Ador; Adora
LocationsGeographical Setting
Ador was a fortified city in the region of Idumaea, identified with the archaeological site at Khirbet el-Qom.
What is the meaning of Ador; Adora in the Bible?
Ador was a city in Idumaea captured by John Hyrcanus, as recorded in 1 Maccabees 13:20 and Josephus's Antiquities XIII, ix, 1.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the location of Ador clarifies the geographical scope of John Hyrcanus's military campaigns and the extent of Hasmonean control over Idumaea during the second century BCE.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Ador; Adora (located near modern Khirbet el-Qom) 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 Ador; Adora in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ador; Adora 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
"Ador; Adora." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ador-adora/