Adonibezek
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Adonibezek in the Bible?
Adonibezek was a Canaanite ruler in southern Palestine who was defeated by the tribes of Judah and Simeon and subsequently punished for his previous cruelty by having his thumbs and big toes cut off, mirroring the treatment he had inflicted on seventy kings.
SIGNIFICANCE
This narrative demonstrates the biblical theme of retributive justice, where the punishment inflicted upon Adonibezek directly corresponds to the violent actions he committed against other rulers.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Adonibezek reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Adonibezek in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Adonibezek 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
"Adonibezek." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adonibezek/