Athenobius
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Athenobius in the Bible?
Athenobius served as an ambassador for King Antiochus VII Sidetes, traveling to Jerusalem to protest the Maccabean occupation of Joppa, Gaza, and the Jerusalem citadel, while demanding that Simon Maccabeus surrender these territories or pay a tribute of 1,000 talents of silver.
SIGNIFICANCE
This historical account clarifies the political maneuvering described in 1 Maccabees, illustrating the complex diplomatic negotiations between the Seleucid Empire and the Hasmonean leadership during the struggle for Judean autonomy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Athenobius reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Athenobius in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Athenobius clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Athenobius." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/athenobius/