Adoni-Zedec
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Adoni-Zedec in the Bible?
Adoni-zedek was the ruler of Jerusalem during the period of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. His name is linguistically derived from Northwest Semitic roots meaning 'Lord of Righteousness'.
SIGNIFICANCE
He represents the Canaanite city-state political structure that the biblical narrative describes as the primary opposition to the early Israelites. His coalition of five kings highlights the regional geopolitical tensions of the Late Bronze Age.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Adoni-Zedec reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Adoni-Zedec in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Adoni-Zedec 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
"Adoni-Zedec." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adonizedec/