CategoryPeople / Jewish Governing Council
Modern EquivalentJewish council or supreme court.
KJV Word TypeGoverning body / religious council term
DefinitionThe supreme Jewish council and court in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, consisting of priests, scribes, and elders (Matthew 26:59; Acts 5:21).
Key Verses"Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;" (Matthew 26:59); "And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought." (Acts 5:21)
KJV Usage NoteThe KJV often uses “council” or “senate” in passages referring to this Jewish governing body.
Common Misunderstanding“Sanhedrin” may not appear as the usual KJV wording; the KJV often uses “council” or “senate” for this body.
EtymologyFrom Greek synedrion ("sitting together").