Acts 23:8
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
Original Language Analysis
Σαδδουκαῖοι
the Sadducees
G4523
Σαδδουκαῖοι
the Sadducees
Strong's:
G4523
Word #:
1 of 16
a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λέγουσιν
say
G3004
λέγουσιν
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀνάστασιν
resurrection
G386
ἀνάστασιν
resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
7 of 16
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
ἄγγελον
angel
G32
ἄγγελον
angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
9 of 16
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
μήτε
nor
G3383
μήτε
nor
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
10 of 16
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
πνεῦμα
spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 16
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
12 of 16
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
Cross References
Matthew 22:23The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,Luke 20:27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,Mark 12:18Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
Historical Context
The Sadducees, primarily aristocratic priests, controlled the temple and collaborated with Rome. Pharisees, the popular party, emphasized Torah study and synagogue life. Their theological disputes were well-known. By Paul's era, Sadducean power was waning; after AD 70 temple destruction, only Pharisaic Judaism survived, evolving into Rabbinic Judaism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do denials of supernatural reality (resurrection, angels, spiritual realm) undermine biblical faith's foundations?
- What modern theological divisions parallel the Sadducee-Pharisee split between naturalism and supernaturalism?
Analysis & Commentary
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit—Luke summarizes the rationalistic theology of the Sadducean party, who accepted only the Pentateuch and rejected oral tradition. Denying resurrection (ἀνάστασις, anastasis), angels (ἄγγελος, aggelos), and spirits (πνεῦμα, pneuma) represented materialistic worldview limiting reality to the physical realm. This made them theological liberals of their day.
But the Pharisees confess both (ὁμολογέω, homologeo, to acknowledge/confess)—The Pharisees affirmed supernatural realities, oral law, and future resurrection. Paul strategically identified with Pharisaic theology (v. 6), splitting the Sanhedrin. While using political wisdom, Paul genuinely believed in resurrection—the risen Christ was his life's foundation. This theological division reflects ongoing tension between naturalistic and supernatural worldviews in interpreting Scripture.