rebuild the sepulchres of those prophets, whom your fathers put to death: they were guilty of slaughter, and you raise monuments to their memory. agreeably to this, in the Wisdom of God 'tis said, "I will send them prophets and apostles: some they will kill, and others they will persecute: " so that the blood of all the prophets, which has been shed since the creation of the world, may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to that of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple: yes, I assure you, this generation shall be responsible for it all. wo unto you, doctors of the law; for after having taken the key of knowledge, you remain still in the dark, and hinder others, who desire to have light. As he was pursuing his discourse, the Scribes and Pharisees passionately urg'd him with many captious questions, in order to ensnare him, and draw something from his own mouth, that might be brought as evidence against him.

they answered him, we are Abraham's offspring, and were never slaves to any man: why then do you say, "ye shall be made free?" Jesus answered them, I declare unto you, whosoever committeth sin, is a slave to sin. a slave has no right to be in the house for life: but the son is settled there. read more.
if the son therefore shall make you free, you will be free indeed. I know you are Abraham's offspring; but ye seek to kill me, because my doctrine doth not penetrate into you. what I have learnt from my father, that I tell: and what you have learnt from your father, that you do. they answered him, Abraham is our father. if you were Abraham's children, said Jesus, you would act like Abraham. but now ye seek to kill me, the man who has told you the truth, such as I have learnt it of God: Abraham did not act thus. your actions are like your father. at this they reply'd, we are no bastards; we have but one father, even God. Jesus said to them, if God were your father, ye would love me: for I was commissioned by God to come; I did not come of my self, but he sent me. why do not you understand my language? unless because ye cannot bear my doctrine? you, who have the devil for your father, will execute the designs of your father: he was a murderer from the beginning, and deserted the truth, since he has no love for the truth: when he lyes, he speaks like himself: for he is a lyar, and the father of a lyar. but as to me, because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. which of you can convict me of sin? if then I say the truth, why don't you believe me? he that is of God, does therefore observe what God says: which you do not observe, because ye are not of God. The Jews answered, and said to him, are we not in the right to say, that you are a Samaritan, and are really mad? Jesus answered, I am not mad; but I honour my father, and you dishonour me. I do not consult my own glory: there is one that will consult that, and judge accordingly. verily, verily, I say unto you, whoever observes my doctrine, shall never die. upon this said the Jews to him, now we plainly perceive you are mad. Abraham is dead, and the prophets too; and yet you say, if a man observes your doctrine, he shall never die. are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? the prophets likewise are dead: pray, what do you then pretend to be? Jesus answered, if I honour'd my self, my honour would be vain: it is my father that honoureth me, of whom ye say, that he is your God. yet ye have not known him, but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I should be a lyar like you: but I know him, and observe his commands. your father Abraham long'd to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. then said the Jews to him, you are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? Jesus said to them, verily, verily I say unto you, before Abraham was I AM. then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus was conceal'd by the crowd which he pass'd thro', and so got out of the temple.

then they reviled him, and said, thou art his disciple; but we are Moses disciples. we know that God commission'd Moses: as for this fellow, we don't know who sent him. the man replied, that's very strange that he should make me see, and you should not know who sent him. read more.
now 'tis certain, that God does not countenance impostors: but regards him only that is religious, and executes his commands. It was never heard since the world began, that any man gave sight to one that was born blind. if this man had not his mission from God, he could do nothing. they answered, you were a vicious fellow from your very birth, and do you pretend to preach to us? and then they excommunicated him.


References

Hastings

Easton

American

Fausets

Morish

Smith

Watsons