Decapolis
LocationsGeographical Setting
A confederation of ten Hellenistic cities in the southeastern Mediterranean region during the Roman era.
What is the meaning of Decapolis in the Bible?
The Decapolis was a league of ten cities in the region of Peraea, around Hippos, Pella and Gadara, formed to promote trade, commerce, and mutual protection. The cities were independent of the local tetrarchy and answerable directly to the governor of Syria.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Decapolis clarifies the cultural and political landscape of Jesus' ministry, as several key events recorded in the Gospels, such as the healing of the Gerasene demoniac, occurred within these predominantly Gentile, Hellenistic cities, highlighting the reach of the Gospel beyond Jewish territories.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Decapolis in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Decapolis 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.