Beyond External Religion: Φαρισαῖος (Strong’s G5330: Pharisaios) Warns Against Legalism

Strong’s G5330: A noun derived from Aramaic meaning “separated one.” Describes influential Jewish religious sect emphasizing strict observance of law and tradition. Used frequently in Gospels to illustrate contrast between external religion and true heart transformation. Represents religious hypocrisy versus authentic faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term Φαρισαῖος represents a significant Jewish religious sect that emerged during the intertestamental period. Originally meaning “separated ones,” they were known for their strict interpretation and observance of both written and oral law. In the New Testament, while acknowledged for their religious devotion, they often appear as foils to Jesus’ teaching about true righteousness. The early church used this term as a warning against prioritizing external observance over heart transformation. Today, Φαρισαῖος serves as a reminder of the dangers of legalism and the importance of authentic faith that transforms the heart rather than merely modifying behavior.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Φαρισαῖος, Pharisaios, far-is-ah’-yos
• Pronunciation Guide: far (as in “far”) + is (as in “is”) + ah (as in “ah”) + yos (as in “dose”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Aramaic פְּרִישַׁיָּא (perishayya)
• Root meaning “to separate”
• -αῖος (-aios): Greek suffix forming adjectives/nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Member of Jewish religious sect
• Separated one
• Religious traditionalist
• Strict observer of the Law

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a transliterated term

Translation Options:

• “Pharisee” – traditional transliteration
• “Separatist” – etymological meaning
• “Traditionalist” – functional equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γραμματεύς (grammateus, gram-mat-yooce’) – scribe See G1122
• νομικός (nomikos, nom-ik-os’) – lawyer See G3544
• σαδδουκαῖος (saddoukaios, sad-doo-kah’-yos) – Sadducee See G4523

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: Φαρισαῖος
• Genitive singular: Φαρισαίου
• Nominative plural: Φαρισαῖοι
• Accusative plural: Φαρισαίους

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide comprehensive understanding of Φαρισαῖος. BDAG emphasizes their historical role as influential religious leaders and their conflicts with Jesus. Thayer’s notes their origin as “separatists” and their strict adherence to traditional interpretations. LSJ documents their appearance in Hellenistic Jewish literature. Vine’s particularly emphasizes their role in Gospel narratives. Strong’s connects them to their separatist origins. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of their influence in first-century Judaism. The term carries both historical significance as a religious movement and theological significance as a warning against externalized religion.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 3:7: “But when he saw many of the Pharisees [Φαρισαῖος] and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'”

Additional References:
Matthew 5:20, Matthew 12:14, John 3:1, Acts 23:6, Philippians 3:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The term Φαρισαῖος serves as a powerful reminder that external religious observance without heart transformation misses God’s true purpose. While the Pharisees were devoted to keeping God’s law, they often missed its spirit. The good news is that King Jesus came to transform hearts, not merely modify behavior. He offers a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees through genuine heart change and relationship with Him, rather than mere rule-keeping.

D – Did You Know?

1. Not all Pharisees opposed Jesus; some like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea became followers.
2. The term influenced English language with “pharisaic” meaning hypocritically self-righteous.
3. The Pharisees played a crucial role in preserving Jewish tradition during Roman occupation.

Strong’s G5330: A noun derived from Aramaic meaning “separated one.” Describes influential Jewish religious sect emphasizing strict observance of law and tradition. Used frequently in Gospels to illustrate contrast between external religion and true heart transformation. Represents religious hypocrisy versus authentic faith.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: religious-leaders, Judaism, law, tradition, legalism, hypocrisy, separatists, Jewish-sects, Jesus-opposition, heart-religion, external-religion, righteousness, law-keeping, tradition, religious-conflict​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​