Daphne
LocationsGeographical Setting
Daphne was a suburban district of the ancient city of Antioch, situated along the Orontes River.
What is the meaning of Daphne in the Bible?
A suburb of Antioch on the Orontes, known for its famous grove and sanctuary of Apollo, where Onias the high priest fled from persecution.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Daphne provides context for the political and religious tensions in the Hellenistic period, illustrating the complex interplay between Jewish leadership and Greco-Roman cultural centers during the time of the Maccabean revolt.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Daphne (located near modern Near Antakya, Hatay Province, Turkey) 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 Daphne in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Daphne 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
"Daphne." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/daphne/