Epiphanes
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Epiphanes in the Bible?
Epiphanes was the regnal title of Antiochus IV, who ruled the Seleucid Empire from 175 to 164 BCE and is historically noted for his aggressive policies against Jewish religious practices and the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the political and religious tensions under Antiochus IV provides essential historical context for the events described in the books of Maccabees and the prophetic imagery found in Daniel, clarifying the real-world origins of the Maccabean Revolt.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Epiphanes reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Epiphanes in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Epiphanes 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
"Epiphanes." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/epiphanes/