And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

ACTS 23:7KJV
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Acts 23:7 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:7 mean?

Acts 23:7 describes how, after Paul spoke, an argument broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, causing the larger group of people there to split into opposing sides. The verse shows that Paul's words led to immediate division among his listeners.

Paul is standing before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), made up of both Pharisees and Sadducees, as he defends himself against accusations. By mentioning a belief that divided these two groups, Paul triggers a heated disagreement between them. This division among the council members shifts their focus away from Paul and toward their own internal conflict.

The Greek behind Acts 23:7

  • "Dissension" (στάσις, stasis, G4714) means a strong disagreement or conflict. The Greek word here suggests more than a mild debate; it points to a sharp, possibly chaotic dispute, helping us picture the intensity of the moment.
  • "Divided" (σχίζω, schizō, G4977) means to split or tear apart. The Greek term here gives the sense that the crowd was not just disagreeing but was actually split into separate, opposing groups, highlighting the depth of the division.

Why Acts 23:7 matters

  • Acts 23:7 shows how Paul's understanding of his audience allowed him to use their differences to his advantage, shifting the council's attention away from himself.
  • The verse highlights the deep divisions between the Pharisees and Sadducees, which is important for understanding the religious and political landscape of the time.
  • This moment sets up the events that follow, as the council's division leads to further chaos and ultimately affects Paul's fate.

Where else these words appear

“dissension” Greek G4714 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
  • Luke 23:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

“divided” Greek G4977 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
  • Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
  • John 19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

“Sadducees” Greek G4523 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
  • Luke 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

“multitude” Greek G4128 · used in 32 verses

  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.