Sanhedrin

[ san-hed-rin, -hee-drin, sahn-, san-i-drin ]

noun

, Jewish History.

1. Also called Great Sanhedrin. the highest council of the ancient Jews, consisting of 71 members, and exercising authority from about the 2nd century b.c.
2. Also called Lesser Sanhedrin. a lower tribunal of this period, consisting of 23 members.

Sanhedrin

/ ˈsænɪdrɪn /

noun

1. the supreme judicial, ecclesiastical, and administrative council of the Jews in New Testament times, having 71 members
2. a similar tribunal of 23 members having less important functions and authority

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sanhedrin¹

1580–90; < late Hebrew Sanhedhrīn < Greek synédrion, equivalent to syn- syn- + hédr ( a ) seat ( cathedral ) + -ion noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sanhedrin¹

C16: from Late Hebrew, from Greek sunedrion council, from sun- syn- + hedra seat

Example Sentences

In the introduction to his commentary on the eleventh chapter of the Mishnic treatise Sanhedrin (chapter Helek).

From Project Gutenberg

Of all the Sanhedrin only Sameas “a righteous man and therefore superior to fear” dared to speak.

From Project Gutenberg

A new Sanhedrin was formed there under the presidency of a ruler, who received yearly dues from all Jewish communities.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a Court would not be a secret diplomatic Sanhedrin, but a democratic Tribunal.

From Project Gutenberg

The Sanhedrin sat in a semicircle in order that the members might be able to see one another.

From Project Gutenberg