Herodias
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Herodias in the Bible?
Herodias was a member of the Herodian royal family who married Herod Philip II, then left him to marry his half-brother Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, an union that provoked the condemnation of John the Baptist.
SIGNIFICANCE
Her actions provide the historical context for the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist, illustrating the political and moral tensions within the Herodian court that are central to the Gospel narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Herodias reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Herodias in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Herodias 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
"Herodias." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/herodias/