Who Were the Sadducees?
Who Were the Sadducees? The Sadducees were a Jewish religious and political elite who controlled the temple priesthood. They rejected the resurrection, angels, and oral tradition, accepting only the written Torah.
Key verse: Acts 23:8 (KJV)
The Sadducees were a Jewish religious and political elite who controlled the temple priesthood. They rejected the resurrection, angels, and oral tradition, accepting only the written Torah.
The Sadducees were a Jewish religious and political elite who controlled the temple priesthood. They rejected the resurrection, angels, and oral tradition, accepting only the written Torah.
"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both." — Acts 23:8 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Sadducees were the aristocratic priestly party in Israel. They held political power through their control of the temple and cooperation with Roman authorities. Theologically, they differed from the Pharisees in important ways: they denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and rejected oral traditions (Acts 23:8). Jesus refuted their denial of resurrection by citing Exodus 3:6 — God is the God of the living (Matthew 22:29-32). The Sadducees were involved in Jesus' trial and opposed the early church. After the temple's destruction in AD 70, they effectively disappeared from history.
Key Scripture References
"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both."
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group known for strict observance of the Law and oral traditions, frequently criticized by Jesus for hypocrisy and legalism.
Who Was Nehemiah?
Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile, demonstrating faith, leadership, and prayer.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Moses?
People & Characters
Bible Characters Quiz
Patriarchs, prophets, kings, and disciples — how well do you know them?
Bible Verses About Dealing with Difficult People
10 curated KJV verses
Psalm 116:15 Commentary
In-depth study • God's Love for His People
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Acts. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Acts on day 309 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Who Were the Sadducees?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.