CHAP. X.
Of the Pharisees.
There are[92] three Opinions concerning the Etymology of the name Pharisee. The first are those which derive it from פרש Parash, Expandere, Explicare; either from the enlarging and laying open their Phylacteries, or from their open performance of good works in publick view of the People, as being ambitious of mans praise. Secondly, from פרש Parasch, Exponere, Explanare; because they were of chief repute; and counted the profoundest Doctors for the exposition of the Law, so that they were termed[93] Peruschim, quia Poreschim; Pharisees, because they were Expounders of the Law. Thirdly, others derive the name from the same Verb, but in the conjugation Piel, where it signifieth dividere, separare, to separate.[94] In this acception, by the Greeks they were termed ἀφωρισμένοι, we may English them Separatists. Their separation is considerable, partly in the particulars unto which, partly in those from which they separated.
[92] Quartam etymologiam (cujus fundus & autor putatur Hieronymus, Præfat. in Amos) refellit Scriptura Hebraica; si enim Pharisæus diceretur a verbo פרץ Dividere, scriberentur Pharisæi פריצים non פרושים.
[93] Gorionides. c. 22.
[94] Suidas.
First, They separated themselves to the study of the Law, in which respect they might be called, ἀφωρισμένοι εἰς τὸν νόμον, Separated unto the Law. In allusion unto this, the Apostle is thought[95] to have stiled himself, Rom. 1. 11. ἀφωρισμένον εἰς εὐαγγέλιον, Separated unto the Gospel: when he was called from being a Pharisee, to be a Preacher of the Gospel; and now not separated unto the Law, but to the Gospel.
Secondly, They separated themselves, or at least pretended a[96] separation to an extroardinary sanctity of life above other men. God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, Extortioners, Unjust, Adulterers &c. Luke 18. 11.
[95] Drusius de trib. sectis, l. 2. c. 2.