Hasmoneans
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Hasmoneans in the Bible?
The Hasmoneans were a Jewish priestly family that ruled Judea from 140 to 37 BCE, and are known for their successful rebellion against the Seleucid Empire. They established an independent Jewish state and restored the Temple worship.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Hasmonean dynasty provides essential historical context for the intertestamental period, clarifying the political and religious tensions that shaped the environment in which the New Testament narratives unfolded.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Hasmoneans reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hasmoneans in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hasmoneans 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
"Hasmoneans." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hasmoneans/