sanhedrim

The Sanhedrim convened in the great hall to deliberate.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The supreme council and tribunal of the Jewish people in ancient times: "Sanhedrim" (also spelled Sanhedrin) refers to the highest judicial and legislative body in ancient Israel, particularly during the Second Temple period. It was composed of 71 members, including priests, scribes, and elders, and had authority over religious, legal, and political matters.
   • A council or assembly: By extension, the term can refer to any high court or deliberative assembly, though this usage is rare and often historical.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Sanhedrim convened in Jerusalem to judge cases of religious law. (The supreme Jewish council met to decide on legal matters.)
  • According to the New Testament, Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrim for questioning. (He was tried by the highest Jewish court.)
  • The Sanhedrim's decisions were binding for all Jewish communities in the region. (The council's rulings had legal force.)

Advanced Usage

• "to convene the Sanhedrim": to call together the supreme Jewish council.

  • The high priest convened the Sanhedrim to address the crisis. (He summoned the council to discuss the emergency.)

• "the authority of the Sanhedrim": the legal and religious power held by this body.

  • The authority of the Sanhedrim extended to capital cases. (The council had the power to impose the death penalty.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sanhedrin (n): the more common spelling of the same word; both forms are used interchangeably.

  • The Sanhedrin met in the Hall of Hewn Stone. (The council assembled in the Temple precincts.)

• Sanhedritic (adj): relating to the Sanhedrim or its functions.

  • The Sanhedritic system influenced later Jewish legal traditions. (The council's structure shaped subsequent law.)

Synonyms

• Council: a group of people convened for advice or decision-making.
• Tribunal: a court of justice or a body with judicial authority.
• Assembly: a group of people gathered for a common purpose.

Related Idioms

• "a modern Sanhedrim": a figurative reference to a powerful, authoritative council.

  • The committee acted like a modern Sanhedrim, deciding the fate of the project. (The group wielded significant, unchallenged authority.)

• "before the Sanhedrim": used metaphorically to mean being judged or scrutinized by a powerful body.

  • He felt he was standing before the Sanhedrim when the board questioned his decisions. (He experienced intense, formal scrutiny.)