The Sanhedrin and the Rabbis The word Sanhedrin represents the Hebrew transliteration of the Greek word synedrion (“council,” “meeting”). The Sanhedrin in Jerusalem during New Testament times was composed of the chief priests, elders of the people (lay aristocracy around Jerusalem), and scribes (sages learned in the law). It tried cases dealing with a whole tribe, a false prophet, and the high priest (Sanh. 1.5). According to Tos. Sanhedrin 7.1, it also had appellate jurisdiction over a court of