Antiochus Iii
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Antiochus Iii in the Bible?
Antiochus III, known as the Great, was a king of the Seleucid Empire who succeeded his father Seleucus II Callinicus and expanded his territory through extensive military campaigns before being defeated by Rome at the Battle of Magnesia.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Antiochus III's reign provides essential historical context for the events described in the Books of Maccabees, where his policies regarding Jewish religious practices and temple desecration directly precipitated the Maccabean Revolt.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Antiochus Iii reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Antiochus Iii in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Antiochus Iii clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Antiochus Iii." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/antiochus-iii/