Sect
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Sect in the Bible?
The Greek term hairesis, translated as 'sect' or 'party,' originally denoted a school of thought or a faction chosen by its adherents. In New Testament literature, it identifies distinct movements such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the early Christian movement, functioning as a neutral descriptor of group identity rather than a pejorative label.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding hairesis as a neutral term for a chosen school of thought clarifies the political and social dynamics of the first century, revealing how early Christians navigated their identity within the broader landscape of Jewish diversity and Roman imperial culture.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Sect in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sect clarify?
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.