Abila
LocationsGeographical Setting
Abila was a prominent city in the Decapolis region of ancient Syria, located in the Golan Heights.
What is the meaning of Abila in the Bible?
Abila was a Hellenistic and Roman city in the Decapolis, situated in the Golan Heights, and served as the capital of the tetrarchy of Philip the Tetrarch.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Abila clarifies the territorial boundaries of Philip the Tetrarch's domain, providing essential geographical context for understanding the political landscape during the early ministry of Jesus.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Abila (located near modern Qal'at el-Husn, Syria) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Abila in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Abila clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Abila." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/abila/