Aretas
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Aretas in the Bible?
Aretas IV was the long-reigning king of the Nabatean Kingdom, ruling from roughly 9 BC to 40 AD, and is recorded in the New Testament and the works of the historian Josephus.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Aretas clarifies the political backdrop of Paul's ministry in Damascus, specifically the account in 2 Corinthians 11:32 where the governor under King Aretas guarded the city to arrest him.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Aretas reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Aretas in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Aretas clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Corinthians 11:32
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
"Aretas." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/aretas/