Boethusian

/boʊɛˈθuːʒən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the Boethusians, a small Jewish philosophical sect of the Second Temple period that opposed the Pharisees.

Etymology

From Boethus (Greek name), the founder of this Jewish school, plus -ian suffix. The sect flourished around the 1st century BCE and is mentioned in the Talmud.

Kelly Says

The Boethusians were essentially the 'academic debate club' of ancient Judaism—they were so clever at arguing philosophy that their opponents (the Pharisees) eventually pushed them out of history completely.

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