Elkesaite

/ɛlˈkeɪseɪaɪt/ noun

Definition

A follower of Elchasai (or Elkhasai), an early Jewish or Jewish-Christian prophet from the 1st-2nd century who claimed to receive divine revelations.

Etymology

From 'Elchasai' (also Elkhasai), a figure in early Jewish-Christian history, plus '-ite' (follower of). The name comes from Aramaic roots. Elkesaites were a small heterodox sect.

Kelly Says

Elkesaites are a fascinating historical mystery—they were early Jewish-Christian sect that seems to have disappeared completely, but they show us how diverse and strange early Christian and Jewish mysticism really was.

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