The name of the sect derives from the alleged founder: Elkhasaí (Koinē Greek: Ἠλχασαΐ in Hippolytus), Elksai (Ἠλξαί) in Epiphanius), or Elkesai (Ελκεσαΐ in Eusebius, and Theodoret). The sect is believed to be a faction of the Ebionites and was identified by early writers with the Sabians.[1]