Archelaus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Archelaus in the Bible?
Son of Herod the Great, Archelaus succeeded his father to govern Judea, Samaria, and Idumea, but was deposed by the Romans in 6 CE due to complaints of misrule.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Archelaus' deposition clarifies the transition from Herodian client rule to direct Roman prefectural administration, providing historical context for the governance structures present during the early ministry of Jesus.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Archelaus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Archelaus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Archelaus 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
"Archelaus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/archelaus/