Sanhedrim
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Sanhedrim in the Bible?
The Sanhedrin was the supreme judicial and legislative council of ancient Israel. Derived from the Greek word synedrion, it literally translates to 'sitting together.'
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Sanhedrin clarifies the legal and political context of the trial narratives in the Gospels, revealing how local Jewish authorities interacted with Roman governance to adjudicate matters of religious law and public order.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Sanhedrim. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sanhedrim in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sanhedrim clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sanhedrim." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sanhedrim/