Astyages
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Astyages in the Bible?
Astyages, son of Cyaxares, was the last king of the Medes, reigning from 585 to 550 BC. He was defeated by his grandson, Cyrus the Great, after learning that the infant Cyrus, whom he had ordered executed, had survived.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Astyages clarifies the historical transition from Median to Persian dominance, illustrating how Cyrus the Great consolidated power to establish the Achaemenid Empire, which later facilitated the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Astyages reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Astyages in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Astyages 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
"Astyages." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/astyages/