Bible Dictionaries
Hasideans

Holman Bible Dictionary

A militant, religious community active in the Maccabean revolt (begun 168 B.C.). The group's name derived from the Old Testament concept of the Hasidim , the “saints” or “faithful.” The Pharisees and the Essenes likely derived from different streams of the Hasidean movement. See Intertestamental History and Literature; Jewish Parties.