Cleopatra
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Cleopatra in the Bible?
A daughter of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II, she married Alexander Balas, Demetrius II Nicator, and Antiochus VII Sidetes, playing a central role in the political intrigues and dynastic conflicts of the Seleucid Empire.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Cleopatra Thea's political maneuvering provides essential context for the geopolitical instability in the Near East during the Maccabean period, illustrating the external pressures faced by the Jewish leadership as described in historical books such as 1 and 2 Maccabees.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Cleopatra reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Cleopatra in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cleopatra 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
"Cleopatra." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cleopatra/