A Jewish faction, arising near the end of the inter-testamental period who emphasized those Jewish traditions and practices that set them apart from pagan culture. Their name means "separated ones" and they prided themselves on their strict observance of every detail of Jewish law and their extreme intolerance of people whom they considered ritually unclean. This piety and patriotism made them respected leaders among their people. Considered the rivals of the Sadducees.
[tags]BlogRodent, church-history, ChurchRodent, history, Pharisees, Sadducees[/tags]