The Essenes are a branch of Judaism that does not appear explicitly in the Bible. They are believed to be descendants of the Hasidim, who fought alongside the Hasmonean family for Jewish independence. However, after independence, when the Hasmonean kings did not grant the high priesthood to the Zadokite family but instead assumed both roles themselves, the Essenes rebelled against this and were persecuted, leading them to flee into the wilderness.
Due to their origins, the Essenes rejected temple sacrifices performed by illegitimate high priests and sought to maintain holiness before God through their own purification rituals. Their theological stance was similar to that of the Pharisees but leaned more heavily toward apocalyptic and eschatological beliefs. They viewed indulgence as evil, valued self-restraint and asceticism as virtues, and pursued righteousness more fervently than any other sect. Referring to themselves as "the remnant," "the pious," and "children of light," they prepared for an eventual war against the "children of darkness" at the end of days by maintaining purity.
Most Essenes despised wealth and lived communally in the wilderness without private property, although some lived in cities. Urban Essenes quickly bonded with fellow believers and shared their possessions as a shared resource. In each city where they resided, one person was designated to provide clothing and necessities for travelers.
Their daily lives revolved around worship, prayer, studying the law, reading, communal meals, and ritual bathing. They devoted most of their time to farming while adhering strictly to ascetic practices. However, there were variations among Essene groups: some rejected marriage and all forms of sexual relations, while others permitted them solely for procreation. Even in these cases, once children were born, couples refrained from further intimacy to show that their marriage was not motivated by indulgence. In communities where marriage was entirely rejected, all members were male, and they sustained their numbers through recruitment or adoption.
The Essenes adhered rigorously to Jewish law and revered Moses as second only to God. Anyone who blasphemed Moses was sentenced to death. They observed the Sabbath more strictly than any other sect: they would not kindle fire or even move objects from their original places on this day. Additionally, according to tradition, they would dig a small pit on a day other than the Sabbath. When the Sabbath arrived, they would wrap their bodies in clothing, lie down in the pit, cover themselves with the dug-up earth, and remain there for the entire day.
Joining the Essene community required a three-year probationary period. During the first year, candidates had to demonstrate their ability to live an ascetic life like the Essenes. The remaining two years tested their character before they could officially join. Only after passing all trials and taking a solemn oath were they allowed membership, which obligated them to follow all community rules.
The Essenes were highly regarded by contemporaries, even excused from swearing allegiance to King Herod due to their reputation for mutual support and righteousness. At their peak, there were approximately 4,000 members living such lives. However, they disappeared around AD 70 when the Romans destroyed the Jerusalem Temple. Their teachings did not continue after this period. Most major Jewish sects also vanished during this time; only the Pharisees survived—specifically those belonging to Hillel's school of thought. Modern Judaism is therefore considered a continuation of Pharisaic traditions stemming from Hillel's rabbis.
The Essenes' existence is documented in writings by Jewish historian Josephus, philosopher Philo of Alexandria, and Roman author Pliny the Elder. Additional insights emerged in 1947 with the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in caves near Qumran. While many speculate that John the Baptist was part of the Essene community, counterarguments exist; thus, this narrative assumes only that he maintained close ties with them rather than being a member himself.
