Essenes – מילון אנגלי-אנגלי
Essene
n.
member of an ascetic sect of Judaism which inhabited the area north of the Dead Sea between approximately 200 BC - AD 100
Essenes
The
Essenes (in
Modern Hebrew: ,
Isiyim;
Greek: Ἐσσηνοί, Ἐσσαῖοι, or Ὀσσαῖοι,
Essenoi, Essaioi, Ossaioi) were a sect of
Second Temple Judaism that flourished from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD which some scholars claim seceded from the
Zadokite priests. Being much fewer in number than the
Pharisees and the
Sadducees (the other two major sects at the time), the Essenes lived in various cities but congregated in communal life dedicated to
asceticism (some groups practiced celibacy), voluntary
poverty, and
daily immersion. Many separate but related religious groups of that era shared similar
mystic,
eschatological,
messianic, and
ascetic beliefs. These groups are collectively referred to by various scholars as the "Essenes."
Josephus records that Essenes existed in large numbers, and thousands lived throughout
Roman Judaea.
Essenes
(pl. )
of Essene
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter.
About
Essenes
Essenes [probably from Hebrew asa to heal] Described by Josephus as one of three principal sects among Jews from about the middle of the 2nd century BC; the title Healer, often equivalent to savior or teacher (cf therapeutae). They were a sect of Jewish theosophy, rather exclusive, adhering to Jewish tradition in some respects though regarded as heretical in others. Their cardinal principles were active benevolence and self-discipline. They had an esoteric school guarded by secrecy, accessible through novitiate and degrees. Josephus, describing the rule of a community, presents the picture of a tranquil life, divided between practical avocations, assemblies, and ritual observances.
Essenes
a Jewish sect, who, according to the description of Josephus, combined the ascetic virtues of the Pythagoreans and Stoics with a spiritual knowledge of the divine law. It seems probable that the name signifies seer, or the silent, the mysterious. As a sect the Essenes were distinguished by an aspiration after ideal purity rather than by any special code of doctrines. There were isolated communities of Essenes, which were regulated by strict rules, analogous to those of the monastic institutions of a later date. All things were held in common, without distinction of property; and special provision was made for the relief of the poor. Self-denial, temperance and labor-especially agriculture- were the marks of the outward life of the Essenes; purity and divine communion the objects of their aspiration. Slavery, war and commmerce were alike forbidden. Their best-known settlements were on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884) , by William Smith.
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