Geron
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Geron in the Bible?
The term Geron refers to an elderly Athenian man described in 2 Maccabees 6:1 who was compelled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes to consume pork and engage in Dionysian rituals under penalty of death.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the figure of the Geron clarifies the extreme measures Antiochus IV employed to enforce Hellenistic religious practices, thereby highlighting the intense personal sacrifice required of Jews who resisted these imperial decrees.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Geron reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Geron in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Geron 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
"Geron." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/geron/