### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Saddoukaîos**, represented by `{{G4523}}`, identifies a **Sadducee**, described as a follower of a certain heretical Israelite. It appears **14 times** in **14 unique verses** in the Bible. The term, likely derived from Σαδώκ, designates a member of this particular group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4523}}` is used to identify a specific religious party, frequently shown in opposition to Jesus and the apostles. They are introduced alongside the Pharisees when coming to John's baptism [[Matthew 3:7]] and later when tempting Jesus for a sign [[Matthew 16:1]]. The **Sadducees** are identified as a **sect** `{{G139}}` that was aligned with the **high priest** `{{G749}}` [[Acts 5:17]]. A central tenet of the **Sadducees** was their denial of the **resurrection** `{{G386}}`, a position noted multiple times ([[Matthew 22:23]], [[Mark 12:18]]). They also opposed the apostles, acting with the **priests** `{{G2409}}` and the **captain** `{{G4755}}` of the temple [[Acts 4:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the identity and beliefs of the **Sadducees** `{{G4523}}`:
* `{{G139}}` **haíresis** (sect, heresy): This term, meaning "a party or disunion," is explicitly used to classify the **Sadducees** as a **sect** [[Acts 5:17]].
* `{{G386}}` **anástasis** (resurrection): Defined as "a standing up again," this concept is central to understanding the **Sadducees**, as they **deny** `{{G483}}` that there is any **resurrection** [[Luke 20:27]].
* `{{G5330}}` **Pharisaîos** (Pharisee): This word identifies the other major Jewish sect often mentioned with the **Sadducees**. Though they sometimes acted together [[Matthew 16:1]], they held opposing beliefs, particularly concerning the resurrection, which the **Pharisees** confess [[Acts 23:8]].
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (angel): This word for "messenger" or "angel" is part of a key doctrinal dispute, as the **Sadducees** say there is neither resurrection, **angel**, nor spirit [[Acts 23:8]].
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (spirit): The Sadducean belief system also rejected the existence of a **spirit**, in contrast to the Pharisees who confessed **both** `{{G297}}` angels and spirits [[Acts 23:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4523}}` is found in its representation of a specific doctrinal challenge to the teachings of Jesus and the early church.
* **Denial of the Supernatural:** The **Sadducees** are defined by their rejection of core spiritual realities. They say there is no **resurrection** `{{G386}}`, neither **angel** `{{G32}}`, nor **spirit** `{{G4151}}` [[Acts 23:8]].
* **Representation of Religious Opposition:** They, often alongside the **Pharisees** `{{G5330}}`, represent the established religious powers that confronted Jesus and the apostles. They are shown tempting Jesus [[Matthew 16:1]] and acting with the **high priest** `{{G749}}` to oppose the apostles' work [[Acts 5:17]].
* **The Leaven of False Doctrine:** Jesus specifically warns his disciples to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees" [[Matthew 16:6]], which is later explained as their "doctrine" [[Matthew 16:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4523}}` **Saddoukaîos** identifies a prominent Jewish **sect** `{{G139}}` during the time of Christ. They are consistently portrayed as part of the religious establishment, often appearing with the **Pharisees** `{{G5330}}` and **priests** `{{G2409}}` to challenge Jesus and the apostles. Their defining theological position was their denial of the **resurrection** `{{G386}}`, **angels** `{{G32}}`, and **spirit** `{{G4151}}`. Through their interactions, the **Sadducees** serve in the biblical narrative as a key example of doctrinal error and opposition to the Christian faith.
TRV