The term ‘Pharisaical’ is often used to describe a person who is self-righteous, hypocritical, or overly concerned with religious rules while lacking true spiritual sincerity. It comes from the Pharisees, a Jewish sect during the time of Jesus, who were known for their strict adherence to the law.
But what does it truly mean to be Pharisaical? Is it just about being legalistic, or is there a deeper meaning? This topic will explore the origin of the term, its biblical significance, characteristics of Pharisaical behavior, and how to avoid it in modern life.
The Origin of the Term ‘Pharisaical’
Who Were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were a religious group in ancient Judaism, particularly active during the time of Jesus. They were known for:
- Strictly following the Torah (Jewish Law).
- Adding extra traditions to ensure obedience to the law.
- Holding a significant influence over Jewish society and religious practices.
While not all Pharisees were bad, Jesus frequently rebuked them for their hypocrisy and legalism, making the term ‘Pharisaical’ a negative description today.
Biblical References to the Pharisees
Jesus often criticized the Pharisees for their outward righteousness but inward corruption. Some key Bible passages include:
- Matthew 23:27-28 – ‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.
- Mark 7:6-7 – ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’
From these passages, we see that Pharisaical behavior is not just about following rules but about having a false appearance of righteousness while lacking genuine faith and humility.
Characteristics of Pharisaical Behavior
A Pharisaical person exhibits several key traits. These behaviors are not limited to religious people; they can appear in anyone who is judgmental, self-righteous, or hypocritical.
1. Hypocrisy – Saying One Thing, Doing Another
One of the main criticisms of the Pharisees was their hypocrisy. They would:
- Preach obedience to the law but fail to follow it themselves.
- Judge others harshly while ignoring their own sins.
- Perform religious acts for public praise, not out of true devotion.
Example: Someone who constantly talks about morality and honesty but secretly lies and cheats is acting Pharisaically.
2. Legalism – Prioritizing Rules Over Relationship
Pharisaical people focus more on rules than on love, grace, and faith. They believe:
- Following religious rules is more important than having a sincere heart.
- Salvation or righteousness is earned by good works, rather than through faith.
- Small infractions should be punished, even when mercy is appropriate.
Example: A person who refuses to help someone in need because it is ‘against the rules’ is showing Pharisaical legalism.
3. Pride and Self-Righteousness
Pharisaical individuals believe they are spiritually superior to others. They:
- Look down on those who don’t follow their standards.
- Compare themselves to others rather than examining their own flaws.
- Boast about their religious achievements.
Example: A person who constantly talks about how much they pray or donate to charity but treats others with arrogance is Pharisaical.
4. Judging Others While Ignoring Their Own Sins
A Pharisaical person is quick to point out others’ mistakes but does not recognize their own faults. Jesus warned against this in Matthew 7:3-5, saying:
‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?’
Example: Someone who criticizes others for not attending church while secretly engaging in dishonest behavior is acting Pharisaically.
5. Seeking Public Recognition for Religious Acts
Pharisaical individuals are often motivated by the desire to be seen as righteous rather than actually being righteous. They:
- Pray, fast, or give to charity to impress others rather than out of love for God.
- Demand honor and recognition for their religious status.
- Care more about external appearances than internal transformation.
Example: A person who loudly announces their donations or acts of kindness to gain approval is displaying Pharisaical pride.
Modern Examples of Pharisaical Behavior
While the Pharisees lived in biblical times, Pharisaical attitudes still exist today. Some modern examples include:
- Religious hypocrisy – A person who claims to be deeply spiritual but lacks kindness and compassion.
- Judgmental attitudes – Someone who constantly criticizes others while ignoring their own flaws.
- Empty rituals – Following religious customs without understanding their meaning or developing a true relationship with God.
- Pride in good works – Boasting about religious acts instead of practicing humility.
How to Avoid Being Pharisaical
Recognizing Pharisaical tendencies in ourselves can help us grow spiritually. Here are some ways to avoid falling into a self-righteous mindset:
1. Focus on a Genuine Relationship with God
Faith is not just about following rules-it’s about having a real, personal relationship with God. Instead of just going through religious motions, ask:
- Am I doing this to please God or to impress others?
- Is my faith transforming my heart, or am I just following traditions?
2. Practice Humility
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own growth. The Bible teaches:
- James 4:6 – ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’
- Philippians 2:3 – ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.’
3. Show Mercy and Compassion
Instead of being harsh and judgmental, practice kindness and understanding. Jesus demonstrated grace by eating with sinners and showing love to those who failed.
4. Examine Your Motives
Before engaging in religious acts, ask yourself:
- Am I doing this out of love for God or to gain recognition?
- Does my faith make me more compassionate, or more critical of others?
5. Prioritize Inner Transformation Over Outward Appearance
Instead of focusing on external religious acts, work on developing a pure heart. As Jesus said in Matthew 23:26:
‘First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.’
To be Pharisaical means to appear religious but lack true sincerity, humility, and compassion. It involves hypocrisy, legalism, self-righteousness, and judgmental attitudes.
However, we can avoid Pharisaical behavior by focusing on a genuine relationship with God, practicing humility, showing mercy, and prioritizing inner transformation. True faith is not about following rules for recognition but about loving God and others with a sincere heart.