Celosyria
LocationsGeographical Setting
Coele-Syria denotes the hollow or depressed region of Syria, specifically the Beqaa Valley situated between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges.
What is the meaning of Celosyria in the Bible?
Coele-Syria is a geographical term derived from Greek meaning 'hollow Syria,' referring to the Beqaa Valley and adjacent territories in the Levant.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Coele-Syria clarifies the strategic military and political disputes recorded in the Maccabean narratives and the Diadochi wars, revealing why control of this fertile corridor was essential for dominance over the region.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Celosyria (located near modern Southern Syria and Northern Israel (Beqaa Valley and surrounding regions)) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Celosyria in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Celosyria 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
"Celosyria." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/celosyria/