Men of the great assembly (later called the Sanhedrin) were viewed as part of a long line of wise scholars, or sages, who orally passed on certain teachings from generation to generation until these were finally recorded in the Mishnah.
Suure Sünagoogi mehi (keda hiljem hakati nimetama süneedriumiks) arvati kuuluvat suurte õpetlaste ehk tarkade pikka ahelasse, kes andsid põlvest põlve suuliselt edasi mõningaid õpetusi, mis lõpuks pandi kirja Mišnasse.