Antiochus Iv; Antiochus Epiphanes
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Antiochus Iv; Antiochus Epiphanes in the Bible?
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a king of the Seleucid Empire, ascended to the throne following the assassination of his brother Seleucus IV and pursued an aggressive policy of cultural assimilation in Judea.
SIGNIFICANCE
His persecution of Jewish religious practices and desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem directly precipitated the Maccabean Revolt, providing the historical backdrop for the events recorded in the books of Maccabees and the narrative of Daniel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Antiochus Iv; Antiochus Epiphanes reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Antiochus Iv; Antiochus Epiphanes in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Antiochus Iv; Antiochus Epiphanes 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
"Antiochus Iv; Antiochus Epiphanes." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/antiochus-iv-antiochus-epiphanes/