Arathes
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Arathes in the Bible?
Arathes was a King of Cappadocia who lived from 163-130 BC and was educated in Rome, becoming a faithful ally of the Romans. He fled to Rome after being driven out by Demetrius Soter and later regained his kingdom.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Arathes provides context for the political instability in Anatolia during the Maccabean period, illustrating the complex diplomatic landscape involving Rome and Seleucid rivals that influenced the broader region where Judean history unfolded.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Arathes reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Arathes in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Arathes 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
"Arathes." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/arathes/