Antiochus Vii
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Antiochus Vii in the Bible?
Antiochus VII, known as Sidetes, was the son of Demetrius I Soter and brother of Demetrius II Nicator. He seized the throne from the usurper Tryphon in 139 BC and ruled until his death in 129 BC during a campaign against the Parthians.
SIGNIFICANCE
His military intervention in Judea, described in 1 Maccabees, provides historical context for the political instability of the Hasmonean dynasty and illustrates the complex diplomatic and military pressures faced by Jewish leaders during the Second Temple period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Antiochus Vii reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Antiochus Vii in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Antiochus Vii 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 Vii." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/antiochus-vii/