Gerrenians
LocationsGeographical Setting
A territorial district in southern Palestine identified in 1 Maccabees as being granted to Judas Maccabeus by Antiochus Eupator.
What is the meaning of Gerrenians in the Bible?
The Gerrenians refer to a territory granted by Antiochus Eupator to Judas Maccabeus, situated south of Judea and bounded by the city of Gerar, located southeast of Gaza.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the Gerrenians clarifies the territorial extent of Jewish control during the Maccabean revolt, providing historical context for understanding the political boundaries and conflicts described in the books of Maccabees.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Gerrenians (located near modern Southern Levant, specifically the region south of Gaza near ancient Gerar) 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 Gerrenians in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gerrenians 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
"Gerrenians." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gerrenians/