Bible Society of South Africa

Essenes and the New Testament

Some concepts in the New Testament play an important part in Essene literature. But such agreements do not mean that the first Christians were Essenes. And Jesus’ forerunner John the Baptist, who preached in the vicinity of the Jordan, was probably not a member of the Essenes. But the ideas of John and Jesus certainly have points of agreement with Essene thinking.

Shared Concepts

Read more?

With a free BibleSA account, you can:

  • Read other translations in all official languages.
  • Listen to the Bible (11 translations are already available).
  • Compare different Bible translations.
  • Personalise your experience by including your own notes and highlights. You will also be able to view your notes and highlights separately.
  • Access to over 1100+ topics and background articles in English and Afrikaans and 52 full colour maps.

Bible Society of South Africav.4.26.9
Find us on